Kayangel Island: A Hidden Gem in Palau

• HelloAlii
  [ah-lee]
• GoodbyeKolii
  [koh-lee]
• YesEa
  [eh-ah]
• NoChenga
  [chen-gah]
• Please/You're welcomeNgak el diak
  [ngahk ehl dee-ahk]
• Thank youKom kmal mesaul
  [kohm k'mahl meh-sow-ool]
• Excuse me/SorryKmal meral diak
  [k'mahl meh-rahl dee-ahk]
• How are you?Kemam a kmal mesaul?
  [keh-mahm ah k'mahl meh-sow-ool]
• Fine. And you?A kmal meral diak. A rengalek?
  [ah k'mahl meh-rahl dee-ahk. ah rehn-gah-lehk]
• Do you speak English?Meral diak el kora melekoi?
  [meh-rahl dee-ahk ehl koh-rah meh-leh-koy]
• I don't understandAk kmal meral diak
  [ahk k'mahl meh-rahl dee-ahk]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseNgak a kmal melai er ngii, diak
  [ngahk ah k'mahl meh-lai ehr ngee, dee-ahk]
• I don't eat meatAk diak menges a klou a rengalek
  [ahk dee-ahk mehng-ehs ah kloh ah rehn-gah-lehk]
• Cheers!Komdol
  [kohm-dohl]
• I would like to pay, pleaseNgak a kmal menguiu er ngii, diak
  [ngahk ah k'mahl mehng-wee-oo ehr ngee, dee-ahk]

• Help!Chelor
  [cheh-lohr]
• Go away!Mla mo diak
  [mah moh dee-ahk]
• Call the Police!Meral el chad er a rrurt
  [meh-rahl ehl chahd ehr ah rroh-rooht]
• Call a doctor!Meral er a meduch
  [meh-rahl ehr ah meh-dooch]
• I'm lostAk kmal diak lekang
  [ahk k'mahl dee-ahk leh-kahng]
• I'm illAk kmal klou a medak
  [ahk k'mahl kloh ah meh-dahk]

• I'd like to buy...Ngak a kmal menguiu...
  [ngahk ah k'mahl mehng-wee-oo]
• I'm just lookingNgak mekekerei
  [ngahk meh-keh-keh-ray]
• How much is it?Chad ra kmal?
  [chahd rah k'mahl]
• That's too expensiveAk kmal menga lsoang
  [ahk k'mahl mehng-ah loh-ahng]
• Can you lower the price?Meral diak el kilie er a chad?
  [meh-rahl dee-ahk ehl kee-lee ehr ah chahd]

• What time is it?Kemam el chad?
  [keh-mahm ehl chahd]
• It's one o'clockA kluk e chad
  [ah klook eh chahd]
• Half past (10)E kieou e chad (10)
  [eh kee-eh-oh eh chahd (10)]
• MorningMeral diak
  [meh-rahl dee-ahk]
• AfternoonMeral a kluk
  [meh-rahl ah klook]
• EveningMeral diak a mla
  [meh-rahl dee-ahk ah mah-lah]
• YesterdayMei ma
  [may mah]
• TodayA diak
  [ah dee-ahk]
• TomorrowA kluk
  [ah klook]
• 1Chad
  [chahd]
• 2Koum
  [koh-oom]
• 3Telu
  [teh-loo]
• 4Epat
  [eh-paht]
• 5Lima
  [lee-mah]
• 6Ono
  [oh-noh]
• 7Hitu
  [hee-too]
• 8Walu
  [wah-loo]
• 9Sia
  [see-ah]
• 10Angir
  [ahng-eer]

• Where's a/the...?Me ng diak a/the...?
  [meh ng dee-ahk ah/the...]
• What's the address?Me ngara chad?
  [meh ngah-rah chahd]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Meral diak el kmo er a kluk?
  [meh-rahl dee-ahk ehl k'moh ehr ah klook]
• When's the next (bus)?A kluk el kora (bus)?
  [ah klook ehl koh-rah (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)A tiket (er ...)
  [ah tee-keht (ehr ...)]

Kayangel Island, located at the northernmost point of Palau, has a rich history of human settlement dating back thousands of years. Archaeological evidence suggests that the early inhabitants were Austronesian-speaking peoples who arrived around 1000 BCE. These early settlers developed a complex society, engaging in fishing, agriculture, and trade with neighboring islands. Remnants of ancient stone structures and pottery provide a glimpse into their sophisticated way of life.

In the 16th century, Spanish explorers were the first Europeans to arrive in Palau, including Kayangel Island. The island came under Spanish influence in 1710 when it was formally claimed as part of the Spanish East Indies. However, Spanish control was minimal, primarily limited to sporadic missionary activities and occasional visits by Spanish ships. Despite this, the influence of Spanish culture and language left a lasting impact on the island's traditions and social structures.

Following the Spanish-American War, Spain sold Palau, including Kayangel Island, to Germany in 1899. Under German administration, the island saw various economic and infrastructural developments. The Germans introduced copra (dried coconut kernel) production as a major industry, which significantly altered the island's economy. German colonial policies also impacted the social and political life of the islanders, introducing new systems of governance and education.

In 1914, during World War I, Japan seized control of Palau, including Kayangel Island, from Germany. The Japanese administration brought significant changes, developing infrastructure such as roads, schools, and medical facilities. The island became part of the Japanese Empire's South Seas Mandate under the League of Nations. The Japanese period also saw increased immigration from Japan, leading to a blend of cultures and some tension between the indigenous population and the new settlers.

Kayangel Island, like the rest of Palau, experienced the turmoil of World War II. The island was strategically important, and the Japanese military fortified it against Allied attacks. While Kayangel did not see major battles like some other parts of Palau, the war left a profound impact on its inhabitants. After Japan's defeat, Palau came under U.S. administration as part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. The post-war period saw efforts to rebuild and modernize the island's infrastructure and economy.

The path to independence for Palau was a gradual process, and Kayangel Island played its part in this journey. In 1981, Palau adopted its own constitution, and in 1994, it became a sovereign nation after signing a Compact of Free Association with the United States. This agreement provided Palau with financial aid and defense guarantees while allowing it to maintain its independence. Since then, Kayangel Island has been part of the Republic of Palau, contributing to its cultural and economic development.

Despite the various waves of colonization and external influence, Kayangel Island has managed to preserve its unique cultural heritage. The island is known for its traditional Palauan customs, including intricate wood carving, weaving, and dance. The local community continues to practice time-honored rituals and ceremonies, such as the 'omengat' (first birth ceremony) and 'cheldecheduch' (house building ceremony). These traditions are a testament to the resilience and enduring spirit of the island's people.

Kayangel Island is located in the northernmost state of Palau. The primary point of entry to Palau is Roman Tmetuchl International Airport in Koror. From Koror, you can reach Kayangel by taking a boat, which is the most common method of transportation to the island. There are regular boat services, but it is advisable to check the schedule in advance and make reservations if possible.

Once on Kayangel Island, getting around is straightforward as the island is small and can be explored on foot or by bicycle. There are no car rentals available on the island, but some accommodations may offer bicycles for rent. For longer journeys or specific tours, you can arrange boat trips through local operators.

The official currency in Palau is the United States Dollar (USD). Credit cards may not be widely accepted on Kayangel Island, so it is advisable to carry sufficient cash. There are no ATMs on the island, so ensure you withdraw enough money before leaving Koror. Some accommodations and tour operators may accept electronic payments, but cash is generally preferred.

Kayangel Island is generally very safe for tourists. Crime rates are low, and the local community is welcoming. However, it's always wise to take standard precautions such as not leaving valuables unattended and being mindful of your surroundings. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists.

In case of emergency, contact the local authorities or your accommodation provider for assistance. The island has basic medical facilities, but for serious medical emergencies, you may need to be transported to Koror. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. The emergency contact number in Palau is 911.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting local communities or partaking in cultural activities. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Public Transport: As there is no public transport on the island, plan your movements accordingly. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Alii,' which is the Palauan word for hello. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Kayangel Island like a local, engage with the community and participate in traditional activities such as fishing or weaving. Visit the local markets to buy fresh produce and locally made crafts. Respect the natural environment by not disturbing wildlife and disposing of waste properly. Don't miss the opportunity to snorkel or dive in the pristine waters surrounding the island, which are home to vibrant marine life.