Koror Town: The Heartbeat of Palau's Paradise

• HelloAlii
  [ah-lee]
• GoodbyeKo mechar
  [koh meh-char]
• YesOmelech
  [oh-meh-lech]
• NoCheldecheduch
  [chel-deh-cheh-dook]
• Please/You're welcomeChedam/Meiakl
  [cheh-dam/may-ah-kel]
• Thank youOlengull
  [oh-leng-ool]
• Excuse me/SorryKmal mesaul
  [kem-mal meh-sow-ool]
• How are you?Kmal meral diak?
  [kem-mal meh-ral dyak?]
• Fine. And you?Diak. Ak kmal meral di?
  [dyak. ahk kem-mal meh-ral dee?]
• Do you speak English?Ungil tutau ra rechad er a Belau?
  [oong-geel too-tow ra reh-chad er ah bel-ow?]
• I don't understandA di meral diak
  [ah dee meh-ral dyak]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseA ruchad e kmal melai er a menu
  [ah roo-chad eh kem-mal meh-lai er ah meh-noo]
• I don't eat meatA di meral melekoi er a rechad
  [ah dee meh-ral meh-leh-koy er ah reh-chad]
• Cheers!Chimol beluu!
  [chee-mol beh-loo]
• I would like to pay, pleaseA ruchad e kmal melim a rengud
  [ah roo-chad eh kem-mal meh-leem ah rehng-ood]

• Help!Ungil tutau!
  [oong-geel too-tow]
• Go away!Meral sebechel
  [meh-ral seb-eh-chel]
• Call the Police!Ungil tutau ra beluu
  [oong-geel too-tow ra beh-loo]
• Call a doctor!Ungil tutau ra chad er a doktor
  [oong-geel too-tow ra chad er ah dok-tor]
• I'm lostA di meral diluches
  [ah dee meh-ral dee-loo-chess]
• I'm illA di meral bekesii
  [ah dee meh-ral beh-keh-see]

• I'd like to buy...A ruchad e kmal mecherar...
  [ah roo-chad eh kem-mal meh-cheh-rahr]
• I'm just lookingA di meral mei
  [ah dee meh-ral may]
• How much is it?Kmal mlo mengeder er kid
  [kem-mal mlo men-ged-er er keed]
• That's too expensiveA ngar er ngii a klumam
  [ah ngar er nghee a kloo-mam]
• Can you lower the price?Mla mo diak lekau?
  [mah mo dyak leh-kow]

• What time is it?Kmal meral kmal bekeu er kid
  [kem-mal meh-ral kem-mal beh-kew er keed]
• It's one o'clockEr kid a rael a mei
  [er keed ah rye-al ah may]
• Half past (10)Diu el kiekmal (10)
  [dee-oo el keek-mal (10)]
• MorningBelau el kiekmal
  [beh-lau el keek-mal]
• AfternoonBelau el chad
  [beh-lau el chad]
• EveningBelau el klobak
  [beh-lau el kloh-bahk]
• YesterdayKmal meral melechet
  [kem-mal meh-ral mel-eh-chet]
• TodayKmal meral diak
  [kem-mal meh-ral dyak]
• TomorrowKmal meral ngar er kid
  [kem-mal meh-ral ngar er keed]
• 1Mei
  [may]
• 2Dior
  [dee-or]
• 3Telu
  [teh-loo]
• 4Epat
  [eh-paht]
• 5Lima
  [lee-mah]
• 6Enem
  [eh-nem]
• 7Kedem
  [keh-dem]
• 8Delapan
  [deh-lah-pahn]
• 9Sembilan
  [sem-bee-lahn]
• 10Sepuluh
  [sep-oo-loo]

• Where's a/the...?Meral kmal kau a/the...?
  [meh-ral kem-mal kow a/the...?]
• What's the address?Kmal meral kmal bekeu er ngara chad?
  [kem-mal meh-ral kem-mal beh-kew er ngah-rah chad?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Meral mo diak lekar er a map?
  [meh-ral mo dyak leh-kar er ah map?]
• When's the next (bus)?Kmal meral kmal bekeu er ngarngii?
  [kem-mal meh-ral kem-mal beh-kew er ngar-nghee?]
• A ticket (to ....)Kau er kid (er ....)
  [kow er keed (er ....)]

Koror Town, located on the island of Koror in the archipelago of Palau, has a history that stretches back thousands of years. Archaeological evidence suggests that the island has been inhabited since at least 1000 BCE. The early settlers were Austronesian peoples who navigated the open seas using advanced maritime skills. They built intricate stone platforms and terraces, some of which can still be seen today.

By the late prehistoric period, Koror had become a significant hub for the Palauan chiefdoms. These chiefdoms were complex social structures with a hierarchical leadership. The chiefs, known as 'rubaks', held both political and spiritual authority. Traditional meeting houses, or 'bai', were constructed elaborately and served as important centers for political and social gatherings.

Koror Town first came into contact with Europeans in the 18th century, starting with Spanish explorers. However, it wasn't until the late 19th century that European influence became more pronounced. Germany annexed Palau in 1899, and Koror became a focal point for administration and trade. German colonial policies introduced new crops and infrastructure, but also disrupted traditional ways of life.

Following World War I, Japan took control of Palau under a League of Nations mandate. Koror Town was transformed as the Japanese established it as the administrative center for their South Seas Mandate. The town saw significant development, including the construction of schools, hospitals, and other infrastructure. This period also saw an influx of Japanese settlers, which influenced local culture and economy.

During World War II, Koror Town and the surrounding islands became strategically important for both Japanese and American forces. The nearby Battle of Peleliu in 1944 was one of the fiercest battles in the Pacific Theater. Although Koror itself was not a battleground, the war brought significant hardship to its residents and led to substantial changes in the town's infrastructure and demographics.

After World War II, Palau was placed under the administration of the United States as part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. Koror Town served as a major administrative center during this period. The U.S. introduced modern education, healthcare, and economic practices, which had lasting impacts on the town's development and modernization.

Palau gained full sovereignty in 1994, and Koror Town was designated the provisional capital of the new nation. This era marked a period of rapid modernization and growth. The town has become a vibrant cultural and economic center, blending traditional Palauan customs with contemporary influences. Koror is now a bustling hub for tourism, government, and commerce, attracting visitors from around the world.

Despite modernization, Koror Town has maintained a strong commitment to preserving its cultural heritage. Traditional practices, dances, and crafts are actively promoted. Institutions like the Belau National Museum and the Etpison Museum play crucial roles in educating both locals and visitors about Palau's rich history and culture. Conservation efforts are also in place to protect the natural beauty and historical sites of the area.

Koror Town is located on the island of Koror in Palau. The primary gateway to Koror Town is the Roman Tmetuchl International Airport (ROR), situated about 8 kilometers from the town center. Direct flights to Palau are available from several major cities in Asia, including Manila, Taipei, and Tokyo. From the airport, you can take a taxi or arrange for a hotel shuttle service to reach your accommodation in Koror Town.

Koror Town is relatively small, and many attractions are within walking distance. Taxis are widely available and can be hailed on the street or booked through your hotel. There is also a public bus system, though it may not be as frequent or extensive as in larger cities. Renting a car is an option for those wanting to explore beyond Koror Town, but be aware that driving is on the right-hand side of the road.

The official currency of Palau is the United States Dollar (USD). Credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are available in Koror Town, but it's a good idea to withdraw sufficient cash upon arrival.

Koror Town is generally safe for tourists. However, it is always wise to take standard precautions such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night and keeping an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific areas in Koror Town known for high crime rates targeting tourists, but it is always best to remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Koror Town has a police station and medical facilities, including the Belau National Hospital. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies in Koror Town can provide over-the-counter medications for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious or cultural sites. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes before entering homes and places of worship. Public Transport: Do be polite and courteous to fellow passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a slight nod. Handshakes are generally acceptable. Eating & Drinking: Do try local cuisine and seafood. Don’t waste food, as it is considered disrespectful.

To experience Koror Town like a local, visit the local markets where you can find fresh produce and traditional Palauan crafts. Engage with the locals, who are often friendly and willing to share insights about their culture and history. Don’t miss a visit to the Belau National Museum to learn more about Palauan heritage. For a unique experience, take a boat tour to explore the Rock Islands and Jellyfish Lake.