Korean Job Discussion Forums

[LydiaSarah]

Anyone been to either? If so, how long were you there and would you recommend it?

[thrylos]

Been to Palau, not Cook Is. Palau's OK, but can be expensive with Asians going there for honeymooning. Most places cater towards package groups, especially on the internet.

For what it's worth, I'm not going back there. Yes, it was beautiful, great water for snorkelling/diving, but ultimately, it's a bit boring. Philippines are much more happening overall and very similar nature.

If you're only going for a few days or if you really just want to be pampered, then it's a good choice.

[createasaurus21]

I've been to Palau 3 or 4 times, it is the most beautiful place I've visited to date (and I even grew up on a tropical island as is). But a good part of the beauty is under water, so if you don't scuba dive, you should get certified before you go.

But even if you don't, the snorkeling is excellent, and the rock islands phenomenal. Go on an all day kayak tour.

google "sam's tours"

[Ruthdes]

I've been to the Cook Islands (Rarotonga), and stayed at (I think it was called) The Rarotongan Beach Resort. I was there for 5 days in May 07and it was beautiful. I've never been to any Pacific Islands, but I hear that it's much less commercialised and touristy than Fiji, etc (dunno how it compares to Palau). It was so relaxed though, I loved it. We hired a car. The island is only 30-odd kms around, and there's a bus, but it was much more convenient to have the car.

The resort I stayed in was on one of the protected areas of the lagoon that surrounds the whole island, so the fish were AMAZING! I love snorkelling, and you can achieve a lot with a snorkel as it's not that deep. I'm not sure about SCUBA diving, cos I wasn't certified at the time I went there. I've been snorkelling on The Great Barrier Reef in Australia too, and while the coral is better there, the fish are better on Raro.

If you're looking for a party holiday, this may not be the best place to go. There is a night life in the capital Avarua, which was on the other side of the island from me, but I didn't check it out when I was there. If you're looking for a relaxing beach holiday where you pretty much won't get hassled at all by anyone (no beach vendors, etc), this is definitely a great place to go. I hope to go back some day.

[LydiaSarah]

Thanks for all the advice. I think we're deciding between Palau and Bali now. It looks like the diving in Palau is pretty spectacular, but overall it would be a pricier trip.