Is it possible to do Palau on a budget?

[jdfmail]

I live and work in Bangkok and I'm on a Thai salary so I need to keep diving expenses as low as possible. But I want to dive Palau and also Raja Ampat at some time in the next year or so.

Any advice on keeping it cheap?

I don't really care too much about accommodations, just good diving. Hopefully 3-4 dives a day.

Thanks a lot for any advice.

Jon

FYI...I posted a similar question on the Indonesia thread.

 

[robint]

I live and work in Bangkok and I'm on a Thai salary so I need to keep diving expenses as low as possible. But I want to dive Palau and also Raja Ampat at some time in the next year or so.

Any advice on keeping it cheap?

I don't really care too much about accommodations, just good diving. Hopefully 3-4 dives a day.

Thanks a lot for any advice.

Jon

FYI...I posted a similar question on the Indonesia thread.

It is hard to do 4 dives per day in Palau unless on a liveaboard. Check into the Eco Explorer Home - Liveaboard Scuba Diving in the Philippines, Palau, Truk Lagoon and their flex-plan. Since all diving and food are included with the 5 dives per day, it really works out to a great deal. You can do a 5-day trip instead of a full week if you need to. It is a great value.

 

[Boxcar Overkill]

There are plenty of cheap places to stay in Palau if you don't demand a full resort. If you are willing to rent a house or negotiate with the hotels you can get good deals. Same thing with dive guides, the big ones (Sam's Tours, Necos, Fish 'n Fins) have a set price, but the smaller ones will work with you to get your business.

If you want, when you get ready to make your arrangements you can send me a PM and I'll call around and get you some options. Who knows, I may want to go to Thailand someday and you can return the favor.

 

[jdfmail]

Thank you robint and Boxcar Overkill.

Boxcar, do you live in Palau?

I am ready to make arrangements now. I would like to either go end of December or at the beginning of the season in 09. I am pretty flexible in dates. What is the absolute best time to go? I want lots of big stuff. As cheap as possible without losing out on any good diving. Good guide is also important.

Thanks again!!

 

[Boxcar Overkill]

Yes, I live in Palau.

Give me a few days and I'll get back to you with some price quotes and my opinion about where would be a good place to stay. I don't have my digital camera with me so I can't take any pictures to show you the places, but maybe I'll do a follow up in a couple weeks.

To be honest, it seems really early to be getting a hotel and guide lined up, but at least I can get you some idea about what you are looking at.

 

[jdfmail]

So I guess 2-3 dives a day are more realistic since staying on land will be cheaper.

Still looking for some advice.

What areas and hotels should I consider? Are there any hostels or very cheap rooms for rent.

Are there local dive shops and/or leaders that have cheaper local prices?

Thanks

Jon

 

[NudiHuntrs]

Jdfmail,

I stayed at the D.W. Motel in Palau for a couple nights. It was $40-$55 USD per night. It's very basic, but does include hot water and aircon. The motel is family run and they are very gracious hosts. It's in a good location for walking around town. I found it on the Palau Visitors Authority Website. There were many places (including pictures) listed for budget accommodations/hostels/homestays. Definitely check it out for some other options.

I have no complaints about my short stay there, except that there was a power outage for several hours one day. Obviously, these small, budget places don't have generators like the big hotels or resorts. I'm not sure how common power outages are in Palau, but it may be something to consider if aircon or electricity is important to you.

Hope this helps.

 

[Boxcar Overkill]

So I guess 2-3 dives a day are more realistic since staying on land will be cheaper.

Still looking for some advice.

What areas and hotels should I consider? Are there any hostels or very cheap rooms for rent.

Are there local dive shops and/or leaders that have cheaper local prices?

Thanks

Jon

Sorry, I haven't forgot about you. I'm still getting some information together, but I've been a little busy.

I'm going to Peleliu this weekend or next, I'll see what they have too. That may be an option for the inexpensive dive tourist.

 

[Travelnsj]

So I guess 2-3 dives a day are more realistic since staying on land will be cheaper.

Still looking for some advice.

What areas and hotels should I consider? Are there any hostels or very cheap rooms for rent.

Are there local dive shops and/or leaders that have cheaper local prices?

Thanks

Jon

My 2 psi....stay at the Guest House...last I heard it was about $50 a night. Want a Good Dive guide...dive with Keith who owns Palaudive.com. I have dove with him the last 6 years out of 8 times in Palau.

Palau and Raja in the same year?....Like how you dive...two of the finest spots in the world!

 

[Boxcar Overkill]

Here's my recommendation: Waterfront villa has clean rooms w/ wireless internet and breakfeast included starting at $62.50 per night. The owner, Arnold, can get you access to the facilities of Palau Pacific Resort, (for beach diving, tanning, whatever) for either free, $12.50, or $25.00 per day, depending on the mood of PPR.


Dive shops will pick you up from Waterfront. Kieth, as mentioned above, is world class. His full name is Kieth Santilliano, and his website is Dive Palau - Welcome to diving paradise!. Sam's Tours is also great if you want a bigger organization. Or you can go with Splash, which operates out of PPR. Neco's is Ok also. Kieth or Splash may have the best deals.