Report: Majority of Palauans back national marine sanctuary

The Palau International Coral Reef Center conducted a survey to determine the Palauans' sentiment about the establishment of the Palau National Marine Sanctuary. Photo courtesy of PICRC Over 70 percent of Palau residents support the Palau National...

Nationwide Study Shows Strong Public Support for Palau National Marine Sanctuary

A new nationwide study by the Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) shows that most Palauans strongly support the Palau National Marine Sanctuary (PNMS) for protecting marine resources and ensuring food security. However, the report also...

Whipps Says ‘Misinformation’ Fueling Debate Over U.S. Offer for Palau to Host 75 Deportees

President Surangel Whipps Jr. is urging calm and clarity amid growing public concern over a U.S. proposal for Palau to temporarily host 75 individuals described as deportees and asylum seekers. Whipps said misinformation has fueled fear and...

Military retakes Hsipaw, residents return as rehabilitation efforts begin

After the Myanmar military regained control of Hsipaw town, which had been temporarily occupied by the Palaung terrorist armed group TNLA, it has been reported that local residents are gradually returning. While the Palaung terrorist armed group...

Why Palau should be your next dream destination - and why hotel & dive packages are the way to go

(Photo courtey of Fish ’n Fins) Picture this - crystal-clear waters teeming with vibrant marine life, lush jungles hiding ancient secrets, and pristine beaches that feel like they’re straight out of a postcard. Welcome to Palau, a tropical...

Palau, Japan Discuss Clean Energy and Tourism Cooperation

Palau and Japan are strengthening ties in sustainable development and tourism innovation. During a recent working visit to Japan, Minister Ngiraibelas Tmetuchl and Bureau of Tourism Director Elangel Yanni Mesubed met with key partners to explore...

Palau calls for Stronger Global Action on Ocean and Climate Protection in Abu Dhabi

By Laurel Marewibuel Abu Dhabi, UAE — October 2025- Palau President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. highlighted Palau’s leadership in ocean conservation and climate action during the 2025 International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World...

Is Cuban activist Héctor Luis Valdés Cocho in ICE custody? What we know

In October 2025, a claim (archived) from months earlier recirculated online. According to social media posts, the Cuban-born "Latinos for Trump" leader and activist Héctor Luis Valdés Cocho had been arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs...

Palau President visits Sheikh Zayed Mosque

Surangel S. Whipps Jr., President of the Republic of Palau, visited Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi alongside his accompanying delegation. During the visit, the President of Palau and the accompanying delegation toured through the mosque’s...

Palau President Whipps to Advocate Pacific Leadership and Global Conservation at 2025 IUCN World Congress

Palau President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. will represent the Pacific at the 2025 IUCN World Conservation Congress in the UAE, advocating for small island leadership, global conservation, and stronger partnerships to protect the world’s oceans and...

Palauans Divided As Japan Lobbies For More Fishing Ground

Economic Gains or Environmental Loss? Palau Debates Marine Sanctuary Cuts KOROR, Palau — Japan’s fishing industry is urging Palau to cut its protected ocean area from 80% to 50%, sparking intense debate over the future of the Palau National Marine...

Palau leader in 'world first' underwater interview

Palau's President Surangel Whipps Jr addresses the opening session of the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), which gathers leaders, researchers and activists to discuss how to protect marine life until June 13, at the Centre des...

Palau leader in ‘world first’ underwater interview

SYDNEY – The President of tiny Pacific island nation Palau has sunk to new depths – claiming to be the first world leader to conduct a live interview immersed entirely underwater. In a bid to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the...

Palau Congress holds firm on stance against accepting asylum seekers

Palau's Senate stood pat on its position to balk at Washington’s proposal to resettle asylum seekers in the Pacific island nation, rejecting President Surangel Whipps Jr.’s appeal for reconsideration. "We advise against proceeding further on this...

Palau declares October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, urges early detection

By: Laurel Marewibuel KOROR, Palau (Island Times) — President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. has declared October 2025 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Palau, calling for nationwide unity to strengthen early detection, prevention, and community support...

Britons swap traditional holiday hotspot for cheaper alternatives promising 'culture, natural beauty and local flavour'

British holidaymakers are abandoning well-worn tourist trails for undiscovered treasures, with fresh data revealing extraordinary surges in searches for off-the-beaten-path destinations. The numbers tell a fascinating story. UK travellers are...

From Palau to Phnom Penh — where to travel in 2026

Tbilisi, in Georgia, also looks to be an attractive destination: flights there are 21 per cent cheaper than usual. Or of course, you could head for Goa in India, where flight prices are down 34 per cent.

Palau Still Needs to Do More to Stop Human Trafficking- TIP 2025 report

Palau has kept its Tier 2 ranking in the 2025 U.S. Trafficking in Persons Report, reflecting progress in victim support and investigations but continued challenges in prosecuting traffickers and addressing official complicity. The report warns...

Palau celebrates 31 years of independence

Alii! Happy 31st Independence Day Palau! On the 1st October 1994, the nation of Palau gained independence from the United States. Today, the island comes alive with music, food, cultural dances, and fireworks. Eco Paradise FM's Rondy Ronny told...

Palau Youth Congress Leader Reflects on Challenges, Urges Greater Inclusion of Young Voices

Mia Kuartei ends her NYCC tenure, urging stronger youth voice, safe spaces, and cultural leadership in shaping Palau’s future policies. By: Laurel Marewibuel KOROR, Palau — Mia Kuartei has wrapped up her tenure as executive director of the...