Exploring the Beauty of Palau: VP Hsiao Snorkels at Big Drop Off with President Whipps, Visits WWII Historical Sites

(CNA, Taipei, June 7) On the second day of her 'Palau-Taiwan Friendship Project,' Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim will join Palauan President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. for canoeing and snorkeling in the southern lagoon of the Rock Islands, renowned as 'God's Aquarium,' to experience Palau's rich marine ecological resources firsthand. They will then travel to Peleliu State to visit World War II historical sites and the tomb of former President Kuniwo Nakamura, reflecting on the history of Taiwan-Palau diplomatic relations and demonstrating a shared vision for deepening bilateral friendship and promoting sustainable tourism.

This morning, Vice President Hsiao will join President Whipps on a boat trip to Ngemelis Island in the Rock Islands to experience canoeing, paddle to the Big Drop Off for snorkeling, and then take a boat to Peleliu State for a luncheon on the island. They will visit Peleliu Island, pay respects at the tomb of former Palauan President Kuniwo Nakamura, and visit the Peleliu WWII Memorial Museum.

The Rock Islands, located in Palau's southern lagoon, consist of about 445 limestone islets and were officially listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2012. The bases of the islands have been eroded by seawater over the years, forming mushroom-shaped, undercut topographies. The lush vegetation and azure waters create a rare natural wonder.

Tourism is Palau's most vital economic lifeline. Before the pandemic, tourism-related income accounted for over 40% of GDP, with diving and ecotourism in the Rock Islands area being the core attraction. The 'Big Drop Off,' located on the west side of Ngemelis Island at the southern end of the Rock Islands, is a vertical coral cliff that plummets from about 3 meters below the surface to 300 meters. The cliff boasts a wide variety of colorful corals and is frequented by large schools of migratory fish, resembling God's aquarium, making it a must-visit sanctuary for diving enthusiasts worldwide.

It is noted that President Whipps's father, Surangel S. Whipps, Sr., was a key pioneer in Palau's diving tourism industry. He extensively developed the diving spots around the Rock Islands in his early years and made significant contributions to the discovery and promotion of the Blue Corner. President Whipps personally leading the delegation to the Rock Islands is both a tribute to Palau's most precious natural asset and carries deep sentiment for his father's pioneering spirit.

Peleliu Island, located at the southern tip of the Palauan archipelago, has an area of about 13 square kilometers and a current population of about 500-600, making it one of Palau's least populated states. However, this quiet, coconut-fringed islet was the site of one of the most brutal battles of the Pacific War during World War II.

In September 1944, the U.S. military launched the Battle of Peleliu, fighting fiercely against the stubbornly resisting Japanese forces for over two months, with total casualties for both sides exceeding twenty thousand. The island still preserves the Palau War Memorial, Japanese gun emplacements, and various tank wrecks. Both the U.S. and Japan have erected monuments on the island to mourn all the victims of the battle.

According to the plan, after arriving at a designated point by boat, Vice President Hsiao and President Whipps will switch to smaller boats for canoeing. Upon reaching the Big Drop Off, they will change into Taiwanese-made snorkeling gear to experience snorkeling. However, as the local weather is unstable, the itinerary will be flexibly adjusted based on the sea conditions of the day.

After lunch in Peleliu, the Vice President will pay her respects at the tomb of former Palauan President Kuniwo Nakamura on the island, with an introduction by Peleliu State Governor Roberts. Kuniwo Nakamura took office as Palau's first democratically elected president in 1993 and, during his second term, promoted the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between Palau and the Republic of China (Taiwan) in December 1999. This decision laid the most solid foundation for the stable friendship between Taiwan and Palau, which has lasted for over a quarter of a century.

Vice President Hsiao's delegation will also visit the Peleliu WWII Memorial Museum and return to their hotel, the Palau Royal Resort, in the afternoon to attend a welcome banquet hosted by President Whipps. (Editor: Lin Ke-lun) 1150607