Ulong Island
As the Rock Island’s greatest archeological treasure, Ulong Island tells takes of a human history spanning over 4,000 years. Palau’s Rock Island people had firmly established a presence on Ulong Island, as remnants of their defensive walls and terraced village are still found below the rich tropical forest canopy. Scattered clay pot shards and shell artifacts portray the idyllic existence of these early Micronesians.
The ancient Palauans also left behind some samples of their artistic prowess amongst the undercut cliffs. A vertical climb and hike leads to an impressive display of ancient pictographs, still open to interpretation and debate.
Ulong also hides a remnant of yet another Micronesian neighbor, the Yapese, sailors who braved the open oceans of the Pacific in search of Palau’s crystal calcite. Once found, the Yapaese would eagerly carve these reflective stones into their giant Stone Money, which they would then transport back to Yap. Forgotten by time, one can still see intact stone money on Ulong Island along with the Yapese quarry site and tools.
Ulong Island was also the site of the first recorded history between England and Palau, when Captain Henry Wilson’s ship, the Antelope, was shipwrecked on the western reef. With the cooperation of Chief Ibedul, Wilson and his men were able to rebuild their ship on Ulong Island and return to England.
Although Ulong Island is the most distant of our schedule day tours, about 45 minutes from Koror, world class tropical beaches, sheltered blue lagoons, and towering limestone peaks are added bonuses to this historical kayak tour. We'll also snorkel the mysterious Jurassic Lake in search of juvenile crocodiles and the Natural Arch where clown fish hide amongst their stinging hosts.
