The Rock Islands and the Otherworldly Jellyfish Lake
Posted by Ra Moon
The Micronesian nation of Palau is made up of eight large islands and around 250 islets.
In the southern part of the archipelago lie the Rock Islands. The largest of them contain marine lakes and an ecosystem of a great variety of unique plants and animals.
In the southern part of the archipelago lie the Rock Islands. The largest of them contain marine lakes and an ecosystem of a great variety of unique plants and animals.
The Rock Islands and Southern Lagoon areas are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here is located the unique Jellyfish Lake, where millions of these golden animals swim peacefully, far from their predators.
As we approach our destination, let me give you some more facts about this small land of secluded beaches, crystal-clear waters, and bright skies.
The Rock Islands are for the most part uninhabited, in a country of around 20,000 residents only. Also, it is difficult to get ashore on many of the islands because of their shape and characteristics.
Image by Asimulator and LuxTonnerre
Palau is a water destination, but here you can also visit a pompous presidential palace standing alone in the middle of the jungle, or find out the curious story of the huge money stones.
The island featured in The Lost City, the 2022 adventure movie starring Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum, seems inspired by the landscapes of this gorgeous country.
Image by Mark Kenworthy
We are coming to land over Eil Malk island, which has more than 10 small lakes connected to the ocean through fissures and tunnels.
This time, however, we are only looking for one, in particular, the famous Jellyfish Lake.
Image by LuxTonnerre
What has made this lake so special is the isolation of its environment over millennia.
As a result, the golden jellyfish living here have evolved in a remarkably different way from their close relatives in the nearby lagoons.
Image by Anaxibia
There are such few threats to them here in their secluded home, that the jellies have lost most of their arms and ability to sting.
Thanks to this, the few happy tourists that come here can swim surrounded by thousands of harmless little outer space-like creatures.
Image by Asimulator
Since we’ve made it here, so far from everywhere, we can't leave without exploring this dreamy place a bit more, don't you think?
But it’s not only alluring nature that is featured here. Rai stones, like this one, could be thought of as the biggest coins in history.
It all began when sailors from the nearby island of Yap, where there's no limestone at all, wanted to bring some of this material home, considering it very precious.
There are many mysteries lost in time about how these monumental rounded stones ended up being used as currency, but over the centuries their use has become more symbolic than practical.
Today they are still exchanged at social events, and you could inherit one of them or receive one as a wedding present.
Image by Eric Guinther
On many islands, you can find the remains of recent history, left from the fierce battles that took place during the Second World War.
Image by Richard Johnson
Some of the most spectacular findings are from that period, waiting for you underwater, like this seaplane nicknamed Jake.
Image by Richard Johnson
Let's keep diving, it seems that there's something else down here... Palau was also an Operation Christmas Drop location.
Image by Jenny Huang
The diversity of marine life here is one of the largest in the world, and there are around 70 official dive sites to enjoy this magnificent spectacle.
Image by Jenny Huang
Ra Moon
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Hello, congratulations on the post! I am a Brazilian professor, and I am writing a book about world coastal heritage sites, following UNESCO's list. The book will be published in English by Springer, in The Netherland. I am looking for two pictures of the coast of Rock Islands Southern Lagoon to illustrate the book, and I am coming to ask you if you could help me in this matter. All credits would be given. I thank you for the kindness of an answer. All the best, Vanda Claudino Sales
ReplyDeleteThank you Vanda,
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