Micronesia and Palau have long been known to diving enthusiasts for some of the most intriguing and spectacular dive spots on earth. Yet as the reputation of these islands spread, more travelers are looking to escape the modern Western world and become transported to a calmer, slower pace of life. The writers of this guide all lived, worked and played on the islands which they write about. First-hand knowledge, cultural insight, and personal recommendations allow visitors to feel like locals while enjoying the indisputable beauty of these islands and people. - Learn the history and culture of the islands from writers who have each spent years living with local residents. - Explore off-the-beaten-track locales relatively unknown to foreign visitors. - Navigate on the islands and among islands, enjoying the best of Micronesia and Palau. - Dive, surf, snorkel, and swim in some of the most stunning marine environments in the world. - Choose the best places to eat, sleep, shop, and visit based on reviews of all the major islands.

Tonga has eluded outsiders for much of its history. From the imperial powers of Europe to modern-day travelers, Tonga has often been overlooked amongst the South Pacific island nations. But for those who do venture to this archipelago nation, a timeless Polynesian experience awaits; one that is all its own. The writers of this guidebook each lived, worked and played throughout Tonga as Peace Corps Volunteers. They lived with local families, learned village life, and experienced this fascinating country like few outsiders have before. Each writes of the island group where they lived - all reviews are from first-hand experience and local insider information. This comprehensive guidebook covers cultural norms (such as the eyebrow flick and greeting sniff), explains the curious clothing fashions, and divulges secret spots known only to locals. To see the real Tonga and to travel like a local, this book is a must. - Swim with Whales Tonga is one of only two places in the world where visitors can snorkel alongside these magnificent creatures. The best island groups for whale encounters are Vava u and Ha apai. - Explore Deserted Beaches and Islands With one hundred sixty-six islands in Tonga, white sandy beaches and uninhabited islands are abundant there. - Snorkel and Dive Tonga is still unknown to many travelers, leaving unbelievable pristine reefs and dive spots uncrowded, patiently awaiting exploration. - Experience Local Culture Cultural events, like kava circles and dance performances, provide a unique opportunity to become immersed in the local culture which pervades Tonga.

Any trip to tropical Samoa and Tonga will be a delight, but with a Lonely Planet guide tucked into your bag you'll be a jump ahead of the rest. Know immediately where to find Apia's fanciest dancers, Tutuila's loveliest waterfalls or how to get a meal and a beer in Nuku'alofa on a sleepy Sunday afternoon. Lonely Planet guides are written by experts who get to the heart of every destination they visit. This fully updated edition is packed with accurate, practical and honest advice, designed to give you the information you need to make the most of your trip. In This Guide: Swim, surf and dive calm lagoons, thrilling waves and great dive sitesHonest assessment of resorts. Read this book before you book!Must Dos - what not to miss, plus all the inside secrets

Discover Papua New Guinea&the Solomon Islands Drift with the current through Sandfly Passage, a hidden submarine valley teeming with fish and manta raysSway to the rhythm of "kundu" drums at the spectacular Goroka ShowWalk barefooted into a towering spirit house along the Sepik River In This Guide: The only guide to Papua New Guinea&the Solomon IslandsSpecial color tribute to WWII battleground the Kokoda Track, new diving chapter and expanded Solomon Islands coverageTips from authors who've travelled safely through the region for yearsContent updated daily - visit lonelyplanet.com for up-to-the-minute reviews, updates, and traveler suggestions

Let me say at the top that I didn't have a particularly good reason for moving to Tarawa, a small island in the Republic of Kiribati. There was nothing Quaker-ish, Thoreau-ish or even Gaughin-ish about my taking a little leave from western civilisation which I though was fine mostly, particularly as manifested ion certain parts of Italy...To picture Kiribati, imagine that the continental US were to conveniently disappear, leaving only Baltimore and a vast swathe of very blue ocean in its place. Now chop up Baltimore into 33 pieces, place a neighbourhood where Maine used to be, another where California once was, and so on until you have 33 pieces of Baltimore dispersed in such a way that 32/33 Baltimorians will never attend an Orioles game again. Now take away electricity, running water, tollets, television, restaurants, building and aeroplanes (except for two very old prop planes tended by people who have no word for 'maintenance'). Replace with thatch. Flatten all the land into a uniform two feet above sea level. Toy with islands by melting polar ice caps. Add palm trees. Sprinkle with hepatitis A, B and C. Stir in dengue fever and intestinal parasites. Take away doctors. Isolate and bake at a constant temperature of 100[degrees] Fahrenheit. The result is the Republic of Kiribati, a hard paradise, where despite an unwavering fondness for continents, I soon found myself at home.' J. Maarten Troost spent two trying years in his island paradise. This is his story.

Comprehensive travel map of the islands of Samoa. Folded paper map printed on two sides. Main map distinguishes between 4 levels of roads and shows locations of accommodations, banks, hospitals and police stations. Reverse side includes a 1:15,000 scale street map of Apia. Map also contains extensive tourist information and photos with 50 points of interest highlighted. Main map scale 1:200,000.

Talofa and malo e lelei! Basking in the waters of the South Pacific, the Tongan and Samoan islands offer adventures aplenty and a chance to avoid the sun-seeking hordes. Swim with whales off Vava’u or discover the ruins of Ta’u. Luxuriate in swish resorts or kick back in beachside huts. Tap into Apia’s buzzing café scene or Nuku’alofa’s kava ceremonies. Whatever your island scene, take this bestselling guide along!A Triple Treat of Polynesian destinations: the kingdom of Tonga, the independent nation of Samoa, and the territory of American SamoaEliminate The Guesswork – whatever your accommodation choice, make your decision based on honest, opinionated reviewsLearn The Local Lore with expert culture, history and other background chapters written by authors who have actually lived hereGet Active – or not: everything you need to know about snorkelling, diving, sailing, hiking and more

This is a guide to the undisputed best diving placee in the world.If you wish to plan an expedition or a scuba vacation in Palau, you must have a copy of this map and call or contact one of the three major Scuba Centers and operators in Palau. (Information is included in the map).Waterproof guide map, ideal for scuba divers and snorkelers. Provides information about Palau, conditions and attractions at scuba diving sites. Includes illustrations and common names of Philippine Sea/Pacific Ocean creatures. Shows snorkeling sites, scuba sites, major roads, unpaved roads, points of interest and lodging.This map contains more information about the archipelago and the Republic of Palau as you going to fing anywhere else.

The Republic of Palau is the westernmost archipelago in Oceania; it is renowned for it’s pristine lagoons and immense marine diversity. Palau’s marine community features over 800 varieties of hard and soft corals, over 1,500 fish species and over 100 varieties of sponges. Its waters feature two species of endangered turtle the green and hawksbill turtles as well as the most endangered marine mammal, the dugong. There are over 800 islands within its territory with over 50 marine lakes within those islands, each supporting its own diverse marine microclimate. The skies above Palau teem with over 140 varieties of birds representing 41 families and 16 endemic bird species. Palau natural wonders are world-renowned and it’s clear waters host an assortment of dive sites that are considered by experts to be among the finest on the planet. This guidebook is written in a relaxed style, full of helpful information, presented with a touch of humor and the author’s personal opinions. You will enjoy the lighter side of this well researched guidebook as you discover the natural beauty of these islands. The only guidebook devoted entirely to Palau, allowing more in depth coverage than other titles encompassing all of Micronesia. The most extensive and up to date listing of accommodations of any guidebook of the region, including photos, Website listings and E-mail addresses. Complete Inter-Island flight schedules and island ferry boat schedules. Extensive coverage of activities on each island. Diving, Fishing, Snorkeling, Kayaking, Surfing, Tours and Cultural Events. Over 40 maps and pictures.