I thought the Maldives were stunning enough, until I visited Palau

Palau is hailed as "God's Aquarium" and ranks first among the Seven Underwater Wonders. Diving here is a must to witness the breathtaking underwater world—it truly lives up to its title as the top underwater marvel. In Palau, the ocean isn’t just a backdrop—it’s the star. Vivid, crystal-clear, and boundless, it left the deepest impression on me during my three-day trip. Luckily, flying directly from Hong Kong to Palau with Hong Kong Airlines took just over three hours, whisking me away from the hustle and bustle to this blue paradise in the western Pacific. **Day 1｜First Encounter with the Sea: Snorkeling + Fun Fishing** With the morning sun glistening on the water, we set sail for our first day of cruising in Palau: 1️⃣ **Half-Day Fun Fishing Experience**: Casting lines in the azure waters, with sunlight dancing on the waves, we caught over 40 fish in just two hours—fishing in an aquarium is truly different! At noon, we cooked fish soup on a deserted island, its freshness tasting like the sea itself. 2️⃣ **Century-Old Giant Clam City**: These are actually giant clams (Tridacna). In Palau, clams over 50 cm are protected, and here lie many ancient clams over a meter long, said to take over 100 years to grow so large. Glimmering in the sunlight, they’re like treasures lost to time. 3️⃣ **Mermaid Channel**: The water here seems artificially tinted—so clear it steals your heart. Schools of tropical fish brush past you as gentle currents carry you along. At noon, we feasted on seafood on a deserted island—fish caught that morning, freshly cooked, alongside hotpot and BBQ. Under the shade of coconut trees, listening to the waves, life seemed to slow down. **Day 2｜Diving into the Ocean’s Secrets: Snorkeling Highlights** This day felt like swimming through a blue dream, with each stop more stunning than the last: 1️⃣ **Milky Way Lagoon**: A natural volcanic mud SPA—super silky and a total girl’s dream! Don’t forget to snap photos! Coat yourself in mud, then leap into the milky waters. 2️⃣ **Shark City**: Dancing with docile blacktip sharks, my initial nervousness melted away at their elegance—a once-in-a-lifetime experience! 3️⃣ **Blue Coral Reef Secret Garden**: As romantic as its name suggests, vibrant corals and fish dance together in a breathtaking underwater world. Every plunge into the sea revealed a new wonder—Palau’s blue is even more dreamlike than imagined. **Day 3｜First-Time Scuba Diving: Glass City + Ulong Wall** On the third day, I challenged myself to scuba dive for the first time. Strapping on an oxygen tank and descending was nothing short of awe-inspiring! 1️⃣ **Glass City**: Named for its stunning visibility, you can clearly see dozens of meters down. Fish swirl around you, making you feel like you’re floating in mid-air. 2️⃣ **Ulong Wall**: A dramatic underwater cliff where deep blue meets turquoise. Spot turtles, sea fans, and if you’re lucky, a fleeting glimpse of a shark! With a professional coach guiding me one-on-one, I felt at ease. Just relax and follow instructions—even first-timers can enjoy Palau’s mysterious depths. **Hotel Recommendation｜Radisson Blu Resort Palau** I stayed at the Radisson Blu Resort Palau, nestled on a hillside with ocean views and coconut groves. The hotel’s amenities and service were impeccable, making it the perfect retreat after snorkeling. At night, sip a cocktail by the outdoor pool as the Milky Way dips into the horizon. The hotel’s stunning pool and photogenic spots are worth a full day to soak in its beauty. ✅ **Travel Tips**: 1️⃣ **Flights**: Hong Kong Airlines offers direct flights to Palau multiple times a week—skip the layovers! 2️⃣ **Must-Pack Gear**: Snorkel mask, dive socks, waterproof camera, eco-friendly sunscreen. 3️⃣ **Visa Policy**: Chinese passport holders enjoy visa-free entry with a Palau entry stamp upon arrival. 4️⃣ **Best Time to Visit**: November to May (dry season) for calm seas, ideal for snorkeling and diving.