Kiribati e Palau attraverso l'occhio del fotografo di Ross Long

Getting to Palau from Australia is now quite simple thanks to a weekly Qantas flight from Brisbane most Saturdays. There is generally no simple nonstop link between Tarawa and Palau. It takes a little bit of effort to reach these places but that is what makes it worth it.

Kiribati and Palau make an unusually strong photographic pairing. In Kiribati, I look for vivid natural locations, crystal-clear turquoise water, tropical green bushland, thriving coral reefs, cultural fishing techniques, and the visual contrast between densely settled and quieter islands. Palau changes the tempo with hundreds of tiny limestone steep green islands, crystal clear turquoise blue water and a tourism infrastructure geared toward reefs and outdoor experiences. I would give the trip at least two weeks rather than treating either country as a quick stop. Early morning and the final hour before sunset are the periods I protect for photography; midday is better for transfers, meals and scouting. I would also carry less equipment than instinct suggests because boats, humidity and repeated loading make a compact weather-protected kit far easier to manage.

I give Betio Island and Betio Memorial, Tarawa two to three hours each, preferably early, and carry water. Abemama Island, Aranuka Island and Butaritari need at least a full day and transport arranged well ahead. For Night fishing I keep an evening free, book locally in advance and pack a light rain layer plus a dry bag. Make sure to cruise between the different reefs that see less travellers than most other places in the world. There’s also a range of shipwrecks that host a range of tropical marine life that you can swim through.

For Diving (multiple tours & dive sites), I reserve a full day and book several weeks ahead. Kayaking in the Mangroves (Nikko Bay + more) needs about half a day plus dry protection for cameras; Paddleboarding SUP works best over two to three calm morning hours with sun protection. I give Scenic Flight Tour, Naa Islet Tour (Sightseeing) and Snorkelling with Natau at Naa Islet roughly half a day each, booking ahead and packing a dry bag.

For Palau Carolines Resort and the Caroline's Resort stay option, I plan at least two nights and book one to three months ahead in busy periods. I use the same lead time and minimum two-night stay for Palau Central Hotel and its bookable Palau Central Hotel option. Hotel Sea Passion suits a two-plus-night waterfront stay; Palau Royal Resort works best with two or three nights. For both, I prearrange airport transport.

I allow 60–90 minutes at Elilai Seaside Dining and arrive before sunset, reserving ahead. Hungry Marlin Restaurant & Bar at COVE Resort Palau, The Canoe House and Zigu Japanese Bistro each get about 60–90 minutes; I would confirm opening hours that day and reserve dinner when possible.

Photography here rewards patience more than an overloaded bag. I keep one versatile body and lens accessible, seal electronics against spray and humidity, and bring more battery capacity than I expect to need. On inhabited islands, I ask before making close portraits or photographing ceremonies, homes and working spaces; the picture is rarely worth creating discomfort. Make sure to pack an underwater camera; I recommend bringing with you a DJI action camera as this will allow you to capture the beautiful colours of the deep as well as the colourful coral gardens that is illuminated by the daytime sun. 

• I use sunrise for shorelines and settlements, then save broader scouting for harder midday light.
• I carry a dry bag, lens cloths, reef-safe sun protection, a refillable water bottle, and lightweight rain shell on boat days.
• I leave flexible time around domestic and regional transport rather than scheduling an important shoot immediately after arrival.
• I would repeat the quiet early starts: those hours give me the gentlest light, cooler temperatures, and the least hurried view of island life.