The Republic of Palau is an island nation in the Pacific Ocean, some 500 miles east of the Philippines and 2000 miles south of Tokyo. Having emerged from United Nations trusteeship (administered by the United States) in 1994, it is one of the world's youngest and smallest nations. In 1989 Palau was ranked and listed by CEDAM International as the ranking Number 1 Underwater Wonder of the World out of the seven underwater wonders.

Also known as The Rock Islands, Palau hides more than 60 mysterious marine lakes. These lakes are part of the ocean and the water in the lake changes with the tides. Because of the lack of predators and surrounding influence some very unique marine life has developed in these lakes. The most famous of which is the Jellyfish Lake at Ail-Malk. After a short climb along a forested trail, you snorkel in a clear water lake filled with nearly two million jellyfish. Fissures in the limestone island allow for the transfer of saltwater from the ocean, yet keep other forms of aquatic life outside. Due to a lack of predators, the jellyfish have evolved to the point where they have virtually no ability to sting. To survive, the Mastigias Jellyfish depends on Algae for food which they host in their bodies following the sun across the lake in order to provide the light necessary for photosynthesis.