• Solomon Islands!

    Solomon Islands: Looking up at palm trees. Go Now!

    Solomon Islands
    This Melanesian country is best known for its many islands and beaches... and this natural landscape (pictured) is why most people go. Don't miss out on the unique Melanesian culture and foods though! Begin Your Journey!

  • Tonga!

    Tonga: Coastline. Go Now!

    Tonga
    The heart of Polynesian culture is rooted in Tonga, but most visitors just come for the natural beauty. Explore Tonga!

  • Vanuatu!

    Vanuatu: Jetty into the ocean. Go Now!

    Vanuatu
    Picturesque serenity is a good way to describe Vanuatu, but the culture offers much more, including the inspiration for bungee jumping, which remains a rite of passage for young men. Explore Vanuatu!

  • Palau!

    Palau: "70 Islands!" Go Now!

    Palau
    Few people have even heard of this small Micronesian country, but those who have often return with stories of beauty unmatched elsewhere, such as view of the "70 Islands" (pictured). Go Now!

  • Explore the: Federated States of Micronesia!

    Federated States of Micronesia: Overlooking some islands. Go Now!

    Federated States of Micronesia
    This diverse country stretches for thousands of miles and has the diversity to prove it, including the people from Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Yap among others. Begin Your Journey!

  • Samoa!

    Samoa: A traditional home. Go Now!

    Samoa
    Among the most famous of the South Pacific's many countries, Samoa sits in the heart of Polynesia and has a culture to match. Begin Your Journey!

Architecture of Palau

Historical architecture in Palau is nearly limited to housing, which was, and still often is made of wood. The houses tend to be very simple in design and layout with wood supports and a roof covered with leaves all with little to no decoration or individual style. Most villages were also home to a meeting house, which tends to be similar to individual houses, but on a slightly larger scale.

With the arrival of the Europeans little changed in the way of architecture and style. New materials were introduced as were more efficient methods of construction. Although in the past buildings were primarily limited to housing, the Europeans introduced Christianity and churches, government buildings, and schools.

Today most people in Palau have abandoned traditionally housing (although they still exist in many areas, most commonly in rural areas). Wooden and cement houses dominate the country today, but they remain fairly simple with little decoration. They have also generally abandoned their traditional styled houses as today they are topped with sheet metal instead of leaves. The public buildings are also expanding as the capital of Melekeok has most of their government buildings in the Neo-Classical style.

This page was last updated: February, 2013