By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team
The resort destination of Palau is not only a crucial diplomatic ally of Taiwan but also a long-standing island nation that places great emphasis on natural ecological conservation—truly a “marine paradise.” Its Jellyfish Lake, situated in the Macherchar Island of Palau, is the country’s most famous attraction and one of the world’s 15 most unique lakes.
![](\"/pic/20200126/839443796c3104d51644d601b80ccf17.jpg\")
Palau’s famous attraction, Jellyfish Lake. (Image source / romquarkstoquasars)
Jellyfish Lake is a closed mountain lake. The upper layer of the lake connects to the open sea through coral reef pores during high tide, while the water below 18 meters remains stagnant. Since the jellyfish here do not need to hunt for food and have no natural predators, their stingers and long tentacles have gradually degenerated, evolving into non-toxic jellyfish.
![](\"/pic/20200126/97e0ce55d33e664ce12f570602e2296d.jpg\")
Swimming alongside hundreds of thousands of non-toxic jellyfish in the lake. (Image source / Pinterest)
In 2017, the lake was closed due to climate variations, changes in water conditions, and excessive tourist numbers leading to a decline in jellyfish. After a year and a half of restoration efforts, it has largely returned to normal and has reopened, allowing visitors to swim among hundreds of thousands of non-toxic jellyfish.
![](\"/pic/20200126/1029542109b661ce1e16288c1657d196.jpg\")
Palau has always placed great importance on the conservation of its natural ecology. (Image source / palaudiveadventures)
Palau boasts beautiful natural marine resources and is one of the world’s renowned diving destinations. To protect the coral reef ecosystem, Palau has legislatively banned the use and sale of sunscreens containing 10 harmful chemicals. Many sunscreens contain chemicals toxic to coral, which can damage coral even in small amounts.
The harmful chemicals include oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, 4-methylbenzylidene camphor, triclosan, methylparaben, ethylparaben, butylparaben, propylparaben, and phenoxyethanol.
![](\"/pic/20200126/0210e950e921e95c31882c50011c2bb3.jpg\")
Palau has numerous snorkeling spots, including Milk Lake, Jellyfish Lake, and the Big Drop-Off. With several kilograms of sunscreen entering the sea daily, Palau aims to prevent environmental pollution as much as possible.
Palau has completely banned the import or sale of sunscreens containing harmful chemicals, with violators facing fines of $1,000 (approximately NT$31,000). Tourists carrying prohibited sunscreens will have them confiscated. The ban on harmful sunscreens will officially take effect on January 1, 2020, making Palau the first country in the world to completely prohibit such products.
Firm in Not Severing Ties with Taiwan, Airline Announces Suspension of Flights to China
》https://www.mook.com.tw/article.php?op=articleinfo&articleid=18392