*HAM RENTAL* Palau

– July 7, 2019Posted in: Holiday Shacks

If you’re looking for a ham rental shack in the Pacific for the Oceania Contest to help crack major DX markets, or for a period of pile-up pumping holiday dx, then this one is for you!

One of the most thrilling IOTA DXstinations in the ham and Freeband dx world, the Republic of Palau (134 Division) is an archipelago of over 500 islands and part of the fascinating Micronesia region in the western Pacific Ocean.

Although this rare DXCC is popular among divers or fishermen, it’s a location which has charm for visiting radio operators too and the availability of a world class ham rental shack on Koror Island (also called ‘Oreor Island’), the islands’ commercial centre, makes things so much easier to chase world class dx.

HAM FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATION

The West Plaza Hotel Group operates a five hotel chain in Palau.

Pictured left and below right, the one with the Ham Rental Shack is the ‘West Plaza by the Sea Hotel’ which is located at the wharf precinct.

All hotel rooms here are purportedly clean and tidy and have ocean views.

The ‘West Plaza by the Sea Hotel’ also houses a Chinese food restaurant overlooking the sea which sells traditional Chinese style cuisine.

For cruising around the island, a Toyota rental car office is also located in the foyer of the Hotel.

GATEWAY TO OTHER ISLES

The island of Koror is connected by bridges (See pictured above) to three neighboring islands which allows easy access for possible IOTA Tour activities.

  • Ngerekebesang Island — the site of Palau’s second-largest town, Meyuns, in the eastern part of the island.
  • Malakal Island — the site of Koror’s port, as well as the radio station T8AA-AM.
  • Babeldaob Island — the site of the Palau International Airport and the present capital, Ngerulmud, plus mountains and sandy beaches on its east coast.

DXPEDITION DOWNTIME

For dxpedition team members fatigued by huge dx pile ups, Palau has a vibrant culture and history which can be experienced at land-based venues throughout the island chain.

Two museums in Koror feature artifacts from pre-European contact, and the Palau International Coral Reef Centre highlights the beauty of Palau’s marine environment.

Team members can drive north to Babelthuap island, the second largest island in the Micronesia region, to discover various sites of cultural and historic interest.

Babelthuap also features three waterfalls open to the public, several public beach parks on the eastern side of the island, a jungle river tour, and jungle hiking trails.

Badchelrulau State Park at the northern tip of the island is the site of the ruins of massive structures built by ancient Palauans.

In its north, ancient basalt monoliths known as Badrulchau (See pictured above) lie in grassy fields surrounded by palm trees.

26 miles to the south of Koror and accessible by boat or commuter aircraft is the island of Peleliu which was the site of a fierce WWII battle in 1944.

Guided tours of the battlefield ruins and the museum are available.

Tour assistance arrangements can also be provided by the Hotel staff.

THE HOTEL ROOM SHACK

The rental shack is found in room 1401 located on the (top) fourth floor of the West Plaza by the Sea Hotel.

There is only one double bed available here, as room 1401 is set-up for the radio operation so if you are staying as a group, it is better to use 2 or more rooms.

IMPERIAL PALAU (IMPAC) CORPORATION (IMPAC) will allot other rooms in the hotel suitable for your group needs.

THE STATION

Using the antennas above the shack, on 1 of the 3 towers, you can QRV on 3.8 / 7 / 10 / 14 / 21 / 24 / 28 and 50MHz.

Other equipment includes:

  • Transceiver: Kenwood TS-570S
  • Amplifier:  AMERITRON ALS-600 500W Linear
  • Power Supply: DAIWA SS-330W 30A Switch Mode
  • YAESU FC-901 (with WARC) Antenna Tuner
  • YAESU G-800DXA & YAESU G-2300DXA Rotator Controllers

SUMMARY

  • Shack Name:  Palau Ham Rental
  • Continent: Oceania (OC)
  • Ham Prefix: T8
  • 11m Division:  134
  • IOTA Reference:  OC-009
  • WX:  Tropical
  • Latitude: 6.83 N
  • Longitude:  134.08 E
  • WAZ Zone: 27
  • CQ Zone:  64
  • Grid Square: PJ77
  • Owners:  Please direct any inquiry about radio equipment, operation, technical details of the Rental Shack and licensing to JM1LJS/T80W “Hide”.
  • Address: P.O. Box 10107, Koror, Republic of Palau 96940
  • Telephone:  ( 680 ) 488-3779 / fax ( 680 ) 488-5777
  • Website:  http://palau.rental-shack.com
  • Cost:  We can negotiate a 5% discount with the optional tours of IMPAC when you make reservations before your visit.
  • Getting There:  The best route to Palau is by aircraft from Guam.  You will have a choice of many flight plans.  As for travel to Palau from Japan, Europe or North America, it is usual to transit through Guam. Continental Micronesia Airlines fly from Guam to Palau every day. Travel from Taiwan is also very straightforward, as the #1 sightseer in Palau is Taiwanese. Aircraft fly between Taiwan and Palau every day too.
  • Licensing: According to past visitors, it’s apparently pretty straightforward to obtain an amateur radio license based on your home license.  Regardless of your license class, you could acquire a full power privilege license.
  • Email: t80w@rental-shack.com
  • Links: http://www.bythesea.wphpalau.com/tour