Chandelier Cave

The mushroom shapes of Palau's Rock Islands are a result of limestone reefs being pushed up by volcanic restlessness. The shape is due to a combination of factors, one being tidal creativity, as well as over-zealous little invertebrates that eat not just the algae, but bits of island over time. Rainwater filtering through the limestone in turn eats away like acid at the inside of the islands, forming the crevices tunnels and caves. This cave is a great example of the result. Also known as the '�Cave of the Grouper' (Liel Temekai), the site is a collection of separate interconnected caverns of which some are filled with water (but have air pockets) and the other entirely filled with air, therefore can be dived without cave diving experience. In addition, there's no tunnel system to get lost in and only one entrance and exit. The visibility is great if there's no silt disturbance. The name '�Chandelier' can be attributed to the various twinkling stalactites and stalagmites in the cave. Various tales concerning the original discovery of this cave are in competition with one another yet the one who seems to have taken the lead at present is set in WWII. It involves a military deployment sent to look for live bombs and ammo and found three depth charges (this must be true, because they can actually be seen at the entrance) The cave evidently fell into the picture at the part where they tried to move them . Nudibranchs (due to the lack of light) and signal gobies can be seen. Soldier and cardinal fish play at the entrance and the Rare Mandarin fish is known to reward the patient with its gracious presence. Location: Malakal Harbor