'I flew Qantas' new 'Palau Paradise Express'. Here's how it went'
By Annabel Wilcher|
Qantas is bringing a little slice of paradise closer to home with its new direct flight from Brisbane to Koror, Palau.
The national carrier nabbing the route after Nauru Airlines' contract expired.
The service, charmingly named the 'Palau Paradise Express,' has only been operational for a few months, and in February, I was lucky enough to give it a test run.
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One thing about me, I love flying. I even appreciate a three-hour wait at the airport.
You will find me testing duty free perfumes, enjoying a glass of bubbly before boarding, or strolling through WHSmith, searching for a new book.
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In saying that however, the more I travel, the more I appreciate a flight that doesn't take up the entire day.
So when I found out the 'Palau Paradise Express' was only a six-hour journey, I jumped at the opportunity to hop aboard.
The Journey
To make matters even better, Qantas seated me in Business Class. Being that I had never flown anything other than economy, I wasn't sure what to expect. To my surprise, the special service starts before you board.
Like I said, I enjoy myself at the airport, but waiting for my flight with a freshly brewed cappuccino, and a gourmet buffet at the Qantas lounge was a game changer.
As for the flight itself, it's operated on Boeing 737-800s. Serving as a reminder just how quick the journey is. For me, boarding before everyone else was enough in itself.
The leg room, unlimited drinks, and restaurant quality food were added bonuses.
Arriving in paradise
Once you finally touch down in Palau, it's a breath of fresh air. Home to only 18,000 people, it feels like you have the island all to yourself. There's no traffic, it's especially quiet, and time just seems to move slower.
Palau doesn't just feel like an oasis though, it looks like one too. Boasting a breathtaking cluster of more than 500 islands, each with pristine waters, world-class dive spots, and lush jungles.
Plus, thanks to the Palau Pledge - a passport-like declaration visitors sign, committing to protecting the environment - Palau's natural beauty isn't going anywhere, anytime soon.
If this sounds like your kind of holiday, my suggestion would be to book flights sooner rather than later.
At this stage, the 'Palau Paradise Express' is taking off every Saturday, until November 2025. You can snag a round trip from Brisbane, for $946.
The writer travelled as a guest of Qantas and Palau Visitors Authority
