The Island of Palau, east of the Philippines is the home to a lake full of stingless jellyfish. Jellyfish Lake, or Ongeim’l Tketau as it is called by Palauans, is one of 70 marine lakes scattered throughout the rock formation limestone “rock islands” of the southern portion of the main Palau archipelago. This is one of the major attractions in Palau and around the Rock Islands. Jelly Fish Lake is one of eight lakes in Palau that contains large populations of the golden jellyfish, moon jellyfish, or both. The lake is land locked salt water, trapping the jellyfish that live there for millions of years. The golden jellyfish (Mastigias sp.), for which the lake is famous, are found in great abundance (5 plus million animals) throughout the lake. These jellyfish, being without predator, resulted in losing their ability to sting and multiplied accordingly! Jelly Fish Lake is only accessible through a 1/4 of a mile jungle trail. 
If you make it to Jelly Fish Lake during the course of the day, you will be able to see the Jelly fish swimming on the surface of the lake. The Jelly fish follows the cycle of the sun. During the day they head toward the surface to harness the sun's energy and in evening hours they cycle back into the lower depths of the lake. Jellyfish Lake is quite simply one of the most unique places on the planet. Visitors will see signs promoting the Eco System and to remind them that the lake is a fragile ecosystem. Visitors are allowed to swim with the jellyfish. However, they must follow these simple guidelines. No diving fins, No SCUBA, Swim slowly and carefully as to not disturb the jellyfish. Snorkeling is recommended. The Jelly Fish Lake has no ocean current so visitors can glide in the water. Watching the Jelly Fish pulsing right in front of your mask is a sight to remember for life.

    Visitors are drawn to the lake in search of a life time experience to swim among millions of jellyfish, but beyond this unique and spectacular experience, the lake has a lot more to offer. Visitor will find in Jelly Fish Lake a colorful varieties of sponges, sea squirts, mussels, anemones, and many different kinds of algae’s living upon the wall of the surrounding limestone lake. As mentioned above, SCUBA diving is forbidden in Jelly Fish Lake both because it damages the jellyfish and because the hydrogen sulfide in the bottom layer of the lake poses a serious risk to human life. 
   If you are visiting in Palau you must see for yourself this amazing phenomenon. A memorable boat ride and a 15 minute walk over a Rock Island, takes you back into a world that existed millions and millions of years before ours. It is truly a lost world. Make sure to bring cameras, walking shoes (sandals or dive booties) and your snorkeling gear.