By: Laurel Marewibuel
PALAU, KOROR — “Cycling is a perfect fit for Palau’s tourism product — it’s eco-friendly, healthy, and lets visitors experience the island’s beauty up close,” said Leah Asanuma Gilham, president of Palau’s Triathlon Federation and Belau Cycling Federation, as she announced preparations for the upcoming Beauty and the Beast cycling event on November 23.
The event aims to strengthen Palau’s reputation as a premier destination for adventure and eco-tourism while building on the growing popularity of cycling across the Pacific and Asia.
The Beauty and the Beast race takes its name from Palau’s stunning natural landscapes — the “beauty” — and the challenging routes that bring out the “beast” in participants. It follows last year’s Independence Day cycling activity, which drew 38 participants. Organizers expect to double that number this year, with strong interest from Guam, Saipan, Taiwan, Japan, and even Europe.
The race will feature two categories: a 50-kilometer route starting from the Airai KB Bridge side around the east coast and across Babeldaob via Koksai Road to Ngatpang and back, and a more demanding 100-kilometer route that extends to Ngaraard and loops back along the west coast.
Gilham said organizers are focused on ensuring both safety and a world-class experience. “We’ll have timing systems borrowed from Oceania, medical teams and ambulances on standby, and police escorts for traffic control,” she said. “Last year we had water and aid stations sponsored by community groups such as the Fiji community, state governments, Bank of Guam, Chamber of Commerce and others.” This year, she said they hope to get more sponsors.
To promote the event internationally, the Palau Visitors Authority (PVA) has allocated funds to target the Taiwan market — a key audience with 180 cycling clubs. “We’re hosting 10 people from Taiwan — five influencers and five support staff — to help promote the event and attract more participants,” Gilham said. “This partnership builds on our memorandum of understanding signed last year, which strengthened tourism ties between Palau and Taiwan.”
The event will end with an awards dinner to celebrate participants and highlight Palau’s signature hospitality. Gilham said, “It’s a time for everyone to relax, hydrate, and enjoy the sense of accomplishment together.”
Interest in the event has also spread to Japan, where a major cycling organizer who hosts races with more than 2,000 participants annually has agreed to collaborate. “He’s bringing a well-known Japanese cycling influencer, which is helping us gain momentum,” Gilham said.
With direct flights from Japan and Australia and growing online exposure among cycling communities in Asia and Europe, Palau’s Beauty and the Beast race is emerging as a showcase of the nation’s adventure and eco-tourism potential.
“This event reflects who we are as a destination,” Gilham said. “It’s about connecting people with nature, embracing a healthy lifestyle, and sharing Palau’s beauty with the world.”