Ulong is a major island and channel of western Palau

Palau

Palau , officially the Republic of Palau , is an island nation in the Pacific Ocean, east of the Philippines and south of Tokyo. In 1978, after three decades as being part of the United Nations trusteeship, Palau chose independence instead of becoming part of the Federated States of Micronesia, a...

. It is sometimes called Aulong and originally written Oroolong in English. Ulong is regarded by many as one of the best drift dives in the world.

Geography

Ngerumekaol Channel partially cuts through the reef near the Island. The channel stretches about 500 metres (1,640.4 ft), with an average width of 33 metres (108.3 ft) and leads into a coral reef lagoon. There are sharks within the currents of the channel and Ulong Corner. Uruktapel is the largest island southward of Koror

Koror

Koror is the state comprising the main commercial centre of the Republic of Palau. It consists of several islands, the most prominent being Koror Island ....

; at about 2 miles (3.2 km) off its western point is Ulong. Denges and Eil Malk Passages are passable, but navigation may be difficult in the lagoon between them and Ulong Island. From Ulong to Malakal Harbor, the lagoon is navigable.

History

Henry Wilson (1740–1810), an English naval captain

Captain (nautical)

A sea captain is a licensed mariner in ultimate command of the vessel. The captain is responsible for its safe and efficient operation, including cargo operations, navigation, crew management and ensuring that the vessel complies with local and international laws, as well as company and flag...

 of the British East India Company

British East India Company

The East India Company was an early English joint-stock company that was formed initially for pursuing trade with the East Indies, but that ended up trading mainly with the Indian subcontinent and China...

 was aboard his packet ship

Packet ship

A "packet ship" was originally a vessel employed to carry post office mail packets to and from British embassies, colonies and outposts. In sea transport, a packet service is a regular, scheduled service, carrying freight and passengers...

 Antelope

Antelope (packet ship)

Antelope was a packet ship in service with the British East India Company. On 10 August 1783 Antelope wrecked off Ulong, near Koror Island in Palau resulting in the first sustained European contact with those islands....

, when it shipwrecked off Ulong Island, In the late 1700s, the island's inhabitants attempted to defend Ulong from attack along Ikesakes Reef but, having been defeated, were forced to leave. There are Palau Cave Paintings on the island.