Palau
Key Facts
Best Time to Visit
November to April (dry season, calmest seas, best diving visibility 30+ meters)
Language
Palauan and English (both official)
Currency
United States Dollar (USD) — Palau uses USD as its official currency
Time Zone
PWT (UTC+9)
Airport
Roman Tmetuchl International Airport (ROR), on Babeldaob island, 8 km from Koror
Population
18,000 (total country); Koror 11,000 (main town)
Climate
Tropical, warm year-round (27-31°C), rainy season May-Oct (brief heavy showers, diving still excellent)
Safety Rating
Generally Safe (Level 1) — virtually zero crime
Marine Protection
80% of Palau's waters are a National Marine Sanctuary — the world's sixth-largest fully protected marine area
Top Highlights
Jellyfish Lake (Ongeim'l Tketau)
A marine lake on Eil Malk island containing millions of golden jellyfish that have lost their sting through evolution. Snorkel among pulsing, harmless jellyfish in warm, stratified water. Permit: $100 (Rock Islands/Jellyfish Lake permit, valid 10 days). Closed periodically for conservation — check status before booking. Allow a half day with boat travel.
Blue Corner Wall Dive
Consistently rated one of the top 5 dive sites in the world. A submerged reef corner where currents attract sharks (grey reef, whitetip), Napoleon wrasse, barracuda schools, and eagle rays. Divers hook into the reef to watch the action. Advanced Open Water recommended. Dive trips: $120-180 for two-tank dives.
Rock Islands Southern Lagoon (UNESCO)
445 mushroom-shaped limestone islands covered in jungle, surrounded by turquoise lagoons. Kayak through hidden marine lakes, snorkel pristine reefs, and picnic on white sand beaches. Full-day Rock Islands tours: $100-150 including lunch, snorkeling, and Jellyfish Lake. A UNESCO Mixed Heritage Site since 2012.
Milky Way Lagoon
A sheltered cove where white limestone mud on the seabed creates an eerie milky-turquoise color. Swimmers slather the mineral-rich mud on their skin as a natural spa treatment — it's said to be rejuvenating. Included on most Rock Islands day tours. The water is chest-deep and warm. Allow 30-45 minutes.
WWII Wrecks & Relics
Palau saw fierce fighting in 1944. Dive or snorkel Japanese WWII shipwrecks, visit Peleliu Island's battlefield (caves, bunkers, rusting tanks), and see Zero fighters in the jungle. The Iro Maru shipwreck dive (30m depth) is covered in coral and teeming with fish. Peleliu day trip: $80-120 by boat from Koror.
German Channel Manta Ray Station
A man-made channel cut by German colonizers in 1900, now a famous manta ray cleaning station. Divers kneel on the sandy bottom at 10-15 meters and watch mantas glide overhead to be cleaned by small wrasse. Best from Dec-Apr. Nearly guaranteed sighting. Included on most dive day trips from Koror.
Ngardmau Waterfall
Palau's largest waterfall on Babeldaob island — a 30-meter cascade in dense jungle. The hike from the parking area takes 45-60 minutes through a Compact of Free Association-funded boardwalk and muddy trail. Entry: $5. Bring water shoes (trail is muddy). Swim at the base. 45 minutes from Koror by car.
Planned Itinerary
7-Day Palau Itinerary
Arrival in Koror
Fly into Roman Tmetuchl International Airport (ROR) on Babeldaob island. Transfer to Koror — the main town.
Arrive and sign the Palau Pledge(30 minutes)
At immigration, sign the pledge stamped into your passport — a promise to protect the environment. Pay the $100 Pristine Paradise Environmental Fee (includes Rock Islands/Jellyfish Lake permit, valid 10 days)
Transfer to Koror hotel(15 minutes)
ROR is 8 km from Koror. Taxi $15-20 (agree on price beforehand). Hotels $100-300/night
Koror town walk(1 hour)
Small but functional town. Browse the shops on Main Street, pick up reef-safe sunscreen (oxybenzone banned in Palau)
Dinner at Drop Off Bar & Grill(1.5 hours)
Waterfront restaurant popular with divers. Fresh fish, burgers, cold beer. $15-30. The sunset over the Rock Islands from here is a preview of what's coming
Rock Islands & Jellyfish Lake
Full-day tour of the UNESCO Rock Islands and the surreal Jellyfish Lake.
Rock Islands day tour(8 hours)
Full-day boat tour. $100-150 including lunch, snorkeling, and Jellyfish Lake. Operators: Sam's Tours, Impac Tours. Departs ~9 AM from Koror marinas
Jellyfish Lake (Ongeim'l Tketau)(1.5 hours)
Hike 10 minutes to the lake, then snorkel among millions of golden jellyfish that have lost their sting. The pulsing golden clouds surrounding you are otherworldly. Check if lake is open (closed periodically for conservation). Permit included in PPEF
Milky Way Lagoon(45 minutes)
Sheltered cove with white limestone mud creating milky-turquoise water. Slather the mineral-rich mud on your skin. Chest-deep and warm
Snorkeling at coral garden(1 hour)
Pristine coral reefs between the Rock Islands. Fish density is extraordinary — clownfish, butterflyfish, parrotfish, and Napoleon wrasse
Motu lunch(1 hour)
Included in tour. Fresh fish and local food on a white sand beach
Blue Corner & German Channel Diving
Two of the world's top dive sites — sharks, mantas, and wall diving.
Two-tank dive: Blue Corner + German Channel(6 hours)
$120-180 for two dives. Koror State permit $50 (separate from PPEF). Operators: Sam's Tours, Fish 'n Fins, Neco Marine. Advanced Open Water recommended for Blue Corner (strong currents)
Blue Corner wall dive(1 hour)
Hook into the reef and watch the show — grey reef sharks, whitetip sharks, Napoleon wrasse, barracuda schools, and eagle rays cruise past in the current. Consistently rated top 5 dive site globally
German Channel manta ray station(1 hour)
Kneel on the sandy bottom at 10-15m and watch manta rays glide overhead for cleaning. Nearly guaranteed sighting Dec-Apr. The mantas have 3-4 meter wingspans
Dinner at Elilai Restaurant(1.5 hours)
Palau's finest restaurant overlooking the Rock Islands. Fresh sashimi, grilled fish, and Palauan specialties. $25-45 per person. Reservations recommended
WWII History & Peleliu Island
Day trip to Peleliu — site of one of WWII's bloodiest Pacific battles.
Boat to Peleliu Island(1 hour)
Day trip $80-120 from Koror by boat. Or stay overnight. The island is quiet and haunting
Peleliu battlefield tour(3 hours)
A guide is essential. Visit Japanese caves, American bunkers, rusting tanks, and the airstrip. The Bloody Nose Ridge battle in 1944 was one of the war's most costly. An emotional and sobering experience
Snorkeling at Peleliu reef(1.5 hours)
Peleliu has excellent fringing reef. Orange Beach has shore-entry snorkeling over healthy coral
Lunch on Peleliu(1 hour)
Simple restaurant on the island. $10-15
Rest Day — Babeldaob Island
Explore Palau's largest island — waterfall, stone monoliths, and empty beaches.
Drive to Ngardmau Waterfall(45 minutes)
Babeldaob is connected to Koror by bridge. Rent a car $50-70/day. Palau's largest waterfall
Ngardmau Waterfall hike(2 hours)
45-60 minute hike through jungle on boardwalk and muddy trail. Entry $5. 30-meter cascade. Swim at the base. Bring water shoes
Badrulchau Stone Monoliths(1 hour)
37 basalt stone pillars arranged in rows. Origin unknown — predating oral history. Free. In the jungle near Ngarchelong. Atmospheric and mysterious
Dinner at Kramer's Café(1.5 hours)
Casual Koror restaurant. Sashimi, ramen, and local dishes. $12-20
Kayaking & Snorkeling the Rock Islands
A different perspective — kayak through hidden marine lakes and limestone arches.
Rock Islands kayaking tour(5 hours)
$80-120. Paddle through mushroom-shaped limestone islands, hidden lagoons, and marine lakes. Snorkel between kayak segments. More intimate than a boat tour
Hidden marine lake swim(1 hour)
Some Rock Islands contain landlocked marine lakes (different from Jellyfish Lake). Swim in warm, emerald water surrounded by towering limestone walls
Beach lunch on a Rock Island(1 hour)
Included in tour. Picnic on a white sand beach you share with nobody
Farewell dinner at Mongol(1.5 hours)
Korean BBQ popular with Palauans. Grill your own meat and seafood. $15-25. The local social scene
Departure Day
Final morning in Palau.
Morning snorkel from Koror dock(1 hour)
Some hotels have reef right off their dock. One last underwater look
Pick up souvenirs(45 minutes)
Storyboard carvings (traditional Palauan art), Derau basket weaving, or reef-safe sunscreen as a novelty gift
Airport transfer and departure(20 minutes)
ROR 8 km from Koror. Allow 2 hours before international flights
14-Day Palau Itinerary
Arrival in Koror
Fly into ROR. Sign the Palau Pledge, pay PPEF, transfer to Koror.
Arrive and sign Palau Pledge(30 minutes)
$100 PPEF includes Rock Islands permit. Pledge stamped in passport
Transfer to Koror(15 minutes)
Taxi $15-20
Dinner at Drop Off Bar(1.5 hours)
$15-30
Rock Islands & Jellyfish Lake
UNESCO Rock Islands and surreal jellyfish snorkeling.
Full-day Rock Islands tour(8 hours)
$100-150 all-inclusive
Jellyfish Lake(1.5 hours)
Millions of stingless golden jellyfish. Check if open
Milky Way Lagoon(45 minutes)
Mineral mud spa
Blue Corner & German Channel
World-class diving — sharks and mantas.
Two-tank dive(6 hours)
$120-180. Koror State permit $50
Blue Corner(1 hour)
Grey reef sharks, Napoleon wrasse, barracuda
German Channel mantas(1 hour)
3-4m wingspan mantas at cleaning station
Dinner at Elilai(1.5 hours)
$25-45
Peleliu WWII History
Battlefield tour and island snorkeling.
Boat to Peleliu(1 hour)
$80-120 day trip
Battlefield tour(3 hours)
Japanese caves, bunkers, tanks. Guided
Rest Day — Babeldaob
Waterfall, stone monoliths, and Palau's largest island.
Ngardmau Waterfall hike(2 hours)
$5. 30m cascade. Swim at base
Badrulchau Stone Monoliths(1 hour)
Mysterious basalt pillars. Free
Kayaking Rock Islands
Paddle through limestone islands and hidden lagoons.
Kayaking tour(5 hours)
$80-120. Hidden lakes, arches, snorkeling
Dinner at Mongol(1.5 hours)
Korean BBQ $15-25
Advanced Diving — Blue Holes & Ulong
More world-class dive sites.
Two-tank dive: Blue Holes + Ulong Channel(6 hours)
$120-180. Blue Holes: four openings in the reef leading to a cathedral-like cavern at 30m — light shafts pierce the blue. Ulong Channel: drift dive through a channel with reef sharks, turtles, and schooling fish
Dinner at Taj(1.5 hours)
Indian restaurant in Koror. $12-20. Good value and variety
Babeldaob Cultural Tour
Deeper exploration of Palau's main island — bai (traditional meetinghouses) and villages.
Airai Bai (traditional meetinghouse)(1 hour)
The oldest bai in Palau with carved storyboards depicting legends and history. $5. The carved and painted interior is remarkable Palauan art
Capitol Building in Ngerulmud(45 minutes)
Palau's capitol was modeled on the US Capitol, set in the middle of jungle. Surreal. Free to view from outside
North Babeldaob drive(2 hours)
The Compact Road circles much of the island. Pass through small villages, mangrove forests, and empty coastline. Babeldaob is sparsely populated and wild
Ngiwal ancient stone path(1 hour)
Ancient paved stone path through the jungle. One of Palau's less-visited archaeological sites
Iro Maru Wreck Dive & Snorkeling
Dive a WWII Japanese tanker and snorkel pristine reefs.
Iro Maru wreck dive(1 hour)
Japanese tanker sunk in 1944 at 30m depth. Now covered in coral and swarming with fish. An underwater museum of war and nature. Included in a two-tank dive trip
Second dive at Chandelier Cave(1 hour)
Swim through an underwater cave entrance into an air-filled cavern with stalactites. Torches required. One of Palau's most unique dives
Afternoon snorkeling at Short Drop-off(2 hours)
Accessible from shore near some Koror hotels. A reef wall drops from shallow coral to deep blue. Excellent snorkeling without a boat
Rest Day — Koror Relaxation
Recovery day. Pool, snorkeling from shore, and reading.
Belau National Museum(1.5 hours)
$10. Small but excellent. Palauan history, storyboards, traditional navigation. Oldest museum in Micronesia
Lunch at Bem Ermii(1 hour)
Local Palauan food. Taro, fish, and coconut. $8-15. Authentic and affordable
Long Lake & Ngardok Nature Reserve
Palau's largest freshwater lake and surrounding nature reserve.
Drive to Ngardok Nature Reserve(30 minutes)
On Babeldaob. Palau's largest freshwater lake
Ngardok Lake trail(2.5 hours)
Walk through forest to the lake. Saltwater crocodiles inhabit the lake — observe from a safe distance. Bird watching is excellent. $5 entry
Babeldaob beaches(2 hours)
The east coast has empty white sand beaches that barely see visitors. Bring everything you need — no facilities
Night Dive & Diving Deep
For certified divers — night dive and a deeper exploration.
Morning dive at Siaes Corner(4 hours)
Wall dive with grey reef sharks and large pelagics. Less famous than Blue Corner but equally spectacular. $120-180 two-tank
Night dive at Siaes Tunnel(3 hours)
Night diving in Palau reveals creatures invisible by day — Spanish dancer nudibranchs, hunting reef sharks, and bioluminescent plankton. $80-100 single night dive. An unforgettable experience
Final Rock Islands Visit
One last day among the limestone islands.
Rock Islands tour (different route)(6 hours)
Ask your operator for sites not covered on Day 2. The southern Rock Islands have different scenery and snorkeling
Long Beach(1.5 hours)
A sandbar that appears at low tide connecting two Rock Islands. Walk across turquoise water on white sand. Timing depends on tides
Farewell dinner at Elilai(2 hours)
Last sunset over the Rock Islands from Palau's best restaurant. $25-45
Departure Day
Final morning in Palau.
Buy storyboard carving souvenirs(45 minutes)
Traditional Palauan art. Available at the museum gift shop and Koror shops
Airport transfer(20 minutes)
ROR 8 km. Allow 2 hours for international flights
21-Day Palau Itinerary
Arrival in Koror
Fly into ROR. Sign Palau Pledge, pay $100 PPEF.
Rock Islands & Jellyfish Lake
UNESCO Rock Islands and stingless jellyfish.
Full-day tour(8 hours)
$100-150
Blue Corner & German Channel
Top-5 world dive sites.
Two-tank dive(6 hours)
$120-180. Koror permit $50
Peleliu WWII
Battlefield tour and island snorkeling.
Rest Day — Babeldaob
Waterfall and stone monoliths.
Kayaking Rock Islands
Paddle through hidden lakes and arches.
Kayak tour(5 hours)
$80-120
Blue Holes & Ulong Channel
Cathedral cavern and drift dive.
Two-tank dive(6 hours)
Blue Holes: light shafts at 30m. Ulong Channel: drift with sharks and turtles
Babeldaob Cultural Tour
Traditional bai, capitol, and ancient paths.
Airai Bai(1 hour)
$5
Iro Maru Wreck & Chandelier Cave
WWII wreck dive and underwater cavern.
Iro Maru wreck dive(1 hour)
Japanese tanker at 30m covered in coral
Chandelier Cave(1 hour)
Underwater entrance to air-filled stalactite cavern
Short Drop-off snorkeling(2 hours)
Shore-entry reef wall
Rest Day — Koror
Pool, museum, and relaxation.
Belau National Museum(1.5 hours)
$10
Ngardok Nature Reserve
Palau's largest freshwater lake and forest trails.
Ngardok Lake trail(2.5 hours)
Saltwater crocs. Bird watching. $5
Babeldaob east coast beaches(2 hours)
Empty white sand. No facilities
Night Dive & Deep Exploration
Siaes Corner wall dive and night dive.
Night dive: Siaes Tunnel(3 hours)
$80-100. Spanish dancers, hunting sharks, bioluminescence
Long Beach & Rock Islands South
Southern Rock Islands and tidal sandbar.
Long Beach sandbar(1.5 hours)
Appears at low tide. Walk on turquoise water
Rest Day — Free
Complete free day.
Angaur Island Day Trip
The southernmost inhabited island — WWII history, monkeys, and pristine reefs.
Boat or small plane to Angaur(1 hour)
Small boats or charter flights. $80-150 day trip. Angaur is tiny (8 sq km) and remote
WWII sites on Angaur(2 hours)
Japanese bunkers, American artillery positions, and a haunting phosphate mining railway. The island saw fierce fighting in 1944
Macaque monkey colony(1 hour)
Angaur has wild Japanese macaque monkeys — introduced during WWII. The only wild monkey population in Micronesia
Snorkeling off Angaur(1.5 hours)
Remote, pristine reef rarely visited by tourists
Diving — Ngerchong Outside & Big Drop-off
More advanced dive sites for the dedicated diver.
Two-tank dive(6 hours)
Ngerchong Outside: current-swept wall with pelagics and occasional hammerheads. Big Drop-off: vertical wall from 1m to 300m+ — the color change from reef to abyss is dramatic
Dinner at Surangel's(1.5 hours)
Palauan-style restaurant attached to the main supermarket. Local food at reasonable prices. $10-15
Freediving & Photography Day
For experienced freediving or underwater photography.
Freediving or photo session with guide(5 hours)
Several operators offer dedicated photography or freediving guide services. $100-200/day. The visibility and marine life make Palau a world-class underwater photo destination
Rest Day — Nothing
Three weeks of diving earns a real rest.
Final Rock Islands & Farewell Snorkel
One last day among the limestone mushroom islands.
Private Rock Islands boat charter(6 hours)
$200-300 for a small boat. Choose your own itinerary — revisit favorites or ask the captain for his secret spots
Jellyfish Lake revisit (if open)(1 hour)
A second visit reveals new perspectives. Morning light is different
Souvenirs & Farewell
Last full day.
Souvenir shopping(1.5 hours)
Storyboard carvings, woven baskets, reef-safe sunscreen
Departure Day
Final morning in Palau.
Airport transfer(20 minutes)
ROR 8 km. Allow 2 hours
Travel Tips
Visa & Entry
Visa-Free for Most Nationalities
Citizens of most countries (US, EU, UK, Australia, etc.) receive a free 30-day visa on arrival (extendable to 90 days). US citizens can stay 1 year. Passport must be valid for 6+ months. You must show a return ticket. Flights from Manila (2 hours), Taipei (3.5 hours), Seoul (4.5 hours), and Guam (2 hours).
Budget
Palau Pristine Paradise Fee
All visitors pay a $100 Pristine Paradise Environmental Fee (PPEF) on arrival, which includes the Rock Islands/Jellyfish Lake permit. A separate $50 Koror State permit covers diving sites like Blue Corner and German Channel. Budget $150 in permits alone. These fees fund marine conservation.
Not a Budget Destination
Palau is expensive — everything is imported. Hotel rooms: $100-300/night. A restaurant meal: $15-30. A full-day Rock Islands tour: $100-150. Two-tank dive: $120-180. Budget minimum $200-250/day. However, the marine life density is unmatched — you get extraordinary value for what you see underwater.
transport
Koror Is Your Base
Almost everything happens from Koror — the main town connected by bridge to Babeldaob. Rent a car ($50-70/day) to explore Babeldaob's waterfalls and stone monoliths. For diving and Rock Islands, all tours depart from Koror's marinas. No public transport exists. Taxis are available but limited — agree on price beforehand.
Local Customs
Sign the Palau Pledge
At immigration, all visitors sign the Palau Pledge stamped into their passport — a promise to act responsibly toward the environment. This is taken seriously. Don't touch or stand on coral, don't chase marine life, don't use reef-harmful sunscreen (oxybenzone/octinoxate banned). Reef-safe sunscreen is sold at Koror shops.
Safety
Current Awareness for Divers
Palau's best dive sites (Blue Corner, Blue Holes, Ulong Channel) have strong currents that create the nutrient flow attracting marine life. Current diving experience is recommended — this isn't a beginner destination. Always dive with a reputable operator (Sam's Tours, Fish 'n Fins, Neco Marine are well-established). Carry a surface marker buoy.
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