A beginner's guide to Palau

Comprising a stunning array of 340 coral and volcanic islands, Palau showcases the breathtaking blue of the western Pacific, resembling a perfect paradise.

With only 90,000 tourists visiting in 2019—and even fewer in subsequent years—this is the ideal destination to fulfill your scuba diving aspirations or escape to deserted tropical shores.

From incredible marine life and majestic waterfalls to remnants of WWII, there’s much to captivate visitors. Aside from a few beach resorts frequented by Chinese tourists during holidays, you’ll find plenty of space to roam freely throughout the country.

What’s the best time to visit Palau?

The optimal time to visit Palau is during the dry season from December to April. This period offers perfect weather for water activities and exploring the islands, making it the peak tourist season with higher prices, especially around the New Year holidays (both Western and Chinese).

Although the wet season from May to November can pose some challenges for travel, it's still possible to visit year-round as the country is not affected by typhoons.

How much time should I spend in Palau?

If you're including Palau in a longer island-hopping adventure, two to three days will suffice to experience the main attractions. Start by visiting Koror's museums to learn about local culture and history, spend the next day on a boat trip to the Rock Islands, and wrap up with a hike to the stunning 217m-high Ngardmau Waterfall, the tallest in Micronesia.

If you have extra time, consider several days of diving (with a one-day surface interval before flying out) or take the public ferry to Peleliu to explore its jungle-covered WWII ruins and beautiful secluded beaches. For those with unlimited time and budget, hiring a private boat charter to Kayangel Atoll or the remote Southwest Islands is a fantastic option.

Is it straightforward to travel in and around Palau?

Unless you're piloting your own boat or have managed to hitch a ride with a friend, your initial view of Palau will likely be an endless blue expanse from the airplane window – the most economical way to reach Palau unless a yacht charter is an option. Koror's Palau International Airport (ROR) has direct flights from Seoul, Brisbane, Taipei, and several nearby Pacific islands, including the renowned United Island Hopper flight from Honolulu to Guam with various stops along the way in the Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia.

Koror, with 11,000 residents (over half of Palau's total population of just over 21,000), offers limited public transportation through a few bus routes. Additionally, state-operated ferries connect Koror with the southern islands of Peleliu and Angaur. For all other destinations, charter or group trips are your main options, though popular spots like the Rock Islands feature daily group departures from various local operators.

Top attractions in Palau

No first-time visitor's guide to Palau is complete without highlighting the nation's dedication to conservation: in 2009, Palau became the first country to establish a shark sanctuary, and in 2017, it introduced the Palau Pledge to engage visitors in its conservation efforts.

Nearly every attraction drawing travelers to Palau is rooted in the extraordinary diversity of its flora and fauna, especially beneath the waves of the Pacific Ocean. Here, you can find over 500 species of coral, 17 thriving shark species, and at least 1,300 types of reef fish, representing 95% of the fish species in Micronesia.

Most visitors embark on snorkeling and scuba diving excursions, with Koror serving as the main base. Popular destinations include the Rock Islands and the waters just off Koror. A highlight of any trip to Palau is a refreshing swim in Jellyfish Lake, home to up to seven million stingless Golden Jellyfish. This unique ecosystem has allowed jellyfish to evolve without their natural predators, resulting in several such lakes across the Rock Islands.

While almost all of Palau's 340 islands boast pristine beaches and vibrant coral perfect for swimming, several also contain significant historical sites from the Japanese occupation during WWII. For history enthusiasts, Peleliu is a must-visit; a short ferry ride from Koror leads to remnants of Japanese command posts, defensive structures, and the rusted shells of American and Japanese tanks, relics of the battles that culminated in the islands' liberation. Nature is gradually reclaiming these sites as the jungle encroaches upon them.

My favorite activity in Palau

For many visitors, the Rock Islands are the crown jewel of Palau. Snorkeling and diving among the hundreds of limestone islands reveal a vibrant underwater world, complemented by a swim in Jellyfish Lake. Instead of a quick day trip, consider staying a few nights. With dive operators offering daily excursions from Koror to the Rock Islands, you can usually arrange for drop-offs and pick-ups at various spots on the islands.

Equipped with a kayak and supplies of food and fresh water, few experiences rival paddling between deserted islands or navigating secluded coves by day, then camping under palm trees and a canopy of stars by night. While tourism is prevalent, making it uncommon to go an entire day without encountering a snorkeling tour or an anchored yacht, much of the time you'll be surrounded by the soothing sound of crashing waves and the rhythm of your paddle slicing through the water.

What is the budget for a trip to Palau?

As expected from a secluded island nation, costs are higher than in nearby areas like Southeast or East Asia. While reaching Palau from places like the Philippines or Taiwan may be affordable, be prepared for a significant increase in basic tourist expenses upon arrival.

Hostels are virtually nonexistent on the islands. For simple guesthouses and hotel accommodations, expect to pay between $60 and $100 per night. Mid-range options will set you back around $100 to $200, while luxury hotels or beach resorts can be even pricier. Fortunately, dining out offers decent value for such a remote location; self-catering costs are comparable to places like the USA, and restaurants, especially for fresh seafood, can be cheaper than in the USA or Western Europe.

Diving in Palau can also be costly; budget at least $200 for a two-dive trip with tour operators, though substantial discounts are often available for those staying at operator-managed accommodations or planning extended visits.

What currency is used in Palau?

The US Dollar is the official currency of Palau.

What is the Palau Pledge?

Palau's immigration regulations officially emphasize conservation, requiring incoming visitors to commit to safeguarding the nation's natural environment:

“Children of Palau, as your guest, I pledge to safeguard and cherish your stunning and unique island home. I promise to walk lightly, act with kindness, and explore with mindfulness. I will not take what is not offered to me. I will not harm what does not harm me. The only traces I leave behind will be those that nature can erase.”

Is sunscreen truly prohibited in Palau?

Sunscreen is not outright banned; however, in 2020, ten chemicals harmful to coral reefs found in certain sunscreens were prohibited. As a result, sunscreens containing these ingredients cannot be purchased or brought into Palau. When in doubt, look for products labeled as “reef bill compliant” on their packaging.