Palau: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Ever dreamed of visiting a pristine Pacific island paradise? Welcome to Palau, a tiny country with only 18,000 people. It’s a place that offers an unmatched travel experience. With one big island, a few small ones, and 340 stunning limestone “Rock Islands,” Palau is a hidden gem.

It’s perfect for scuba diving, kayaking, and diving deep into the Palauan culture. This untouched destination will amaze you and leave a lasting memory.

• Palau is a tiny Pacific island country with a population of just 18,000 people
• The country consists of one main island, Babeldaob, along with 340 smaller “Rock Islands”
• Palau is renowned for its world-class scuba diving, kayaking, and cultural experiences
• The Palauan government strictly regulates development to preserve the country’s natural beauty
• Visitors can expect to pay various government fees, including a $100 “Palau Pristine Paradise Environment Fee”

When visitors come to Palau, they promise to protect its beauty with the Palau Pledge. This promise is key since tourism brings in a lot of money. It’s all about keeping the underwater world clear and beautiful.

Palau’s location is in the North Pacific, far from the Philippines and Guam. It’s a hidden gem that’s easy to get to. The country keeps its nature untouched by limiting development and foreign ownership. This way, the Palauan people can keep their Rock Islands of Palau beautiful for the future.

All visitors must promise to protect Palau’s nature with the Palau Pledge. Signing it reminds us to be careful and respect the land. It’s a way to keep Palau’s natural wonders safe.

Palau’s accessibility shows how it balances tourism and nature. Even though it’s far away, getting there is easy with flights from Asia and the Pacific. The main island, Koror, has everything you need for a trip, like places to stay and tour guides.

“Palau has been hailed by UNESCO as an area of outstanding value.”

Palau is a top spot for scuba diving, known for its stunning underwater scenes and exciting dive spots. Divers love the Blue Corner, a top 5 dive site, and the Ulong Channel for its strong currents. Palau’s waters are full of life and beauty.

The Blue Corner Wall is a hit with divers, offering dramatic drop-offs and lots of marine life. You can see sharks and manta rays here. Other great spots include the Peleliu Wall and Cut, with their black coral bushes, and the German Channel, linking the lagoon to the outer reef.

The Ulong Channel is thrilling for experienced divers with its strong currents and clear water up to 95 feet deep. The Peleliu Wall is deep and full of life, including pygmy killer whales and silvertip sharks.

To dive in Palau, you’ll need a Rock Islands Permit ($50) and a Nitrox certification for longer dives. Top operators like Sam’s Tours, Fish N Fins, Neco Marine, and Palau Dive Adventures offer two-tank dives for $160 to $195 a day. Don’t forget to rent equipment.

The best time to dive in Palau is from October to June, when the weather is great.

Palau’s Rock Islands are a dream for those who love adventure. Kayaking here lets you see the islands up close and personal. You’ll glide through calm waters, surrounded by lush greenery and wildlife.

As you paddle, you’ll see schools of fish, bats, and unique jellyfish. It’s a peaceful way to connect with nature.

Snorkeling in the Rock Islands is just as amazing. You’ll see a world full of life under the sea. Palau has more reef types than the Caribbean, with over 1,500 fish species to discover.

Snorkeling lets you dive into clear waters and see stunning coral reefs. You’ll meet a variety of sea creatures in their natural habitat.

These tours start with a ride on a speedboat. You’ll zip through islands to get to the best spots for kayaking and snorkeling. The cost is about $130 per person. You’ll also need a Rock Islands Permit, which costs $50.

People love the beauty of Palau’s sea and the sea life. They also appreciate the guides who share their knowledge of the area and culture. Kayaking and snorkeling here is an unforgettable experience.

In the heart of Palau’s Rock Islands, Jellyfish Lake is a unique wonder. It’s a saltwater pool where stingless jellyfish live without fear of predators. People visiting Palau can swim and snorkel with these amazing creatures for an experience they’ll never forget.

To get to Jellyfish Lake, you need two permits: one for the lake ($100) and another for the Rock Islands ($50). After a 2018 event lowered the jellyfish numbers, the lake is open again. Now, travelers can see this amazing place.

Getting there takes a 20-minute boat ride from Koror to Eil Malk island, then a 10-minute hike up a steep path. Once you’re there, you’ll see thousands of jellyfish. It’s a magical and peaceful place. Don’t forget your snorkeling gear and a GoPro to capture the beauty of swimming with these creatures.

Palau has about 70 marine lakes, the most in the world. It’s perfect for nature lovers and those looking for an adventure. Palau’s untouched ecosystem and natural beauty draw in travelers from all over.

Palau is more than just world-class scuba diving. It offers unforgettable experiences for travelers. You can explore the island’s rich culture or discover its natural wonders. Here are some top picks for your Pacific island adventure.

Begin your cultural journey at the Etpison Museum. It’s a place where you can learn about Palauan history and traditions. You’ll see the beautiful woodcarvings, textiles, and performing arts that make this island special. Nearby, the Airai Bai shows off the unique meeting house design of Palau.

If you’re interested in World War II history, don’t miss Peleliu Island. This National Historic Landmark has seen fierce battles. You can see tanks, helmets, and ammunition casings that remind us of the island’s past.

Palau’s natural wonders are worth exploring. Swim in the Milky Way Lagoon, a mud bath that makes your skin feel smooth. Also, visit the Ngermeskang Bird Sanctuary to see endemic bird species.

Palau has something for everyone. It offers cultural immersion, historical exploration, and natural beauty. With its untouched landscapes, rich heritage, and many activities, it’s a top choice for an island getaway.

Visiting Palau is more than seeing beautiful nature. It’s a chance to dive into the Palauan culture and traditions. The Etpison Museum and the Airai Bai are key spots for cultural discovery.

The Etpison Museum is full of Palauan history and cultural items. You can see ancient tools, traditional costumes, and detailed carvings. These items show the island’s history. Learn about old practices like making fishing lines and foraging for food.

At the Airai Bai, a big meeting house for men, you can join a tour. A chief clansman will talk about Palauan customs and life. Then, try traditional Palauan food like taro and coconut soup, steamed fish, and tapioca pudding.

Palau’s culture is closely linked with nature. Mangroves help protect the coast and support traditional fishing. But, some areas like the Bngall fishery are struggling due to overfishing. This shows why it’s vital to keep nature and culture in balance.

By exploring the Palauan culture at the Etpison Museum and the Airai Bai, you’ll understand Palau’s history and traditions better. You’ll also respect its natural and cultural treasures more.

Peleliu Island is a small island in the western Pacific with a big history. It was the scene of one of World War II’s most brutal battles. Today, visitors can dive into this history and see where U.S. and Japanese forces clashed.

Now, Peleliu Island is sparsely populated, with around 700 people living there. The main village is Klouklubed. The 2-month battle in 1944 was fierce, claiming over 13,000 lives and wounding 8,400. About 40% of the Marines and infantry troops were either killed or wounded, amounting to 9,800 men.

To visit Peleliu, you can take a boat from Koror. There, you can see historical sites, learn about the battle, and see World War II relics like tanks and bunkers. A $30 permit is needed, offering a deep look into the sacrifices of World War II history in Palau.

The 1,000 Man Cave is a key site on Peleliu. It’s a massive network of tunnels and rooms where 1,000 Japanese soldiers once hid. U.S. Marines forced them out with flamethrowers and explosives. Now, the cave is filled with spiders, stretching 284 meters (933 feet).

Peleliu Island is a significant part of World War II history. It’s a place that reminds us of the sacrifices made by soldiers. For those interested in history or the Pacific campaign, visiting this island is a unique and moving experience.

Palau is known for its amazing scuba diving and beautiful landscapes. But it also has two special experiences: the Milky Way Lagoon and the Ngermeskang Bird Sanctuary.

The Milky Way Lagoon is a unique spot in Palau. It’s covered in a thick, white mud. People can take this mud for a special mud bath that’s good for the skin.

The water is milky white, making it a peaceful place. It’s perfect for relaxing and unwinding.

If you love birds, you should visit the Ngermeskang Bird Sanctuary. It’s a special place in Palau with 13 bird species that can’t be found anywhere else. These include the Palau Kingfisher, Palau Owl, and Palau Nightjar.

Guided tours here are the best way to see these rare birds. They’re led by local experts who know the area well.

Whether you want to relax in a natural mud bath or see unique birds, Palau has something special for you. These experiences let you see the beauty of this Pacific island in a unique way.

Palau’s food scene is as rich and varied as its stunning landscapes. Those looking to try Palauan cuisine should head to Yano’s Market in Koror. It’s a place where you can find fresh seafood, traditional dishes like fruit bat soup, and taro-based foods.

The International Night Market in Koror is perfect for an evening out. It’s filled with local food stalls that offer a taste of Palau’s food heritage. You can enjoy street food, watch traditional dances, and listen to music, all in one place.

Yano’s Market lets you taste local flavors and meet the community. The International Night Market shows off Palau’s lively culture. Both places are great for trying local food in Palau and experiencing its unique food traditions.

“The International Night Market in Koror is a feast for the senses, showcasing the authentic flavors and vibrant culture of Palau.”

Palau is a true Pacific island paradise. It has kept its natural beauty and rich culture. You can enjoy world-class scuba diving and kayaking in the Rock Islands. Or, you can swim with stingless jellyfish for a surreal experience.

Palau is dedicated to protecting the environment and preserving its culture. By visiting, you can experience an unforgettable island getaway. You’ll see vibrant marine life, explore historic sites, and try local food. This place will surely leave a mark on you.

When planning your trip to Palau, connect with nature and respect local customs. Your visit helps protect this Pacific gem. You’ll make memories and help keep Palau beautiful for the future.