About Palau
Palau is a pristine Pacific paradise featuring the legendary Rock Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 200 limestone and coral islands covered in lush greenery. This small nation offers world-class diving, the famous Jellyfish Lake where you can swim among millions of harmless jellyfish, and some of the most biodiverse marine environments on Earth.
Quick Overview
Capital: Ngerulmud
Largest City: Koror
Languages: Palauan, English
Currency: United States Dollar (USD)
Time Zone: UTC+9 (Palau Time)
Explore Palau by Topic
Best Places to Visit in Palau
Discover the top 25 must-see destinations in Palau, from iconic landmarks to off-the-beaten-path treasures.
Jellyfish Lake
One of Palau's most iconic attractions, Jellyfish Lake is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where visitors can snorkel among thousands of harmless golden jellyfish. These...
Rock Islands Southern Lagoon
A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring over 445 uninhabited limestone and coral islands covered in lush tropical vegetation. The islands rise dramatically from turquoise waters,...
Milky Way Lagoon
A stunning turquoise lagoon famous for its soft white limestone mud at the bottom, believed to have rejuvenating and therapeutic properties. Visitors cover themselves in...
Blue Corner
Consistently rated as one of the world's best dive sites, Blue Corner offers thrilling drift diving with incredible marine biodiversity. Divers can encounter schools of...
Long Beach
A pristine sandbar that emerges at low tide, stretching like a white ribbon between turquoise waters. This stunning natural phenomenon appears to float in the...
Ngardmau Waterfall
Palau's tallest and most spectacular waterfall, cascading over 100 feet into a refreshing natural pool. The hike through lush tropical jungle takes you past ancient...
German Channel
A world-famous dive and snorkel site known for regular manta ray encounters, especially during cleaning station season. The channel was blasted through the reef by...
Belau National Museum
Palau's oldest and premier museum showcasing the nation's rich cultural heritage, traditional artifacts, and natural history. Housed in a distinctive building with traditional Palauan architecture,...
Recommended Itineraries for Palau
Plan your perfect Palau trip with our expertly crafted itineraries for every travel style and duration.
5-Day Palau Explorer
- Day 1: Arrive in Palau, explore city center
- Day 2: Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3: Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4: Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5: Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Palau
- Days 1-2: Palau city highlights
- Days 3-4: Regional exploration
- Days 5-6: Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7: Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Palau
- Days 1-3: Palau comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6: Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9: Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12: Southern attractions
- Days 13-14: Return to Palau, departure
Where to Stay in Palau
From luxury resorts to budget-friendly options, Palau offers accommodations for every traveler.
Budget Options ($90-120)
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-Range ($250-400)
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury ($600-1000+)
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Palau Pacific Resort
Palau's premier luxury resort featuring a private beach, full-service spa, and dive center. Set on 64 acres of tropical gardens...
Cove Resort Palau
Modern beachfront resort offering excellent value with comfortable rooms, pool, and beach access. Located close to downtown Koror, it's popular...
DW Motel
Clean and affordable motel in central Koror offering basic but comfortable rooms with air conditioning and WiFi. Perfect for budget-conscious...
Palau Royal Resort
Upscale waterfront resort offering contemporary rooms with ocean or garden views, located in the heart of Koror. Features include a...
Where to Eat in Palau
Discover the culinary delights of Palau, from local street food to fine dining experiences.
Elilai Seaside Dining
Upscale waterfront restaurant offering stunning sunset views and an impressive menu of fresh seafood, premium steaks, and creative pasta dishes....
Palau Umi Korean and Japanese Cuisine
Popular restaurant in Koror Centre serving fresh Japanese sushi and Korean favorites. Locals and tourists rave about the incredibly fresh...
Bem Ermii Burger
Popular local burger joint serving excellent burgers, sandwiches, and local plate lunches at budget-friendly prices. Known for generous portions and...
Koror Market Food Stalls
Collection of food stalls at Koror's main market offering authentic local breakfast and lunch options. Try traditional Palauan dishes, fresh...
Carp Island Cafe
Cozy cafe serving excellent coffee, fresh pastries, sandwiches, and light meals. Popular spot for breakfast and lunch with air conditioning...
Dropz Bar & Grill
Palau's most popular casual spot, perched over the water with beautiful harbor views. Serves American classics alongside Palauan dishes, creative...
Getting Around Palau
Budget Breakdown for Palau
Plan your spending with our comprehensive cost guide. Currency: USD.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $60-80 (budget hotel/motel) | $140-220 (mid-range hotel) | $350-500 (luxury resort) |
| Food (per day) | $25-35 (local restaurants, market food) | $60-90 (mix of casual and mid-range restaurants) | $120-200 (fine dining, resort restaurants) |
| Transportation | $5-10 (occasional taxi, mostly walking) | $30-50 (rental car or regular taxis) | $50-80 (private transfers, rental SUV) |
| Activities | $15-20 (free beaches, occasional paid activity) | $100-150 (1 dive or tour per day) | $200-400 (multiple dives, private tours, spa) |
| Daily Total | $90-120 | $250-400 | $600-1000+ |
Best Time to Visit Palau
Best Season: December to April (dry season, best visibility for diving)
Peak Season: December to April (dry season, best visibility for diving)
Avoid: June to October (wet season, typhoon risk, lower prices)
Essential Travel Tips for Palau
- Research visa requirements before your trip
- Learn a few basic phrases in the local language
- Carry cash as cards may not be accepted everywhere
- Respect local customs and dress codes
- Purchase travel insurance before departure
Safety Information
Travel Advisory
Exercise normal precautions. Palau is generally very safe for tourists. Specific risks include strong marine currents at dive sites, WWII unexploded ordnance on Peleliu and Angaur, and typhoons June-November. Medical facilities are limited - comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended.
Be aware of unexploded WWII ordnance in Peleliu and Angaur - stay on marked paths
Cyclone season runs November to April - monitor weather forecasts
Medical facilities are limited - consider travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage
Tap water is not potable in many areas - drink bottled water
E-cigarettes are illegal with $1,000 fine - do not bring them
Watch for dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases - use insect repellent
$100 environmental fee is included in airline tickets to Palau
Register with your country's embassy before arriving — the US Embassy is in Koror (+680 587-2920); nearest embassies for many nationalities are in Manila or Tokyo
Jellyfish Lake and Rock Islands require a $100 permit — purchase only through licensed tour operators; unofficial permit sellers operate near the docks
Strong currents at dive sites like Blue Corner can be deadly — always dive with a certified local guide and use a reef hook in surge conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Palau?
The best time to visit Palau is December to April (dry season, best visibility for diving). June to October (wet season, typhoon risk, lower prices) may have less favorable conditions.
Do I need a visa for Palau?
Visa requirements vary by nationality. Check with your nearest embassy or consulate for Palau for current requirements before travel.
How many days do I need in Palau?
For a comprehensive Palau experience, we recommend 7-10 days. However, you can have a great trip in 5 days focusing on highlights.
Is Palau expensive to visit?
Budget travelers can expect $90-120 per day, mid-range $250-400, and luxury $600-1000+.