Palau Travel Guide

Palau is a small island nation in the western Pacific Ocean, situated roughly 800 km east of the Philippines and about 1,300 km south of Japan. Despite a population of fewer than 20,000 people, it draws visitors from around the world almost entirely for one reason: its marine environment is considered among the most intact and biologically diverse on Earth.

The country is composed of more than 500 islands, though only a small number are inhabited. The capital, Ngerulmud, sits on the large island of Babeldaob, while Koror — the country's main commercial center — functions as the practical hub for most visitors. The iconic Rock Islands Southern Lagoon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2012, lies just south of Koror.

Palau has built an international reputation as a conservation leader. In 2009 it declared the world's first shark sanctuary, and the Palau National Marine Sanctuary, established in 2015, places roughly 80 percent of its exclusive economic zone off-limits to commercial fishing. Travelers who visit are often asked to sign the Palau Pledge — a commitment, stamped in passports, to act responsibly toward the environment.

Beyond the water, Palau offers a layered history shaped by Spanish, German, Japanese, and American colonial periods, each of which left traces in local culture, architecture, and landscape. The pace of life is unhurried, infrastructure is modest by regional standards, and the experience is genuinely remote.

Visas and Entry

Visa and entry requirements for Palau vary by nationality and can change. Do not rely on secondhand summaries. Check the TravelerPulse Visas section and the official Palau Bureau of Immigration for current requirements before booking.

The Palau Pledge

All visitors are required to sign the Palau Pledge upon arrival — a personal commitment to protect Palau's natural and cultural heritage. It is stamped into your passport. This is taken seriously by authorities and locals alike.

Health

• No routine vaccination is required specifically for Palau, but ensure standard travel vaccinations are up to date before departure.
• There is no malaria risk in Palau, but dengue fever has been recorded; use insect repellent, particularly during and after rainfall.
• A hospital is located in Koror (Belau National Hospital), but facilities are limited. Serious medical cases are typically evacuated to the Philippines or Guam. Comprehensive travel health insurance that covers medical evacuation is strongly advised.
• Bring any prescription medications you need, as availability in Palau is limited.

Money

The US Dollar is the currency. ATMs are available in Koror but can be unreliable; carry sufficient cash, especially if traveling to outer islands or smaller guesthouses. Credit cards are accepted at larger hotels and dive operators but not universally.

Connectivity

Mobile coverage is available in Koror and parts of Babeldaob. Coverage on outer islands and at sea is limited or absent. Wi-Fi is available at hotels and some cafes but speeds can be slow. Download offline maps and any critical information before leaving Koror.

Palau is served by Roman Tmetuchl International Airport (ROR), located on Babeldaob island near Airai, roughly 20 minutes by road from Koror. It is a small airport with limited international connections.

Direct or one-stop flights operate from a small number of regional hubs including Guam, Manila, Taipei, Tokyo, and Seoul; routing and frequency vary by season and airline. Verify current schedules and routes directly with airlines or a travel agent, as services to Palau can be subject to change.

There is no regular passenger ferry or cruise service connecting Palau to neighboring countries. The vast majority of visitors arrive by air.

Within Koror

Koror is compact and walkable in its central areas. Taxis are available and inexpensive by international standards; agree on a fare before departure as meters are not standard. Car rentals are available from a small number of local operators — verify licensing requirements locally.

Between Islands

Travel between Koror, Babeldaob, and Peleliu is possible by road (Koror and Babeldaob are connected by bridge) or by boat. The Rock Islands are only accessible by boat. Most dive operators and tour companies run day trips from Koror into the Rock Islands lagoon by speedboat.

Outer Islands

Peleliu and Angaur, which carry significant WWII history, can be reached by small boat or, in some cases, light aircraft. Check locally for current schedules and availability, as these are infrequent.

Liveaboard Diving

For divers who want extended access to remote sites — including Peleliu Corner and the outer reef walls — liveaboard vessels operating from Koror offer multi-day trips. This is a popular option for serious divers.

Diving and Snorkeling

Palau's primary draw is underwater. The country sits within the Coral Triangle and hosts exceptional biodiversity: manta rays, reef sharks, dugongs, sea turtles, Napoleon wrasse, and hundreds of coral species. Key dive sites include Blue Corner, Blue Holes, Ulong Channel, and the German Channel, widely cited as one of the best manta ray cleaning stations in the Pacific. Most sites require a licensed dive operator, and some require permits. Snorkeling is accessible at many of the same areas, though the best conditions are generally on calmer days.

Jellyfish Lake (Ongeim'l Tketau)

One of Palau's most distinctive experiences, Jellyfish Lake is a marine lake on Eil Malk Island where millions of golden jellyfish migrate daily across the water. Stingless to humans, they offer a genuinely unusual snorkeling experience. Access requires a Rock Islands permit (verify current fee and availability locally) and is managed to control visitor numbers. Scuba diving is prohibited in the lake.

Rock Islands Southern Lagoon

The Rock Islands — a scattering of uninhabited, mushroom-shaped limestone islands covered in dense vegetation — are the visual symbol of Palau. Day tours by boat weave through the lagoon, stopping at snorkel sites, hidden coves, and white sand beaches. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

WWII History

Palau saw intense fighting during the Battle of Peleliu in 1944. Peleliu Island retains battlefield remnants, war memorials, tanks, aircraft wreckage, and cemeteries maintained by both the United States and Japan. The diving around Peleliu also encompasses war wrecks. Angaur and the waters around Koror contain additional wreck dive sites. This history is treated with solemnity by local communities.

Kayaking and Eco-Tours

Kayaking through the Rock Islands is a quieter alternative to motorized tours and allows access to narrow passages and shallow areas. Several operators offer guided kayak tours, including multi-day camping trips on uninhabited islands. Birdwatching on Babeldaob's forests and cultural village visits also provide land-based alternatives.

Palau's food scene is centered in Koror and is modest in scope. Local cuisine draws on Palauan traditions, Filipino influences (reflecting the significant Filipino community), and practical availability given the island's remoteness.

What to Eat

• Taro is a staple ingredient in traditional Palauan cooking, prepared boiled, fried, or incorporated into dishes.
• Fresh seafood — fish, crab, and shellfish — features prominently and is generally of high quality given the surrounding waters.
• Bai-style meals reflect traditional communal eating; some cultural experiences include tasting traditional foods.
• Filipino-style restaurants and small eateries in Koror offer rice-based dishes and are among the most affordable dining options.

Higher-end hotel restaurants serve international menus and are reliable but priced accordingly. Grocery stores in Koror stock basic supplies, including imported goods, useful for stocking up before multi-day boat trips.

Drinking

Tap water safety varies; bottled water is widely available and recommended for visitors. Alcohol is available at restaurants, bars, and shops in Koror. Be mindful that some outer islands or community areas may have local customs around alcohol consumption.

Emergency Contacts

The general emergency number in Palau is 911. Belau National Hospital is the main medical facility, located in Koror. Confirm current contact details locally on arrival.

Electricity

Palau uses US-standard 120V/60Hz outlets (Type A and B plugs), the same as the United States.

Time Zone

Palau operates on UTC+9 year-round with no daylight saving adjustments.

Environmental Rules

• Touching coral, feeding fish, or removing any marine organisms is prohibited and can result in fines.
• Sunscreen containing oxybenzone and octinoxate is banned; bring reef-safe sunscreen.
• Littering carries penalties. Visitors are expected to take rubbish back to Koror from island excursions.
• The Palau Pledge is legally binding in spirit; violations of environmental regulations can result in fines or exclusion from protected areas.

Phone

The country phone prefix is +680. Local SIM cards are available in Koror if needed for a longer stay.

Internet and Useful Resources

• Palau Visitors Authority: verify the current official URL before traveling
• Palau Bureau of Immigration: check for current entry requirements

Palau is generally considered a safe destination with low rates of violent crime. Petty theft is uncommon but standard precautions apply: do not leave valuables unattended on beaches or in vehicles.

The main safety considerations are environmental. Ocean conditions can change quickly; always dive and snorkel with a licensed operator or experienced guide, respect current advisories, and never dive alone. Some dive sites have strong currents and are appropriate only for experienced divers — be honest with operators about your certification level and experience.

Boat travel between islands carries standard maritime risks; rough weather can delay or cancel inter-island trips, particularly during typhoon season (roughly June–December). Build flexibility into your itinerary accordingly.

The sun is intense year-round at Palau's latitude. Reef-safe sunscreen, protective clothing, and adequate hydration are practical necessities, not suggestions.

Palauan society is organized around a matrilineal clan system, and traditional governance structures — chiefs and councils — retain genuine cultural authority alongside the formal government. Visitors are unlikely to encounter this directly but should understand that community relationships and protocol matter here in ways that may not be obvious.

Dress modestly when visiting villages or non-beach areas. Swimwear is appropriate at dive sites and beaches but not in towns or community spaces. Ask before photographing people, particularly in traditional settings.

Palauans are generally welcoming to visitors, but the expectation that guests will respect the environment is sincere, not performative. The Palau Pledge reflects a real cultural value, not just a tourism marketing initiative. Visitors who visibly disrespect the reef or natural areas may encounter direct feedback from guides, boat crews, or locals.

A small number of traditional storyboards — carved wooden panels depicting Palauan legends and history — are produced by local artists and are among the most culturally meaningful souvenirs available. Mass-produced imitations exist; seek out authenticated work from known artisans if purchasing.