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Palau

Palau, an archipelago located in the western Pacific Ocean, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by adventurous travelers. This tropical paradise boasts stunning natural beauty, crystal-clear waters, and rich marine …

#Island nation#Micronesia#Pacific Ocean#Scuba diving#Reef conservation

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Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Palau.

Top Hotels in Palau

Top Flights to Palau

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Palau.

Tours

Sightseeing at Jellyfish Lake

Observe the unique non-stinging jellyfish in their natural habitat, a must-see in Palau.

Visit to Belau National Museum

Explore Palauan history and culture through fascinating exhibits.

Nature Walk in Ngardok Nature Reserve

A peaceful walk in Palau's largest freshwater lake area, home to diverse wildlife.

Historical Walk in Babeldaob

Explore the ancient stone monoliths and traditional meeting houses in Babeldaob.

Shopping

Shopping at Koror's WCTC Shopping Center

A popular shopping destination offering a range of local and international products.

Cultural Shopping at Ernguul Central Market

Shop for traditional Palauan crafts and fresh produce at this vibrant local market.

Outdoor

Snorkeling at the Rock Islands

Explore the stunning Rock Islands, home to diverse marine life and famous snorkeling spots.

Kayaking in Milky Way Lagoon

Paddle through the scenic Milky Way Lagoon, known for its limestone formations and unique turquoise waters.

Dive the Blue Corner

Experience one of the world's best diving spots, known for its abundant marine life and thrilling currents.

Ngardmau Waterfall Hike

Hike through the lush forests of Palau to reach the breathtaking Ngardmau Waterfall.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Palau.

Currency

$ | USD | US Dollar

Population

18,000

Average weather

Palau

Jan

30°25°

Feb

30°25°

Mar

31°26°

Apr

31°26°

May

31°26°

Jun

31°26°

Jul

31°26°

Aug

31°26°

Sep

31°26°

Oct

31°26°

Nov

31°26°

Dec

30°25°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Palau.

What people love

Palau is a beautiful island nation located in the western Pacific Ocean, known for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant marine life. Here are some pros of traveling to Palau:

Pristine Nature: Palau is home to lush rainforests, crystal-clear waters, and stunning coral reefs. Visitors can explore untouched landscapes and experience the beauty of nature at its finest.
World-Class Diving and Snorkeling: Palau is a diver's paradise, offering some of the best diving and snorkeling opportunities in the world. The waters around Palau are teeming with colorful fish, sharks, manta rays, and other marine life.
Rock Islands: Palau's famous Rock Islands are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offer breathtaking scenery with their unique limestone formations, hidden lagoons, and secluded beaches. Visitors can kayak or take boat tours to explore these stunning islands.
Cultural Experience: Palau has a rich cultural heritage, with traditional practices still alive and well in the local communities. Visitors can learn about Palauan customs, traditions, and folklore by interacting with the friendly locals.
Conservation Efforts: Palau is a leader in marine conservation, with protected marine areas and initiatives in place to preserve its natural resources. Traveling to Palau supports these conservation efforts and promotes sustainable tourism practices.

Overall, traveling to Palau offers a unique opportunity to explore a pristine island paradise, experience world-class diving, and immerse yourself in a rich cultural heritage.

What to know

Traveling to Palau, located in the western Pacific Ocean, has several potential cons that visitors should be aware of. Some of the cons of traveling to Palau include:

Expensive destination: Palau is known to be a relatively expensive travel destination compared to other Southeast Asian countries. Accommodation, food, activities, and transportation can be costly, which may put a strain on travelers with a tight budget.
Limited transportation options: Getting to Palau can be a bit challenging as there are limited direct flights to the country. Most travelers have to transit through major hubs in Asia, such as Manila or Taipei, which can result in longer travel times and potential layovers.
Environmental concerns: Palau is a pristine island nation known for its rich marine biodiversity and natural beauty. However, the increasing number of tourists can put a strain on the delicate ecosystem, leading to issues such as coral reef damage, pollution, and waste management challenges.
Limited infrastructure: Palau is a small country with limited infrastructure, especially on the outer islands. Travelers may experience occasional power outages, limited internet connectivity, and basic amenities in some areas.
Seasonal weather challenges: Palau experiences a tropical climate with a rainy season from July to October. During this period, travelers may encounter heavy rainfall, strong winds, and potential disruptions to outdoor activities.
Cultural sensitivity: As a small island nation with a unique culture and traditions, visitors to Palau should be respectful and mindful of local customs and practices. Failure to do so may lead to misunderstandings or unintentional offense to the local population.

Overall, while Palau is a stunning destination with plenty to offer in terms of natural beauty and outdoor activities, travelers should be prepared for the potential challenges and cons that come with visiting this remote island nation.

Palau is an island nation located in the western Pacific Ocean, part of the larger island group of Micronesia. Its history is rich with cultural heritage, colonial influences, and eventual independence. Here's a detailed account of Palau's history:

Early Settlement and Culture:
- Palau was settled approximately 3,000 years ago. The first settlers likely came from the Philippines or Indonesia. Over time, these early inhabitants developed a complex society with distinct cultural practices, social structures, and languages.
European Contact:
- The first European to sight Palau was the Spanish explorer Ruy López de Villalobos in 1543. However, significant European contact did not occur until the late 18th century with the arrival of the British East India Company ship Antelope, commanded by Captain Henry Wilson, in 1783.
Colonial Rule:
- Spanish Era (1885-1899): Palau became part of the Spanish East Indies after being claimed by Spain in 1885.
- German Era (1899-1914): Following Spain's defeat in the Spanish-American War, Spain sold Palau along with the rest of the Caroline Islands to Germany in 1899. Under German administration, some modernization and infrastructure development occurred.
- Japanese Era (1914-1944): During World War I, Japan seized control of Palau. This was later formalized by the League of Nations, which granted Japan a mandate over most of Micronesia, including Palau. Japan developed Palau's infrastructure significantly, and Palau became an important military base during World War II.
World War II and Aftermath:
- During World War II, Palau was the site of significant military engagements between the United States and Japan, most notably the Battle of Peleliu in 1944. This battle was one of the war's bloodiest in the Pacific Theater.
- After Japan's defeat, Palau came under the administration of the United States as part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, established by the United Nations in 1947.
Path to Independence:
- In the post-war period, Palau went through several political changes and negotiations to determine its future status. After rejecting a compact of free association with the United States multiple times due to concerns over nuclear weapon provisions, Palau eventually agreed to a revised compact.
- Palau became fully independent on October 1, 1994, entering into a Compact of Free Association with the United States, which provides financial assistance and defense in exchange for certain strategic rights.
Significant Historical Figures:
- Ibedul Yutaka Gibbons: A paramount chief in Palau, known for his influential role in the political scene.
- Roman Tmetuchl: A significant political leader who played a key role in Palau's political development during its transition to independence.
Important Landmarks:
- Rock Islands: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its beauty and significant biodiversity.
- Bai: Traditional meeting houses that are culturally significant and illustrate Palauan architecture and social customs.
- Belau National Museum in Koror: It provides insight into Palauan history, culture, and natural history.

Palau today is known for its stunning marine environments, rich cultural heritage, and as a leader in marine conservation efforts. Its history reflects a blend of indigenous culture and colonial influences, leading to its current status as a sovereign nation.