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Oceania / Oceania

Palau

Jellyfish Lake and world-class dive sites. As part of Oceania in Oceania, Palau suits travelers drawn to beachside, nature, and islands. Use this guide to plan where to go, when to visit, and how to structure your days.

Palau

Start exploring.

Best time to visit: Nov – Apr

Koror

Koror pairs well with nearby highlights on a Oceania route through Palau.

Rock Islands

Rock Islands is a favorite stop for travelers exploring Palau, with plenty to see on foot or by local transit.

Peleliu

Plan at least a full day in Peleliu to enjoy its main sights, local food, and surrounding scenery.

What it is known for
facts
  • Jellyfish Lake stingless swimming
  • Rock Islands mushroom-shaped limestone islets
  • Peleliu WWII battlefields and bunkers
  • Blue Corner wall dive with sharks
  • Bat soup and taro traditions on local menus
key City
name
Koror
label
Most popular city
why
Most dive operators, hotels, and Rock Islands boat departures start from Koror, the commercial hub adjacent to the capital.
Places to visit
  • area
    Koror
    attractions
    • name
      Jellyfish Lake
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Ngardmau Waterfall
      duration
      3-6 hours
      book Ahead
      Check permit rules; popular trails may need booking 1-4 weeks ahead.
    • name
      Belau National Museum
      duration
      1.5-3 hours
      book Ahead
      Book timed entry 1-2 weeks ahead for major museums; same-day often fine off-season.
    • name
      Long Island Park
      duration
      4-8 hours
      book Ahead
      Book park permits or safari slots 1-7 days ahead in peak season.
  • area
    Rock Islands
    attractions
    • name
      Milky Way Lagoon
      duration
      Half day to full day
      book Ahead
      Book ferries or boat tours 3-7 days ahead in peak season.
    • name
      Big Drop-Off
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      German Channel
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Ulong Island
      duration
      Half day to full day
      book Ahead
      Book ferries or boat tours 3-7 days ahead in peak season.
  • area
    Peleliu
    attractions
    • name
      Peleliu Battlefield
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Orange Beach
      duration
      2-4 hours
      book Ahead
      No ticket required; arrive early in peak season for parking and space.
    • name
      Bloody Nose Ridge
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Peleliu State Museum
      duration
      1.5-3 hours
      book Ahead
      Book timed entry 1-2 weeks ahead for major museums; same-day often fine off-season.
Itineraries
  • title
    Palau Highlights Express
    duration
    5 days
    locations
    • Koror
    • Rock Islands
    • Peleliu
    highlights
    • Full day discovering Koror
    • Full day discovering Rock Islands
    • Full day discovering Peleliu
    best For
    Weekend warriors and short trips
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Koror
      description
      Land in Koror, check into your stay, and take an easy orientation walk. Try a well-rated local restaurant to start your Palau trip.
    • day
      2
      title
      Explore Rock Islands
      description
      Dedicate the day to Rock Islands: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      3
      title
      Peleliu and farewell
      description
      Spend your final day in Peleliu visiting any missed sights, picking up souvenirs, and preparing for departure.
  • title
    Classic Palau
    duration
    7 days
    locations
    • Koror
    • Rock Islands
    • Peleliu
    highlights
    • Cover Koror and Rock Islands
    • Explore Peleliu
    best For
    Outdoor lovers and slow travel
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Koror
      description
      Land in Koror, check into your stay, and take an easy orientation walk. Try a well-rated local restaurant to start your Palau trip.
    • day
      2
      title
      Explore Rock Islands
      description
      Dedicate the day to Rock Islands: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      3
      title
      Peleliu and farewell
      description
      Spend your final day in Peleliu visiting any missed sights, picking up souvenirs, and preparing for departure.
  • title
    Palau Beaches & Coast
    duration
    5 days
    locations
    • Koror
    • Rock Islands
    • Peleliu
    highlights
    • Coastal day in Koror
    • Coastal day in Rock Islands
    • Coastal day in Peleliu
    best For
    Sun seekers, swimmers, and coastal road trips
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Koror
      description
      Check in near the shore and take a relaxed walk along the waterfront. Swim or sunbathe if conditions allow, then settle into a seaside dinner in Koror.
    • day
      2
      title
      Rock Islands coast
      description
      Spend the day on Rock Islands's shoreline: Milky Way Lagoon, Big Drop-Off, German Channel, with time for cafés, boat trips, or sunset views.
    • day
      3
      title
      Peleliu and farewell
      description
      Enjoy a final beach morning in Peleliu, visiting Peleliu Battlefield, Orange Beach, Bloody Nose Ridge before you depart Palau.
  • title
    Palau Countryside
    duration
    5 days
    locations
    • Koror
    • Rock Islands
    • Peleliu
    highlights
    • Rural stop: Koror
    • Rural stop: Rock Islands
    • Rural stop: Peleliu
    best For
    Nature lovers, hikers, and slow travel
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Koror
      description
      Reach Koror, drop bags at a rural stay, and take a short walk through nearby villages or trails to get oriented.
    • day
      2
      title
      Rock Islands countryside
      description
      Explore Rock Islands at an easy pace: Milky Way Lagoon, Big Drop-Off, German Channel with a focus on open landscapes away from the crowds.
    • day
      3
      title
      Peleliu and farewell
      description
      Wrap up with a slow morning in Peleliu, stopping at Peleliu Battlefield, Orange Beach, Bloody Nose Ridge before heading home.
  • title
    Palau Monuments & Hot Spots
    duration
    5 days
    locations
    • Koror
    • Peleliu
    • Rock Islands
    highlights
    • Must-see: Jellyfish Lake
    • Must-see: Ngardmau Waterfall
    • Must-see: Peleliu Battlefield
    • Must-see: Orange Beach
    best For
    Sightseeing, history buffs, and first-time landmark hunters
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Icons of Koror
      description
      Start in Koror with Jellyfish Lake, Ngardmau Waterfall, Belau National Museum, buying timed tickets ahead when possible and finishing with a walk through the historic center.
    • day
      2
      title
      Peleliu monuments
      description
      Focus on Peleliu's tourist favorites: Peleliu Battlefield, Orange Beach, Bloody Nose Ridge with breaks for local food between sights.
    • day
      3
      title
      Rock Islands landmarks and farewell
      description
      Catch any remaining must-sees in Rock Islands, including Milky Way Lagoon, Big Drop-Off, German Channel, before your departure.
When to go & typical weather
summary
November through April is dry season in Palau, with calm seas for Jellyfish Lake, Rock Islands kayaking, and WWII wreck diving in world-class visibility. Trade winds keep Koror comfortable during peak dive season.
typical Weather
Koror Nov-Apr: highs 30-31°C (86-88°F), lows 24-25°C (75-77°F), 150-200 mm rain vs 350 mm Jun-Aug. Sea 28-29°C (82-84°F). Visibility 30+ m diving.
details
  • Dec-Mar peak dive season; liveaboards book early.
  • May-Oct wetter with typhoon risk Jul-Oct.
  • Jellyfish Lake access varies; check park status.
  • Rock Islands permit required; plan through operators.
most Affordable
period
May – Oct
summary
Wet typhoon-season months offer Palau's steepest dive and resort discounts when Rock Islands operators cut rates despite weather risk.
details
  • Koror dive resorts discount 35-45% in wet season.
  • Liveaboard operators offer typhoon-season promotions.
  • Jellyfish Lake tour packages cheaper in low season.
  • United Airlines Guam-Koror fares less crowded off-peak.
most Expensive
period
Dec – Mar
summary
Dry dive season peak fills Palau when Jellyfish Lake, Blue Corner, and Rock Islands liveaboards operate at maximum demand and highest rates.
details
  • Rock Islands liveaboards sell out at peak Dec-Mar rates.
  • Jellyfish Lake permit tours premium in dry dive season.
  • Koror waterfront hotels fill during peak dive months.
  • Blue Corner dive operators charge peak in calm dry seas.
Airports & arrivals
summary
Roman Tmetuchl International Airport in Airai serves Koror.
airports
  • name
    Roman Tmetuchl International Airport
    code
    ROR
    location
    Airai, serving Koror
    distance From Center
    10 km (6 mi) northeast of Koror
    transfer Note
    Taxis reach dive lodges and Rock Islands tours
Getting around
overview
Palauans drive; Koror has taxis and tour boats to Rock Islands.
trains
    ferries
      subways
        public Transit
        • name
          Palau Bus
          kind
          public
          description
          Limited route buses on Koror and Babeldaob.
          ticketing
          Pay cash when boarding.
        • name
          Rock Islands Boat Tours
          kind
          public
          description
          Boats to Rock Islands and Jellyfish Lake.
          ticketing
          Book through tour operators.
        • name
          Koror Taxi
          kind
          public
          description
          Licensed taxis in Koror.
          ticketing
          Agree fare before departure.
        ride Share
          Currency
          code
          USD
          name
          United States dollar
          symbol
          $
          note
          U.S. dollars circulate alongside or instead of a local currency in many everyday transactions.

          Convert your travel budget ↗

          Visas & official entry links
          Local customs
          summary
          Palau is Micronesian, marine-conservation focused, with a mandatory environmental fee and strong jellyfish lake rules. Rock Islands tourism follows guide-led etiquette. Community respect and reef protection are legal priorities.
          customs
          • Bul, traditional moratorium, may close areas; obey signs.
          • Modest dress in Koror and villages.
          • Storyboard carving culture is proud heritage.
          dos
          • Pay environmental fees and follow dive briefings.
          • Use reef-safe sunscreen; some types are banned.
          • Ask before photographing locals and chiefs.
          • Dress modestly outside resort areas.
          • Tip boat crews as operators recommend.
          donts
          • Do not touch jellyfish or wildlife in protected lakes.
          • Do not collect coral, shells, or sand.
          • Do not fly drones over communities without permission.
          • Do not wear swimwear in town shops and restaurants.
          • Do not ignore no-fishing and no-anchoring zones.
          Useful travel phrases
          language
          English
          phrases
          • english
            Please
            local
            Please
            pronunciation
            PLEEZ
          • english
            Thank you
            local
            Thank you
            pronunciation
            THANK yoo
          • english
            Yes
            local
            Yes
            pronunciation
            YES
          • english
            No
            local
            No
            pronunciation
            NOH
          • english
            How much?
            local
            How much?
            pronunciation
            how MUCH
          • english
            Where is the nearest restaurant or bar?
            local
            Where is the nearest restaurant or bar?
            pronunciation
            wair iz thuh NEER-est RES-tuh-raunt or BAR
          • english
            Where is the airport?
            local
            Where is the airport?
            pronunciation
            wair iz thee AIR-port
          • english
            I need help
            local
            I need help
            pronunciation
            eye need HELP
          • english
            I need a hospital
            local
            I need a hospital
            pronunciation
            eye need uh HOS-pih-tul
          • english
            Call the police
            local
            Call the police
            pronunciation
            kawl thuh puh-LEES
          Longer stays
          visa Summary
          U.S. citizens may enter Palau visa-free for up to one year under Compact-related arrangements in most cases. Employment beyond tourism requires work permits from Palau immigration for non-Compact categories. Compact and local permit rules are clarified by Palau's Bureau of Immigration for specific employment plans.

          Practical tips.

          • Buy the Palau Pledge stamp and watch the inbound conservation video because entry requires both for environmental rules.
          • Apply reef-safe sunscreen only because certain ingredients are banned to protect Jellyfish Lake and dive sites.
          • Book dive operators and Rock Islands tours early in dry season because daily visitor caps apply to popular sites.
          More travel tips ↗

          Locate Palau.

          Location map of Palau

          Before you go.

          Check current entry requirements and travel conditions with official sources before booking. Read the current U.S. State Department advisory for Palau ↗