Palau has always been so high on my bucketlist and after having been there I am convinced its truly one of the most unspoiled paradises to exist. Palau is a hidden gem of over 500 pristine islands in the western Pacific Ocean, part of the Micronesia region. Known for its world-class diving, untouched nature, and strong cultural heritage, it’s a dream destination for eco-adventurers, marine life lovers, and those seeking serenity away from the crowds. Picture crystal-clear lagoons, jellyfish-filled lakes, WWII shipwrecks, lush jungles, and the friendliest locals you’ll ever meet.
Despite its remote location, Palau is very accessible via air. The main airport is in Koror. Popular Routes from the U.S. or Europe : you would first need to fly to Guam, Manila, or Taipei, then connect to Palau. Airlines include United Airlines, China Airlines, and Qantas. We flew China Airlines from SFO to Taipei and then Taipei to Koror.
November to April is the best time to go as this is the dry season. Palau is outside the typical typhoon belt, making it a relatively safe tropical destination year-round. But it is in a rain prone zone so outside the dry season you might get more rain, but this won’t matter especially if you diving.
Visa
Most nationalities, including U.S. citizens and EU countries, don’t need a visa for short stays (up to 30 days), but check beforehand.
Palau Pledge
Every visitor must sign a pledge upon arrival, promising to respect the environment and culture — it’s stamped in your passport!
Currency
U.S. Dollar (USD) is the official currency. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and larger restaurants, but cash is useful for local markets and smaller vendors.
Connectivity
Wi-Fi can be spotty, especially on outer islands. SIM cards and mobile hotspots are available at the airport or local stores.
Language
Palauan and English are official languages. English is widely spoken.
Getting around
You can rent a car to go around the island. But if you stay in Koror you probbaly won’t need one since most tours pick you up from your accomodation.
Sustainability
Palau is a global leader in eco-tourism. Single-use plastics and harmful sunscreens (like those with oxybenzone) are banned to protect coral reefs. Use reef-safe sunscreen, one that I found locally and loved is Pura Vida Palau.
Koror is the hub for accommodation and activities. Options range from luxury to budget:
Luxury / Boutique Resorts
Palau Pacific Resort
Beachfront bliss with a private lagoon, and the only resort here to have luxe overwater villas and lagoon villas. We loved staying here, more on my stay in my blog post.
Palau Royal Resort
Stylish and central with ocean views.
Palau Cove Resort
Nautical inspired, oceanfront resort.
Luxury liveaboard
Four Seasons Explorer Palau
If you prefer to stay on a liveaboard where your food, dives and activities are included , this floating resort can’t be beat.
Mid Range Hotels
Palau Central Hotel
Chic, modern, great location.
Garden Palace Downtown Koror
Cozy with lush surroundings.
Listing out some must do things to do in Palau :
1) Rock Islands Lagoon Tour
The Rock Islands of Palau are a stunning collection of over 300 limestone and coral islands scattered across the turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean. These lush, uninhabited islets are famous for their unique mushroom-like shapes, hidden marine lakes, and rich biodiversity. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the area is home to Jellyfish Lake, where visitors can swim with harmless jellyfish, and some of the world’s most vibrant coral reefs, making it a paradise for divers and nature lovers alike.
There are many companies that do tours to this region. We loved going on the “New Southern Lagoon Tour” with Impac Tours. They have a few options to choose from depending on what stops you want to go to. Some of my favorite stops inluded :
Milky Way Lagoon :
Milky Way Lagoon in Palau is a serene and otherworldly spot tucked among the Rock Islands, famous for its bright turquoise waters and soft white limestone mud. Visitors flock to this natural spa to cover themselves in the mineral-rich mud, believed to have skin-rejuvenating properties. Surrounded by lush jungle and calm, clear waters, the lagoon offers a peaceful escape and a one-of-a-kind experience that blends natural beauty with a fun, spa-like adventure.
Best Snorkeling Spots : Clam city, Big Drop Off and Shark City
The snorkeling in Palau is some of the best we have ever done! The reefs are so vibrant and alive – we saw reef sharks, giant clams and all the colorful fish and coral.
German Channel
German Channel in Palau is a world-renowned dive site created during the early 1900s by German miners to access phosphate deposits. Today, it’s a hotspot for scuba divers, famous for its strong currents that attract majestic manta rays, reef sharks, and schools of tropical fish. Even if you aren’t a diver, this spot is worth visiting for its amazing blues.
Long Beach
An incredible sandbar that gets exposed at low tide! the beach here is absolutely unreal.
Carp Island
Loved stopping over at Carp Island for lunch.
Jellyfish Lake
This popular spot unfortunately has very few jellyfish now, but still worth a visit if you have the time.
Natural Arch
A beautiful natural arch in the Rock islands.
2) Scenic Flight over Rock Islands
An absolute must do bucketlist experience on your visit to Palau is flying over the beautiful Rock Islands of Palau in an open door scenic flight. We loved doing this with Smile Air in an open door flight!
The stunning Seventy islands within the Rock islands is probably the most famous panorama from Palau. This is a UNESCO world heritage site and this specific part ( the seventy islands) of the rock islands prohibits any visitors on the water or on land , and so the ONLY way to see this epic view is from the air !
3) Kayangel boat tour
If you know me and how much I love a remote unspoiled paradise – you would have to believe me when I say Kayangel was without a doubt the most beautiful part of Palau and my personal highlight. It is hard to get to but so worth it. We did it with Impac Tours.
Kayangel is Palau’s northernmost state, comprising a small atoll with four islets, located approximately 35 km north of Babeldaob Island. The atoll features pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and vibrant coral reefs, making it a secluded paradise for nature lovers. The main islet, also named Kayangel, is the only inhabited one, with a small community of only 50 people relying on solar power and local resources.
4) Ngardmau waterfall
Palau’s largest waterfall, nestled in the jungle — reach it via a scenic hike.
5) Trip to Peliliu Island for WWII history
Peleliu is a small island in Palau, renowned for the intense World War II Battle of Peleliu in 1944, and today serves as a poignant historical site with preserved battlefields and memorials.
6) Visit the Museums
Learn more about Palauan history and culture by visiting Belau National Museium and Etpison Museum.
7) Visit a traditional Bai House
A bai is a traditional Paluan men’s meeting house, historically used by village chiefs and elders for decision-making, storytelling, and ceremonies. Think of it as the original town hall, but way more artistic. Airai Bai is the most popular one to visit.
8) Diving in the Rock Islands
Palau has some of the world’s best diving! Some of the best dive spots include Blue Corner, German Channel, Ulong Channel, Big Drop off.
Dont forget to pack :
- Light, breathable clothing
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Waterproof dry bags
- Insect repellent
- Snorkel gear (optional – can be rented)
- Water shoes (for rocky spots)
- An underwater camera! Love our new DJI Osmo Action 5.
Thanks for stopping by! xo
Jyo