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Palau

Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2025

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Overview

The Republic of Palau is scenically magical. For such a tiny area of land, it packs a big punch. It's hard not to be overwhelmed by its extraordinary array of natural wonders: this is an archipelago of about 200 largely pristine limestone and volcanic islands, blanketed in emerald forest, surrounded by a shimmering turquoise lagoon. Unsurprisingly, diving is the number-one activity here, with truly world-class dive sites. Divers swear by Palau's exciting seascape, fascinating wrecks and stunningly diverse marine life – it's not dubbed 'the underwater Serengeti' for nothing.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Belau National Museum & Bai

    Belau National Museum & Bai

    Koror

    This little museum features exhibits from all eras of Palauan life, including artworks, photography, sculpture, storyboards and more. As you move between…

  • Badrulchau Stone Monoliths

    Badrulchau Stone Monoliths

    Palau

    If you want to see the 'Easter Island of Micronesia', bookmark this archaeological site located at Babeldaob's northernmost point, where you'll find large…

  • Airai Bai, Babeldaob Island, Palau

    Airai Bai

    Palau

    Palau's oldest bai (men's meeting house) is over 100 years old, 21m long and 6m wide, with a steeply pitched roof reaching a height of 12m. It was…

  • Kaigun Sho (Japanese Communication Centre), Babeldaob Island, Palau

    Kaigun Sho

    Palau

    Babeldaob's most impressive WWII site, Kaigun Sho is a bombed-out shell building, used as a communication centre by the Japanese during WWII. The facade…

  • Melekeok Bai, Babeldaob Island, Palau

    Melekeok Bai

    Palau

    This elegant bai (men's meeting house) stands in superb isolation up a hill in Melekeok. From the Melekeok State Office, where you'll pay the entrance fee…

  • Palau Community College Bai, Koror, Palau

    Palau Community College Bai

    Koror

    Your first encounter with a bai (men's meeting house made of wood and thatch) will probably take place in the grounds of Palau Community College, right in…

  • Ngatpang Waterfall

    Ngatpang Waterfall

    Palau

    Fancy a dip? Make a beeline for this little jungle waterfall that drops into a broad pool. It's only a five-minute walk down the main road, but there's no…

  • Capitol building, Babeldaob Island, Palau

    Palau National Capitol

    Palau

    Washington DC? No, Palau's political centre. This monumental building, which was constructed in 2006, is a replica of the American capitol. Visitors are…

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Palau and beyond

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