Palau

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.

When the underwater wonders have finished working their magic on you, there are other adventure options. Kayaking, snorkelling and off-road driving are fabulous, with the added appeal of fantastic settings. And for history buffs there are plenty of WWII relics scattered in the jungle, as well as a handful of well-organised museums in Koror, Palau's largest town.

Explore Palau

  • Belau National Museum & Bai

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

  • WWII Memorial Museum

    Housed in a concrete building that was a dispensary during WWII, this well-organised museum is an excellent starting point to understand the historical…

  • Badrulchau Stone Monoliths

    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…

  • American Tanks

    Northwest of the airstrip, two sturdy-looking US tanks rust in union on a grassy patch of land near a dirt track. Both are LVTs – Landing Vehicle Tractors…

  • Airai Bai

    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…

  • Peleliu Peace Memorial Park

    On the southwestern tip of the island, the Japanese government built this memorial in 1985 for those who perished on Palau during WWII. The monument…

  • Melekeok Bai

    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…

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Palau.

  • See

    Belau National Museum & Bai

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

  • See

    WWII Memorial Museum

    Housed in a concrete building that was a dispensary during WWII, this well-organised museum is an excellent starting point to understand the historical…

  • See

    Badrulchau Stone Monoliths

    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…

  • See

    Japanese Military Headquarters Building

    This two-storey building was the Japanese forward command post during WWII. It was important in their efforts to control Peleliu and was very fiercely…

  • See

    American Tanks

    Northwest of the airstrip, two sturdy-looking US tanks rust in union on a grassy patch of land near a dirt track. Both are LVTs – Landing Vehicle Tractors…

  • See

    Airai Bai

    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…

  • See

    Peleliu Peace Memorial Park

    On the southwestern tip of the island, the Japanese government built this memorial in 1985 for those who perished on Palau during WWII. The monument…

  • See

    Melekeok Bai

    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…

Guidebooks

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