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.
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Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Palau.
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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 constructed using local materials of wood and thatch on a stone platform. A number of legendary scenes and symbolic motifs are painted inside and outside. Look for the figure of delerrok, the mythical money bird, found at all four corners of the bai; it was thought to bring good fortune to the village.
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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 floors it is fascinating to trace the history of colonial occupation on the island. The museum grounds also contain a striking wood-and-thatch bai (men's meeting house), carved and painted with depictions of Palauan legends.
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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 comprises a rectangular concrete block with basaltic inlays, supported by two massive concrete slabs. During a visit in April 2015, Japan's Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko offered flowers and prayers at the cenotaph.
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US Army 323rd Infantry Monument & Lookout
The large coral ridge that runs parallel to Peleliu's west coast was nicknamed 'Bloody Nose Ridge' by the Americans in WWII. This small limestone hill covered with thick jungle was turned into a virtually impregnable fortress by the Japanese troops during their occupation of the island. The US forces gradually gained the upper hand, but at tremendous cost in life and limb on both sides. At the top of the hill, a coral obelisk honours the US Army 323rd Infantry.
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Kaigun Sho
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 is partially scarred by bullet holes. A Japanese tank and a few anti-aircraft guns lie next to the building. The site is easy to find – coming from Koror, rather than turning towards the airport, continue straight on the main road.
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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, a stone path leads to the bai in about 15 minutes. This well-proportioned structure is elaborately ornamented with traditional designs and colours. The east gable sports the legendary figure of dilukái, the symbol of fertility, as well as animal and marine-life motifs. The rooster is said to represent an industrious individual, who rises early.
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Thousand Man Cave
On the northern outskirts of the Klouklubed village, Thousand Man Cave refers to a maze of tunnels and chambers built by the Japanese during WWII. The Americans encountered a great deal of trouble penetrating this cave system to dislodge the 1000 or so Japanese who refused to surrender – they resorted to blocking up the exits, leaving only two open, and using flame-throwers and explosive charges to force the remaining Japanese out.
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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 significance of the battle for Peleliu. It contains a fine collection of period photographs and war artefacts, including weapons, uniforms and proclamations. Just across the road, a path leads to White Beach. When the tide is low, you can see a few tracks of Sherman tanks immediately offshore; they look like coral formations.
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Palau Community College Bai
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 the centre of Koror. Here you'll find a superb bai beside a small memorial amid tropical gardens. There's another bai in the college's courtyard and both are replicas of original bai. Check out at the elaborate, colourful designs on the gables, depicting legends and traditional stories.
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