Palau

Country · Oceania

Palau is a small island country in the western Pacific. It is an independent republic in free association with the United States. Most visitors come for the sea. The Rock Islands Southern Lagoon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2012, has coral reefs, quiet bays and famous dive sites such as Blue Corner and German Channel. Visitors also swim with harmless jellyfish in Jellyfish Lake.

Most people stay in Koror and travel out by boat. The largest island, Babeldaob, has forest, waterfalls and the capital, Ngerulmud. Peleliu, in the south, has ruins from a major World War II battle. Palau suits divers, snorkelers, and travelers who like nature and quiet islands.

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Money & payments

The official currency is the US dollar. You can bring dollars with you.

Carry some cash for small shops, boat trips and remote islands.

USD

1 USD ≈ 0.8802 EUR 1 EUR ≈ 1.136 USD

Featured Lists

tata_aka_T / CC BY 2.0

Palau Essentials

Palau's landscape is defined by the UNESCO-listed Rock Islands and the deep-rooted cultural heritage of Babeldaob. This collection highlights the archipelago’s unique biodiversity, such as the stingless medusae of Jellyfish Lake and the mineral-rich limestone mud of the Milky Way. It also explores significant historical sites, including centuries-old traditional Bais with hand-painted gables, ancient earthen terraces in Aimelik, and surviving WWII relics from the Pacific theater. These locations represent the intersection of Micronesian tradition, colonial history, and exceptional marine environments.

10 places

Palau's Must-See Landmarks

Palau's landscape features a blend of ancient engineering and 20th-century history. This collection highlights the traditional bai (meeting houses) of Airai and Melekeok, adorned with intricate storyboard carvings. It includes the ancient earthwork terraces of Aimelik and the megalithic stones of Meteu 'L Klechem. The list also covers significant World War II sites on Peleliu, including coastal defense guns and memorials, alongside natural landmarks like the Ngardmau Waterfall and the mineral-rich waters of the Milky Way.

10 places

tata_aka_T / CC BY 2.0

Palau's Hidden Lakes & Ruins

Palau's landscape features more than just coral reefs. This collection highlights the marine lakes of Eil Malk, including the world-famous Jellyfish Lake and the secluded Metukercheuas Uet. On the island of Babeldaob, the list covers Lake Ngardok, Micronesia’s largest freshwater body, and the Badrulchau stone monoliths, an archaeological site featuring 52 basalt pillars. These sites protect rare ecosystems and provide insight into the archipelago's early megalithic culture and geological history.

6 places

Best Diving and Beaches

Palau’s archipelago contains a unique blend of marine biodiversity and Pacific theater history. This collection features established dive operators in Koror, such as Fish 'n Fins and Neco Marine, which provide access to the Rock Islands. It also highlights historically significant sites like Orange and White Beaches on Peleliu, the location of major WWII amphibious landings, and the remote Helen Reef, a protected atoll in Hatohobei State known for its high coral density.

10 places

Cultural Heritage of Palau

Palau’s cultural landscape spans centuries of indigenous traditions and intense 20th-century history. This selection includes the ancient Badrulchau stone monoliths in Ngerchelong and the Meteu 'L Klechem heritage site. It also highlights the islands' strategic role in World War II, featuring the Japanese Communications Center ruins and various memorials on Peleliu. Cultural institutions like the Etpison Museum and Ngarachamayong Cultural Center provide context on Palauan craftsmanship, traditional social structures, and archaeological findings.

10 places

Tours & Activities

Palau — Map

Tipping

Ask your hotel or tour operator if a service charge is already included in the price.

Electricity

Palau uses the same plugs and voltage as the United States. Travelers from North America need no adapter. Others may need a plug adapter and a voltage converter.

Type A

Type B

120 V · 60 Hz

Language

Palauan and English are the main official languages. In two southern island states, Sonsorolese and Tobian are also official. English is widely used in Koror and in tourism. In small villages you will hear more Palauan.

HelloAlii

Thank youKe kmal mesulang

YesChoi

NoNg diak

Safety & emergencies

Palau has a low crime rate. Government advice says petty crime linked to drug use is increasing, so lock your room and do not leave valuables in cars or on beaches.

Sea and nature are the main risks:

Strong tides and lagoon currents have caused deaths among swimmers. Follow your guide and listen to local advice.
Heat can cause serious illness. Drink water and rest in the shade.
Saltwater crocodiles live in parts of Palau. Ask locals before you swim in mangroves or river mouths.
Unexploded bombs from World War II are still found in some places. Do not touch metal objects on old battle sites.
Palau can have typhoons and tropical storms. Some coasts are at risk from tsunamis.
Swimming in Jellyfish Lake has been closed before, and jellyfish numbers change. Check current status with tour operators.
Ambulance service is limited outside Koror. Help can take much longer to reach remote islands.
Take care when you dive or explore caves. Dive only with a licensed operator.

The emergency number is 911 for police, ambulance and fire.

General emergency911

Police911

Ambulance911

Fire brigade911

Health

Tap water: ask your hotel if the water is safe to drink. Many visitors use bottled or filtered water.
Insects: dengue occurs in Palau. Use insect repellent and cover up at dawn and dusk.
Vaccines: check current advice with your doctor or travel clinic at least 8 weeks before you go.
Hospital: the only national hospital is Belau National Hospital in Koror. Facilities are limited, and serious cases may need to be flown to another country. Buy travel insurance with medical evacuation.
Diving: the hospital in Koror has a hyperbaric chamber for diving accidents. Divers should have insurance that covers dive injuries.

Visas & entry

Palau is an independent country. It has a special agreement with the United States, but US entry rules do not apply. Follow Palau's own rules.

Most visitors get a tourist visa on arrival. Government travel advice says it is valid for up to 30 days. One Palau tourism source says stays can be extended to 90 days in total, with fees.
Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months after you arrive. Some advice says you also need 2 blank pages.
Keep an onward or return ticket. Border officers may ask for it.
Complete the online Palau entry form within 72 hours before you arrive.
Everyone must sign the Palau Pledge, an environmental promise that is stamped in your passport.
A Pristine Paradise Environmental Fee of 100 US dollars is included in the price of international airline tickets to Palau. Check with your airline.
Most tours in the Rock Islands need a Rock Islands permit. Jellyfish Lake needs a separate permit. Permits are required and cost extra. Prices and validity change, so check current prices with your operator.

Visa and entry requirements change frequently. Verify current requirements with the official immigration authority or your country's embassy before travel.

Getting around

By car: taxis and rental cars are available around Koror. Both left-hand and right-hand drive cars are on the road.
By boat: the Rock Islands, Jellyfish Lake and the dive sites are reached by boat. Most people join a tour from Koror.
To Peleliu: it is about an hour or more by boat from Koror. Many visitors go on a day tour. Ask an operator or your hotel for the current boat options.
Between Koror and Babeldaob: a road bridge connects the two islands, so you can drive to the north.

Driving

Licence: US government advice says a US state licence can be used for up to 30 days. Australian government advice says to carry an International Driving Permit as well. Bring both and confirm with your rental company.
Road conditions: many roads on the other islands are not paved. After rain, some can be reached only with a 4WD vehicle.

Food & drink

Local food uses taro, cassava, yam, fish and pork. Fruit bat soup is a local delicacy. The food also shows Japanese, American and Filipino influence. Tama is a dessert developed in Palau.

Sweets & desserts

TamaA dessert developed in Palau.

Signature dishes

Fruit bat soupA Palauan delicacy.

Where to explore

Most trips centre on these places:

Koror is the main town. It has most hotels, restaurants and dive shops, and boats leave from here.
Rock Islands is the group of small green islands south of Koror. It has Jellyfish Lake (Jellyfish Lake), the Milky Way lagoon and the well-known dive sites.
Babeldaob is the largest island. It has the capital, Ngerulmud, and Ngardmau Waterfall (Ngardmau Waterfall), reached by a forest hike.
Peleliu is a small island in the south with WWII ruins from the 1944 battle.
Angaur is a small southern island. Kayangel is a small atoll in the far north.