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.

How to get there?

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.

Best time to go?

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.

How many days ?

Palau is small enough that you can do it in about 4-5 days!

Other things to know :

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.

 

 

Where to Stay :

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!

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.

 

 

Things to do :

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.

Milky Way Lagoon is so dreamy!

 

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.

 

 

Snorkeling in Palau is incredible!

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.

Carp Island – so pristine and unspoiled

Jellyfish Lake

This popular spot unfortunately has very few jellyfish now, but still worth a visit if you have the time.

Jellyfish lake from the sky and a stock free image of the jellyfish in the lake.

Natural Arch

A beautiful natural arch in the Rock islands.

2) Scenic Flight over Rock Islands

an epic experience flying over the Rock Islands.

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.

Blues on Blues in Kayangel Atoll

Quaint vibes of Kayangel island

4) Ngardmau waterfall

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.

Packing tips :