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Discover Palau
This tiny island is difficult to navigate on the map but has some of the best diving spots in the world. Check out our post to learn more.
Palau Quick Guide
- Currency: US Dollar (USD)
- Language: Palauan and English
- Emergency Number: 911
- Tipping: Not expected but appreciated (5–10% in restaurants)
- Fun Fact #1: Palau created the world’s first shark sanctuary in 2009
- Fun Fact #2: The Palau Pledge requires visitors to sign a passport stamp promising to respect the environment
- Fun Fact #3: Jellyfish Lake is home to stingless jellyfish you can swim with!
Where to Stay in Palau
Palau offers laid-back beach resorts, boutique hotels, and eco-lodges mostly centered around Koror. You’ll find everything from luxury overwater bungalows to budget guesthouses. Diving-focused stays cater to underwater adventurers, while private island resorts promise secluded paradise. Book early in high season (Nov–Apr) as accommodation is limited and fills quickly.
Start by planning out where you would like to visit and then search for accommodation in those areas. We use Booking.com for all our hotel stays, many hotels have pay later offers and you can build up your Genius level to get discounts on your stays.
How to Get Around Palau
Palau’s main urban area is Koror, connected by bridges and roads to Babeldaob, the largest island. Renting a car is the best option for exploring Babeldaob’s waterfalls, cultural sites, and viewpoints at your own pace. Taxis are available in Koror but can be expensive and hard to hail without pre-booking. Many accommodations offer airport shuttles, and tour operators include transport to dive shops, docks, and adventure excursions.
There’s no public bus system, but boats are essential for reaching the Rock Islands and outer dive/snorkel sites. Day trips by speedboat are the most common way to explore marine highlights like Jellyfish Lake, Milky Way Lagoon, and the coral gardens. Domestic flights aren’t necessary unless traveling to neighboring island states like Angaur or Peleliu, usually via charter.
Must-Visit Places in Palau
- Rock Islands – Stunning limestone islets perfect for kayaking, snorkeling, and photography
- Jellyfish Lake – Swim among thousands of harmless golden jellyfish
- Milky Way Lagoon – Natural mud bath in a turquoise bay
- Ngardmau Waterfall – Palau’s largest waterfall, accessible by trail or monorail
- Belau National Museum – Insight into Palauan culture, history, and art
- Babeldaob Island – Home to hidden beaches, traditional villages, and WWII relics
- Long Beach – Gorgeous sandbar that appears at low tide
- German Channel – Famous diving site for manta rays and reef sharks
- Peleliu Island – Historical WWII battle site with guided tours and memorials
- Etpison Museum – Fascinating local artifacts and exhibits in Koror
Stay Connected
Don’t waste time hunting for SIM cards or stressing about roaming. With an eSIM, you can get connected as soon as you land and stay online wherever your adventures take you.
🔗 Check out our guide to the cheapest eSIMs for international travel.
Palauan Food to Try
Palauan cuisine blends Micronesian, Japanese, and Filipino flavors with abundant seafood:
- Tinola – Chicken soup with ginger, papaya, and greens (Filipino influence)
- Fruit bat soup – A controversial traditional delicacy served in some local eateries
- Taro and cassava – Root vegetables often steamed or made into chips
- Grilled reef fish – Fresh catch seasoned and grilled, often served whole
- Ukaeb – A coconut-based dessert made with taro and banana
- Sashimi – Reflecting Japanese influence, freshly sliced raw fish is common
- Pichi-pichi – Steamed cassava cakes coated in coconut
- Local BBQ – A common street food with chicken, pork, or seafood skewers
Top 5 Things To Bring On Every Trip
- Travel Insurance: Protect yourself against unforeseen events like trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.
- Power Bank: Keep your devices charged on the go, ensuring you stay connected and capture every moment.
- Universal Travel Adapter: A must-have for international travelers to plug in and power up devices in different countries.
- Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated while reducing plastic waste; many destinations have refill stations available.
- Packing Cubes: Organize your luggage efficiently, making it easier to find items and maximize space.
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