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Palau

Best time: Nov – Apr
Safety Level 1
BeachsideNatureIslands

OVERVIEW

Jellyfish Lake and world-class dive sites. As part of Oceania in Oceania, Palau suits travelers drawn to beachside, nature, and islands. Use this guide to plan where to go, when to visit, and how to structure your days.

WHEN TO GO

Recommended window: Nov – Apr

November through April is dry season in Palau, with calm seas for Jellyfish Lake, Rock Islands kayaking, and WWII wreck diving in world-class visibility. Trade winds keep Koror comfortable during peak dive season.

Typical weather

  • Koror

    Nov-Apr
    • highs 30-31°C (86-88°F)
    • lows 24-25°C (75-77°F)
    • 150-200 mm rain vs 350 mm Jun-Aug

  • Sea temperature

    • 28-29°C (82-84°F)

  • Visibility 30+ m diving

  • Dec-Mar peak dive season; liveaboards book early.
  • May-Oct wetter with typhoon risk Jul-Oct.
  • Jellyfish Lake access varies; check park status.
  • Rock Islands permit required; plan through operators.

SEASONAL TRAVEL COSTS

Flight, hotel, and tour prices in Palau shift with demand, holidays, and weather. These windows usually mark the biggest savings and the steepest premiums.

Most affordable

May – Oct

Wet typhoon-season months offer Palau's steepest dive and resort discounts when Rock Islands operators cut rates despite weather risk.

  • Koror dive resorts discount 35-45% in wet season.
  • Liveaboard operators offer typhoon-season promotions.
  • Jellyfish Lake tour packages cheaper in low season.
  • United Airlines Guam-Koror fares less crowded off-peak.

Most expensive

Dec – Mar

Dry dive season peak fills Palau when Jellyfish Lake, Blue Corner, and Rock Islands liveaboards operate at maximum demand and highest rates.

  • Rock Islands liveaboards sell out at peak Dec-Mar rates.
  • Jellyfish Lake permit tours premium in dry dive season.
  • Koror waterfront hotels fill during peak dive months.
  • Blue Corner dive operators charge peak in calm dry seas.

BEST KNOWN FOR

Koror

Most popular city

Most dive operators, hotels, and Rock Islands boat departures start from Koror, the commercial hub adjacent to the capital.

  • Jellyfish Lake stingless swimming
  • Rock Islands mushroom-shaped limestone islets
  • Peleliu WWII battlefields and bunkers
  • Blue Corner wall dive with sharks
  • Bat soup and taro traditions on local menus

TOURIST HOT SPOTS

The regions and landmarks travelers visit most in Palau, with typical visit times, booking windows, and links to official tickets.

Koror

4 highlights

  • Jellyfish Lake

    Typical visit: 1-2 hours

    Book ahead: Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.

    Find official tickets

  • Ngardmau Waterfall

    Typical visit: 3-6 hours

    Book ahead: Check permit rules; popular trails may need booking 1-4 weeks ahead.

    Find official tickets

  • Belau National Museum

    Typical visit: 1.5-3 hours

    Book ahead: Book timed entry 1-2 weeks ahead for major museums; same-day often fine off-season.

    Find official tickets

  • Long Island Park

    Typical visit: 4-8 hours

    Book ahead: Book park permits or safari slots 1-7 days ahead in peak season.

    Find official tickets

Rock Islands

4 highlights

  • Milky Way Lagoon

    Typical visit: Half day to full day

    Book ahead: Book ferries or boat tours 3-7 days ahead in peak season.

    Find official tickets

  • Big Drop-Off

    Typical visit: 1-2 hours

    Book ahead: Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.

    Find official tickets

  • German Channel

    Typical visit: 1-2 hours

    Book ahead: Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.

    Find official tickets

  • Ulong Island

    Typical visit: Half day to full day

    Book ahead: Book ferries or boat tours 3-7 days ahead in peak season.

    Find official tickets

Peleliu

4 highlights

  • Peleliu Battlefield

    Typical visit: 1-2 hours

    Book ahead: Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.

    Find official tickets

  • Orange Beach

    Typical visit: 2-4 hours

    Book ahead: No ticket required; arrive early in peak season for parking and space.

    Find official tickets

  • Bloody Nose Ridge

    Typical visit: 1-2 hours

    Book ahead: Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.

    Find official tickets

  • Peleliu State Museum

    Typical visit: 1.5-3 hours

    Book ahead: Book timed entry 1-2 weeks ahead for major museums; same-day often fine off-season.

    Find official tickets

PHRASES TO GET AROUND

Ten useful English phrases with pronunciation guides and English translations. Save or screenshot this list before you go.

English

  • Please

    Please

    Pronunciation: PLEEZ

  • Thank you

    Thank you

    Pronunciation: THANK yoo

  • Yes

    Yes

    Pronunciation: YES

  • No

    No

    Pronunciation: NOH

  • How much?

    How much?

    Pronunciation: how MUCH

  • Where is the nearest restaurant or bar?

    Where is the nearest restaurant or bar?

    Pronunciation: wair iz thuh NEER-est RES-tuh-raunt or BAR

  • Where is the airport?

    Where is the airport?

    Pronunciation: wair iz thee AIR-port

  • I need help

    I need help

    Pronunciation: eye need HELP

  • I need a hospital

    I need a hospital

    Pronunciation: eye need uh HOS-pih-tul

  • Call the police

    Call the police

    Pronunciation: kawl thuh puh-LEES

LOCAL CUSTOMS & ETIQUETTE

Palau is Micronesian, marine-conservation focused, with a mandatory environmental fee and strong jellyfish lake rules. Rock Islands tourism follows guide-led etiquette. Community respect and reef protection are legal priorities.

Local customs

  • Bul, traditional moratorium, may close areas; obey signs.
  • Modest dress in Koror and villages.
  • Storyboard carving culture is proud heritage.

Do

  • Pay environmental fees and follow dive briefings.
  • Use reef-safe sunscreen; some types are banned.
  • Ask before photographing locals and chiefs.
  • Dress modestly outside resort areas.
  • Tip boat crews as operators recommend.

Do not

  • Do not touch jellyfish or wildlife in protected lakes.
  • Do not collect coral, shells, or sand.
  • Do not fly drones over communities without permission.
  • Do not wear swimwear in town shops and restaurants.
  • Do not ignore no-fishing and no-anchoring zones.

AIRPORTS

Roman Tmetuchl International Airport in Airai serves Koror.

  • Roman Tmetuchl International Airport

    ROR

    Airai, serving Koror

    From city center: 10 km (6 mi) northeast of Koror

    Getting in: Taxis reach dive lodges and Rock Islands tours

GETTING AROUND

Palauans drive; Koror has taxis and tour boats to Rock Islands.

Buses & public transit

Palau Bus

Public transit

Limited route buses on Koror and Babeldaob.

Tickets & use: Pay cash when boarding.

Visit Palau Bus

Rock Islands Boat Tours

Public transit

Boats to Rock Islands and Jellyfish Lake.

Tickets & use: Book through tour operators.

Visit Rock Islands Boat Tours

Koror Taxi

Public transit

Licensed taxis in Koror.

Tickets & use: Agree fare before departure.

Visit Koror Taxi

Ride-hailing apps are limited or unavailable in much of Palau. Plan on registered taxis, hotel transfers, or pre-arranged drivers.

PRACTICAL TIPS

Before you book, read our Safety travel tips. That guide explains how to read U.S. State Department advisories (including Level 1 for Palau), register for STEP alerts, get embassy help abroad, and what to do if family at home cannot reach you.

  • Buy the Palau Pledge stamp and watch the inbound conservation video because entry requires both for environmental rules.
  • Apply reef-safe sunscreen only because certain ingredients are banned to protect Jellyfish Lake and dive sites.
  • Book dive operators and Rock Islands tours early in dry season because daily visitor caps apply to popular sites.

MOVING OR STAYING LONGER

Visa rules and money basics for U.S. citizens thinking about a longer stay in Palau. Confirm current requirements with official immigration and consular sources before you move.

Visa & residence

U.S. citizens may enter Palau visa-free for up to one year under Compact-related arrangements in most cases. Employment beyond tourism requires work permits from Palau immigration for non-Compact categories. Compact and local permit rules are clarified by Palau's Bureau of Immigration for specific employment plans.

Official sources

Currency

United States dollar (USD · $)

U.S. dollars circulate alongside or instead of a local currency in many everyday transactions.

Open currency converter

POPULAR ITINERARIES

Five ready-made day-by-day routes through Palau: classic highlights, beaches, countryside, and top monuments. Mix and match segments to fit your schedule.

5 daysBest for: Weekend warriors and short trips

Palau Highlights Express

Koror · Rock Islands · Peleliu

  • Day 1: Arrive in Koror

    Land in Koror, check into your stay, and take an easy orientation walk. Try a well-rated local restaurant to start your Palau trip.

  • Day 2: Explore Rock Islands

    Dedicate the day to Rock Islands: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.

  • Day 3: Peleliu and farewell

    Spend your final day in Peleliu visiting any missed sights, picking up souvenirs, and preparing for departure.

Full day discovering KororFull day discovering Rock IslandsFull day discovering Peleliu

Sample route for Palau. Adjust pacing to match your travel style and season.

7 daysBest for: Outdoor lovers and slow travel

Classic Palau

Koror · Rock Islands · Peleliu

  • Day 1: Arrive in Koror

    Land in Koror, check into your stay, and take an easy orientation walk. Try a well-rated local restaurant to start your Palau trip.

  • Day 2: Explore Rock Islands

    Dedicate the day to Rock Islands: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.

  • Day 3: Peleliu and farewell

    Spend your final day in Peleliu visiting any missed sights, picking up souvenirs, and preparing for departure.

Cover Koror and Rock IslandsExplore Peleliu

Sample route for Palau. Adjust pacing to match your travel style and season.

5 daysBest for: Sun seekers, swimmers, and coastal road trips

Palau Beaches & Coast

Koror · Rock Islands · Peleliu

  • Day 1: Arrive in Koror

    Check in near the shore and take a relaxed walk along the waterfront. Swim or sunbathe if conditions allow, then settle into a seaside dinner in Koror.

  • Day 2: Rock Islands coast

    Spend the day on Rock Islands's shoreline: Milky Way Lagoon, Big Drop-Off, German Channel, with time for cafés, boat trips, or sunset views.

  • Day 3: Peleliu and farewell

    Enjoy a final beach morning in Peleliu, visiting Peleliu Battlefield, Orange Beach, Bloody Nose Ridge before you depart Palau.

Coastal day in KororCoastal day in Rock IslandsCoastal day in Peleliu

Sample route for Palau. Adjust pacing to match your travel style and season.

5 daysBest for: Nature lovers, hikers, and slow travel

Palau Countryside

Koror · Rock Islands · Peleliu

  • Day 1: Arrive in Koror

    Reach Koror, drop bags at a rural stay, and take a short walk through nearby villages or trails to get oriented.

  • Day 2: Rock Islands countryside

    Explore Rock Islands at an easy pace: Milky Way Lagoon, Big Drop-Off, German Channel with a focus on open landscapes away from the crowds.

  • Day 3: Peleliu and farewell

    Wrap up with a slow morning in Peleliu, stopping at Peleliu Battlefield, Orange Beach, Bloody Nose Ridge before heading home.

Rural stop: KororRural stop: Rock IslandsRural stop: Peleliu

Sample route for Palau. Adjust pacing to match your travel style and season.

5 daysBest for: Sightseeing, history buffs, and first-time landmark hunters

Palau Monuments & Hot Spots

Koror · Peleliu · Rock Islands

  • Day 1: Icons of Koror

    Start in Koror with Jellyfish Lake, Ngardmau Waterfall, Belau National Museum, buying timed tickets ahead when possible and finishing with a walk through the historic center.

  • Day 2: Peleliu monuments

    Focus on Peleliu's tourist favorites: Peleliu Battlefield, Orange Beach, Bloody Nose Ridge with breaks for local food between sights.

  • Day 3: Rock Islands landmarks and farewell

    Catch any remaining must-sees in Rock Islands, including Milky Way Lagoon, Big Drop-Off, German Channel, before your departure.

Must-see: Jellyfish LakeMust-see: Ngardmau WaterfallMust-see: Peleliu Battlefield

Sample route for Palau. Adjust pacing to match your travel style and season.