Rock islands and the world's finest diving
Open Palau in the interactive travelogue →Hundreds of jungle-topped limestone mushrooms scattered across a jade lagoon.
Best time: Nov–Apr — The drier season gives the calmest seas for island-hopping.
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A marine lake where you snorkel among millions of harmless golden jellyfish.
Best time: Nov–Apr — Drier months are best for the boat and lake.
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A legendary wall dive of sharks and swirling fish in the current.
Best time: Nov–Apr — The dry season gives the clearest water.
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The scarred battlefield island of 1944, of bunkers, caves and wrecks.
Best time: Nov–Apr — Drier months suit the jungle battle sites.
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Ancient sacred forest reserve and cultural heritage protection area in Palau.
Best time: May–Oct — Spiritually significant forest sanctuary preserving Palauan cultural traditions.
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Palau's tallest waterfall, reached through jungle on an old mining rail.
Best time: Jan–Apr — Drier months keep the forest trail passable.
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Palau's domed national capitol, standing alone in the rainforest.
Best time: Nov–Apr — The dry season is best for the drive north.
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A field of ancient carved basalt monoliths on a grassy northern hill.
Best time: Nov–Apr — Drier months are best for the open hilltop.
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Micronesia's largest freshwater lake, of crocodiles and birdlife.
Best time: Jan–Apr — The drier season is best for the reserve trails.
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Traditional Palauan stilt-house settlement showcasing cultural maritime heritage.
Best time: May–Oct — Living example of traditional Palauan waterborne architecture and community.
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Jungle-swallowed bunkers and guns of the fierce 1944 fighting.
Best time: Nov–Apr — Drier months are best for the overgrown relics.
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A ruined pre-war lighthouse with a view over the island and reef.
Best time: Nov–Apr — The dry season keeps the jungle path passable.
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A dramatic reef drop-off of sharks, turtles and pristine coral.
Best time: Nov–Apr — Drier months give the clearest water for wall dives.
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The Pacific's only wild monkeys, roaming the island's forest.
Best time: Nov–Apr — The dry season is best for the forest walks.
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Prehistoric megaliths of mysterious origin standing on isolated Micronesian island.
Best time: May–Oct — Ancient monuments indicating pre-contact Micronesian cultural sophistication.
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Extensive WWII remnants including bunkers, gun emplacements, and battle monuments from the fierce Pacific war.
Best time: Nov–May — Peleliu preserves one of the Pacific War's most significant and devastating island campaigns.
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A world-renowned coral reef dive site with dramatic drop-offs, sharks, and pristine coral gardens.
Best time: Nov–May — Blue Corner offers some of the world's most spectacular reef diving with prolific marine life.
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Pristine beaches with white sand, clear waters, and access to pristine coral ecosystems.
Best time: Nov–May — The beaches combine pristine tropical beauty with unique historical and cultural significance.
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An important memorial site honoring Japanese soldiers who died during the Battle of Peleliu.
Best time: Nov–May — The memorial provides respectful remembrance and historical context for the island's tragic wartime past.
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A pristine reef channel with strong currents attracting pelagic fish and large marine megafauna.
Best time: Nov–May — German Channel showcases Palau's abundant ocean life with encounters with sharks and large pelagic species.
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A pristine multi-tiered cascade hidden within rainforest accessible by a scenic hiking trail.
Best time: December to April — It offers a refreshing escape from island heat and showcases Palau's lush interior beauty.
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Remnants of the traditional royal residence and gathering place of Melekeok's chiefs.
Best time: Year-round — It reveals Palau's indigenous cultural heritage and traditional leadership structures.
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A small but rich collection of traditional crafts, fishing tools, and contemporary Palauan art.
Best time: Year-round — It documents daily life and artistic traditions that define modern Palauan identity.
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Dramatic cliff-side vistas over the Philippine Sea with numerous small islets dotting the horizon.
Best time: December to April — The panoramic views span three directions and showcase Palau's distinctive island topography.
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A weekly farmers' market featuring locally grown taro, cassava, tropical fruits, and fresh seafood.
Best time: Weekends year-round — It supports local farmers and gives visitors a taste of authentic daily Palauan commerce and cuisine.
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It depends on where you go: every place has its own ideal season on this page. For example, Rock Islands is best around Nov–Apr. Palau has 5 featured cities and areas to plan around.
Roughly 95% of people speak English. The main language is Palauan, English.
The Palau passport gives visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to about 120 destinations.
This page lists real traveller costs for Palau — accommodation, food, transport, plus education, medical, insurance and connectivity — so you can budget before you go.
Rock Islands, Jellyfish Lake, Blue Corner, Peleliu Island, Ngardmau National Monument, Ngardmau Waterfall — each with the best time to visit, why it is worth it, and specific things to do.