Palau
A small island nation in the Philippine Sea. Hundreds of mushroom-shaped limestone islands float inside a lagoon, and most of its ocean is set aside as reserve.
Landmarks
Nearly all of it is on the water or under it.
- A World Heritage lagoonRock Islands Southern LagoonSouth of Koror
Some four hundred limestone islands undercut into mushroom shapes. It is a mixed site, recognised for both nature and culture.
- Jellyfish that do not stingJellyfish LakeEil Malk island
Cut off from the sea and without predators, the jellyfish here lost most of their sting. Numbers have crashed before and closed it, so check status.
- A world-class dive siteBlue CornerWestern outer reef
Sharks and large fish gather on a wall in strong current. It needs reef-hook technique and is not for beginners.
- The channel the mantas useGerman ChannelSouthwest
A cut made for shipping during German rule. Manta rays come in to be cleaned here.
- A lagoon of white mudMilky WayInside the Rock Islands
Settled limestone mud turns the water milky. Coating yourself in the mud was customary, but check the current rules.
- An island still marked by warPeleliuSouth
A Pacific War battlefield where tanks and bunkers remain in the jungle. Reached by boat or light aircraft.
Where to go
Only a few places are inhabited; the rest are uninhabited islands.
- KororThe de facto centreCentre
Hotels, restaurants and dive operators are all here. Almost everyone stays in Koror.
- BabeldaobThe largest islandNorth
Most of Palau’s land area, with very few people on it. Waterfalls and old stone sites.
- NgerulmudThe capitalBabeldaob
Counted among the least populated capitals in the world. Beyond the capitol building there is almost nothing.
- KayangelThe northern atollFar north
A classic atoll with a tiny population. Boats run only in good weather.
- AngaurA remote southern islandFar south
Wild macaques live here alongside war remains. Boats are infrequent, so keep the schedule loose.
- BadrulchauStone columns nobody can explainNorthern Babeldaob
Rows of large basalt monoliths stand on a hillside. Who raised them, and why, is unresolved.
When to go
Hot and humid all year, and mostly off the typhoon track.
- Dry seasonDecember to AprilEverywhere
Less rain and calmer seas, which is best for diving. The peak season.
- Wet seasonJune to OctoberEverywhere
Squalls pass through often but do not last. Visibility generally holds up.
- Underwater visibilityGood throughout the yearOuter reef sites
Water temperature stays around 28C. Currents are strong, so check the forecast.
- Manta seasonMore frequent December to AprilGerman Channel
They appear more often when food is plentiful. They are wild animals, so nothing is guaranteed.
- TyphoonsMostly off the usual trackEverywhere
Close to where typhoons form, but direct hits are rare. Still worth watching the forecast.
Before you go
The environmental rules are among the strictest anywhere.
- EntryVisa-free for short tourist staysEverywhere
Korean passports need no visa for short tourist stays. A return ticket may be checked.
- The Palau PledgeStamped into your passportAt immigration
You sign a pledge not to harm the environment in order to enter. It is enforced, not ceremonial.
- Banned sunscreenReef-harming ingredients are prohibitedEverywhere
Products containing oxybenzone and similar compounds are confiscated. Bring reef-safe sunscreen.
- Marine permitsThe Rock Islands permitKoror
Entering the protected area requires a time-limited permit. It is separate from dive fees.
- MoneyUS dollarsEverywhere
The currency is the dollar and cards are often accepted, but small purchases are easier in cash. ATMs are few.
- Getting thereVia Guam, Taipei or ManilaFlights
Direct service from Korea has come and gone with the season. Routes change often, so check before booking.
- Emergency numberPolice 911Everywhere
Contact is difficult once offshore. Recompression facilities are limited, so check your dive insurance.
Opening hours, fares and schedules change year to year and by season. Check each operator or venue before you travel.