Palau Travel Guide
Plan your trip to Palau with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, what to eat, and more.
- Introduction to Palau
- List of Places to Visit in Palau
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Palau
- Best Things to Do in Palau: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Palau
- Food and Drink Scene of Palau
- Where to Stay in Palau: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Palau: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Palau
- Best Time to Visit Palau
- Do’s and Don’ts of Palau
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Palau: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Palau
- Where to Go Next from Palau: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Palau
Palau is a beautiful island nation located in Micronesia, in Oceania. This small country is made up of over 300 islands and islets, each with its unique natural beauty and cultural heritage. Palau is known for its picturesque landscapes, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear waters that are home to an abundance of marine life.
List of Places to Visit in Palau
Palau is home to several culturally important attractions and a wide range of natural wonders. Here are some of the must-visit places in Palau.
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
The culture of Palau is rich in history and tradition, and there are several culturally important attractions that reflect this. Here are some of the top museums and historical places to visit in Palau:
- Belau National Museum
- Palau National Capitol Building
- World War II Relics
- Bai
- Stone Monoliths
Natural Attractions of Palau: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Palau is a nature lover’s paradise, and it offers a wide range of natural attractions to explore. Here are the top natural attractions of Palau:
- Rock Islands
- Jellyfish Lake
- Ngardmau Waterfall
- Milky Way Lagoon
- Kayangel Island
Hiking/Biking Routes of Palau
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, then Palau is the perfect place to explore on foot or by bike. Here are some of the best hiking and biking routes to try in Palau:
- Oulong Island Loop Trail
- Ngerekebesang Island Loop Trail
- Babeldaob Island Loop Trail
- Melekeok Armed Forces Hiking Trail
- Airai Bai Ra Ulong Trail
Best Things to Do in Palau: Activities and Tours
Palau offers several activities and tours to enjoy during your vacation. Here are some of the top things to do in Palau:
- Scuba diving and snorkeling
- Rock Island tour
- Kayaking
- Island hopping
- Fishing
Week-Long Itinerary for Palau
If you’re looking to spend a week in Palau, here’s a suggested itinerary to help you make the most of your time:
Day | Activity |
---|---|
1 | Rock Island Tour |
2 | Snorkeling at Jellyfish Lake |
3 | Kayaking to Ngardmau Waterfall |
4 | Cultural Tour of Belau National Museum |
5 | Scuba Diving at Blue Corner |
6 | Island Hopping Tour |
7 | Relax on the Beach |
Food and Drink Scene of Palau
Palauan cuisine is a fusion of Micronesian and Southeast Asian flavors. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:
Must-Try Dishes
- Kokoda (fish ceviche)
- Pichi-Pichi (sweet cassava cake)
- Kakor Cassava Cake
- Rukau (coconut cream spinach)
Local Beverages
- Palauan beer
- Taromeng beer
- Buuch fruit shake
Where to Stay in Palau: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Palau has plenty of accommodation options for all budgets. Here are some of the best places to stay in Palau:
- Palau Pacific Resort
- Island Paradise Resort
- Palau Royal Resort
- DW Motel
What to Buy in Palau: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Palau offers a variety of souvenirs and local products to bring back home. Here are some of the best souvenirs to buy in Palau:
- Handmade woven baskets
- Traditional carved wooden sculptures
- Unique jewelry made from sea shells and pearls
Local Culture and Customs of Palau
Palau has a rich culture and heritage that is reflected in its traditions and customs. Here are some of the local practices that visitors should be aware of:
- Respect for elders is highly valued
- Shoes are not allowed inside homes and some public buildings
- Public displays of affection are not common
Best Time to Visit Palau
The best time to visit Palau is between November and April when the weather is dry, and rainfall is minimal. The weather is typically hot and humid year-round, so it’s important to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen.
Do’s and Don’ts of Palau
Here are some essential do’s and don’ts to follow during your visit to Palau:
Do:
- Respect the local culture and customs
- Wear appropriate attire when visiting religious sites
- Be mindful of your surroundings
Don’t:
- Sunbathe nude or topless on public beaches
- Litter or damage the coral reefs
- Overstay your visa
Safety and Health
Safety in Palau
Palau is a relatively safe destination, but visitors should still exercise caution and stay aware of their surroundings. Here are some safety tips to follow in Palau:
- Avoid walking alone at night
- Keep valuable items in a safe place
- Be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas
Health in Palau
Mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue fever and malaria are a concern in Palau, so it’s important to take precautions against mosquito bites. Visitors should also ensure their vaccinations are up-to-date.
Getting to Palau: Transportation Options and Logistics
Palau is accessible by air and sea. Here are the transportation options available to travelers:
Airports Near Palau
- Roman Tmetuchl International Airport ( ROR)
Bus Stations Near Palau
- There are no bus stations in Palau.
Other Options
- Car rentals
- Taxi services
- Boat tours
How to Get Around in Palau
The best way to get around Palau is by renting a car. Taxis and private bus tours are also available, but they can be expensive. Biking and walking are also viable options for shorter distances.
Where to Go Next from Palau: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Here are some nearby destinations that visitors can consider visiting after exploring Palau:
- Yap Island
- Guam
- Federated States of Micronesia
Conclusion
Palau is a stunning island nation that offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. With so much to see and do, Palau is the perfect destination for travelers seeking adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences.
Palau Image Gallery
![Cruise ship docked outside Palau](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/76/Europa_in_Palau.jpg/100px-Europa_in_Palau.jpg)
![Rock Islands](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1e/Palau-rock-islands20071222.jpg/100px-Palau-rock-islands20071222.jpg)
![Bull Shark](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/05/Bull_shark_%282007%29.jpg/100px-Bull_shark_%282007%29.jpg)
![The remote atoll of Helen Reef](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d3/Desertisland.jpg/100px-Desertisland.jpg)