Things to Do in Palau

About Palau

Palau announces itself with the scent of damp earth after a tropical downpour and the sound of Micronesian fruit bats rustling in the breadfruit trees. This isn't a single island but a scattered nation of over 500 limestone and volcanic specks, where the capital of Koror feels more like a sleepy town strung along a single main road than a metropolis. The real action happens below the surface: the Milky Way lagoon in the Rock Islands is a sea of harmless jellyfish you can swim through, their translucent bodies pulsing against your skin, while the Blue Corner drop-off delivers you into a tornado of sharks and barracuda. On land, the pace is measured. You’ll find the best grilled wahoo at a family-run spot in the Ikelau Hamlet for about $15 USD, and a tour of the ancient stone monoliths of Badrulchau costs around $30 USD. The catch is the cost—flights from Asia or the US are significant, and groceries are shipped in, making even a simple meal surprisingly expensive. But you pay for the privilege of a place that has actively chosen to limit tourism; where the world’s first shark sanctuary was created, and where the ocean still feels like the main character.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Getting around is half the adventure. There are no ride-sharing apps, so your options are rental cars (around $60-$80 USD/day for a compact), taxis (negotiate a day rate of about $80-$100 USD), or the local 'buses'—shared vans that run set routes for P$2-$3 USD. The main island of Koror is drivable in an hour, but you’ll need a boat to reach the Rock Islands or Peleliu. Book boat tours through reputable operators like Sam’s Tours or Fish ‘n Fins well in advance; a full-day Rock Islands tour runs about $120-$150 USD per person. A common pitfall is assuming you can just show up and charter a boat—most are booked days ahead. The insider trick: rent a car for a day to explore Koror and Babeldaob at your own pace, then use guided boat tours for everything else.

Money: The US dollar is the official currency, so no need to exchange. Cash is king, especially for small purchases, market stalls, and tipping boat captains. While major hotels and some restaurants in Koror take cards, you’ll hit a wall outside the main town. ATMs are limited to Koror (Bank of Guam, Bank Pacific) and dispense USD; carry more cash than you think you’ll need. A frustrating but common pitfall is the 'island tax'—everything imported (which is almost everything) carries a premium. A bottle of sunscreen can cost $20 USD. The insider move is to bring essentials like reef-safe sunscreen and any specialty snacks with you. Tipping is appreciated but not aggressively expected; 10-15% for good service in restaurants is fine.

Cultural Respect: Palauan culture is deeply rooted in respect for elders and the environment. A simple, warm “Alii” (hello) goes a long way. Dress modestly when not at the beach or pool—cover shoulders and knees when visiting villages, government buildings, or even just walking around Koror town. The most important rule is environmental: Palau’s Palau Pledge, stamped in your passport on arrival, isn’t just a formality. It’s a legally binding promise to tread lightly. Never touch coral, chase wildlife, or take anything from the sea or land. A major faux pas is wearing sunscreen that isn’t reef-safe before entering the water; many tour operators will check and some will refuse you entry. The insider’s approach: listen more than you talk. The stories from your local guide about the Rock Islands’ names or the history of Peleliu are the real treasures.

Food Safety: You eat from the ocean here. The local food culture revolves around freshly caught fish (wahoo, tuna, mahi-mahi), taro, and breadfruit. The safest and best meals are often the simplest: grilled fish with rice from a lunch spot like Bem Ermii in Koror (a burger and shake will run you about $8 USD) or the weekend markets. Avoid raw seafood from dubious street-side setups. The water in Koror is generally safe to drink from the tap, but most visitors stick to bottled. The pitfall is overcaution leading you to miss out—the fruit bat soup (yes, it’s a thing) is considered a delicacy and is prepared safely in traditional restaurants. An insider tip: if you’re invited to a local home for a meal, go. The home-cooked ‘bai’ meal in a traditional men’s meeting house, featuring giant clams and taro, is an experience no restaurant can replicate.

When to Visit

Palau’s dry season, from December through April, is when the skies are reliably blue and the seas are calmest for diving. Daytime temperatures hover around 28-30°C (82-86°F), humidity is high but manageable, and rainfall is minimal. This is peak season for a reason—visibility underwater can exceed 30 meters (100 feet). Hotel prices reflect this, climbing 30-40% higher than other months, and flights from hubs like Manila or Guam are priciest. February is particularly busy with the annual Palau Marathon. Come May, the ‘shoulder’ begins. Rain starts to appear in short, heavy bursts, but the landscape turns a deeper green, and tourist numbers thin. By June through August, it’s the wet season. Afternoon downpours are daily and intense, humidity soars, and the sea can get choppy, potentially affecting boat tours. However, this is when you’ll find the best deals—flight and hotel packages can drop by 25% or more. For dedicated divers on a budget, this trade-off can be worth it. September to November is the sweet spot for many: the rains begin to taper, crowds are still light, and prices haven’t yet spiked for the holidays. Water temperatures remain warm year-round (around 28°C/82°F). Families with young kids might prefer the predictability of the dry season, while experienced divers seeking deals and don’t mind some weather roulette should look at the shoulder months. The only months to be wary of are July-September if you’re prone to seasickness, as typhoons can skirt the region, making boat travel unpleasant.