Things to Do in Palau

About Palau

Palau sits in the Western Pacific, where coral reefs meet limestone islands covered in dense jungle. The Micronesian nation offers Jellyfish Lake, home to millions of harmless golden jellyfish that pulse through the water in coordinated movements. The diving here is excellent—dramatic drop-offs sink into deep blue water, manta rays cruise past regularly, and sharks patrol the reefs without bothering anyone. Life moves slowly here. Traditional Palauan culture coexists with modern conservation efforts, and the pace follows tides rather than clocks. The Rock Islands glow at sunrise and sunset, though honestly, most Pacific islands do. What sets Palau apart is its protection status and the sheer density of marine life per square mile of reef. Divers come here for a reason. The underwater landscape rivals anywhere on Earth, and the government has banned commercial fishing across much of its waters. You'll see more in one dive than you would in ten dives elsewhere.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Local taxis charge $5-15 per trip within Koror. There is no public bus system, so rent a car for $50-70/day to explore beyond the main town. Airport transfers cost about $15-20 from Palau International Airport. For Rock Islands tours, boat charters run $150-300 per person per day including lunch.

Money: The US dollar is Palau's official currency. Restaurant meals cost $12-25 for local dishes. ATMs are available in Koror but may charge $3-5 per withdrawal. Credit cards work at hotels and dive shops but not at smaller restaurants. Bring cash for market purchases and smaller establishments.

Cultural Respect: Palau has strong traditional customs. Ask permission before entering a bai (meeting house). Remove shoes before entering homes. The rock islands are protected - do not touch or stand on coral. Reef-toxic sunscreen is banned, so bring reef-safe SPF 50+. Tipping 10-15% is appreciated at restaurants.

Food Safety: Try fruit bat soup at local restaurants for $10-15 - it tastes milder than you would expect. Fresh sashimi costs $8-15 per plate at waterfront restaurants in Koror. Taro and tapioca dishes cost $5-8 as side dishes. The Thursday night food market in Koror has grilled fish for $5-10.

When to Visit

Palau enjoys a tropical climate year-round with temperatures consistently ranging from 75-88°F (24-31°C). The dry season (December-April) offers the best diving visibility with minimal rainfall (2-4 inches monthly) and calmer seas, making it peak season with prices 30-40% higher. March-May provides excellent conditions for manta ray encounters at German Channel. The wet season (May-November) brings higher humidity and increased rainfall (8-15 inches monthly), but offers 20-30% lower accommodation rates and fewer crowds. Typhoon season (June-November) poses minimal direct threat but can affect flight schedules. October experiences the highest rainfall (12-15 inches). The Belau Fair, Palau's largest cultural festival, occurs in early October, showing traditional dancing and local crafts despite being wet season. For budget travelers, visit June-September for significant savings and acceptable diving conditions. Serious divers should target February-April for pristine visibility exceeding 150 feet. Families prefer the drier, more predictable weather of January-March, while adventure seekers can capitalize on wet season's dramatic skies and reduced tourist density.