Things to Do in Long Beach

Long Beach stretches along Palau's pristine coastline, offering one of the most spectacular stretches of white sand in Micronesia. This relatively quiet destination sits on Koror Island, where crystal-clear waters meet powdery beaches backed by lush tropical vegetation. The area feels refreshingly undeveloped compared to other Pacific beach destinations, with just enough infrastructure to keep you comfortable without overwhelming the natural beauty. What makes Long Beach particularly special is its position within Palau's incredible marine ecosystem. You're essentially staying at the doorstep of some of the world's best diving and snorkeling sites, including the famous Jellyfish Lake and Blue Corner. The beach itself tends to be surprisingly uncrowded, even during peak season, giving you that castaway feeling while still having access to decent restaurants and accommodation options.

Long Beach's dining scene centers around fresh seafood and a mix of Palauan, Filipino, and international cuisines. You'll find excellent local fish prepared various ways, from traditional Palauan methods using taro leaves to more familiar grilled preparations. Several beachfront restaurants offer casual dining with your toes in the sand, while Koror town has more formal establishments serving everything from Japanese sushi to American comfort food. Don't miss trying the local fruit bat soup if you're adventurous, or stick to safer bets like coconut crab or fresh tuna sashimi. Most restaurants are fairly casual, and prices tend to be higher than you might expect due to the remote location and import costs.

The dry season from December to April offers the most reliable weather for Long Beach, with less rainfall and calmer seas that are ideal for water activities. That said, Palau's tropical climate means temperatures stay fairly consistent year-round in the mid-80s Fahrenheit. The wet season from May to November brings more frequent afternoon showers and higher humidity, but it's also when you'll find better deals on accommodation and fewer crowds. Interestingly, the wet season can actually offer better diving visibility in some areas, as the rain washes nutrients into the ocean. Typhoons are rare but possible between July and November, so keep that in mind when planning.