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Angaur, Belau - Things to Do in Angaur

Angaur

Angaur, Belau - Complete Travel Guide

Angaur, also known as Ngeaur, is the southernmost inhabited island of Palau (Belau) and one of the country's most unique destinations. This small limestone island, covering just 8 square kilometers, offers visitors an authentic glimpse into traditional Palauan life away from the more developed tourist areas. With a population of fewer than 200 residents, Angaur maintains a peaceful, unhurried atmosphere that feels like stepping back in time. The island is renowned for its rich phosphate mining history, evident in the abandoned German and Japanese-era infrastructure scattered throughout the landscape. Angaur's pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and diverse marine life make it a hidden gem for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. The island also serves as an important nesting site for sea turtles and is home to unique wildlife, including the endemic Angaur flying fox and wild monkeys introduced during the German colonial period.

Top Angaur

Historical Phosphate Mining Sites

Discover the fascinating remnants of Angaur's phosphate mining past, including abandoned German and Japanese machinery, railway tracks, and mining infrastructure. The island's history as a major phosphate producer is visible throughout, with rusted equipment and concrete structures creating an intriguing industrial archaeology experience.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration is free, but hiring a local guide for $30-50 per day provides valuable historical context and ensures you don't miss hidden sites. Best explored in the morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat.

Snorkeling and Diving Adventures

Experience world-class underwater adventures in Angaur's pristine waters, featuring busy coral reefs, diverse marine life, and excellent visibility. The island's remote location means fewer crowds and untouched dive sites with opportunities to see reef sharks, sea turtles, and colorful tropical fish.

Booking Tip: Arrange diving through operators in Koror for $80-120 per dive including equipment. Best visibility occurs during dry season (November-April). Book multi-day packages for better rates and ensure operators are PADI certified.

Sea Turtle Nesting Beach Visits

Witness the incredible natural phenomenon of sea turtle nesting on Angaur's beaches, particularly during peak season from June to September. The island serves as an important nesting ground for green and hawksbill turtles, offering rare opportunities for respectful wildlife observation.

Booking Tip: Visit during nesting season (June-September) for best chances of sightings. Respect guidelines by maintaining distance and avoiding flash photography. Local guides charge $20-30 for evening turtle watching tours.

Traditional Village Cultural Experience

spend time in authentic Palauan culture by visiting Angaur's traditional village and interacting with local residents. Learn about traditional fishing methods, local customs, and the island's unique blend of Micronesian culture influenced by German, Japanese, and American periods.

Booking Tip: Arrange village visits through local contacts or your accommodation for $15-25 per person. Bring small gifts like school supplies or canned goods as tokens of appreciation. Best experienced during weekday afternoons when residents are available.

Pristine Beach Exploration

Discover Angaur's impressive white sand beaches and secluded coves, perfect for swimming, beachcombing, and relaxation. The island's beaches offer complete tranquility with crystal-clear waters and minimal development, providing an authentic tropical great destination experience.

Booking Tip: Beach access is free, but bring your own snorkeling gear, water, and sun protection as facilities are limited. Rent bicycles for $10-15 per day to easily access different beaches around the island's perimeter.

Getting There

Reaching Angaur requires flying into Palau International Airport (ROR) in Koror, followed by a domestic connection. Pacific Mission Aviation operates small aircraft flights to Angaur's airstrip 2-3 times per week, with flights taking about 25 minutes and costing approximately $150-200 per person. Alternatively, boat transfers can be arranged from Koror, taking 2-3 hours depending on sea conditions and costing $200-300 for private charters. Due to limited flight schedules, advance booking is essential, and weather conditions can affect transportation availability.

Getting Around

Transportation on Angaur is refreshingly simple due to the island's small size. Walking and cycling are the primary means of getting around, with the entire island circumnavigable on foot in about 2-3 hours. Bicycles can be rented from local residents or guesthouses for $10-15 per day. The island has basic unpaved roads connecting the village, airstrip, and main beaches. Some accommodations provide pickup services from the airstrip, and local residents are often happy to provide rides for small fees. The compact nature of Angaur makes it easy to explore everything on foot or by bicycle.

Where to Stay

Village Guesthouses
Beachfront Camping Areas
Traditional Family Homestays
Airstrip Area Lodging
Community Center Accommodations
Private Island Rentals

Food & Dining

Dining options on Angaur are limited but authentic, focusing on fresh seafood, local vegetables, and traditional Palauan cuisine. Most visitors arrange meals through their accommodation or with local families, experiencing home-cooked dishes featuring fish, taro, breadfruit, and coconut-based preparations. The island has a small community store for basic supplies, but bringing supplementary food from Koror is recommended. Local specialties include fresh-caught fish prepared in traditional earth ovens, tropical fruits, and coconut crab when in season. Meals typically cost $15-25 per person when arranged with local families, providing an authentic cultural dining experience.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Palau

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

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L'ANCIENNE ÉCOLE

4.7 /5
(2423 reviews) 3

Il Ghiottone

4.5 /5
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il Mulino

4.5 /5
(1946 reviews) 2
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La Cucina Italiana Raleigh

4.8 /5
(1760 reviews) 2
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Casa D'Angelo Ristorante

4.6 /5
(1675 reviews) 3
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Cafe Vico – Authentic Italian Restaurant & Catering in Fort Lauderdale

4.6 /5
(1479 reviews) 3
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Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The best time to visit Angaur is during the dry season from November to April, when rainfall is minimal and sea conditions are calmest for transportation and water activities. However, turtle nesting season (June-September) offers unique wildlife viewing opportunities despite being the wetter period. Temperatures remain consistently warm year-round (80-85°F), but humidity is lower during dry months. Weather can affect flight schedules, so building flexibility into travel plans is essential. The island experiences fewer visitors during weekdays, making it ideal for those seeking solitude and authentic cultural experiences.

Insider Tips

Bring cash as there are no ATMs or card payment facilities on the island - arrange all payments in advance
Pack insect repellent and sun protection as shade and medical facilities are extremely limited
Learn basic Palauan greetings and customs before visiting to show respect for the small, tight-knit community

Activities in Angaur