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Koror, Belau - Things to Do in Koror

Koror

Koror, Belau - Complete Travel Guide

Koror, the former capital and largest city of Palau (Belau), serves as the country's commercial and tourism hub in the western Pacific. This tropical great destination is renowned for its world-class diving and snorkeling opportunities, featuring pristine coral reefs, dramatic drop-offs, and an incredible diversity of marine life including sharks, manta rays, and jellyfish. The city sits on Koror Island, connected by bridges to nearby Babeldaob Island, and offers visitors a perfect blend of modern amenities and traditional Palauan culture. Beyond its underwater attractions, Koror provides access to the famous Rock Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring mushroom-shaped limestone islands covered in lush vegetation. The city itself offers cultural attractions, local markets, restaurants serving fresh seafood, and serves as the gateway to some of the world's most spectacular marine environments. With its warm hospitality, impressive natural beauty, and unique position as one of the Pacific's premier diving destinations, Koror attracts adventurers and nature lovers from around the globe.

Top Koror

Blue Corner Diving

Experience one of the world's most famous dive sites, where strong currents attract massive schools of fish, grey reef sharks, and barracuda. The underwater cliff face and corner formation create a natural amphitheater of marine life. This adrenaline-pumping dive is considered a must-do for experienced divers visiting Palau.

Booking Tip: Book with PADI-certified operators charging $80-120 per dive. Best visibility is during dry season (November-May). Look for operators with small group sizes and experienced dive masters familiar with the strong currents.

Jellyfish Lake Snorkeling

Swim among millions of harmless golden jellyfish in this unique marine lake on Eil Malk Island. The jellyfish have evolved without stingers due to the lake's isolation, creating a surreal and magical snorkeling experience. This natural phenomenon is found in only a few places worldwide.

Booking Tip: Tours cost $150-200 including permits and boat transport. Book full-day Rock Islands tours that include multiple stops. Check current conditions as the lake occasionally closes for environmental protection.

Rock Islands Kayaking

Paddle through the impressive limestone karst formations of the Rock Islands, exploring hidden lagoons, caves, and pristine beaches. Navigate through narrow channels between mushroom-shaped islands covered in virgin jungle. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers incredible photo opportunities and intimate nature encounters.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours start at $100, full-day at $180-250. Choose operators providing quality kayaks and safety equipment. Morning tours offer calmer waters and better wildlife viewing opportunities.

German Channel Manta Ray Diving

Dive or snorkel at this famous cleaning station where majestic manta rays come to be cleaned by smaller fish. The Ivory Coast-made channel, created by Germans in the early 1900s, now serves as a highway for these gentle giants. Encounters with multiple mantas are common, especially during high tide.

Booking Tip: Combined dive/snorkel trips cost $120-160. Best sightings during incoming tide. Choose operators who respect marine life with no-touch policies and maintain proper distances from mantas.

Belau National Museum Visit

Discover Palauan history, culture, and traditions at this complete museum showcasing traditional artifacts, historical exhibits, and contemporary art. Learn about ancient stone money, traditional navigation techniques, and the islands' unique matrilineal society. The museum provides essential context for understanding modern Palauan culture.

Booking Tip: Admission is $10 for adults. Open Tuesday-Saturday 9am-5pm. Allow 2-3 hours for a thorough visit. Combine with downtown Koror walking tour for cultural immersion.

Getting There

Koror is accessible via Palau International Airport (ROR) on nearby Babeldaob Island, connected by the Japan-Palau Friendship Bridge. Major airlines including United, China Airlines, and Philippine Airlines offer regular flights from Guam, Philippines, Japan, and South Korea. Most visitors arrive via Guam due to convenient connections from the US mainland. The airport is about 45 minutes from downtown Koror by taxi or hotel shuttle, with transfers typically costing $25-35.

Getting Around

Koror is relatively compact and walkable in the downtown area, but rented cars or scooters are recommended for exploring the island and reaching dive shops, restaurants, and attractions. Car rentals cost $50-80 per day, while scooters are $25-35 daily. Taxis are available but expensive for multiple trips. Many hotels provide shuttle services to popular diving and tour departure points. Bicycles can be rented for short distances, though the tropical heat and hills make them challenging for longer excursions.

Where to Stay

Downtown Koror
Juba Island
Arakabesan Island
Ngerekebesang Island
Koror-Babeldaob Bridge area
Airai (near airport)

Food & Dining

Koror's dining scene reflects its Pacific location with fresh seafood, traditional Palauan dishes, and international cuisine influenced by Japanese, Filipino, and American flavors. Local specialties include fruit bat soup, taro, fresh fish, and coconut crab (seasonal). Downtown restaurants range from casual local eateries serving $8-15 meals to upscale establishments charging $25-40 for dinner. Many resorts offer excellent restaurants, while local markets provide fresh tropical fruits and snacks. Don't miss trying local beer at waterfront bars or enjoying sunset dinners overlooking the Rock Islands.

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
(1957 reviews) 2

il Mulino

4.5 /5
(1946 reviews) 2
bar meal_delivery meal_takeaway

La Cucina Italiana Raleigh

4.8 /5
(1760 reviews) 2
meal_delivery meal_takeaway store

Casa D'Angelo Ristorante

4.6 /5
(1675 reviews) 3
bar

Cafe Vico – Authentic Italian Restaurant & Catering in Fort Lauderdale

4.6 /5
(1479 reviews) 3
bar meal_delivery

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The best time to visit Koror is during the dry season from November to May, offering less rainfall, calmer seas, and optimal diving conditions with visibility reaching 100+ feet. Temperatures remain consistently warm (80-85°F) year-round, with higher humidity during the wet season (June-October). The wet season brings afternoon thunderstorms but fewer crowds and lower prices. Diving is excellent year-round, though manta ray sightings peak during the dry season. Avoid typhoon season (August-November) when weather can be unpredictable.

Insider Tips

Purchase the required Rock Islands permit ($50 for 10 days) in advance online or at the airport to avoid delays
Bring reef-safe sunscreen only - regular sunscreen is banned to protect coral reefs
Book diving and snorkeling tours early as popular sites have daily visitor limits and operators fill up quickly during peak season

Activities in Koror