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Peleliu, Belau - Things to Do in Peleliu

Peleliu

Peleliu, Belau - Complete Travel Guide

Peleliu is a small island in Palau (Belau) that holds immense historical significance as the site of one of the bloodiest battles of World War II in the Pacific Theater. This remote island, measuring just 5 miles long and 2 miles wide, offers visitors a profound journey through wartime history while showcasing the natural beauty that characterizes Palau. The island remains largely undeveloped, with dense jungle, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear waters surrounding remnants of wartime fortifications and memorials. Today, Peleliu serves as both a pilgrimage destination for those honoring fallen soldiers and a unique eco-tourism spot for adventurous travelers. The island's small population of around 500 residents maintains a quiet, respectful atmosphere that allows visitors to reflect on the past while enjoying some of the most untouched diving and snorkeling sites in Micronesia. The combination of historical significance, natural beauty, and cultural authenticity makes Peleliu a deeply moving and unforgettable destination.

Top Peleliu

World War II Historical Battlefield Tour

Explore the preserved battlefields where American and Japanese forces fought one of the Pacific War's most intense battles in 1944. Visit key sites including the Bloody Nose Ridge, Japanese caves and bunkers, abandoned tanks, and various memorials dedicated to soldiers from both sides.

Booking Tip: Tours cost around $150-200 per person and should be booked through local operators in Koror before traveling to Peleliu. Best visited during morning hours to avoid heat, and look for guides with historical expertise and family connections to the island.

Peleliu War Museum and Memorial Sites

Visit the island's museum housing artifacts, photographs, and personal stories from the 1944 battle, along with memorials honoring both American and Japanese soldiers. The museum provides crucial context for understanding the battle's impact on the island and its people.

Booking Tip: Museum entry is typically $10-15 per person with no advance booking required. Open daily except Sundays, best visited in combination with battlefield tours. Look for local guides who can provide personal family stories about the war period.

Pristine Reef Diving and Snorkeling

Discover some of Palau's most pristine coral reefs surrounding Peleliu, featuring incredible biodiversity, colorful corals, and abundant marine life including sharks, rays, and tropical fish. The waters around Peleliu offer both shallow snorkeling spots and advanced diving sites.

Booking Tip: Diving packages range from $80-150 per dive depending on operator and site. Book through established Koror dive shops that include Peleliu in their itineraries. Best conditions are during dry season, and ensure operators provide quality equipment and safety certifications.

Traditional Village and Cultural Experience

Experience authentic Palauan village life by visiting local communities, learning about traditional customs, and participating in cultural activities. Meet local families who can share stories about island life both during and after the war period.

Booking Tip: Cultural experiences cost $50-100 per person and should be arranged through community-based tourism operators. Respect local customs by dressing modestly and bringing small gifts. Best experienced as part of multi-day stays on the island.

Secluded Beach and Nature Exploration

Explore Peleliu's untouched beaches, mangrove forests, and jungle trails that wind through areas still containing wartime remnants. The island's small size makes it perfect for hiking and discovering hidden coves and pristine natural areas.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration is free, but hiring a local guide ($30-50 per day) is recommended for safety and historical context. Bring plenty of water, sun protection, and sturdy shoes. Best explored during cooler morning or late afternoon hours.

Getting There

Reaching Peleliu requires flying into Palau International Airport in Koror, then taking either a small charter flight (15 minutes, $100-150 per person) or a boat transfer (45-60 minutes, $50-80 per person). Most visitors arrange transportation through their accommodation or tour operators in Koror, as public transportation to Peleliu is limited. Charter flights operate on demand and must be booked in advance, while boat transfers depend on weather conditions and are typically part of organized tour packages.

Getting Around

Transportation on Peleliu is limited due to its small size and remote location. Most visitors get around by walking, renting bicycles ($10-15 per day), or hiring local guides with vehicles for island tours ($50-100 per day). The island has basic dirt roads connecting major sites, but many historical locations require short hikes through jungle terrain. Many accommodations and tour operators provide transportation to key sites as part of their packages, making pre-arranged tours the most practical option for most visitors.

Where to Stay

Peleliu Guesthouse
Community Homestays
Camping Areas Near Beach
Day Trip from Koror Hotels
Local Family Accommodations
Basic Island Lodges

Food & Dining

Dining options on Peleliu are extremely limited, reflecting the island's small population and remote location. Most meals are provided by guesthouses or homestays, featuring fresh seafood, local vegetables, and traditional Palauan dishes prepared by local families. Visitors should expect simple, authentic meals rather than restaurant dining, with most food sourced locally including fresh fish, taro, breadfruit, and coconut-based dishes. Day-trip visitors typically bring packed lunches from Koror, while overnight guests arrange meals with their accommodation providers as part of their stay.

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
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Il Ghiottone

4.5 /5
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il Mulino

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La Cucina Italiana Raleigh

4.8 /5
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Casa D'Angelo Ristorante

4.6 /5
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Cafe Vico – Authentic Italian Restaurant & Catering in Fort Lauderdale

4.6 /5
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Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The best time to visit Peleliu is during Palau's dry season from December to April, when rainfall is minimal and seas are calmer for boat transfers and diving activities. Temperatures remain consistently warm (80-85°F) year-round, but humidity is lower during these months. The wet season (May-November) brings heavy rainfall and rougher seas that can disrupt transportation and outdoor activities, though it's also less crowded and more affordable. For historical commemorations, September marks the anniversary of the 1944 battle and features special memorial events, though it falls during the wetter season.

Insider Tips

Bring cash as there are no ATMs or card payment options on the island - all transactions are cash-based including accommodation, meals, and guide services.
Pack insect repellent, sunscreen, and basic medical supplies as there are no pharmacies or medical facilities on the island - the nearest hospital is in Koror.
Show respect at all historical sites by not removing artifacts or climbing on memorials, and consider the island's significance as a place where thousands died - maintain a respectful demeanor throughout your visit.

Activities in Peleliu