Things to Do in Peleliu

Peleliu hosts one of the Pacific War's bloodiest battlefields—yet gets fewer visitors than most small-town museums. This six-mile-long coral island holds more rusted tanks than tourists on any given day, combining World War II history with some of Palau's best natural beauty. The 1944 battle here lasted 74 days and changed both American and Japanese military strategy forever. You can snorkel over healthy coral reefs in the morning and walk through jungle paths lined with concrete bunkers in the afternoon. Total contrast. The 500 locals have preserved both natural environment and historical sites without turning the place into a theme park. History buffs and nature lovers both leave genuinely moved, though you need to accept basic accommodations and island time.

Dining means eating at your guesthouse or shopping at village stores. Nothing fancy here. Your accommodation provides simple meals with local fish, rice, and vegetables for $10-15—ingredients arrive by boat from Koror, so expect basic but fresh food. Small shops sell snacks, canned goods, and drinks at higher prices due to transport costs. Bring supplies if you have specific dietary needs.

December through April offers the most comfortable weather for hiking to historical sites and outdoor time. The dry season works best. Wet season brings afternoon showers and higher humidity, though this makes the island more lush and creates dramatic photography lighting. Rough seas can disrupt boat schedules from Koror during storms, so build flexibility into your plans year-round.