Palau
Palau is a diver's dream made real: the mushroom-shaped limestone Rock Islands, reef walls patrolled by grey reef sharks, and Jellyfish Lake, where stingless golden jellyfish pulse through a marine lake. It was the first country to stamp an environmental pledge into visitors' passports, and the whole archipelago feels run for the reef's benefit.
Overview
Palau's 340 or so islands lie in the western Pacific, some 800km east of the Philippines, and almost every visitor is based in Koror, the former capital and only real town. Days are spent on boats heading south into the Southern Lagoon, a UNESCO-listed maze of forested limestone islets, for diving, snorkelling and kayaking, with stops at Jellyfish Lake and the white-mud Milky Way. Babeldaob, the big island across the bridge, has the airport, the capitol building at Ngerulmud, waterfalls and ancient stone monoliths. Further south, Peleliu and Angaur still hold the wreckage of brutal 1944 battles.
Palau is expensive: rooms, meals and boat trips are priced in US dollars at island rates, and dive packages, permits and boat days add up quickly. It suits divers above all, and also snorkellers, kayakers and Second World War historians; non-divers on a tight budget may struggle to fill a week. Visitors are often surprised by the strength of the conservation rules, from the Palau Pledge stamped into passports to a ban on reef-toxic sunscreen and large no-fishing zones, and by the Japanese influence left from three decades of colonial rule before 1944, visible in food, vocabulary and family names.
Map of Palau
Top 5 highlights
- 1Nature
Rock Islands Southern Lagoon
Hundreds of jungle-capped limestone islets, undercut into mushroom shapes by the sea, scatter a turquoise lagoon south of Koror. Kayak into hidden coves, snorkel coral gardens and picnic on white-sand beaches; a Rock Islands permit is required.
- 2Adventure
Blue Corner
One of the world's most celebrated dive sites: a reef plateau where divers hook into the current to watch grey reef sharks, eagle rays, barracuda and Napoleon wrasse cruise past. Strong currents make it best for experienced divers.
- 3Wildlife
Jellyfish Lake
On Eil Malk island, a marine lake cut off from the sea holds golden jellyfish with a sting too weak to feel. Numbers boom and crash with El Niño cycles, so ask operators about current conditions; snorkelling only, no scuba.
- 4History
Peleliu
Scene of one of the Pacific War's bloodiest battles in 1944, this quiet island is scattered with rusting tanks, Japanese bunkers, caves and memorials. Reach it by boat from Koror and hire a local guide for Bloody Nose Ridge.
- 5Nature
Ngardmau Waterfall, Babeldaob
Palau's tallest waterfall is reached by a jungle trail through the hills of Ngardmau on Babeldaob, the country's largest island. Combine it with the Badrulchau stone monoliths in Ngarchelong and the capitol at Ngerulmud.
Biggest cities
Koror
Palau's commercial hub and former capital holds most hotels, restaurants and dive shops. The Belau National Museum and the Etpison Museum fill a rainy afternoon.
Airai
The state across the bridge on Babeldaob is home to the international airport and Airai Bai, a traditional men's meeting house regarded as one of the oldest surviving in Palau.
Palau has only two places of any size, Koror and neighbouring Airai (figures are 2020 state populations). Every other settlement, including the purpose-built capital at Ngerulmud, is a village of a few hundred people at most.
When to go to Palau
Best time: Jan–Apr.
Average climate in Koror
Festivals & events
- JulConstitution Day
On 9 July Palau marks the referendum that ratified its constitution, in force since 1981 and famous for its anti-nuclear clauses, with ceremonies, sports and food stalls in Koror.
- OctIndependence Day and Olechotel Belau Fair
Independence on 1 October brings ceremonies, sports and boat races in Koror, often alongside the Olechotel Belau Fair, where Palau's sixteen states show off chants, dances, crafts and food.
How much does Palau cost?
Estimates per person per day, excluding flights. Prices vary by season and city.
Food to try
Fruit bat soup
Palau's most notorious dish: a whole fruit bat simmered in coconut milk with ginger and spices. Now a special-occasion delicacy, found on only a few menus.
Taro (kukau)
The staple of Palauan cooking, traditionally grown by women in wetland taro patches, served boiled, pounded with coconut or as sweet taro dishes at feasts.
Mangrove crab
Large mud crabs from Palau's mangroves, steamed or cooked in coconut milk; a local favourite best ordered at Koror's seafood restaurants.
Getting around
There is no public transport. Koror is compact enough for taxis, which are inexpensive, and hotels arrange airport transfers. To explore Babeldaob, hire a car: the paved Compact Road circles the island and traffic drives on the right, although many cars are right-hand-drive Japanese imports. The Rock Islands, Peleliu and Angaur are reached by dive or tour boat, or by the occasional state ferry.
Practical information
- Plugs & voltage
- AB120V — bring a UK-to-A/B adapter
- Emergency numbers
- Telephone: 911 (ambulance, fire, police)
Source: FCDO “Getting help”
- Dialling code
- +680
- Time zone
- UTC+9 (standard time)
- Tap water
- Not safe — drink bottled or treated water
- Driving
- On the right
- Tipping
- US-style tipping applies: around 10–15% in restaurants, and similar for dive guides and boat crews, usually in cash at the end of the trip.
- Etiquette
- Greet people with 'alii' and say 'sulang' for thank you. Ask permission before entering village land or a bai, and never take shells, coral or anything else from reefs and beaches.
- Main airports
- Roman Tmetuchl International Airport (ROR), Airai (for Koror)
Visas & entry for Palau
Shown for a British passport.
Visa on arrival
You can visit Palau for up to 30 days without a pre-arranged visa.
Border officials will issue a 30-day tourist visa on arrival. You may need to show proof of onward or return travel.
From the UK government's FCDO entry requirements for British passport holders — read the full page for passport validity, permits and exceptions.
Health & vaccinations
- Recommended for most travellers
- Tetanus
- Sometimes advised — depends on your trip, activities and health
- DengueHepatitis BBat LyssavirusTuberculosisTyphoid
- Yellow fever certificate
- No yellow fever certificate is required to enter.
- Malaria
- No malaria risk
Source: TravelHealthPro (National Travel Health Network and Centre), checked 21 October 2026. This is a summary, not medical advice.
Public holidays in Palau
The next 12 months. Banks, offices and some sights may close, and transport and hotels get busy around these dates.
| Fri 23 Oct 2026 | United Nations Day (observed) |
| Sat 24 Oct 2026 | United Nations Day |
| Thu 26 Nov 2026 | Thanksgiving Day |
| Fri 27 Nov 2026 | Family Day |
| Fri 25 Dec 2026 | Christmas Day |
| Fri 1 Jan 2027 | New Year's Day |
| Mon 15 Mar 2027 | Youth Day |
| Wed 5 May 2027 | Senior Citizens Day |
| Tue 1 Jun 2027 | President's Day |
| Fri 9 Jul 2027 | Constitution Day |
| Mon 6 Sep 2027 | Labour Day |
| Fri 1 Oct 2027 | Independence Day |
National holidays only. Dates based on lunar calendars can move by a day or two depending on official announcements.
Know before you go
- On arrival you sign the Palau Pledge, stamped into your passport, promising to protect the islands. Reef-toxic sunscreens are banned, so pack a reef-safe brand before you fly.
- Rock Islands trips need a Koror State permit, with a separate, pricier one for Jellyfish Lake; dive and tour operators usually arrange both, but check what your quoted price includes.
- Flights from the UK connect through hubs such as Taipei or Guam and services are limited, so allow generous connection times and buy insurance that covers diving and missed connections.
Palau travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Palau?
The best time to visit Palau is generally Jan–Apr. Peak months are January, February, March and April. Average highs in Koror range from 30°C to 31°C across the year.
How much does a trip to Palau cost per day?
Roughly £100 a day on a tight budget, £220 mid-range and £450+ for comfortable travel, per person including accommodation, food and local transport. Flights are extra.
What currency is used in Palau?
US dollar (USD).
What plug type does Palau use?
Type A and B sockets at 120V. UK visitors need a travel adapter — UK Type G plugs will not fit.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Palau?
Traffic drives on the right in Palau, unlike the UK.
Is tap water safe to drink in Palau?
Not safe — drink bottled or treated water.
Do I need a visa for Palau?
For British passport holders, the FCDO says: You can visit Palau for up to 30 days without a pre-arranged visa. Entry rules change, so check the official FCDO entry requirements for Palau before you travel: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/palau/entry-requirements
What vaccinations do I need for Palau?
TravelHealthPro recommends Tetanus for most travellers, with Dengue, Hepatitis B, Bat Lyssavirus, Tuberculosis and Typhoid sometimes advised depending on your trip. Make sure routine UK vaccinations are up to date and see a travel health professional 6–8 weeks before you go.
