50 Best Places to Visit in Palau: The Ultimate Travel Guide

Palau, an pristine archipelago of over 500 emerald islands rising dramatically from the turquoise waters of the western Pacific, is a true tropical wonderland. Celebrated globally for its revolutionary ocean conservation, world-class diving, and breathtaking marine biodiversity, this island nation offers an incredible underwater and land experience. From the surreal limestone labyrinths of the Rock Islands Southern Lagoon—a UNESCO World Heritage site—to crystal-clear blue holes, WWII historical remnants, and vibrant coral reefs, Palau promises an unforgettable journey into untamed natural beauty.

Why Visit Palau

Visiting Palau offers front-row access to some of the healthiest, most diverse marine ecosystems on Earth. Here is why it belongs on your travel bucket list:

• UNESCO Rock Islands Southern Lagoon: Marvel at hundreds of forested mushroom-shaped limestone islets surrounded by turquoise lagoons.
• World-Class Scuba Diving & Snorkeling: Dive famous spots like Blue Corner, German Channel, and Big Drop-Off teeming with sharks, rays, and turtles.
• Unique Marine Encounters: Swim alongside millions of stingless golden jellyfish in the famous Jellyfish Lake (Eil Malk).
• Rich Cultural & Military Heritage: Discover traditional Bai meeting houses and WWII battlefield relics preserved across Peleliu Island.

Quick Facts

50 Best Places to Visit in Palau

1. Rock Islands Southern Lagoon

• Location: Koror State
• Best Time to Visit: November to April
• Category: UNESCO World Heritage Site / Marine Reserve
• About the Place: A stunning expanse of over 400 mushroom-shaped limestone islands carpeted in dense rainforest, surrounded by turquoise lagoons and vibrant coral reefs.
• Travel Instructions: Accessible via short 15-to-30-minute speed boat tours departing from docks in Koror.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Rock Islands Southern Lagoon

2. Jellyfish Lake (Ongeim'l Tketau)

• Location: Eil Malk Island, Rock Islands
• Best Time to Visit: November to April
• Category: Marine Natural Wonder
• About the Place: A marine lake home to millions of golden jellyfish that have lost their sting over thousands of years, offering a surreal snorkeling experience.
• Travel Instructions: Accessible by boat tour from Koror to Eil Malk, followed by a short 10-minute jungle trail hike.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Jellyfish Lake

3. Blue Corner

• Location: Outer Reef, Rock Islands
• Best Time to Visit: November to May
• Category: Scuba Diving Site
• About the Place: Ranked among the top dive sites on Earth, famous for strong currents attracting dozens of reef sharks, sea turtles, barracudas, and schools of jacks.
• Travel Instructions: Reached via a 45-minute dive boat trip from Koror; dive hook experience recommended for certified divers.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Blue Corner

4. Milky Way Lagoon

• Location: Rock Islands
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Marine Lagoon / Natural Spa
• About the Place: A sheltered bay known for its chalky turquoise water and white limestone mud bottom, famous for natural therapeutic mud baths.
• Travel Instructions: Included in standard day-trip boat charters from Koror, located 20 minutes from main boat harbors.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Milky Way Lagoon

5. German Channel

• Location: Ngurchang Island, Rock Islands
• Best Time to Visit: November to May
• Category: Diving & Snorkeling Site
• About the Place: A man-made channel cut through the reef in the early 1900s, famous as a cleaner station for majestic manta rays and feeding reef sharks.
• Travel Instructions: Board a dive or snorkeling boat from Koror; located approximately 40 minutes south of Koror town docks.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to German Channel

6. Peleliu Island & WWII Historical Battlefield

• Location: Peleliu State
• Best Time to Visit: November to April
• Category: Historical Site / Island
• About the Place: Site of the fierce 1944 Battle of Peleliu, preserving WWII tanks, gun emplacements, airport runways, and historical monuments amidst quiet tropical scenery.
• Travel Instructions: Take a 1-hour speedboat ferry or a short 15-minute domestic flight from Koror to Peleliu.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Peleliu Island

7. Ngardmau Waterfall (Taki Falls)

• Location: Babeldaob Island, Ngardmau State
• Best Time to Visit: May to November (for maximum water flow)
• Category: Waterfall / Rainforest Hike
• About the Place: The largest waterfall in Micronesia, flowing down a wide rock face into a natural pool surrounded by dense, lush tropical rainforest.
• Travel Instructions: Drive 45 minutes from Koror along the Babeldaob Compact Road, followed by a 20-minute jungle walk or monorail ride.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Ngardmau Waterfall

8. Badrulchau Stone Monoliths

• Location: Ngarchelong State, Babeldaob Island
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Archaeological Site
• About the Place: An ancient mystery site featuring 52 massive basalt stone monoliths overlooking the ocean, believed to be the pillars of a legendary ancient meeting house.
• Travel Instructions: Located at the northern tip of Babeldaob Island, roughly a 1-hour scenic drive from Koror along the paved highway.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Badrulchau Monoliths

9. Palau National Capitol Complex (Ngerulmud)

• Location: Melekeok State, Babeldaob Island
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Architecture / National Capitol
• About the Place: The grand Capitol building of Palau, modeled after the US Capitol, standing grandly amidst quiet coastal green hills in the official capital city.
• Travel Instructions: Drive 35 minutes north from Koror along the main Babeldaob circular highway.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Palau Capitol Complex

10. Big Drop-Off (Ngemelis Wall)

• Location: Ngemelis Island, Rock Islands
• Best Time to Visit: November to May
• Category: Scuba Diving / Underwater Wall
• About the Place: A sheer vertical underwater cliff plunging over 200 meters into the ocean abyss, lined with colorful soft corals, sea fans, and marine life.
• Travel Instructions: Reached via a 40-minute dive boat trip south from Koror harbor.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Big Drop-Off

11. Blue Holes

• Location: Reef Wall near Blue Corner, Rock Islands
• Best Time to Visit: November to May
• Category: Scuba Diving / Cavern
• About the Place: A cavern system featuring four vertical shaft openings on the top reef flat that open into a large underwater chamber filled with sunlight beams.
• Travel Instructions: Located right next to Blue Corner; accessible by certified dive charter boats from Koror.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Blue Holes

12. Ulong Island & Ulong Channel

• Location: Rock Islands
• Best Time to Visit: November to May
• Category: Dive Site / Historic Beach
• About the Place: Features a famous coral-lined drift dive channel, ancient rock paintings, and pristine beaches where Captain Henry Wilson shipwrecked in 1783.
• Travel Instructions: Board a day tour boat from Koror; located 30 minutes west across the lagoon.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Ulong Island

13. Airai Bai (Traditional Meeting House)

• Location: Airai State, Babeldaob Island
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Cultural Heritage Site
• About the Place: Over 150 years old, this is the oldest preserved traditional chief's meeting house (Bai) in Palau, featuring hand-carved painted stories on wooden gables.
• Travel Instructions: Located 15 minutes from Koror, near Roman Tmetuchl International Airport.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Airai Bai

14. Chandelier Cave

• Location: Malakal Harbor, Koror
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Cave Diving / Cavern
• About the Place: A unique cave system consisting of five connected chambers filled with glittering stalactites and stalagmites suspended above crystal-clear water.
• Travel Instructions: Located just 5 minutes by boat from Malakal Harbor in Koror; accessible to certified divers.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Chandelier Cave

15. Belau National Museum

• Location: Koror City
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Museum / Cultural Heritage
• About the Place: The oldest museum in Micronesia (established 1955), displaying traditional Palauan artwork, historical artifacts, canoe carvings, and a full-scale Bai.
• Travel Instructions: Situated centrally on Koror Island; easily accessible by taxi or walk from central Koror hotels.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Belau National Museum

16. Iro Maru Wreck

• Location: Urunzel Harbor, Rock Islands
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Wreck Diving
• About the Place: A 143-meter Japanese WWII supply ship resting upright on the ocean floor at 40 meters depth, encrusted in soft corals and home to marine life.
• Travel Instructions: Located a short 15-minute dive boat trip south from Malakal Harbor in Koror.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Iro Maru Wreck

17. Kayangel Atoll

• Location: Kayangel State (Northern Palau)
• Best Time to Visit: November to April (calm sea conditions)
• Category: Coral Atoll / Remote Island
• About the Place: Palau's northernmost state, a pristine coral atoll with crystal-clear turquoise lagoons, deserted white beaches, coconut palm groves, and quiet fishing.
• Travel Instructions: Accessible via a 2-hour boat trip north from northern Babeldaob Island (weather dependent).
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Kayangel Atoll

18. Carp Island & Carp Island Resort

• Location: Rock Islands Lagoon
• Best Time to Visit: November to April
• Category: Island Resort / Beach
• About the Place: A star-shaped limestone island offering sandy beaches, palm trees, diving boat access, and peaceful eco-resort cabins nestled in nature.
• Travel Instructions: Located 45 minutes south of Koror by boat; private transfers arranged via dive operators.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Carp Island

19. Etpison Museum

• Location: Koror City
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Cultural Museum
• About the Place: Dedicated to Palauan culture and history, featuring rare traditional shell money collections, antique canoes, storyboards, and WWII relics.
• Travel Instructions: Located along Main Road in central Koror, within easy walking distance of major downtown shops.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Etpison Museum

20. Soft Coral Arch

• Location: Rock Islands
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Snorkeling / Underwater Feature
• About the Place: A natural limestone rock arch covered in vibrant yellow, pink, and purple soft corals growing just beneath the water surface, ideal for snorkelers.
• Travel Instructions: Included on standard Rock Islands day tours departing from Koror boat charters.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Soft Coral Arch

21. Ngercholech Eco-Trail & Mangroves

• Location: Koror / Babeldaob
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Eco-Tourism / Mangrove Kayaking
• About the Place: A peaceful ecosystem of coastal mangrove forests, clear estuaries, and wooden boardwalk trails home to native birds and marine nurseries.
• Travel Instructions: Accessible via guided kayak excursions departing from harbors near Koror.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Ngercholech Mangrove Trail

22. Helmet Wreck (Depth Charger)

• Location: Malakal Harbor, Koror
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: WWII Wreck Diving
• About the Place: An unidentified WWII Japanese coaster ship discovered in 1990, holding preserved gas masks, depth charges, helmets, and artillery rounds.
• Travel Instructions: Located a short 10-minute boat ride from dive shops in Malakal Harbor.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Helmet Wreck

23. Siaes Tunnel & Siaes Corner

• Location: Western Barrier Reef, Rock Islands
• Best Time to Visit: November to May
• Category: Scuba Diving Site
• About the Place: An expansive cavern starting at 24 meters and exiting on a vertical wall drop-off, offering views of stingrays, sharks, and gorgonian fans.
• Travel Instructions: Located 35 minutes west of Koror harbor via dive boat charters.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Siaes Tunnel

24. Peleliu Peace Memorial Park

• Location: Southern Tip of Peleliu Island
• Best Time to Visit: November to April
• Category: Historical Monument Park
• About the Place: A serene coastal memorial park dedicated to the soldiers of both Allied and Japanese forces who lost their lives during the Pacific campaign.
• Travel Instructions: Located at the southern tip of Peleliu Island; accessible via local Peleliu land tour vans.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Peleliu Peace Memorial

25. Ngemelis Island (Turtle Cove)

• Location: Outer Rock Islands
• Best Time to Visit: November to May
• Category: Island & Snorkeling Cove
• About the Place: Home to Turtle Cove, a reef wall where hawksbill and green sea turtles feed among shallow coral gardens and reef drop-offs.
• Travel Instructions: Located 40 minutes south of Koror by speedboat; frequently visited on diving trips.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Ngemelis Island

26. Melekeok Beach & Coral Reef

• Location: Melekeok State, Babeldaob Island
• Best Time to Visit: November to April
• Category: Beach & Nature Reserve
• About the Place: A peaceful, uncrowded eastern beach stretch backed by palm trees, offering calm lagoon swimming and close access to local village culture.
• Travel Instructions: Drive 35 minutes north from Koror along the east side of the Babeldaob Compact Road.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Melekeok Beach

27. Jakes Seaplane Wreck

• Location: Off Meyuns, Koror
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Wreck Diving & Snorkeling
• About the Place: An intact WWII Japanese Aichi E13A "Jake" reconnaissance seaplane lying in shallow water (15 meters depth), surrounded by hard corals.
• Travel Instructions: Reached via a 5-minute boat ride from Koror dive shops, suitable for both snorkelers and divers.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Jakes Seaplane Wreck

28. Japanese Communications Center Ruins

• Location: Aimeliik State, Babeldaob Island
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Historical Ruins
• About the Place: A massive bombed WWII Japanese radio headquarters building standing quietly inside lush jungle foliage, covered in vines and moss.
• Travel Instructions: Drive 25 minutes from Koror onto Babeldaob Island via the western highway route.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Japanese Communications Center

29. Long Beach

• Location: Rock Islands Lagoon
• Best Time to Visit: Low tide hours, year-round
• Category: Sandbar / Natural Beach
• About the Place: A dramatic white sandbar extending hundreds of meters across blue ocean waters, appearing only during low tide hours.
• Travel Instructions: Included in standard Rock Islands boat tours from Koror; tide tables determine daily stops.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Long Beach

30. Mount Ngerchelchuus

• Location: Border of Ngardmau and Ngaremlengui States, Babeldaob
• Best Time to Visit: November to April
• Category: Highest Peak / Hiking Trail
• About the Place: Standing at 242 meters, the highest natural point in Palau, surrounded by mahogany forests, endemic bird species, and panoramic island views.
• Travel Instructions: Drive 40 minutes north from Koror; accessible via marked hiking trails near the main highway.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Mount Ngerchelchuus

31. Ngerkebesang Island & Japanese Hospital Ruins

• Location: Koror State
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Island / Historical Site
• About the Place: Connected to Koror by causeway, this island features historic WWII Japanese structures, peaceful resorts, and scenic sunset viewpoints.
• Travel Instructions: Drive 10 minutes west from central Koror city across the causeway bridge.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Ngerkebesang Island

32. Clam City

• Location: Rock Islands Lagoon
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Marine Sanctuary / Snorkeling
• About the Place: A shallow marine sanctuary famous for colossal giant clams (Tridacna gigas) weighing over 200 kilograms and reaching over 100 years of age.
• Travel Instructions: Visited as a key stop on day-trip boat tours departing from Koror resorts and docks.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Clam City

33. Short Drop-Off

• Location: Near Koror Harbor
• Best Time to Visit: November to May
• Category: Scuba Diving Site
• About the Place: A close-to-shore vertical wall dive featuring dense fields of giant sea fans, anemones, clownfish, and frequent nurse shark sightings.
• Travel Instructions: Located a quick 15-minute boat ride east from Koror docks.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Short Drop-Off

34. Ngercheu Island & Marine Reserve

• Location: Outer Rock Islands
• Best Time to Visit: November to April
• Category: Marine Reserve
• About the Place: A secluded southern island group featuring pristine coral gardens, sea turtle feeding grounds, and calm protected waters.
• Travel Instructions: Located near Peleliu; accessible via customized private boat charters from Koror.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Ngercheu Island

35. Ngardmau Dock & Eco-Park

• Location: Ngardmau State, Babeldaob Island
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Coastal Park / Kayaking
• About the Place: A historic bauxite dock site converted into a tranquil coastal park offering sea kayaking into mangrove estuaries and coastal reef flats.
• Travel Instructions: Drive 45 minutes north from Koror along the western Compact Road route.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Ngardmau Dock

36. Dolphin Bay (Dolphins Pacific)

• Location: Ngerkebesang Island, Koror
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Marine Education Facility
• About the Place: One of the world's largest non-profit dolphin research and educational facilities, dedicated to marine mammal rehabilitation and education.
• Travel Instructions: Located a 10-minute boat transfer from Koror main docks or drive to Meyuns jetty.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Dolphin Bay

37. Amatsu Maru Wreck

• Location: Malakal Harbor
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Wreck Diving
• About the Place: The largest WWII shipwreck in Palau, a 158-meter Japanese oil tanker resting at 30 meters depth covered in black coral bushes.
• Travel Instructions: Located in Malakal Harbor, just 10 minutes from dive centers in Koror.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Amatsu Maru Wreck

38. Ngaremeduu Conservation Area

• Location: Aimeliik, Ngatpang & Ngaremlengui States
• Best Time to Visit: November to April
• Category: Biosphere Reserve / Estuary
• About the Place: Palau's largest estuarine ecosystem, protecting vast mangrove forests, pandanus swamps, dugongs (sea cows), and saltwater crocodiles.
• Travel Instructions: Drive 30 minutes north of Koror onto Babeldaob; best explored via guided eco-boat tours.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Ngaremeduu Area

39. Eil Malk Island & Hidden Marine Lakes

• Location: Rock Islands
• Best Time to Visit: November to April
• Category: Island / Geological Site
• About the Place: Besides Jellyfish Lake, Eil Malk houses over a dozen secluded saltwater marine lakes hidden inside dense jungle-clad limestone hills.
• Travel Instructions: Reached via organized eco-boat tours from Koror resorts.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Eil Malk Island

40. Orange Beach

• Location: Peleliu Island
• Best Time to Visit: November to April
• Category: Historical Beach
• About the Place: The historic WWII beach landing site for US Marines during the Battle of Peleliu, today a serene, quiet stretch of sand and sea.
• Travel Instructions: Reached via a 1-hour boat transfer from Koror or land tour van in Peleliu.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Orange Beach

41. Malakal Island & Harbor

• Location: Koror State
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Harbor / Activity Hub
• About the Place: The primary maritime hub of Palau, featuring dive operators, docks, waterfront restaurants, and access to nearby snorkeling reefs.
• Travel Instructions: Connected to Koror Island via causeway bridge; easily reached by local taxis.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Malakal Island

42. Ollei Pier & Ngarchelong Reefs

• Location: Northern Tip of Babeldaob Island
• Best Time to Visit: November to April
• Category: Coastal Pier / Snorkeling
• About the Place: A scenic northern pier looking out toward Kayangel, offering access to thriving northern barrier reef systems and quiet village roads.
• Travel Instructions: Located at the far northern end of the Babeldaob Compact Road highway.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Ollei Pier

43. Siaes Reef Wall

• Location: Western Barrier Reef
• Best Time to Visit: November to May
• Category: Scuba Diving / Coral Reef
• About the Place: A vibrant reef wall known for crystal clarity, giant hard coral heads, eagle rays, gray reef sharks, and colorful anthias fish.
• Travel Instructions: Located 35 minutes west of Koror harbor; reached via dive charters.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Siaes Reef Wall

44. Ngerchong Island & Channel

• Location: Rock Islands Lagoon
• Best Time to Visit: November to April
• Category: Dive Site / Island
• About the Place: Features two distinct dive sites (Ngerchong Outside and Inside), popular for seeing juvenile reef sharks, cuttlefish, and nudibranchs.
• Travel Instructions: Located 45 minutes south of Koror by boat.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Ngerchong Island

45. Airai Waterfalls (Taki)

• Location: Airai State, Babeldaob
• Best Time to Visit: May to November
• Category: Natural Waterfall
• About the Place: A tranquil, lesser-visited waterfall set inside dense jungle terrain in Airai state, featuring cool natural swimming pools.
• Travel Instructions: Drive 20 minutes from Koror, followed by a short guided river trek.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Airai Waterfalls

46. Peleliu Wall & Expressway

• Location: Peleliu State
• Best Time to Visit: November to May
• Category: Extreme Current Diving Site
• About the Place: A deep drop-off wall famous for high-speed current drift diving where divers spot pelagic fish, tuna, sailfish, and sharks.
• Travel Instructions: Reached via dive boats from Peleliu or a 1-hour dive boat run south from Koror.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Peleliu Wall

47. Ochiai Trench & WWII Gun Caves

• Location: Peleliu Island
• Best Time to Visit: November to April
• Category: Historical Cave System
• About the Place: An intricate network of limestone caves and fortified tunnels used by Japanese defense forces during WWII, complete with original cannons.
• Travel Instructions: Reached via local land tour guides operating on Peleliu Island.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Ochiai Trench

48. Ngaremlengui Waterfall & Nature Reserve

• Location: Ngaremlengui State, Babeldaob
• Best Time to Visit: May to November
• Category: Nature Reserve / Waterfall
• About the Place: A secluded forest reserve featuring jungle streams, native bird habitats, and small cascades untouched by major tourism crowds.
• Travel Instructions: Drive 35 minutes north from Koror along the west coast highway route.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Ngaremlengui Reserve

49. KOROR-Babeldaob Bridge (Japan-Palau Friendship Bridge)

• Location: Between Koror and Babeldaob
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round (sunset)
• Category: Engineering Landmark / Viewpoint
• About the Place: A grand 413-meter cable-stayed bridge connecting Palau's main commercial island to Babeldaob, offering panoramic harbor sunset views.
• Travel Instructions: Located 10 minutes north of downtown Koror; easily crossed by car or walked.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to KB Bridge

50. Helen Reef Marine Sanctuary

• Location: Hatohobei State (Outer Southwest Islands)
• Best Time to Visit: March to May (expedition season)
• Category: Remote Marine Conservation Area
• About the Place: One of the most isolated marine sanctuaries in the Pacific, protecting pristine coral reefs, nesting seabird colonies, and sea turtles.
• Travel Instructions: Accessible only via specialized liveaboard ocean research vessels or expedition cruises.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Helen Reef

Featured Image

Rock Islands Southern Lagoon