Palau

Oceania
Written By Alex Hall

Palau is a western Pacific archipelago of more than 300 islands, famous for clear water, limestone islets and marine life. It has some of the best diving on earth and strong conservation rules.

Why it is on my list

Jellyfish Lake and the Rock Islands. Swimming among millions of drifting jellyfish in a landlocked marine lake is on few lists but all of mine.

Best time to go

  • November to April: drier, calmer seas.

  • May to October: wetter, with more wind.

  • Jellyfish Lake: access depends on current conservation status. The lake has been closed in the past because of low jellyfish numbers. Check before booking.

  • Typhoons: rare but possible.

Where to stay

  • Koror: the main town, with most hotels, dive shops and restaurants.

  • Rock Islands: reached by day boat from Koror. Overnight camping is possible with permits.

  • Babeldaob: quieter rural stays.

  • Resorts: Palau Pacific Resort is a long standing one.

Getting there and around

  • Airport: Roman Tmetuchl (ROR).

  • From the US: usually via Guam or Honolulu.

  • Internal: boats to the Rock Islands, cars and taxis on land.

  • Permits: a Rock Islands permit and conservation fee are required.

  • Palau Pledge: visitors sign an eco pledge stamped in the passport.

What to eat

  • Fresh sashimi: tuna and reef fish.

  • Coconut crab: a local specialty.

  • Taro and tapioca: island staples, served boiled or in puddings with coconut.

  • Fish in coconut milk: simple island cooking.

  • Japanese influences: ramen and bento.

What to drink

  • Red Rooster beer: the local brew.

  • Fresh juices: tropical fruit.

  • Coconut water: everywhere.

  • Coffee and tea: available in town.

Don't miss

  • Jellyfish Lake: the golden jellyfish are harmless, and swimming is limited to snorkeling with no tanks. Check status.

  • Rock Islands Southern Lagoon: UNESCO listed.

  • Blue Corner: famous dive site, with sharks, barracuda and big schools of fish riding the current.

  • Milky Way: white clay lagoon where visitors smear the soft mud on their skin, then rinse off in turquoise water.

  • Peleliu: WWII sites, with rusted tanks and bunkers still in the jungle.

  • Ngardmau Falls: the tallest waterfall.

Day trips and side trips

  • Peleliu: history and beaches.

  • Ngarchelong: stone monoliths.

  • Kayangel: a remote atoll.

  • Long Beach: a sandbar visible at low tide.

Festivals and events

  • Independence Day: October 1.

  • Constitution Day: July 9.

  • Christmas and New Year: community celebrations.

Music and dance

  • Palauan chants: traditional performances.

  • Island pop and reggae: common in bars.

Nightlife

Nightlife is small and quiet. Most people end the day early after diving.

  • When people go out: dinner around 7.

  • Where the action is: Koror bars.

  • Good to know: diving and alcohol do not mix.

Photography spots

  • Rock Islands from above: via boat or flight.

  • Jellyfish Lake: underwater photos where allowed.

  • Milky Way: turquoise water.

  • Sunsets from Koror: over the lagoon.

  • Drones: restricted. Check current rules.

Cost of living

  • Overall: $$$ versus New York.

  • Coffee: $3 to $5.

  • Local lunch: $8 to $15.

  • Dinner for two: $50 to $100.

  • Beer: $4 to $7.

  • Mid range hotel: $120 to $250 per night.

  • Daily budget: $200 to $400, plus diving.

Prices are approximate in US dollars as of 2026.

Working remotely

  • Wi-Fi: usable in Koror hotels and cafes, but slower than on the US mainland.

  • Coworking: limited.

  • Time zone: 13 hours ahead of US Eastern in summer, 14 in winter.

  • Longer stays: US citizens can usually stay long. Check current rules.

  • Nomad rating: 2/5.

Good to know

  • Language: Palauan and English.

  • Currency: US dollar.

  • Plugs: Type A and B, 120V.

  • Entry for US citizens: visa free under the Compact of Free Association. Check current rules.

  • Getting around apps: none. Taxis and rentals.

  • Tipping: not expected.

  • Water: bottled in some areas.

  • SIM/eSIM: local SIMs.

Meeting people

  • Social scene: dive boats and shared tours are where travelers meet. The expat community is small and friendly.

  • Apps: limited.

  • Etiquette: respect customs and the Palau Pledge. Ask before taking photos of people or entering traditional meeting houses.

  • Stay smart: use licensed operators.

Staying safe

  • Diving: dive with certified operators and respect no fly times before your flight out. Currents at spots like Blue Corner can be strong.

  • Sun: bring reef safe sunscreen. Many chemical sunscreens are banned to protect the coral, and the equatorial sun is strong.

  • Currents: strong in some channels. Follow your guide when snorkeling away from shore.

Alex Hall
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