Palau

Oceania

Population: ~18,000 (2025 est.)

Capital: Ngerulmud

Official Language: Palauan, English

Time Zone

Palau Standard Time (PWT), UTC+9

No daylight saving time observed

Sunrise ~06:30, sunset ~18:30

Currency

United States Dollar (USD), symbol “$”

Cash is the primary currency used in Palau

ATMs and credit cards are available in urban areas like Koror

National Day

October 1 – Independence Day (from the United States Trust Territory, 1994)

The day is marked with cultural performances, parades, and local feasts

Culture

Palauan culture is strongly influenced by the island's Polynesian heritage and history. The people of Palau value family, respect for elders, and strong community ties. Traditional Palauan arts, including weaving, carving, and tattooing, remain central to the culture. Palauan cuisine features a wide range of seafood, coconut, and root vegetables such as taro and yam. Palauans also celebrate their heritage through traditional dances, festivals, and ceremonies. Christianity plays a significant role in the daily lives of the people, with many religious holidays observed throughout the year.

Music & Dance: Traditional music and dance are integral to Palauan culture, with the "Olib" dance being performed during important ceremonies.
Language & Identity: English and Palauan are official languages, with Palauan being widely spoken and a key part of national identity.
Crafts & Art: Palauan crafts include intricate weaving, basket-making, and wood carving, often used in everyday life or for ceremonial purposes.
Cuisine: Traditional dishes include seafood, coconut-based foods, and starches like taro and yam, often served in communal meals.
Religion & Customs: Christianity is the predominant religion, with religious festivals and church services being central to the cultural calendar.

Tourism & Best Sites to Visit

Palau is known for its unspoiled natural beauty, including pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs. The country offers a range of outdoor activities such as snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and hiking. Visitors can explore secluded islands, underwater caves, and historical sites that tell the story of Palau's cultural and natural heritage.

Blue Corner

Koror

Peleliu Island

Peleliu

Ngardmau Falls

Ngaraard

Palau International Coral Reef

Koror

Blue Corner
Blue Corner is one of Palau’s most famous dive sites, known for its incredible marine life and underwater topography. The site offers a thrilling dive experience with strong currents, making it a haven for divers looking to spot large pelagic fish like sharks, barracudas, and manta rays. It's considered one of the best dive sites in the world.
Peleliu Island
Peleliu Island is rich in history and natural beauty. It was the site of a major World War II battle, and visitors can explore battle sites, memorials, and military ruins. The island also offers stunning beaches and snorkeling spots, with vibrant coral reefs and an abundance of marine life.
Ngardmau Falls
Ngardmau Falls is one of the largest waterfalls in Palau, located on the island of Babeldaob. The falls are surrounded by lush jungle and can be accessed by a hike through the forest. The refreshing water and scenic surroundings make it a popular spot for visitors to relax and enjoy nature.
Palau International Coral Reef
The Palau International Coral Reef is a designated marine protected area and is famous for its diverse and healthy coral reefs. The reef is home to a wide variety of marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and reef sharks. Snorkeling and diving here offer an up-close view of the vibrant underwater ecosystem.

Transportation

Palau’s transportation system is relatively simple, as the country is composed of many small islands. Most visitors arrive by air to Koror, the country’s main hub, and then travel by boat to the various islands. While taxis and rental cars are available in Koror, many of the outer islands can only be accessed by boat.

Taxis: Available in Koror for local transportation. Fares should be agreed upon before departure for longer trips.
Rental Cars: Available in Koror; ideal for exploring the main island of Babeldaob.
Boats: Ferries connect the islands, and private boats are commonly used for inter-island travel.
Domestic Flights: Limited domestic flights are available to connect the main islands with smaller ones.

Airports

Palau has a single international airport, but it plays a crucial role as the main gateway to the country. Palau International Airport (ROR) is well-connected to key destinations in the Pacific region, providing both international and regional flights. Despite its relatively small size, the airport offers modern facilities and services for passengers. The airport serves as a hub for travelers arriving from major international locations, including Guam, the Philippines, Japan, and Hawaii, and provides a direct link to Palau's unique natural and cultural offerings.

Palau International Airport (ROR): Located in the main town of Koror, Palau International Airport is the only airport serving international flights. The airport has several amenities, including duty-free shops, car rentals, currency exchange services, and comfortable lounges. It handles regular flights to popular destinations such as Manila (Philippines), Guam, and Honolulu (Hawaii). The airport also offers seasonal flights and private charters to other Pacific islands. The airport has a small but efficient terminal, and while it doesn't cater to large international airlines, it is well-equipped for the number of visitors who arrive each year. Visitors can also take advantage of its services to connect to smaller domestic airports on nearby islands for local exploration.
Regional Flights: In addition to international flights, Palau International Airport operates domestic flights to smaller regional airports on neighboring islands. These flights allow for further exploration of Palau's pristine and remote outer islands. Most of these flights are offered by regional carriers and smaller private airlines. Popular destinations for domestic flights include the islands of Peleliu and Angaur, where tourists can visit historical sites, nature reserves, and untouched beaches.
Transportation from the Airport: Once visitors land at Palau International Airport, they can easily reach the main town of Koror via taxis, rental cars, or private transportation services. The airport offers shuttle services to popular hotels and resorts in the area. While public transportation options are limited, car rentals are a popular choice for tourists who want to explore Palau's natural wonders and remote beaches at their own pace.
Airport Amenities: While Palau International Airport is small, it provides essential amenities for travelers. Passengers can find duty-free shops selling local souvenirs, snacks, and beverages. There are also comfortable waiting areas, a few restaurants offering local and international cuisine, and currency exchange services. The airport also features free Wi-Fi in the terminal for travelers, making it convenient to stay connected before departure or upon arrival.

Visa & Travel

Nationality/Region	Entry Status	Max Stay	Key Requirements
USA, EU, UK, Australia, New Zealand	Visa Free	Up to 30 days	Valid passport, return/onward ticket
Other countries	Visa Required	Varies	Apply at Palau consulate or embassy
Transit (all nationalities)	Transit Allowed	Up to 24 hours	Confirmed onward ticket

Health: No mandatory vaccinations unless coming from a yellow fever-endemic country. Recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and routine immunizations.

Customs: Duty-free allowances include 200 cigarettes, 1 liter of spirits, and gifts up to USD $500.

Safety Tips: Palau is a safe destination for tourists. Exercise normal precautions, especially when exploring remote areas.

Money Matters: The U.S. Dollar (USD) is the official currency. ATMs and credit card facilities are available in Koror.

Etiquette: Visitors are expected to respect local customs and traditions, particularly in relation to the environment and cultural ceremonies. Always ask for permission before taking photographs of locals.