Sign the Palau Pledge on arrival
The world's first eco-pledge of its kind, stamped directly into every visitor's passport as a condition of entry, committing to responsible environmental conduct.
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Oceania
Things to do in Palau
A required conservation pledge stamped directly into every visitor's passport, jellyfish that have evolved to lose their sting in an isolated marine lake, and diving consistently ranked among the very best on Earth.
Explore Palau on the map →Budget$$$
Best for7-9 days
CapitalNgerulmud
VisaVisa-free entry for up to 30 days for most nationalities including US, UK, EU, Canadian, and Australian passport holders; all visitors must sign the Palau Pledge stamped into their passport on arrival.
CurrencyUS dollar (USD), the official currency
LanguagesPalauan and English (both official)
InternetGood in Koror, more limited on outer islands
Typical lodging$70–$180/night
Driving sideRight
Power & voltage120V / 60Hz (Type A/B plug)
Time zoneUTC+9
Emergency number911
Dialing code+680
★★★★★ Adventure★★★★★ Wildlife★★★★★ Photography
Visa rules and emergency numbers can change without notice. Confirm the specifics for your nationality and dates before you travel.
Travel smart
Bottled water recommended on smaller islands. Not customary.
Palau was the first country in the world to require every incoming visitor to sign an eco-pledge, stamped directly into their passport, committing to act as a responsible environmental and cultural guest for the duration of their stay, a policy since studied and referenced by other destinations worldwide. Its Jellyfish Lake holds millions of golden jellyfish that, isolated from predators for thousands of years, have evolved to lose most of their sting, allowing visitors to snorkel directly among them in one of the most singular wildlife encounters on Earth.
When to go
Dry seasonNovember–April
The most popular window, with lower rainfall and generally better diving visibility.
Wet seasonMay–October
Warmer and more humid with regular rain, though diving conditions often remain good between showers.
Typhoon risk (lower)Generally low year-round
Palau sits at the edge of the main typhoon belt, giving it a somewhat lower direct-hit frequency than parts of the Philippines or Guam, though monitoring forecasts remains wise.
Transition periodsApril, November
Shoulder months balancing decent weather with fewer crowds between the two main seasons.
20 things to do
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Culture & history
7Visit the Belau National Museum in Koror
One of the oldest museums in Micronesia, documenting Palauan traditional culture, history, and the country's WWII experience.
Explore WWII wrecks and battle sites around Peleliu
The site of one of the bloodiest Pacific battles of WWII, with well-preserved wreckage, caves, and memorials still visible on the island.
Visit a traditional Palauan bai (men's meeting house)
Elaborately decorated traditional meeting houses reflect Palauan storytelling and clan history through painted narrative panels.
Explore ancient stone monoliths at Badrulchau
Mysterious carved stone pillars on Babeldaob island, predating written Palauan history and still not fully explained by archaeologists.
Visit the Etpison Museum in Koror
A private museum showcasing Palauan artifacts, traditional currency (beads and money), and historical photographs.
Explore Palau's Capitol Building in Ngerulmud
A grand, oversized government building on Babeldaob island, a genuinely striking architectural choice for one of the world's smallest national capitals.
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Adventure & outdoors
4Dive the Blue Corner, one of the world's top dive sites
A dramatic wall dive with strong currents drawing large pelagic fish, sharks, and turtles, consistently ranked among the best dive sites on Earth.
Kayak among the Rock Islands' mushroom-shaped limestone formations
A UNESCO World Heritage cluster of over 300 uninhabited limestone islands, their bases eroded into distinctive mushroom shapes by tidal action.
Dive the Chandelier Cave near Koror
An underwater cave system with air-filled chambers holding dramatic stalactite formations, a genuinely unusual dive combining cave and reef diving.
Snorkel or dive the Ulong Channel
A dramatic drift dive through a coral-lined channel, considered one of the most scenic and biodiverse dive sites in Palau's Rock Islands.
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Wildlife
3Snorkel with harmless golden jellyfish at Jellyfish Lake
Millions of golden jellyfish, isolated from predators for thousands of years, have evolved to lose most of their sting, allowing direct snorkeling among them.
Dive German Channel for manta ray cleaning stations
A man-made channel where manta rays regularly gather at cleaning stations, offering some of the most reliable manta encounters anywhere in the Pacific.
Dive with sharks at Shark City near Peleliu
A dive site known for reliable grey reef shark sightings, part of Palau's broader reputation as a global shark diving destination.
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Food & drink
3Eat Palauan taro and reef fish dishes
Traditional Palauan cuisine centers on taro, coconut, and fresh reef fish, reflecting the islands' Micronesian food traditions.
Try Palauan fruit bat soup (where sustainably and traditionally served)
A traditional Palauan delicacy with deep cultural roots, though availability and sustainability considerations vary. Check current status before ordering.
Try Palauan taro pudding (ongraol)
A traditional sweet taro-based dish, reflecting the significance of taro cultivation in Palauan culture and cuisine.
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Nature & scenery
2Snorkel the Milky Way lagoon's white mud pools
A shallow lagoon within the Rock Islands where fine white limestone mud is traditionally used for skin treatments, alongside good snorkeling.
Hike to the Ngardmau Waterfall on Babeldaob
Palau's tallest waterfall, reached via a jungle boardwalk and small rail cart ride on the country's largest island.
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Beaches
1Snorkel the Long Beach sandbar in the Rock Islands
A shifting sandbar that emerges at low tide within the Rock Islands lagoon, a striking and photogenic stop on many boat tours.
Common questions
▾Do I need a visa for Palau?
Most nationalities, including US, UK, EU, Canadian, and Australian citizens, can enter visa-free for 30 days, but all visitors must sign the Palau Pledge, a conservation commitment stamped directly into their passport on arrival.
▾What is the Palau Pledge?
The world's first eco-pledge of its kind, a declaration stamped into every visitor's passport committing them to act as a responsible environmental and cultural guest, since studied and referenced by other destinations worldwide.
▾Can I really swim with jellyfish that don't sting?
Yes. Jellyfish Lake holds millions of golden jellyfish that, isolated from predators for thousands of years, have evolved to lose most of their sting, allowing safe direct snorkeling among them.
▾How many days does Palau need?
7-9 days lets you combine several days of world-class diving with a visit to Jellyfish Lake and the Rock Islands, given the country's small size but rich concentration of sites.
▾Is Palau expensive?
Yes, among the pricier Pacific destinations, reflecting its remote location, high-value low-volume tourism model, and use of the US dollar.
▾How much does it cost to visit Palau's Rock Islands?
All foreign visitors pay a Pristine Paradise Environmental Fee on arrival, currently around $100 USD, which doubles as a Rock Islands permit valid for 10 days and includes a state visitor pass. It's one of the more structured conservation-fee systems in the Pacific, reflecting Palau's strong environmental-protection stance.