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25 Unforgettable Things to Do in Palau in 2025: A Local’s Ultimate Guide

Discover the ultimate things to do in Palau for 2025 - from swimming in Jellyfish Lake to exploring the Rock Islands. Local tips, hidden gems, and practical advice from someone who has visited multiple times.

Introduction: Why Palau Should Be Your Next Pacific Adventure

The first time I set foot on Palau’s pristine shores back in 2017, I was completely unprepared for how this tiny island nation would capture my heart. Five visits later, I still get goosebumps when the plane begins its descent over that impossibly blue water. On my second trip, our boat broke down near German Channel, leaving us stranded for nearly three hours—yet watching the sunset paint the Rock Islands in golden hues while waiting for rescue remains one of my most treasured memories. That’s Palau for you: even the mishaps somehow transform into magic.

Nestled in the western Pacific, this remote archipelago of over 500 islands offers experiences you simply can’t find anywhere else on earth. From swimming alongside non-stinging jellyfish to diving WWII wrecks, Palau delivers natural wonders and cultural experiences that go far beyond what you see on Instagram.

In 2025, Palau continues to balance tourism with extraordinary conservation efforts—the country has protected over 80% of its maritime territory, creating one of the world’s largest marine sanctuaries. This guide shares everything I’ve learned across multiple visits, including the hidden spots that most tourists miss, practical money-saving tips, and how to experience Palau respectfully and sustainably.

Alii! (Hello!) Let’s dive into this ultimate guide to experiencing the best of Palau.

Understanding Palau: Geography and Practical Information

Before jumping into activities, let’s get oriented. Palau sits about 1,000 km east of the Philippines in Micronesia. The nation consists of approximately 340 limestone and volcanic islands, though only eight are permanently inhabited. Most visitors stay on Koror, the commercial center, or Babeldaob, the largest island.

Key Practical Details for 2025

  • Currency: US Dollar (USD)
  • Language: Palauan and English
  • Best time to visit: December to April (dry season)
  • Visa requirements: Most visitors receive 30-day visa on arrival
  • Pristine Paradise Pass: $100 USD departure fee that supports conservation

Most visitors arrive at Roman Tmetuchl International Airport (ROR) on Babeldaob Island. From there, it’s about a 20-minute drive to Koror, where most accommodations are located.

Money-Saving Insider Tip #1: Many visitors don’t realize you can rent a car for around $45-55 USD per day instead of taking taxis everywhere. With fuel at about $5.50 per gallon in 2025, self-driving is significantly cheaper than the $20+ one-way taxi fares between popular spots, especially if you’re traveling with others.

Top Water-Based Activities in Palau

Palau’s underwater world is its crown jewel, and no visit would be complete without extensive time exploring beneath the surface. Here are the must-do water activities for 2025:

1. Swim in Jellyfish Lake (Ongeim’l Tketau)

Swimming among millions of non-stinging golden jellyfish is one of the planet’s most surreal experiences. After being closed for several years due to declining jellyfish populations, the lake has made a remarkable recovery. The 2024 monitoring reports show jellyfish numbers have returned to over 30 million, making 2025 an ideal time to visit.

The jellyfish have evolved without stingers because they have no natural predators in the lake. As you float among these gently pulsing creatures, you’ll experience a profound connection with nature that’s simply indescribable. I’ve visited three times, and each swim leaves me speechless.

Entry fee: $100 USD (included in the Rock Islands permit)

Personal Note: The jellies follow the sun across the lake each day. For the best experience with fewer crowds, arrive before 9am or after 2pm. Most tour groups visit between 10am-1pm when the jellyfish are concentrated in the center of the lake.

2. Dive or Snorkel the Rock Islands

The UNESCO World Heritage Rock Islands are Palau’s signature landscape. These mushroom-shaped limestone formations house some of the richest marine ecosystems on earth. Top snorkeling and diving spots include:

  • German Channel: Watch manta rays at their cleaning station
  • Blue Corner: World-famous drift dive with sharks and large pelagics
  • Milky Way: Cover yourself in mineral-rich white clay believed to have healing properties
  • Big Drop-Off: A vertical underwater wall that descends 1,000+ feet

In 2025, the Palau government has implemented new conservation zones within the Rock Islands, so be sure to check with your guide about current regulations.

Money-Saving Insider Tip #2: Instead of booking multiple single-day boat tours (averaging $150-250 each), look for multi-day packages. I saved nearly $400 on my last trip by booking a 3-day dive/snorkel combination with Sam’s Tours rather than individual excursions. They don’t advertise these savings online—you have to email and ask specifically for package deals.

3. Kayak Through the Rock Islands

For a more intimate experience, rent a kayak and paddle through the labyrinth of limestone islets. You’ll discover hidden beaches, secret lagoons, and marine lakes that larger tour boats can’t access. The stillness of paddling yourself allows you to spot shy wildlife like white-tailed tropicbirds nesting in the cliff faces.

My favorite kayaking route starts from Malakal Harbor and winds through the islands toward Long Beach. The entire journey takes about 3-4 hours, depending on how often you stop to snorkel or explore.

Rental cost: $45-60 USD per day for a single kayak, $65-85 for a double

4. Dive WWII Wrecks in Chuuk Lagoon

History enthusiasts shouldn’t miss Palau’s collection of WWII wrecks. The most famous is the USS Chuuk Lagoon, known as the “Ghost Fleet of Truk Lagoon.” This underwater museum features dozens of Japanese ships and aircraft sunk during Operation Hailstone in 1944.

On my 2023 visit, I was amazed to find artifacts like sake bottles, gas masks, and even dishes still intact on these wrecks. It’s a haunting reminder of the war’s impact on the Pacific.

Diving cost: $150-200 USD per two-tank dive, including equipment rental

Land-Based Adventures in Palau

While Palau’s marine environment gets most of the attention, the terrestrial attractions are equally fascinating. Here are my favorite land-based activities:

1. Explore Babeldaob Island

Palau’s largest island is surprisingly undeveloped and offers a glimpse into traditional Palauan life away from tourist centers. Must-visit sites include:

Badrulchau Stone Monoliths

These ancient basalt pillars in northern Babeldaob date back to 161 AD and are Palau’s version of Easter Island. Over 50 stone monoliths, some weighing tons, were somehow transported to this hilltop location. The site has recently been renovated with improved pathways and signage for 2025 visitors.

Ngardmau Waterfall

Hike through lush jungle to reach Palau’s tallest waterfall. The trail takes about 40 minutes each way, but your reward is a refreshing natural pool perfect for swimming. On my last visit, I spotted several endemic Palau fruit doves along the trail.

The hiking trail has been improved significantly since 2023, with better markers and rest areas added in 2024. If you’re not up for the hike, a monorail system (¥500 or about $5 USD) can take you most of the way.

2. Visit Palau National Museum

Located in downtown Koror, the Belau National Museum provides essential context for understanding Palau’s culture and history. The bai (traditional meeting house) replica on the grounds showcases incredible wood carvings that tell stories of ancient Palauan legends and history.

For 2025, the museum has added a new exhibition on climate change impacts in Palau, featuring community adaptation projects from across the islands.

Entry fee: $10 USD

3. Hike to German Lighthouse

This colonial-era lighthouse on Babeldaob offers panoramic views of the northern lagoon. The trail wind through jungle and mangroves before emerging at the historic structure built during German occupation in the early 1900s.

I nearly missed this gem on my first three visits, but a local friend insisted I make the hike on my fourth trip. The 360-degree views of Babeldaob and surrounding waters are worth every step of the moderately challenging 30-minute climb.

Local Language Tip: When meeting elders in Palau, use “Kemam ngerachel?” (How are you?) instead of the casual “Ke ua ngerachel?” used with peers. This small gesture of respect will be deeply appreciated.

Cultural Experiences in Palau

Palau’s cultural heritage is rich and vibrant. Here are my recommended ways to engage with authentic Palauan culture:

1. Attend a Traditional Feast (Beldeklel)

Nothing beats a traditional Palauan feast for experiencing local culture through food. Several cultural centers offer these experiences, but my favorite is at the Palau Cultural Center in Airai. You’ll feast on specialties like:

  • Tinola: Fish soup with coconut milk
  • Demok: Taro leaves cooked with coconut milk
  • Fruit bat soup: A Palauan delicacy (for the adventurous)
  • Ukaeb: Mangrove clams marinated in lemon and coconut

I’ve visited during both wet and dry seasons, and different foods are highlighted depending on what’s in season. The feast includes traditional dance performances and storytelling, offering a comprehensive cultural immersion.

Cost: $45-65 USD per person

2. Visit a Traditional Village

The Palau Visitors Authority can arrange visits to traditional villages where you can learn about the matrilineal clan system that still governs much of Palauan society. In these villages, you might see traditional crafts being made, including:

  • Storyboards carved from wood
  • Woven baskets and mats
  • Traditional canoe making

I was fortunate enough to witness a first birth ceremony (omengat) in a village near Melekeok, where the entire community contributed to celebrating a new family’s first child. Such authentic cultural moments can’t be scheduled but might happen if you spend enough time engaging with local communities.

Local Phrase: “Mesulang” (Thank you) is perhaps the most important word to learn in Palauan. When said with genuine feeling, it goes a long way in building connections with locals.

3. Learn About Palau’s Conservation Leadership

Palau has pioneered marine conservation globally, and learning about these efforts is both educational and inspiring. Visit the Palau International Coral Reef Center in Koror to understand the science behind Palau’s marine protected areas and see their coral propagation projects.

For 2025, they’ve added an excellent exhibition on Palau’s National Marine Sanctuary, which protects 80% of the nation’s waters from commercial fishing—one of the highest percentages of protected waters of any country on earth.

Entry fee: $7 USD

Dining and Culinary Experiences

Palau’s food scene blends traditional Micronesian cuisine with Japanese, Filipino, and American influences. Here are my favorite places to eat:

Best Restaurants in Koror

Restaurant Specialty Price Range Why I Love It
The Cove Seafood & Continental $$$ Stunning sunset views over the Rock Islands; try their coconut crusted mahi-mahi
Elilai Restaurant Modern Palauan $$$ Creative dishes using traditional ingredients; their taro leaf gnocchi is innovative and delicious
Penthouse Hotel Restaurant Japanese-Palauan Fusion $$ Excellent sashimi and local fish preparations; more affordable than resort restaurants
Bem Ermii Traditional Palauan $ No-frills local food at affordable prices; best place to try fruit bat soup if you’re brave!
Drop Off Bar & Grill American & Local $$ Great burgers and local beer; popular with dive guides who share daily sightings

Money-Saving Insider Tip #3: Palau Visitor Authority has introduced the “Cultural Dining Pass” for 2025, which costs $25 but offers at least 10% off at participating restaurants plus a free appetizer at selected venues. It pays for itself in just two meals. Ask for it at the tourism desk at the airport upon arrival.

Local Dishes You Must Try

Don’t leave Palau without sampling these authentic dishes:

  1. Ulkoy: Deep-fried shrimp patties with taro
  2. Lius: Coconut crab (seasonal and expensive but unforgettable)
  3. Tama: Preserved breadfruit, a staple food
  4. Belsiich: Pounded taro with coconut milk

One of my personal favorites is a dish called “demok” – taro leaves cooked in coconut milk with land crab. It’s earthy, rich, and uniquely Palauan. You can find the best version at Elilai Restaurant, though it’s not always on the menu, so ask specifically.

Accommodation Options in Palau

Palau’s accommodation ranges from luxury resorts to simple guesthouses. In 2025, several new eco-resorts have opened, while some established properties have renovated. Here are my recommendations based on budget:

Luxury Options

  • Palau Pacific Resort: The island’s premier luxury property with private beach, spa, and excellent restaurants. Rooms from $350-500 USD per night.
  • Palau Royal Resort: Japanese-owned resort with large rooms and good amenities. Rooms from $250-400 USD per night.

Mid-Range Options

  • Caroline’s Resort: Locally-owned hotel with beautiful gardens and a dive center. Rooms from $150-220 USD per night.
  • Cove Resort Palau: Modern rooms with excellent restaurant and pool. Rooms from $180-250 USD per night.

Budget Options

  • DW Motel: Simple but clean rooms in downtown Koror. Rooms from $75-90 USD per night.
  • Ms. Pinetree’s Hostel: Backpacker favorite with dorms and private rooms. Beds from $35 USD, rooms from $65 USD.

Sustainability Tip That Saves Money: Almost all accommodations in Palau now offer 10-15% discounts if you decline daily housekeeping. This saves water and energy on this drought-prone island while reducing your bill. At Palau Pacific Resort, I saved nearly $200 over a 5-night stay by choosing their “eco-option” which provides housekeeping every third day instead of daily.

Transportation Around Palau

Getting around Palau is straightforward but requires some planning. Here are your options:

Rental Cars

Renting a car is the most flexible option for exploring Babeldaob Island. Several companies offer rentals near the airport and in Koror. In 2025, a compact car costs about $45-55 USD per day. Companies to consider:

  • Avis Palau
  • Hertz Palau
  • Palau Rental Car (locally owned, my personal recommendation)

Driving is on the right side, and most roads on Babeldaob are well-maintained. However, some smaller roads might require a 4WD vehicle, especially during the rainy season.

Taxis and Shuttle Services

Taxis in Koror typically charge $5-10 USD for trips within town, while rides to Babeldaob can cost $20-40 USD depending on distance. Many hotels offer shuttle services to popular attractions.

For airport transfers, pre-arrange with your hotel for the best rates. A taxi from the airport to Koror costs about $25 USD.

Learning From My Mistake: On my second visit, I waited until arriving to book a rental car and found everything sold out during the Japanese holiday week. Palau’s rental car fleet is limited, so book at least 2-3 weeks in advance, especially during peak season (December-April).

When to Visit Palau

Palau’s tropical climate makes it a year-round destination, but certain times are better depending on your interests:

Seasonal Considerations

  • December-April (Dry Season): Best overall time to visit with sunny days, less rain, and excellent visibility for diving (30+ meters). This is peak tourist season, so book accommodations well in advance.
  • May-July (Shoulder Season): My personal favorite time to visit. Slightly more rain but fewer tourists and lower prices. Water visibility still excellent most days.
  • August-November (Wet Season): More frequent rain showers, occasionally impacting boat trips. However, hotel rates can be 30-40% lower, and you’ll have dive sites almost to yourself.

Special Events Worth Planning Around

  1. Palau Independence Day (October 1): Celebrations throughout the country with traditional dances, canoe races, and feasts
  2. Easter Weekend: Important holiday with church services and family gatherings
  3. Conservation Day (April 22): Educational events and beach cleanups

For 2025, Palau is hosting a special Micronesian Arts Festival in July that will bring traditional performers from across the region—definitely worth planning around if you’re interested in cultural experiences.

Sustainable Tourism in Palau

Palau is a global leader in sustainable tourism, and visitors are expected to participate in these efforts. In fact, all arrivals must sign the Palau Pledge, a stamped passport promise to act in ecologically and culturally responsible ways during your visit.

Key Sustainability Initiatives

  • Reef-Safe Sunscreen Only: Palau was the first country to ban sunscreens containing chemicals harmful to coral reefs. Bring only mineral-based sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. If you forget, approved sunscreens are available locally, though at premium prices.
  • Plastic Ban: Single-use plastics are banned throughout Palau. Bring a reusable water bottle and shopping bag.
  • No-Touch Marine Life Policy: It’s illegal to touch marine life, including corals, while swimming or diving.

Learning From My Mistake: On my first visit, I brought standard sunscreen that was confiscated at the airport. Instead of risking buying a potentially non-approved brand locally, pack a reef-safe option from home. I like Badger and ThinkSport brands, which are effective and truly reef-safe.

Supporting Local Communities

Your tourism dollars can directly benefit Palauans when you:

  • Choose locally-owned accommodations and tour operators
  • Buy souvenirs from artisans rather than imported products
  • Eat at locally-owned restaurants
  • Join community clean-up events (often organized through hotels)

Sustainability Tip That Saves Money: Most visitors don’t realize that tap water in Koror is safe to drink. By refilling your water bottle instead of buying bottled water, you’ll save approximately $5-8 USD per day while reducing plastic waste. I’ve drunk tap water on all five visits without issues. If you’re staying in rural Babeldaob, however, stick to bottled or filtered water.

Practical Tips for Visiting Palau

After multiple visits, I’ve accumulated some practical wisdom that will make your trip smoother:

Packing Essentials

  • Reef-safe sunscreen (high SPF – the equatorial sun is intense)
  • Rash guard/sun shirt for water activities (reduces sunscreen need)
  • Insect repellent (especially for dawn/dusk)
  • Cash (many smaller businesses don’t accept cards)
  • Waterproof bag for boat trips
  • Headlamp (power outages occasionally occur)

Money Matters

Palau uses the US Dollar. Credit cards are accepted at major hotels, restaurants, and dive shops, but many smaller operations are cash-only. ATMs are available in Koror but can occasionally run out of cash, especially during Japanese holidays when tourism peaks.

Learning From My Mistake: During my third visit, I planned to withdraw cash upon arrival but found both airport ATMs out of order. Bring at least $200-300 USD with you as a backup. For the best exchange rates if you’re coming from Asia, convert to USD before arriving in Palau.

Internet and Communication

In 2025, Palau’s internet infrastructure has improved considerably with the completion of a new undersea cable. However, connections can still be spotty outside of Koror.

  • PNCC is the main mobile provider, offering SIM cards at the airport for $10 USD
  • Data packages cost $10 for 1GB or $25 for 3GB
  • Most hotels and restaurants in Koror offer free Wi-Fi

Health and Safety

Palau is generally very safe with low crime rates. The main health concerns are sunburn, dehydration, and minor cuts from coral (which can easily get infected in tropical conditions).

Belau National Hospital in Koror can handle basic medical needs, but serious conditions require evacuation to Guam or the Philippines. Comprehensive travel insurance that covers evacuation is strongly recommended.

Personal Experience: After cutting my foot on coral, I was impressed when my dive operator immediately provided proper first aid, including iodine cleansing and antibiotic ointment. Many tour operators are trained in first aid, but it’s wise to bring a personal kit with waterproof bandages and antibiotic cream.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

Beyond the standard attractions, here are some lesser-known experiences that I’ve discovered over multiple visits:

Peleliu Island Historical Tour

While not entirely unknown, Peleliu gets far fewer visitors than the Rock Islands despite its fascinating WWII history. This island saw one of the Pacific War’s bloodiest battles, and you can still see tanks, weapons, and bunkers rusting in the jungle. The excellent Peleliu WWII Memorial Museum provides context for the sites.

What makes this especially moving is that local guides often share stories passed down from relatives who lived through the occupation and battle. The day trip from Koror costs about $150 USD including boat transportation.

Night Snorkeling with Bioluminescence

Few visitors know about Palau’s bioluminescent bays where the water glows blue when disturbed. Only a couple of tour operators offer this experience, including Sam’s Tours who began their “Dazzle in the Dark” tour in 2023.

Swimming surrounded by twinkling blue lights is magical. The best spots are in protected coves near Nikko Bay, and the experience is best during the new moon phase when the sky is darkest.

Cost: $85-100 USD per person

Visit a Traditional Taro Patch

Taro farming is central to Palauan culture, and these intricately designed wetland gardens are works of art when viewed from above. In traditional Palauan society, a woman’s wealth was partly measured by her taro patches.

You can arrange a visit to active taro farms through the Palau Visitors Authority, where local women demonstrate cultivation techniques passed down for generations. This gives insight into daily Palauan life rarely experienced by tourists.

Sensory Detail: The earthy smell of taro patches mingles with the sweet fragrance of tropical blossoms. As you walk the raised pathways between plots, you might hear the distant chanting of women working together, a sound unchanged for centuries.

Conclusion: Making the Most of Your Palau Adventure

After five visits spanning eight years, Palau continues to surprise and delight me with each return. This tiny nation offers experiences you simply won’t find anywhere else on earth—from swimming with millions of jellyfish to witnessing some of the planet’s most pristine coral reefs.

What makes Palau truly special, though, is how the country has balanced tourism with conservation, creating a model for sustainable travel that other destinations would be wise to follow. When you visit, you’re not just witnessing natural wonders; you’re participating in their preservation through the fees and practices that protect them.

Your 5-Step Palau Action Plan for 2025

  1. Book accommodations 3-6 months in advance, especially if visiting during high season (December-April)
  2. Purchase the Rock Islands/Jellyfish Lake permit your first day in Palau ($100 for 10 days) to maximize value
  3. Balance guided tours with independent exploration—schedule at least one free day to discover your own favorite spots
  4. Connect with locals through cultural experiences, local restaurants, and community events
  5. Participate actively in conservation by following reef-safe practices and supporting eco-friendly businesses

Palau may require more effort to reach than some destinations, but that extra journey keeps it special—a place where mass tourism hasn’t overwhelmed local culture or natural wonders. Every dollar you spend there supports one of the world’s most progressive approaches to balancing tourism with conservation.

As they say in Palauan when parting: “Ke kmal mesaul” (Thank you very much) for allowing me to share my experiences of this remarkable place. May your journey to Palau be as memorable and transformative as each of mine has been.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Palau

Is Palau expensive to visit?

Yes, Palau is relatively expensive compared to other destinations in Asia and the Pacific. Budget travelers should expect to spend at least $150-200 USD per day including accommodation, food, and activities. Mid-range travelers typically spend $250-350 USD daily, while luxury experiences can exceed $500 per day. The remote location means almost everything must be imported, raising prices significantly.

Do I need a visa to visit Palau?

Most tourists do not need a visa in advance. Visitors from the US, EU countries, Japan, Australia, and many other nations receive a 30-day visa upon arrival. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date. Always check the latest requirements with the Palau Embassy before traveling.

What’s the best way to get to Palau?

As of 2025, the main airlines serving Palau are United Airlines (from Guam and Manila), China Airlines (from Taipei), Korean Air (from Incheon), and Japan Airlines (from Tokyo). Most travelers connect through one of these hubs. Flight schedules change seasonally, so check options well in advance.

Is English widely spoken in Palau?

Yes, English is an official language and is widely spoken throughout Palau, especially in areas frequented by tourists. Most Palauans are bilingual in Palauan and English. Japanese is also common in the tourism industry due to the significant number of Japanese visitors.

How many days should I spend in Palau?

I recommend a minimum of 5-7 days to experience Palau’s highlights. Divers should plan for at least 7-10 days to fully appreciate the diverse underwater environments. Given the distance most travelers cover to reach Palau, staying less than 5 days doesn’t provide adequate time to justify the journey.

Is Palau safe for solo travelers?

Palau is generally very safe for solo travelers, including women. Violent crime is rare, though standard precautions should be taken, especially at night in Koror. The biggest safety concerns are actually related to water activities—always dive or snorkel with reputable operators who prioritize safety.

Can I drink the tap water in Palau?

Tap water is generally safe to drink in Koror and at major resorts. In remote areas of Babeldaob or outer islands, stick to bottled or filtered water. If you have a sensitive stomach, you might prefer bottled water everywhere as a precaution.

What’s the Pristine Paradise Environmental Fee?

All visitors must pay a $100 USD departure fee, known as the Pristine Paradise Environmental Fee. This includes the $50 Green Fee that funds conservation efforts, a $30 departure tax, and a $20 Rock Islands permit fee. If you plan to visit Jellyfish Lake, the total fee is $150. These fees are typically paid at the airport upon departure but can sometimes be included in your tour package.

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