Best & Fun Things To Do + Places To Visit In Palau. #Top Attractions

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Palau will surely surprise you with its many wonders! Look at our recommended travel activities and attractions in Palau to get the most out of your time there. Check out the list of the best things to do in Palau and places to go in Palau below. Wondrous Drifter is a cutting-edge, Web 3.0 travel startup that aspires to change the world.

Airai Bai

Airai Bai Palau
Airai Bai Palau / Matt Kieffer / Flickr

An old place made of various indigenous materials waits for you!

The Airai Bai is known for being the oldest bai (men’s meeting house) in Palau.

That is almost 100 years old, measuring 21 meters long and 6 meters broad, with a steeply pitched roof reaching 12 meters. 

It was built on a stone platform with indigenous materials such as wood and thatch. Inside and out, many legendary scenes and symbolic themes are painted.

Look for the fabled money bird delerrok, which may be spotted in all four corners of the bai and is said to bring good luck to the hamlet.

The bai is the focal point of civic and religious life. Women require special permission to enter the building, which is used by the village’s ten chiefs, who play key roles in the government. 

Each chief represents his or her clan and has his or her own seat in the meetinghouse.

This place is not well-marked, so we suggest getting instructions from locals. The bai’s keeper will likely arrive out of nowhere and demand the admittance fee.

Address: Airai Bai, Babeldaob Island, Palau

Badrulchau Stone Monoliths

Badrulchau Stone Monoliths Palau
Badrulchau Stone Monoliths Palau / LuxTonnerre / Flickr

Are you wondering on how does a big archeological site looks like?

The Badrulchau Stone Monoliths, possibly Palau’s largest and oldest archaeological site, are located on the hill slopes of Babeldaob Island’s northernmost point. 

The site consists of 52 basalt megaliths arranged in two rows, some of which have rudimentary faces cut into them.

According to archaeologists, its construction began about the year 161.

The purpose of these stone monuments is unknown, however, they are thought to have acted as pillars for a bai, a form of ancient Palauan meeting-house. 

Legend has it that the gods built this bai, which can accommodate thousands of people at once.

If this is true, the monoliths could be the ruins of the world’s largest bai.

You will like this hidden treasure of ruins if you enjoy Pacific history, archaeological puzzles, and a stunning sea view. 

The entrance and ticket office is located on a small hill, beneath which the Monoliths can be found.

This place is a nice stop to add to your itinerary.

Address: Ngarchelong, Palau

Belau Art Gallery

Belau Art Gallery, Palau
Belau Art Gallery is one of the best places to go in Palau

Visit this wonderful venue to gain an understanding of Palau’s modern culture solely dedicated to exhibiting the work of local artists.

The Belau Art Gallery is located across the street from Bethlehem Park. The PDC building is close to the Bank of Guam. 

The gallery was the first fine art gallery to operate in the Republic of Palau, and it was founded in 2004 by Michael Glinski, the gallery creator. 

Following his success as an ocean artist, Michael Glinski made Palau his permanent home, getting inspiration from the island’s magnificent natural beauty both above and below the water’s surface.

The gallery offers artistic interpretations of the islands’ nature in paintings, sculptures, and jewelry, with a focus on art inspired by the abundant marine life found in the country’s waterways. 

Use 3D glasses to enjoy a collection of original 3D paintings by famous artist Michael Glinski for a one-of-a-kind viewing experience. 

Visitors who want to take something home with them can purchase artwork from the souvenir shop. 

Put Belau Art Gallery in your Koror trip planner to see what’s around, where to stay, and what to do next.

Address: 8FPG+MF8, Koror, Palau

Belau National Museum

Belau National Museum Palau
Belau National Museum Palau / Matt Kieffer / Flickr

Palau boasts of not only its clear waters but also its history and cultural preservation as well. 

Previously known as Palau Museum, it is the oldest continuously run museum in the country. 

A library with about 5000 books on Palau’s history and culture is located within the museum property.

A statue of Haruo Remeliik, Palau’s first president, is also on display.

Two exhibition halls, an air-conditioned photography archive, and offices.

This small museum houses artworks, photographs, sculptures, storyboards, and other artifacts from various eras of Palauan life. 

It’s fascinating to trace the history of colonial occupation on the island as you walk between floors. The museum also has a fantastic gift shop.

They also offer wood-carved storyboards as souvenirs.

Within the carvings, there are stories of people, plants, trees, sea life, etc. The bigger the storyboard, the more extensive the stories.

Don’t miss this museum if you want to bring back memories of these lovely islands!

Address: Ngerbeched Hamlet, Koror, Palau

Big Drop-Off

Big Drop-Off Palau
Big Drop-Off Palau / Matt Kieffer / Flickr

A timely spot for you to check! Don’t miss out on time to experience the best!

Ngemelis Island just is a beautiful backdrop for the Big Drop Off, a popular snorkeling destination in Palau during the lunch break.  

Divers can engage with a variety of fish while snorkeling along the reef, which extends out of the island and protects it from predators.

Also, the divers are drawn to the steep wall of the Big Drop Off. It satisfies their interest in what lies beneath the surface of the reef.

After lunch, the divers arrive straight onto the reef and promptly submerge into the deepest part.

Moreover, divers jump into the water at one of the other two Big Drop-Off buoys, depending on the direction of the current.

They can instantly sink to their deepest point on its wall upon dropping in.

In this way, the divers will be able to observe a variety of different types of tropical fish and soft corals.

Remember to buy your permit for legal entry to these sites– tour groups won’t take you otherwise.

Address: Melekeok, Babeldaob Island, Palau

Bloody Nose Ridge and 1,000 Man Cave

Bloody Nose Ridge and 1,000 Man Cave Palau
Bloody Nose Ridge and 1,000 Man Cave Palau / David Jones / Flickr

A historic war-wrecked place, a history that everybody surely wants to visit!

The battle of Peleliu, one of the bloodiest conflicts in the Pacific during WWII, took place on this seemingly tranquil island.

Many artifacts from the battle still exist today, bringing the tragic history of the Island of Peleliu to life.

There are dive packages that include two dives at Peleliu (weather allowed).

On the trip, guests will view gun emplacements, tanks, planes, and armaments spread over the island, as well as the remnants of a Japanese headquarters structure.

Moreover, guests can go to the dive locations such as the Peleliu wall, Peleliu Express, and Peleliu Cut.

The term Bloody Nose Ridge comes from the fact that during the battle, Marines had to pass through this area when conquering the island; due to the terrain’s delaying effect, a large number of losses occurred.

In addition, the Japanese created the 1,000 Man Cave as part of a system to protect themselves on the island and withstand allied invaders. 

Guided half-day tours are offered for Peleliu’s World War II land trip.

After your dives and lunch on the island, so be sure to book one of the trips!

Address: Peleliu Island, Palau

Dolphins Pacific

Dolphins Pacific, Palau
Dolphins Pacific is one of the best places to go in Palau

Dive deep and be aware of the natural world surrounding you as you create an unforgettable moment.

The largest marine animal interaction, education, and research facility in the world, Dolphins Pacific, may be found here. 

It is tucked away amid the gorgeous rock islands, just a short boat ride from Koror’s main town. 

The Dolphins Bay was founded in January 2000 as a non-profit organization.

Then partnered with Guam’s International Bridge Corp. to construct this gigantic $2.5 million facility in the middle of nowhere, later called Dolphins Pacific. 

After fourteen months and one typhoon, the facility is up and running, providing a unique experience for both visitors and locals.

Moreover, Dolphins Pacific offers educational tours, diving lessons, and encounters with the dolphins. 

They also allow couples to get married alongside dolphins and will take care of the wedding ceremony.

You’ll always have a special place in your heart for dolphins.

Feel the essence of the dolphin underwater world with your body and soul!

Address: Palau Dolphins Pacific, Koror, Palau

Drop-Off Bar and Grill

Drop-Off Bar and Grill, Palau
Drop-Off Bar and Grill is one of the best places to go in Palau

If you are a sundowner, head to the Drop-Off Bar and Grill!

The food is good and reasonably priced, and the sea view is breathtaking! 

Enjoy one of the best Pina Coladas in town on the deck overlooking the sea.

Take a dip at the pool or stroll down the Boardwalk for a glimpse of the Marina. 

The drop-off point is the Neco Marina in Malakal, which is only a short distance from the Palau Royal and Cove Resorts.

Blue marlin, yellowfin tuna, and red snapper are among the seafood supplied daily from the harbor to The Drop Off.

Burgers, kebabs (skewers), and sushi are also popular. 

The open-air balcony with views of the Marina is ideal for soaking up the cool ocean breezes.

It’s an excellent location to stop for a drink even if you’re not eating.

Locally caught fresh fish is served daily. Massive burgers, pizza, and more!

Relax, bring your friends, and have a beer or two in the Marina at the Drop Off. 

Address: Neco Palau, Ngetkib, Airai, Palau

Etpison Museum

Etpison Museum, Palau
Etpison Museum is one of the best places to go in Palau

The museum that holds most of the historic Palauan artifacts awaits you!

Etpison Museum is a 3-story building that houses 2 floors of Palauan and Micronesian artifacts, displays, photography, and information. 

The museum’s upper level includes a large gift shop selling art, more displays, books, jewelry, and souvenirs.

Over the years, this non-profit museum has collaborated on conservation, art, and educational programs with local NGOs and government organizations.

It is also a member of the president-appointed KETC committee, which interprets and publishes early European research on Palau and Micronesia. 

In addition, Etpison Museum has released several books on Palauan culture, nature, and marine life, the most recent being “Palau in Europe,” highlighting Palauan artifacts in European museums.

Foreign influence, traditional money types, the famed 1st childbirth ritual, boats and fish traps, unique seashells, and master carvers’ storyboards are among the museum’s exhibits. 

There’s a selfie bai mural and a bird mural where visitors can identify Palau’s rare species using the iBird App, which includes sounds, photographs, and information on all of Palau’s birds. 

The museum isn’t exactly large for first-time visitors, but it offers some necessary information like culture and history.

You’ll find a wide variety of attractive gifts in the 2nd-floor gift shop. Be sure to make a stop!

Address: Etpison Museum, Koror City, Koror, Palau

German Channel

German Channel Palau
German Channel Palau / Matt Kieffer / Flickr

A man-made wonderful structure with lots of views and an eye-pleasing experience!

The German Channel is a man-made channel that connects the lagoon to the Pacific Ocean and is dug into Palau’s barrier reef in the southwest. 

During Palau’s tenure as a German colony, the channel was built by the Germans.

Presently, it is a well-known diving spot for enthusiasts and professionals alike.

The sandy bottom slopes off to about 75′ on the outside mouth of the channel, with scattered hard coral mounds. 

While you’re waiting for larger life to appear, keep an eye out for garden eels on the sandy bottom, as well as the odd Crocodile fish. 

The manta cleaning station, where the huge creatures occasionally circle to be cleaned by the wrasses, is the dive’s most popular feature.

You might even observe reef sharks cleaning themselves here.

This is another area that comes alive at night, with nudibranchs, octopuses, and other little animals, and this is perfect if you are interested in night diving!

Address: Koror, Palau

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International Night Market

International Night Market, Palau
International Night Market is one of the best places to go in Palau

Check out the Palauan Night Market if you’re in central Koror on a Friday night. 

While watching the traditional entertainers dance and deliver fantastic live entertainment, you may try different types of food and see the craft stalls positioned around the main strip. 

It’s a great chance to meet some of the locals and discover what Koror has to offer.

Come out to the Palau Night Market for a taste of both local and international fare.

The Palau Night Market first opened in October 2010, based on the Asian night market concept, where locals meet to enjoy delicious food, shop for things, and chat with one another. 

Local musicians and dancers give a wide range of entertainment. Come in for some Palauan-style fun!

Palau’s Visitor Authority recorded 177 foreigners and over 3,250 locals (both citizens and residents) attending the Palau Night Market.

International Night Market is what you are looking for for pleasure and entertainment!

Visitors to the region can sample a variety of cuisines and participate in cultural activities like dancing.

Most Palauans are familiar with the night markets in Taipei and Manila.

The Palau Night Market is a must-see if you’re in the area because it’s a great place to sample local delicacies in a lively and welcoming environment!

Address: 100 Main St. Bethlehem park, Koror, Koror Island, Palau

Japan Palau Friendship Bridge

Japan Palau Friendship Bridge, Palau
Japan Palau Friendship Bridge is one of the best places to go in Palau

A bridge which also bridges water, electricity and others, the connecting bridge of 2 islands! 

The Koror–Babeldaob Bridge, also known as Japan Palau Friendship Bridge, links Koror and Babeldaob Islands in Palau. 

It is a portal frame, cable-stayed bridge, and hardened concrete structure with a length of 413 meters.

The Koror–Babeldaob Bridge was constructed in 2002 by the Japanese company Kajima Corporation to replace a previous bridge.

However, it collapsed in 1996, and it was restored by the Korean company Socio Construction Co. in 1978.

The initial version of the Koror–Babeldaob Bridge was a cement box girder structure.

Aside from transporting people and goods, it also carried pipes and tubes for delivering electricity and drinking water.

Recreational activities such as diving and tourist boat cruises are popular in the waterway beneath the bridge. 

The span of the bridge was designed to accommodate the passage of ships of a size that is considered to be reasonably substantial.

Definitely deserving of your time!

Address: Unnamed Rd, Airai, Palau

Jellyfish Lake

Jellyfish Lake Palau
Jellyfish Lake Palau / Stephen Masters / Flickr

Check the wonder of the jellyfish by visiting this lake!

The Jellyfish lake, also known as Eil Malk Lake, houses millions of golden jellyfish that migrate to the lake daily. 

Although it may seem scary, these jellyfish don’t sting and are harmless. 

It is unarguably the most famous tourist spot in the Rock Islands, Palau, which is approximately a 45-minute boat ride from Koror.

Snorkeling is a popular sport in Jellyfish Lake, although, despite the lake’s fresh water, the government prohibits tourists from scuba diving. 

This is because if scuba tank bubbles collect beneath the jellyfish’s bell, they can injure them. 

The anoxic layer, which starts at around 15 meters, has high amounts of hydrogen sulfide, which can be absorbed by a diver’s skin and is very fatal as well. 

The lake is surrounded by rock walls and forests, significantly reducing the amount of wind that can produce mixing.

Because the lake lies in the tropics, where seasonal temperature variations are modest, no temperature inversion can produce vertical mixing in temperate zones.

This is why tourists prefer to go for a summer vacation in Jellyfish Lake!

Address: Eil Malk, ‎Rock Islands‎, ‎Palau

Kayangel Island

Kayangel Island, Palau
Kayangel Island is one of the best places to go in Palau

An island exclusively only to be visited by small boats but worth a visit!

Kayangel is an atoll. Big ships can’t go inside, and there are no airplanes.

Only small boats can reach there, but that one can’t work if the waves are rough.

However, seeing Kayangel Island and its islets is worth the effort!

Kayangel Islet, also known as Ngcheangel or Ngajangel, is the largest and the only inhabited islet in Kayangel Atoll and Kayangel State.

This stunning region is made up of four smaller islands, and Kayangel Islet is the only one of them that is inhabited.

The Ngeriungs Islet, Ngerebelas Islet, and Orak Islet are also pristine and clean.

To view this place, you’ll need to take a long bus and boat voyage to the islands of Palau’s northern coast. 

A cyclone had destroyed the island, which had let it not be repopulated. 

On the islands, there are a few residents and government employees. 

It’s the perfect place for getting away from the hustle and bustle of city life. 

You will be greeted by a view of magnificent, clear, and pure waters encircling the islands.

The island also offers activities such as diving, snorkeling, and fishing. Perfect for tourists who love the water!

Address: Kayangel, Palau

Long Beach

Long Beach, Palau
Long Beach is one of the best places to go in Palau

The Long Beach is perfect for your tropical paradise postcard that uncovers a sandy bar at low tide. 

The location is well-known not just among the locals but also among travelers from different countries.

White fine sand is found along the coast, and the water is clear, clean, and warm. 

This is a beach where the water is shallow, and the bottom is smooth; there are no rocks in the water.

The ocean is quiet throughout the season’s peak (spring months), and high waves do not occur.

Its weather is ideal for a family trip.

Nearby, there are various dive shops, hotels, restaurants, and shops. 

Many tourists undertake deep-sea fishing at the resort, which is famous among snorkeling and scuba diving enthusiasts.

Coastal hotels own the majority of the polished beaches.

This place is especially nice for those who cannot swim between the two islets. A must-visit while in Palau!

Address: Long Beach, Koror, Palau

Mandarin Fish Lake

Mandarin Fish Lake Palau
Mandarin Fish Lake Palau / denAsuncioner / Flickr

This secluded lagoon is the place to go if you want to view Mandarin Fish and take photos of these bright little critters. 

Mandarin Fish Lake, which is a lagoon among the famed Rock Islands of Palau, is only one of many dive sites with Fish’ n Fins where you may dive with Mandarin Fish. 

The Fish’ n Fins House Reef is also a fantastic place to see Mandarins. 

On the home reef, they have a particularly large Mandarin Fish called Godzilla by the locals, who pose for tourists’ cameras every night. 

While they are indeed very tiny and relatively secretive, the mandarin fish usually hang out around sunset.

Be sure to have a solid guide to find them!

Once you spot your first Mandarin fish, you don’t want to leave, and you stay looking for more of these lovable creatures until dark.

Their colors are amazing and well worth your effort and time!

Address: Koror, Palau

Milky Way Lagoon

Milky Way Lagoon, Palau
Milky Way Lagoon is one of the best places to go in Palau

A magic lagoon that looks like it has milk waters!

The Milky Way, which can be seen on this Micronesian country’s Rock Islands, is famed for its healing effects. 

The bottom of this area is full of white volcanic mud, and thus it makes the water look milky.

It is claimed that it is not a freshwater lake but rather a small, isolated island in the sea surrounded by mountains that resembles a lake. 

Volcanic ash has been deposited for tens of millions of years, and thick volcanic mud has formed as a result.

It also contains a variety of natural minerals from natural skin care products when combined with the bactericidal microorganisms found in seawater.

Tourists and locals alike always stop by for a mud bath. 

The Milky Way is perfect for a half hour’s worth of fun and novelty.

For those with young family members, a relatively calm and wake-free place to enjoy with their young ones.

Address: ‎Rock Islands‎, ‎Palau

Ngardmau Falls

Ngardmau Falls, Palau
Ngardmau Falls is one of the best places to go in Palau

A gem on the main island of Babeldaob, a natural water resource with an enticing view!

The Ngardmau Waterfall is the tallest waterfall on the main island of Babeldaob, which is part of the Republic of Palau.

It is a sovereign state in free association with the United States. 

Ngardmau Waterfall, also known as the tallest waterfall in the Micronesia region, flows from Mount Ngerchelchuus, the country’s highest peak.

According to the folklore of Ngardmau, this fascinating feature of Palau was created by a one-eyed eel who fell asleep so deeply that it never awoke. 

The waterfall is now thought to symbolize the eel’s head.

Although villagers still tell stories about a large living eel wandering about somewhere in the river.

The waterfalls are 20 meters (66 feet) into a pool where guests who choose to travel for half an hour to reach this magnificent gem can swim a little in the cold and very pure water.

You can walk through the falls, swim in the lake before, or just enjoy the sound of the falling water.

Certainly worth seeing when in Palau. 

Address: Babeldaob, Palau

Palau Aquarium

Palau Aquarium
Palau Aquarium / Brian Jeffery Beggerly / Flickr

Palau Aquarium is a fantastic site to learn about Palau’s fascinating marine life. 

Strange aquatic species abound in themed exhibits, outdoor pools, and inside aquariums. 

They have indoor and outdoor aquariums and even an interactive pool with starfish and sea cucumbers. 

The breadth and variety of the marine life and the way their exhibits explained and demonstrated the Palauan ecosystems are done beautifully.

The Pacific International Coral Reef Centre, a Japanese-funded research complex, houses this amazing aquarium. 

It includes 16 themed sections, each reproducing a different environment, intending to educate visitors about Palau’s coral-reef ecosystem. 

Furthermore, they also offer programs such as fish feeding.

It sits very close to the Palau hotel, and the entrance fee is affordable. They also have a very small gift shop.

Certainly, Palau Aquarium is a good place to learn about corals, fish, and their history of it.

It may not be far from downtown, but far enough to have tranquil surroundings. 

Address: Palau International Coral Reef Center, Koror, Palau

Rock Islands Southern Lagoon

Rock Islands Southern Lagoon, Palau
Rock Islands Southern Lagoon is one of the best places to go in Palau

Check out this world-class destination for snorkeling, diving, and swimming.

Palau’s Rock Islands Southern Lagoon is a part of a tropical archipelago of 445 small, lushly elevated coral islands.

Also known as Chelchebab, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site notable for its limestone islands, both tiny and huge, as well as for the variety of marine species that lives there.

Surrounded by islands, this shallow lagoon is within a barrier reef in the western Pacific. 

The terrestrial habitat is both lush and severe, supporting a diverse range of rare and endangered species, which is also why tourists love touring around it. 

These abandoned islands now serve as a unique example of small island societies’ way of life over millennia, as well as their reliance on marine resources.

The Rock Islands Southern Lagoon has the most marine lakes of any place on the planet, with 52 in total. 

Furthermore, the property’s maritime lakes are at various ecological and geological development phases with rare and unique species.

Indeed, the seas of the lagoon have many varying colors, which, with the exuberantly forested islands, the varied coastlines, and wide skies, are very beautiful.

Well worth exploring and seeing in a different light.

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Address: Rock Islands Southern Lagoon, Palau

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