10 Best Things to Do in Palau: Jungle & Underwater Adventure

During my time here, I flew a small plane over emerald-green islands, snorkelled alongside sharks and turtles, covered my face in white mud in a turquoise lagoon, hiked through the jungle to a waterfall, and explored some of the most beautiful landscapes I’ve ever seen.

Palau is located in the western Pacific Ocean, so for many it’s not an easy destination to get to. I flew all the way from Norway, but still think it was worth the long trip. It’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been, and for now at least it feels blissfully untouched by tourism.

If you’re planning a trip and wondering what to do in the country of Palau, you’ve come to the right place. I’ll share all my favourite activities to do in Palau along with practical tips to help you plan your adventure.

The Top Things to Do in Palau

As always I’ll start with the fun part first, namely the top things to do in the country of Palau. If you also want more practical information like where you should base yourself, how to get around and my favourite restaurants, just scroll further down and you’ll find everything you need.

Fly Over the Rock Islands

This was hands down the highlight of my trip to Palau. Even though it was one of the more expensive things we did in Palau, it was worth every penny.

We booked a scenic flight in a small plane with open doors and flew over the famous Rock Islands of Palau. Seeing them from above was absolutely incredible. You’ll also get to see other parts of the area like the german channel, the milky way and lots more.

I was initially a bit nervous about flying with the doors open, but as soon as we were in the air it felt incredibly safe. Just make sure to have your belongings attached to you and don’t put your hands out. Our pilot told us that some people could be a bit too careless and loose their phones into the water below.

The weather in Palau can change quickly so I recommend booking the flight on one of your first days. That way you have some flexibility if the weather gets bad. We did it on our first day and luckily had amazing weather, but the next couple of days were not as good so it probably would’ve been cancelled.

Go Snorkelling or Diving With Sharks and Turtles

I’ve snorkelled in a lot of amazing places around the world, but Palau is definitely at the top of my list. It’s one of the places I saw most marine life up close, but still with a safe distance.

Palau is a country that takes it’s environment and wildlife very serious. So serious in fact that you have to sign a pledge to protect it before you’re allowed to enter the country. This means that even though you’ll be able to see and swim with wildlife, there are no boats chasing them or feeding them to get close.

I personally didn’t dive here, but Palau is famous for its diving due to the huge variety of marine life, so if you either have your dive certificate or looking to get one, this is a great place for a dive.

Whether you choose to dive or snorkel, make sure you spend at least one full day exploring Palau underwater. You won’t regret it.

This is the exact snorkel trip I booked and loved

Visit Jellyfish Lake

Jellyfish Lake, locally known as Ongeim'l Tketau, is one of the most famous places to visit in Palau. The reason it’s famous is because millions of golden jellyfish live in the lake. And because they don’t burn, you can actually swim with them.

However, there is an important caveat when planning a visit: jellyfish numbers naturally fluctuate, and the population has experienced dramatic changes over the years, including major declines associated with unusually warm conditions.

When I visited I was told the number of jellyfish living there was so low that it wasn’t worth a visit. This number changes and it’s hard to really know before you’re there and can ask the locals.

I would definitely keep Jellyfish Lake on your potential itinerary, but treat it as an experience that depends on nature rather than something you can guarantee.

Hike to Ngardmau Waterfall

If you want to get away from the ocean for a few hours, I recommend you head inland to Ngardmau Waterfall on Babeldaob Island. It’s the biggest waterfall in Palau and it was incredibly beautiful.

To get to the waterfall you need to hike for about an hour, but it’s not a strenuous hike. The only reason we spent an hour was because it had just rained so the trail was incredibly muddy and slippery so we hd to be careful and take it slow.

There are a couple of pools you can swim in and relax along the way in addition to the huge one below the waterfall. We had the place almost entirely to ourselves, which made the experience even better.

Take a Boat Trip to the Milky Way Lagoon

Another highlight of my trip to Palau was visiting the Milky Way Lagoon. This beautiful lagoon is famous for its pale turquoise water and natural white mud.

The white mud is said to have rejuvenating or skin-softening properties wo of course we smeared it al over. Whether it actually makes you look younger is definitely debatable, but covering yourself in mud before jumping into a ridiculously beautiful lagoon is an experience I’m very happy I had.

Most tours take you here as part of a longer guided boat tour and often combine snorkelling at various spots. I did this tour and highly recommend it! If you only have a few days in Palau, look for a tour that combines several of these experiences into one full day.

Combine the Milky Way with snorkelling on this tour

This is the exact tour I booked and highly recommend!

Explore the Badrulchau Stone Monoliths

Palau isn’t only about beaches, coral reefs and turquoise lagoons. For a completely different side of the country, head north on Babeldaob Island to the Badrulchau Stone Monoliths.

Here you’ll find a collection of ancient stone pillars and carved stones scattered across the landscape.

The origins and purpose of the stones have been debated and as far as I could see there really wasn’t any good answers yet. The site has been dated as far back as A.D. 161 and it was an incredibly fascinating place to visit. When I visited, I immediately thought of Easter Island because it reminded me of the mysterious stone figures I saw there.

The Badrulchau Stone Monoliths are a little off the beaten path, but if you rent a car for a day it’s a perfect stop on a trip around Palau.

Visit Ngerulmud, the Capital of Palau

The capital of Palau might not be the most interesting place to be honest, but if you have some extra time and you’re already driving around the island, it’s worth a stop. There’s nothing specific to do here, but just wander around and see the local life without a plan.

Explore Palau’s WWII History

Palau has a fascinating and often tragic World War II history. If you’re interested in history, consider taking a trip to Peleliu, where one of the Pacific War’s fiercest battles took place in 1944.

The island still has numerous reminders of the conflict, including caves, military structures, tanks and other WWII relics.

I personally didn’t visit Peleliu, but saw some other war remnants like the Japanese WW2 Lighthouse while exploring the island.

Go Kayaking Through the Rock Islands

If you have the time I would definitely consider adding a kayaking trip to Rock Island to your itinerary. I really wanted to, but for iur last days we had such bad weather that it didn’t make sense. We had seen it fro above and explored parts of it by boat, but a kayak trip here would have been amazing.

You can book guided kayaking tours from Koror, often combined with snorkelling stops and other attractions.

Where to Stay in Palau

Palau is a small country, so you won’t find an enormous selection of hotels compared with more developed tropical destinations. The good news is that most visitors base themselves around Koror, which is the main commercial centre and a convenient starting point for boat tours, restaurants and excursions.

I opted for a little bit of luxury and stayed at the Palau Royal Resort, and I absolutely loved it. If you’re visiting Palau primarily for diving and snorkelling, I’d prioritise a hotel that makes it easy to arrange boat trips and transfers. If you want a more relaxing vacation, look for a resort with a beautiful waterfront setting and on-site restaurants.

Best Hotels in Palau

Palau Royal Resort

This is one of the best-known resorts in Palau and sits directly on the waterfront in Malakal. It has an outdoor swimming pool, restaurants, bars, spa facilities and beach access, making it a much more resort-like experience than staying downtown. I stayed here and loved it!

Check prices and availability

Palau Pacific Resort & Villas

If you're looking for the classic luxury Palau experience, this is the hotel I'd look at first. The hotel sits on the coast of Koror State and has its own 250-metre white-sand beach and is surrounded by tropical gardens and forest. You can choose between villas and beautiful overwater bungalows.

Check prices and availability

Palau Central Hotel

If you want a comfortable hotel in the middle of Koror without paying resort prices, this is a great pick. It’s walking distance to lots of restaurants and shops and offers modern rooms, a swimming pool, gym and spa. If you’re staying for a long time they also offer rooms with kitchens.

Check prices and availability

How to Get to Palau

Palau may feel like it’s at the edge of the world, and honestly, that’s part of its appeal. There are limited flights to Palau, so getting here usually requires connecting through an Asian or Pacific hub. Current routes include connections through places such as Manila, Tokyo, Guam and Taipei. I came from Taipei and can definitely recommend spending a couple of days there on your way.

Because Palau is a relatively remote destination with limited flight schedules, I recommend booking your flights well in advance.

How to Get Around Palau

Getting around Palau is relatively easy, but your best option depends on where you’re staying and what you want to see.

Renting a Car in Palau

If you want to explore beyond Koror, renting a car in Palau is the option I would recommend. It’s particularly useful for exploring Babeldaob Island, where you’ll find waterfalls, historical sites, viewpoints and the Badrulchau Stone Monoliths. The roads were easy to drive when I visited, and there was very little traffic.

There also aren’t many huge international rental-car companies operating here. When I visited, our hotel organised a rental car for us, delivered it directly to the hotel and allowed us to return it there. It was incredibly easy. And unless you’re planning a longer road trip, you probably won’t need a car for your entire vacation. One or two days can be enough to explore the main attractions on Babeldaob.

Taxis and Hotel Shuttles in Palau

There is no traditional public bus network for tourists, so taxis and hotel shuttles are the main alternatives to renting a car.

Taxis are available around Koror, but they can become expensive if you’re relying on them for longer journeys. For that reason, I’d personally rent a car for your land-exploration days and use taxis or hotel transfers when appropriate.

Where to Eat in Palau

Because Palau is so small, you won’t find an endless list of restaurants. Most larger hotels have their own restaurants, with menus often featuring Asian-inspired dishes, seafood and international options.

But personally, I always like getting out of the hotel and trying local restaurants whenever I can. One of our favourite places to eat in Palau quickly became Drop Off Bar & Grill. It’s popular with divers coming back after a long day underwater, and it has a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere. The combination of fresh seafood, a cold drink and a sunset after a day of snorkelling is pretty hard to beat. A few other places to look into include Elilai, especially if you’re looking for a more upscale meal with a view, and Carp Restaurant for Palauan and Japanese-influenced dishes.

How Many Days Do You Need in Palau?

I spent one week in Palau, and I think that’s a great amount of time for a first visit. If you only have 3–4 days, you can still experience the highlights, but you’ll have to prioritise.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Palau?

Palau is a tropical destination and can be visited throughout the year, but weather conditions can have a major impact on activities such as scenic flights, diving, snorkelling and boat tours.

The dry period is between November to April and during this time you’ll get calmer waters, less rain and better underwater visibility. We visited in July and eve though we had some really great days, we also had plenty of rain, so I would choose the dry period if you can.

I recommend keeping your itinerary somewhat flexible. This is particularly important if there’s one activity you absolutely don’t want to miss. For example, if your scenic flight is canceled because of weather, having several days left in Palau gives you a much better chance of rescheduling it. The same applies to boat tours. Rather than putting your most important activity on the very last day of your trip, try to schedule it earlier and leave some flexibility for weather-related changes.

Is Palau Expensive?

Palau isn’t the cheapest tropical destination to visit. Because it’s remote and has a relatively small tourism industry, accommodation, food, transportation and tours can cost more than you might expect.

The good news is that you can control your budget to some extent.

You can save money by:

• Staying in a mid-range hotel
• Eating at local restaurants instead of hotels
• Renting a car for only the days you need one
• Combining several activities into one boat tour
• Snorkelling instead of scuba diving
• Booking accommodation well in advance

That said, I would recommend budgeting for at least a few special experiences. A scenic flight over the Rock Islands, a full-day boat trip or a diving/snorkelling excursion is the kind of thing you’re likely to remember long after you’ve forgotten what you spent on dinner.

Palau Travel Tips

Before you visit Palau, here are a few things that can be good to know.

Don't pack your itinerary too tightly - Weather can affect flights, boats and outdoor activities, so leave some flexibility.

Book important tours in advance - Palau has a relatively small tourism industry and a limited number of tour operators compared with larger destinations.

Spend time underwater - Even if you’re not a diver, make sure snorkelling is part of your itinerary.

Don't forget Babeldaob - The Rock Islands are spectacular, but Palau has an entire inland side that’s worth exploring.

Respect the environment - Palau’s natural beauty is its biggest attraction, so treat the ocean, coral reefs and wildlife accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Palau

Is Palau worth visiting?

Absolutely! If you love nature, snorkelling, scuba diving, wildlife, adventure and beautiful tropical landscapes, Palau is one of the most memorable destinations you can visit. It’s especially worth visiting if you’re looking for somewhere less crowded and more off the beaten path than many popular tropical destinations.

What is Palau famous for?

Palau is best known for its Rock Islands, world-class diving, snorkelling, sharks, turtles, Jellyfish Lake, pristine marine ecosystems and dramatic limestone islands.

How many days should I spend in Palau?

I recommend at least 5 days in Palau, with a week being ideal for a first visit. A week gives you enough time to explore the Rock Islands, snorkel or dive, take a scenic flight, visit Babeldaob and still have some flexibility for weather.

Is Palau good for non-divers?

Yes! While Palau is famous as a scuba diving destination, you absolutely do not need to be a diver to enjoy it. There are fantastic snorkelling opportunities, boat tours, scenic flights, waterfalls, hiking trails, cultural attractions and road trips. I didn’t dive here and still had an amazing time.

Can you swim with sharks in Palau?

Yes. Shark encounters are one of the major attractions for divers and snorkelers in Palau. As with any wildlife encounter, always follow your guide's instructions and observe marine animals respectfully.

Is Jellyfish Lake worth visiting?

It can be, but check the current conditions before you go. The jellyfish population naturally fluctuates and has experienced significant declines in the past.

Do you need to rent a car in Palau?

You don't need a car for your entire trip, but I found having one very useful for exploring Babeldaob Island. For a typical week-long trip, renting a car for one or two days can be enough to visit attractions such as Ngardmau Waterfall and the Badrulchau Stone Monoliths.

Final Thoughts: Is Palau Worth Visiting?

Yes, absolutely. Palau blew me away in more ways than I expected. From flying over the Rock Islands and snorkelling with sharks to hiking through the jungle to a waterfall, I felt like every day brought a completely different adventure.

There was also something incredibly special about being somewhere so beautiful, remote and relatively untouched by mass tourism. It may take a little more effort to get to than some other tropical destinations, but that’s also part of what makes it so rewarding.

After spending a week here, I left already thinking about when I could come back and I hope it’s sooner rather than later.

Plan Your Trip to Palau

Hopefully this guide has given you everything you need to plan your trip to Palau. To make planning the rest of your trip even easier, I've included all the resources I personally use when I travel.

Find the best hotels and compare prices on Booking.com

Find the best hotels and compare prices on Hotels.com

Book buses, trains and ferries with 12Go

Brows the best tours on Viator here

Brows the best tours on Get Your Guide here

Compare eSIM plans with Airalo here

Get travel insurance from SafetyWing here

Every recommendation is based on tools and services I genuinely use and would recommend to friends and family.

By using these links you help me continue to create free travel guides like this one.

Thank you for supporting Travels with Ingrid!

If you have any questions about travel in Palau, or just want to follow along as I travel the world full time, don‘t hesitate to reach out to me on social media.

I would love to connect and help out!

-Ingrid

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