The traveler’s guide to Palau

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photo by Stefan Krasowski

Palau, a small cluster of islands in Micronesia, is easy to miss on the map, and even easier to miss when it comes to politics. Except the occasional guidebook praising the wonders of the Pacific Islands, this small island nation is rarely heard of.

Palau is a new country (it became independent in 1994), but it is slowly and steadily making a name for itself among the connoisseurs of exotic islands and interesting cultures. Whether you prefer to spend your time on land or underwater, Palau is fully equipped to surprise even the most well-traveled tourist.

Unique wildlife, rich flora, stunning beaches and breath-taking coral reefs make these islands a haven for anyone who needs a break from day to day life. Here’s a traveler’s guide to Palau, for those who are ready to discover the marvels of this island nation.

Places of interest

photo by Steve L Martin

Palau has eight main islands and over 250 small islets, most of which are not even inhabited (and therefore perfect for enacting all your desert island fantasies if you can find a way to get there). The most populous islands are Koror, Babeldaob, Angaur, and Peleliu, with about two thirds of the population living in Koror.

Melekeok on Babeldaob is the capital of Palau, and officially the smallest capital on the planet – with only about 250 inhabitants! However, there is more to do in Koror, the largest settlement of the archipelago. Koror has shops, bars and restaurants galore, as well as some of the most spectacular diving sites in the country.

Jellyfish Lake on Eil Malk island (part of the Rock Islands) is not to be missed: it is the most famous snorkeling site in Palau, where you can swim alongside thousands of golden jellyfish. If you have your own boat, or if you’re lucky enough to hitch a ride with a supply ship, Sonsorol, Fana, Meriil, Hatohobei and the other small southwestern islands are definitely worth visiting.

Accommodation

Palau is no backpacker’s paradise, and even surviving on shoestring will require the kind of budget that can get you through weeks at another destination. The highest concentration of hotels (including several budget guest houses, that is, costing around $50 per night) is in and around Koror. There is no shortage of upscale resorts in Palau, which have their own restaurants, shops and beaches, and many of which will offer you all sorts of island packages.

Food

photo by Lakshmi Sawitri

If you are staying at a resort, you will have a range of high-end restaurants to choose from, but the authentic cuisine is best experienced in smaller, modest restaurants and markets.

The cuisine of Palau is a mix of many things: Japanese, America, Taiwanese, Philippine, and Korean cuisines. Japanese style lunchboxes filled with all sorts of local goodies are very popular, but as everything in Palau, they don’t come cheap.

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