Why visit
Palau is a conservation-focused Pacific destination known for the Rock Islands, Jellyfish Lake, Blue Corner diving, and clear lagoons. It is one of the world's strongest choices for reef, kayak, and dive travel.
Country - Oceania
Palau
beachnatureadventure
How to use this result
Use it as a country shortlist
Palau works best as a first-pass travel idea. Start with the region, season, and themes on this page, then compare flights, entry rules, safety guidance, and local transport before treating it as a real option.
Compare the capital and side trips
Use Ngerulmud as the administrative starting point, then check whether the strongest trip idea is actually the capital, a coastal area, a nature route, or another city in Palau.
At a glance
Location
7.5°, 134.5°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
459 km²
177 mi²
Country population
18k
39/km²
Subregion
Micronesia
Currency
United States dollar ($)
USD
Dial
+680
Languages
English, Palauan
Demonym
Palauan
Internet
.pw
UN
Member state
ISO code
PW / PLW
Where in the world
7.5° - 134.5°
Palau
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Palau was the first country to create a shark sanctuary (2009): covering all 600,000 km² of its waters.
- Jellyfish Lake holds millions of non-stinging golden jellyfish that migrate daily across the lake.
- Every visitor to Palau must sign the "Palau Pledge" in their passport, promising to protect the environment.
Traveler notes
- The Rock Islands Southern Lagoon is UNESCO-listed
- Blue Corner is one of the Pacific's legendary dive sites
- The Palau Pledge frames visitor behavior around conservation
Plan checks
- Start research with the capital Ngerulmud, then compare two or three other regions.
- Check passport validity, visa rules, health requirements, and travel insurance for current conditions.
- Verify swim safety, ocean conditions, and water-quality reports by month.
- Bring layered clothing and verify trail/park access before arrival.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Palau
What is the capital of Palau?
Ngerulmud is the capital of Palau.
What currency does Palau use?
Palau uses the United States dollar ($), ISO code USD.
What languages are spoken in Palau?
The primary languages are English and Palauan.
Is Palau landlocked?
No, Palau has a coastline.
What is the international calling code for Palau?
The calling code is +680.
When is the best time to visit Palau?
Dec–Apr. Check current weather and local events before booking.
Other Oceania destinations
Micronesia
Micronesia links Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae across a huge Pacific area. The country is strongest for divers, island-history travelers, and anyone interested in stone money, Nan Madol, and Chuuk Lagoon wrecks.
Nauru
Nauru is one of the world's smallest republics, a remote Pacific island shaped by phosphate mining, Anibare Bay, and a sharp sense of isolation. It is more an offbeat country-counting stop than a conventional beach destination.
New Zealand
New Zealand is hobbit-country for real. Milford Sound, Queenstown adventure, Lake Tekapo's stars, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, and some of the best hiking infrastructure on earth.
Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea is culturally and biologically vast, with the Kokoda Track, Sepik River, Mount Hagen singsing, island diving, and hundreds of languages. It is rewarding but complex, best approached with careful local logistics.
Samoa
Samoa is a Polynesian country of reef beaches, lava fields, waterfalls, village life, and fale stays. Upolu gives the easiest entry, while Savai'i feels slower and more traditional.
Solomon Islands
The Solomon Islands are a chain of rainforest islands, lagoons, cultural villages, and World War II history. Guadalcanal, Marovo Lagoon, and Gizo shape the core route for diving, kayaking, and history-focused travel.