By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Network, Reported by Chen Guanxin | Source: MOOK Editorial Department
Palau is home to the most diverse and abundant marine resources in the world, with over 700 species of coral and more than 1,500 species of tropical fish. Coupled with its moderate water temperatures and calm currents—exceptional natural conditions—it has become a paradise for diving enthusiasts and is ranked by international diving organizations as the world’s top underwater wonder. Whether you’re an experienced diver or a beginner snorkeler, Palau’s coral reefs, Jellyfish Lake, and German Channel will make your trip unforgettable.
Swimming alongside fish schools is a classic way to experience Palau. (Image credit: MOOK Editorial Department)
Day 1: Taipei → Palau
Day 2: Hard Coral Protection Area → Soft Coral Protection Area → Ganoderma Coral (Wreck of a Japanese Ship) → German Channel & Big Drop Off
Must-Visit Spot: Hard Coral Protection Area
The hard coral area is not near small islands but in the central waters of the archipelago. Due to the nearby currents, snorkelers must follow guide instructions and avoid swimming toward the current. The corals here are hard corals—unlike soft corals that sway with the flow, they resemble stone forests. Perhaps due to the currents, the fish population is particularly dense, including black-and-white striped and yellow-black striped varieties, creating a vibrant, colorful spectacle.
Always follow guide instructions during water activities. (Image credit: MOOK Editorial Department)
Must-Visit Spot: German Channel
This channel was created around 1900 by German forces using explosives to blast through a reef, providing a shortcut to transport phosphorus ore mined from nearby Angaur Island (Angaur Island) back to Palau’s capital. The channel is approximately 366 meters long and about 3 meters deep at low tide. It also serves as the route to the Big Drop Off. As boats pass, you can see “Starbuck Island” (Carp Island), shaped like a five-pointed star from above, on the left, and the “Seventy Islands” on the right—a protected ecological zone teeming with marine life for breeding. Access to the Seventy Islands has been restricted since 1956. Just ahead on the left lies the famous “Big Drop Off” (Big Drop Off).
Boating through the German Channel is a comfortable and relaxing experience. (Image credit: MOOK Editorial Department)
Must-Visit Spot: Big Drop Off
Palau’s outer waters feature numerous outer reefs that not only protect the calm inner sea but also create rich marine biodiversity in their unique environments. Especially around the Big Drop Off, just 2–3 meters beyond the reef, the seabed drops sharply into a 300-meter-deep cliff. Snorkeling along this steep wall reveals stunning marine life, such as sea fans, batfish, shy flounders, parrotfish, and countless colorful soft and hard corals. Sea anemones and clownfish are so abundant they’re almost overwhelming. Keep your eyes peeled, and you might even spot the iconic Napoleon fish (Napoleon fish) or sea turtles.
The vibrant corals and marine life create a breathtaking spectacle. (Image credit: MOOK Editorial Department)
Day 3: Jellyfish Lake → Whale Island → Dream Island → Milk Lake → Mermaid Channel
Must-Visit Spot: Milk Lake
After days under the sun, Milk Lake—known for its skin-beautifying volcanic mud—is a must for beauty-loving women. The lakebed contains volcanic mud that, when applied to the body and left for a few minutes before rinsing off in the lake, acts as a natural spa treatment, leaving skin smooth and radiant—comparable to Canadian glacial mud or the Dead Sea’s mineral-rich mud. The lake’s milky white appearance comes from its thick, milky volcanic mud, hence its name. Rich in minerals, the mud is considered a skincare treasure, attracting many enthusiasts for on-site treatments. However, taking mud back to Taiwan is illegal—don’t risk it.
Milk Lake is a highly anticipated spot for female travelers. (Image credit: MOOK Editorial Department)
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