Beaches, sunshine, and bikinis—most people would first think of Southeast Asian islands like Boracay or Palawan, but actually, there are also many beautiful tropical islands scattered across the nearby Pacific Ocean. One of them is Palau, a small nation composed of over 300 islands in the Micronesia archipelago of the Pacific, rich in natural ecology and cultural heritage. It was even selected as a UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage site in 2012.
While Pacific islands may sound far away, Palau is just a 4-hour direct flight from Taiwan, China. Come discover this mysterious country—its stunning attractions and delicious local cuisine are sure to make you want to book your flight right away.
But before that, if you’d like to learn more about Palau’s environment, currency, and whether to join a tour or travel independently, check out this extended read to better understand this fascinating little country.
Recommended Attractions in Palau
The Big Drop Off
When visiting Palau, how can you miss this world-renowned diving spot? The Big Drop Off in Palau has been listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the Underwater World, located in the southeastern waters of Koror Island, the most bustling area. The steep underwater cliffs are covered with colorful coral reefs, attracting numerous schools of fish. This dreamlike underwater scenery draws many diving enthusiasts.
★ Featured Tour: The Big Drop Off
Jellyfish Lake
Jellyfish Lake is located on Eil Malk Island in Palau’s Rock Islands, like an isolated saltwater lake. Once you dive in, you’ll be surrounded by harmless jellyfish. It’s always been one of Palau’s popular spots, but due to increased visitors causing a decline in jellyfish population, the lake was temporarily closed in 2017 for ecological preservation and reopened in 2018. A friendly reminder to divers: jellyfish are 90% water and very fragile—please be gentle and caring toward them.
Milky Way (Milk Lake)
A classic itinerary for visitors to Palau includes the “Big Three”: The Big Drop Off, Jellyfish Lake, and Milky Way. Milky Way is located in the Rock Islands, but it’s not actually a lake—it’s a small stretch of sea surrounded by many small islands. Due to frequent volcanic activity long ago, volcanic mud accumulated on the seabed over time. Through physical processes, this volcanic mud turned into a white skincare treasure. It’s said that applying the volcanic mud to your body can relieve pain and stress.
★ Featured Tour: Milky Way
Giant Clam City (Century Clam City)
Giant Clam City is a protected area in Palau, located about 100 meters off the coast of Ngeruktabel Island in the Rock Islands. The main residents here are giant clams, which can grow up to 1–1.5 meters in size. These clams, all alive, have lifespans of over a hundred years. Their blue-purple, wavy mantles are covered in algae, displaying a colorful appearance, making it a popular snorkeling spot in Palau.
★ Recommended Attraction: Rock Islands
Adventure-Seeking Attractions in Palau
Shark City
Shark City is located near a sandy underwater mound beside Ngermeuangel Island. The sharks here are blacktip sharks—don’t worry, they’re very docile and won’t attack humans. Without food in hand, they might even ignore you. So it’s very safe and suitable for both snorkeling and diving. However, for safety reasons, never feed the sharks unless guided by a tour leader. Also, avoid throwing leftover food into the sea when having meals or BBQs nearby—help keep Shark City beautiful and safe.
Babeldaob Mangrove
Tired of snorkeling around Koror Island every day? Want something different? Babeldaob Island in northern Palau, less developed and preserving its pristine mangrove forests, offers mangrove kayaking adventures that attract thrill-seeking travelers. Starting from Koror Island, it takes about 40 minutes by kayak to paddle through the rich mangrove ecosystem. If you’re lucky, you might spot mudskippers, fiddler crabs, or even saltwater crocodiles. For a journey feeling like you’re in a hidden paradise, this is the place to go.
Ngardmau Waterfall
Also known as the Angel Falls, Ngardmau Waterfall lies deep within the jungle of Mount Ngerchelchuus, the highest peak on Babeldaob Island. The path is surrounded by pristine forests. After wading through the Diokdok River for about 40 minutes, you’ll see the majestic waterfall. Sunlight shining through creates a faint rainbow. Though you can take a small train to get there, walking is highly recommended.
Soft Coral Arch
The soft coral area is located in the central-western part of Ulong Island, within the waters of the Rock Islands. Here, you can see a small tunnel that resembles an arch bridge. Due to the ocean currents, a particularly diverse range of coral species thrive here, displaying much more vibrant colors compared to other coral areas. Wait briefly at the cave entrance to observe the direction of the current, then swim through the tunnel, and you’ll feel as if you’ve entered a hidden paradise, surrounded by a kaleidoscope of colorful corals.
★ Recommended Attraction: Palau Snorkeling
Must-Try Palauan Dishes
Crabs
When visiting an island nation, how can you miss out on crab dishes—the seafood world’s rising stars? Palau’s mangrove crabs can grow up to about 40 cm in length, with low fat content and meat that is incredibly sweet, fresh, and delicious!! Restaurants offer a variety of cooking styles to choose from—whether it’s spicy stir-fried crabs or light steamed crabs, they all pair perfectly with rice and will have you coming back for more. And then there’s the elusive coconut crab, a treat not always available. Its tender, succulent meat, paired with a hint of coconut aroma, is truly a luxurious indulgence worth trying.
Tender White Clams
Tender white clams are a unique delicacy found only in Palau, and the clams here are super large—about the size of a fist. Their texture is as tender and bouncy as oysters, remaining crisp and refreshing even after cooking. A local specialty preparation involves steaming the clams with soy sauce and eggs, where the subtle saltiness of the soy enhances the clams’ natural sweetness. For those who prefer a Western twist, they can also be grilled.
Bat Soup
When talking about Palauan cuisine, it’s hard not to mention the most famous bat soup. Bats are abundant in Palau, where they feed on flower nectar. These nectar-rich bats are then cooked into a soup, simmered with goji berries and ginger, resulting in a refreshing taste with tender meat. Coconut water can also be added to enhance the overall flavor, making it even sweeter. Although bat meat may look unappetizing, it doesn’t actually taste strange—more like chicken. Don’t miss the chance to try this most authentic Palauan dish during your visit.
After exploring these must-visit Palauan attractions, hidden gems, and top-tier local cuisine, don’t you feel like treating yourself to a bit of luxury with a vacation in the Pacific? With its year-round summer climate, Palau has become one of the top destinations for family trips and romantic honeymoons in recent years. With its lack of a bustling urban atmosphere, it allows travelers to slow down and unwind. Come experience a trip to Palau and enjoy a paradise of nature, far removed from the rest of the world.
Text by Hsu An | Tripresso Travel Editorial Team