Palau

Palau is best known for world-class diving, its distinctive Rock Islands and exceptional marine biodiversity. The destination also offers rainforest, waterfalls, cultural experiences and important World War II sites.

Palau is often described as the Serengeti of the Sea because of the abundance and diversity of its marine life. Its reefs, channels and lagoons support sharks, rays, turtles, reef fish and extensive coral ecosystems.

Yes. Palau is regarded as one of the world’s great diving destinations, with reef walls, channels, drop-offs, wrecks and diverse marine life creating a wide range of underwater experiences.

The Rock Islands are a group of distinctive limestone islands surrounded by turquoise lagoons in southern Palau. The Rock Islands Southern Lagoon is recognised by UNESCO for both its natural and cultural significance.

Palau has a strong history of marine conservation and created the world’s first shark sanctuary in 2009. Environmental stewardship continues to play an important role in the country’s approach to tourism and natural resource protection.

Visitors can explore waterfalls, rainforest, mangroves, caves and beaches, take boat trips through the Rock Islands, visit cultural sites and discover World War II relics on land and underwater.

Palau contains a range of wartime relics from the Pacific conflict, including Japanese shipwrecks, aircraft and other remains both above and below the water.

Palauan culture places strong emphasis on community, ancestry and respect for people and the environment. Traditional leadership systems, matrilineal clans and the cultural value of omengull remain important parts of Palauan identity.