Overview
I’ve been lucky enough to visit **40 countries**, and I *do not* throw around the word “favourite”… but Palau? Yeah. This one sits right at the top. Palau is wildly beautiful, deeply pristine, and the people are *so* proud of protecting it, and you feel that the moment you arrive. This isn’t mass tourism. It’s slow, intentional, and incredibly special. This place still feels *deeply protected*, fiercely loved by its people, and wildly alive both above and below the water. From the moment you arrive, you understand that Palau does things differently. You sign the **Palau Pledge** in your passport. Reef-safe sunscreen isn’t optional. There’s a collective pride here in keeping the ocean healthy, the culture respected, and tourism intentional. And it shows. In the coral, the wildlife, the pace of life, and the way locals share their home with visitors. I based myself in **Koror** for 8 nights and built my days around snorkelling, kayaking, boat trips, cultural sites, and one unforgettable scenic flight. It was the perfect balance of adventure and stillness. Never rushed, never repetitive.
How to get to Palau
Palau feels remote once you’re there, but getting there is actually very easy (especially if your in Brisbane!). Most international travellers arrive into **Koror**, via Palau International Airport in Airai. From the airport, it’s around a **20-minute drive** to Koror, where most accommodation, restaurants, and tour operators are based. **✈️Flights from Australia** There is currently a direct services from **Brisbane to Koror**, which makes Palau surprisingly accessible for Australian travellers. - **Qantas** operates direct Brisbane - Koror flights on a weekly schedule Flight times are only **six hours**, making it very manageable without multiple stopovers. **🛂 Arrival & Entry** Australians are granted a **30-day visa on arrival**. You’ll need: - A passport valid for at least six months - Proof of onward travel Arrival was smooth and efficient when we landed. As part of entry, visitors sign the **Palau Pledge**, a commitment to travel responsibly and protect Palau’s marine and cultural environments. It sets the tone for the whole trip. **🚗Getting Around Once You Land** Koror is compact and easy to navigate. - Airport to Koror: **15–20 minutes by road** - Most boat tours depart from marinas in or near Koror - Arrange a taxi transfer (easy and reliable) - Hire a car if you prefer independence, driving is simple and distances are short I stayed in **Koror**, which made accessing tours and restaurants very easy. **Practical Tips** - Flights can be limited, so **booking ahead** is wise - Bring **reef-safe sunscreen** with you; it’s required and not optional - Keep plans flexible, weather and tides shape daily schedules in Palau Scenic Flights (Optional, but worth it) If you have the time, a scenic flight is a brilliant way to understand Palau’s scale. Flying over the Rock Islands with **Pacific Airways Corporation** gives you a perspective you simply can’t get from the water, especially over areas that are protected and inaccessible by boat.
Where I Stayed (and why I loved it)
**Sea Passion Hotel** Sea Passion is one of the most conveniently located hotels in Palau, and it has its own beach! Our room looked straight onto the beach, and from there we could: - Kayak between nearby islands - Snorkel directly from shore - Swim *under the main road* and find red fan coral - Spot **mandarin fish** hanging out morning and afternoon near the beach bar. Yes - really!. There’s also a cooked breakfast every day (with so many options), a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, and a feeling that you’re properly *in* Palau, not just passing through it.
Top Tours and Experiences
Palau has a funny way of messing with your sense of time. Days stretch out, plans soften, and suddenly you’re not checking the clock, you’re checking the tide. Some days are full-on water adventures, others are slow and quiet, and a few sit somewhere in between. That’s kind of the magic here. You don’t “do” Palau by racing between activities, you let the place set the pace, and it rewards you for it. I’ve grouped my favourite experiences below by **how they feel**, not just what they are, because Palau isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about choosing a few things that really land, leaving space in between, and letting time slow down (whether you planned to or not).
Land, Culture & Waterfalls
*Guided or self-drive - choose your own adventure* After a few days on the water, this was the perfect change of pace. Palau’s inland landscapes are just as impressive. From waterfalls and jungle tracks to ancient stone monoliths and WWII history. We explored these sites on a guided tour orgnasied by **Fish 'n Fins Palau**, which gave us insight we never would have had on our own. Our local guide was passionate, generous with knowledge, and genuinely proud to share Palauan culture and history. You can self-drive to many of these locations if you prefer, but having a guide really enriched the experience. This day added so much depth to the trip. This is the kind of day where time slows right down, in the best way. Tip: just bring cash for entry fees ($5-$10US per person per site) and take your time!
Where to Eat
Palau isn’t a destination where you plan every meal in advance, and honestly, that’s part of the charm. Eating here is relaxed, unfussy, and often dictated by where you’ve spent the day (usually on or in the water). Most mornings started with breakfast at our hotel, lunches were often simple or built into tours, and dinners were a chance to slow down, watch the light change, and eat somewhere local. Easy
**Top Lunch Tip** Just down the road from Sea Passion, **King’s Minute Mart** was a popular lunch stop with both locals and visitors. It’s easy, affordable, and perfect for grab-and-go days - think bain-marie style hot food, fresh sandwiches, and genuinely good, freshly baked cakes. Ideal if you’re heading out for the afternoon or want something simple without sitting down for a full meal.
Local Tips and Palau’s Pledge
Palau takes protecting its environment seriously - and it shows. From the moment you arrive, you’re asked to sign the **Palau Pledge**, which is basically a promise to treat the islands, ocean, and culture with respect. This isn’t about being perfect - it’s about being aware. The reefs are healthy, the marine life is abundant, and the culture is deeply respected because everyone plays a part, visitors included. A few things to know before you go Pack smart: - **Reef-safe sunscreen only** (this is non-negotiable) - A **reusable water bottle** - **Quick-dry towel** and sturdy shoes for land + water - Eco-friendly toiletries where possible While you’re there: - Don’t touch or stand on coral (even if it looks tempting) - Give marine life space - no chasing, grabbing, or posing - Be respectful at cultural sites and **ask before taking photos** - Skip souvenirs that exploit wildlife or cultural heritage - Follow your guides - conservation is taken seriously here A lot of tour operators in Palau actively educate guests and limit group sizes, which makes a huge difference. Choosing these operators helps keep Palau exactly as you experienced it — wild, healthy, and genuinely special. The payoff? You get to snorkel reefs that are alive, kayak through untouched lagoons, and visit places that still feel sacred - not overrun. That’s the deal. And honestly, it’s one worth keeping.