Palau is a country made up of over three hundred islands, situated in Pacific Micronesia. While presidential republic is the governing system in Palau, the country is in a free association with the USA. Palau boasts of its own unique cultural heritage which includes elements of Pacific and western traditions. Tourism in Palau offers natural beauty as well as some fascinating historic attractions. Here are some of the best things to do and places to see in Palau.
1. Milky Way (Koror)
A trip to Palau would not be complete without visiting the Milky Way. The Palau Milky Way is a lagoon located near the Koror island in Palau. It is known for the natural mud which is abundand on the waters floor. The mud contains limestone and is famous for its great cosmetic effects. The mud can be scooped from the waters floor into a container in order to be used on the skin of the human body. This great attraction is thus used as a natural spa or wellness center. For even better experience, it is recommended to complement the therapy with a short boat ride around the beautiful Milky Way Lagoon. This attraction is suitable for all age groups including children and seniors.
Name：Milky Way
Address：Koror, Palau
2. German Channel (Philippine Sea)
Much of the sightseeing on the islands of Palau happens in its underwater world, and the best way to a great underwater adventure is to dive in the German Channel. The German Channel is an artificial diving site made in the beginning of the 20th century when the Germans made a channel between two barrier reefs in Palau in order to mine phosphates. Diving in the German Channel is an experience one may never forget thanks to the abundance of exotic fish and other marine fauna and flora. Among the ones that visitors see the most often are the manta rays and colorful corals.
Name：German Channel
Address：Philippine Sea, Palau
3. Ngardmau Waterfall (Ngiwal)
Ngradmau Waterfall is among one of the most well-known places to see in Palau. The waterfall can be found on the Koror Island, near the Babeldoab airport. The natural trail is the way that leads to the waterfall and it is quite easy to hike along. The tour of the waterfall starts in the Taki Nature Reserve where meat-eating plants can be seen while passing by historical remains of building once bulit by the Japanese. Before reaching the waterfall, i tis possible to soak in the natural pools of the Nqertebechel River. There is a sightseeing path then ends at the foot of this beautiful waterfall which is the highest in Palau.
Name：Ngardmau Waterfall
Address：Ngiwal, Palau
4. Honeymoon Beach
One of the best way to relax in Palau is on Honeymoon beach. Located in the western part of the Peleliu Island, south of the main Koror Island, the Honeymoon beach gives its visitors an opportunity to experience private and intimate bathing experience as no restaurants or hotels are allowed to set their business there. This perfect place for sightseeing and sunbathing can be only reached by small boats which are parked on the shore of the Peleliu Island. For the ultimate experience, a boat trip around the Ngebad island is recommended.
Name：Honeymoon Beach
Address：Peleliu, Palau
5. Seventy Islands (Ngerukewid)
One of the best opportunities in Palau that should not be missed is the visit of the so-called Seventy Islands. Seventy Islands is a group of islands called otherwise Ngerukewid, situated in the southeastern part of the Palau archipelago. These islands are sparsely inhabited and they are considered Micronesian Paradise. The sightseeing tour include a boat rides among the individual islands or stays in the island day resorts. For a great experience, it is recommended to take a helicopter ride over the Palau Ngerukewid archipelago in order to see this part of Palau in full display of its natural beauty.
Name：Seventy Islands
Address：Ngerukewid, Palau
Related Sites：http://whc.unesco.org/en/documents/117510
6. Blue Hole (Koror)
This diving site is among the most interesting marine attractions in Palau. It is lcoated northwest of the main Koror island, in the northern parts of Palau archipelago. Blue hole consists of several caverns which are suitable for both beginner and experienced divers. Thanks to the great visibility up to 40 meters, this diving site provides for a great experience. The beauty of the marine life is on full display at this diving site thanks to the fact that it is not as touristic as some other diving sites in Palau.
Name：Blue Hole
Address：Koror, palau
7. Belau National Museum (Koror)
The Belau museum is the first museum that was set up in all of Micronesia in the 1950s with the aim of introducing the history and culture of Palau to all visitors. The tour, which can be done with or without a local guide, includes indoor as well as outdoor exhibits which focus on different time period in the history of Palau archipelago. The highlight of the experience is definitely the art collection which features over four thousand beautifully crafted objects.
Name：Belau National Museum
Adress：Ngerbeched Hamlet, Koror, Palau 96940
Related Sites：www.belaunationalmuseum.net
8. Rock Islands Southern Lagoon (Chelbacheb)
Rock Islands is an incredible place that should not be missed on any vacation in Palau. It is the most interesting site for diving in Palau and a place of scenic natural beauty. Rock Islands comprise of a number of islands which form a lagoon, connecting the two palau islands – Koror and Peleliu. The islands in the lagoon are uninhabited and they are often considered the most beautiful place in Palau by tourists. The islands can be visited on a boat tour or during a diving tour. The most interesting point here is the Ngermeaus Island and its famous lake with stingless jellyfish. The Rock Islands are UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Name：Rock Islands Southern Lagoon
Address：Chelbacheb, Palau
9. Long Beach (Koror)
Long Beach is located in the northern part of Palau archipelago, on the Koror Island. Tucked away from the crowded sightseeing spots in Palau, the beach offers the best swimming and bathing experiences on Koror Island. The beach is without any hotels and restaurants, and it is accessible to all visitors residing on Palau through a private transport service. Once at Long Beach, a number of beach and water activities which can complement the experience are on offer. The sunsets here are known as one of the most scenic views in Palau.
Name：Long Beach
Address：Koror, Palau
There's Plenty of Reasons to Visit Palau
Visiting Palau is a great idea all year round thanks to its warm Pacific climate. Taking a vacation in Palau offers an opportunity to participate in a whole range of sport and educational activities concerning the marine life and underwater experiences. Beautiful beaches of Palau offer an opportunity of a relaxing getaway after the eventful day while diving opportunities are abundant as well.