Weather
Warm all year, with the heaviest rainfall between July and October.
Time difference
GMT +9.
Currency
US dollar (US$) = 100 cents.
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Palau holidays
The early Palauans developed an intricate system of currency. Beads made of clay or glass, called udoud, were the most common form, but turtle shell money was also used.
Taken from The Traveller's Handbook.
Taken from The Traveller's Handbook.
Palau holiday experts at WEXAS will tailor-make all aspects of your itinerary to create a Palau holiday, personal to you.
Palau tailor-made holiday highlights
The Rock IslandsSail through this twisty maze of some 200, divinely green, mushroom shaped islands. Their bases have been undercut by water erosion and grazing fish, hence the unique shape. The Rock Islands offer excellent snorkelling, sea kayaking and fishing. They're also home to crocodiles and fruit bats, and are rich with bird species – including parrots, herons and cockatoos.
Badeldaob
Palau's largest island, covered with dense foliage and with a landscape that varies from freshwater lakes and steep mountains, to sandy dunes and powerful waterfalls. Visitors can explore Badrulchau, a field of 37 stone monoliths that testify to the island's early civilisation. Be sure to keep a respectful distance from a bai, a traditional men's meeting house.
Koror
The capital of Palau, home to two thirds of the population. Catering for both visitors and locals are some splendid eateries, serving delicious food such as mangrove crab and locally caught lobster. The Belau National Museum on Koror has some displays of items such as bead and turtle shell money, as well as local arts and crafts. Climb up Malakal Hill for a good view of the nearby Rock Islands.
Peleliu
Zip up your wetsuit and strap on your breathing apparatus, then plunge into Palau's beautiful underwater world. The island of Peleliu - part of the Rock Islands – is the final resting place for a number of ships sunk in World War II. Nestling on the sea floor, the mangled wrecks are a popular dive attraction.
People & place
Palau facts
Capital: Koror
Language: English and Palauan.
People: Micronesian.
Religion: Roman Catholic, Modekngei.
Size (sq km): 458.
Population: 21,093.
Population density/sq km: 46.0.
Etiquette
While English is the common language of business and government; Palauan is spoken at home and in casual situations. In Palauan, 'hello' is 'alii' and 'thanks' is 'sulang'. Traditional Palauan society was a complex matriarchal system. Today, Western influences are increasingly strong, not least because many Palauans go overseas for their education. However, a version of traditional religion, called Modekngei, exists alongside the imported Christian beliefs.
Shopping
The unique buys here are storyboards, carvings on lengths of wood depicting stories of around 30 popular legends. You'll also find jewellery, etchings, baskets, purses, hats, mats, and figurines
Food & drink
Fresh local seafood is a highlight. International cuisine available, including Chinese and Japanese food. Exotic local dishes, but pizza is ubiquitous.
International Airports
Koror Badeldaob (ROR), on Babeldaob Island.
Internal travel
A few flights to islands. Weekly trips by government boats from Koror to Peleliu and Angaur. Otherwise hotels provide transfers or you can hitch a lift with locals if you offer to pay for some gas. Taxis and car rental at the airport.
Red tape
Visas
Not required for visits of less than 30 days.
Vaccinations
BCG, Hep. A, Hep. B, Typhoid, Y.Fever2
Driving requirements
n/a.
Reps in UK/US
UK: n/a.US: 1800 K Street, NW 714, Washington, DC 20006, tel (202) 452 6814, fax (202) 452 6281, email info@palauembassy.com.
UK/US reps in Palau
UK: n/a. US: PO Box 6028, Ngermid Hamlet, Koror, Palau 96940, tel 488 2920, fax 488 2911, email usembassy@palaunet.com.
Currency
US dollar (US$) = 100 cents.
Finance
Some acceptance of credit cards and traveller's cheques on the main island.
Business hours
0800-2100 Monday-Saturday (shopping hours, business hours n/a).
Safety & life expectancy
Safety information
Safe.
Life expectancy
Life expectancy: M 67.82, F 74.36.
Useful websites for travel
www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/palau/, www.visit-palau.com, www.palauembassy.com.
Local media
Pacific Daily News. No terrestrial TV broadcaster.
Tourist boards
n/a.
Palau tailor-made holiday ideas
The Rock IslandsSail through this twisty maze of some 200, divinely green, mushroom shaped islands. Their bases have been undercut by water erosion and grazing fish, hence the unique shape. The Rock Islands offer excellent snorkelling, sea kayaking and fishing. They're also home to crocodiles and fruit bats, and are rich with bird species – including parrots, herons and cockatoos.
Badeldaob
Palau's largest island, covered with dense foliage and with a landscape that varies from freshwater lakes and steep mountains, to sandy dunes and powerful waterfalls. Visitors can explore Badrulchau, a field of 37 stone monoliths that testify to the island's early civilisation. Be sure to keep a respectful distance from a bai, a traditional men's meeting house.
Koror
The capital of Palau, home to two thirds of the population. Catering for both visitors and locals are some splendid eateries, serving delicious food such as mangrove crab and locally caught lobster. The Belau National Museum on Koror has some displays of items such as bead and turtle shell money, as well as local arts and crafts. Climb up Malakal Hill for a good view of the nearby Rock Islands.
Peleliu
Zip up your wetsuit and strap on your breathing apparatus, then plunge into Palau's beautiful underwater world. The island of Peleliu - part of the Rock Islands – is the final resting place for a number of ships sunk in World War II. Nestling on the sea floor, the mangled wrecks are a popular dive attraction.
