Palau is a top destination for nature lovers, with picture-perfect views at every turn. Whether you’re exploring underwater worlds or lush green landscapes, there’s beauty wherever you look. If you plan to visit Palau and want to capture the best moments on camera, whether photos or videos, this guide will help you make the most of your time there.
Best Locations for Photography in Palau
1. Rock Islands
The Rock Islands are one of Palau’s most famous attractions. These limestone islands with lush greenery make for incredible photos, especially from above. Consider taking an aerial shot from a drone, or book a kayaking tour to snap photos up close. The patterns of greenery and crystal-clear water offer stunning contrasts.
2. Jellyfish Lake
This is a unique spot for underwater photography. Snorkel alongside golden jellyfish, which don’t sting. Photography here can give you some surreal underwater images. Use an underwater camera or a GoPro to capture the magical experience.
3. Ngardmau Waterfall
Ngardmau Waterfall is the largest waterfall in Palau, making it a perfect spot to capture nature’s power. The trek to this waterfall is slightly challenging, but the reward is worth it. Try taking pictures from various angles: some wide shots to show the whole scene and some close-ups for details of the cascading water.
4. Long Beach
Located in the northern part of Palau, Long Beach is known for its white sand and clear waters. At low tide, a sandbar appears, allowing you to walk far into the ocean. This is a great location for sunrise photos or drone shots that capture the long stretch of beach blending into the water.
5. Milky Way Lagoon
The bright turquoise waters here are something special. It gets its name from the white limestone mud that some people apply to their bodies. The natural colors of the place offer excellent opportunities for vivid photography, both from the boat and in the water.
6. Eil Malk Island Beach
If you’re looking for tranquil beach photos, Eil Malk Island is perfect. This remote area has pristine beaches and turquoise water, excellent for landscape photos or snapping relaxed moments by the shore. It’s also quieter than many of Palau’s more touristy areas, so you’ll have more time and space for creative shots.
Best Times of Day to Take Photos
1. Sunrise and Sunset
Like anywhere else, golden hour in Palau is magical. Early morning photos just after sunrise or about an hour before sunset will give you soft, warm lighting. At these times, skies light up in pink, orange, and golden tones, making your landscapes instantly more dramatic.
2. Midday for Underwater Shots
When you’re shooting underwater, more sunlight helps. In Palau’s crystal-clear waters, bright midday sunlight can make marine life and snorkeling shots more vibrant. Plan any diving or underwater photography between 10 am and 2 pm when the sun is at its peak and penetration through the water is at its highest.
3. Early Morning for Famous Spots
If you’re visiting popular places like Jellyfish Lake or Rock Islands, get there early in the morning. At this time, there are fewer tourists around, meaning your shots will feel more exclusive and peaceful. You also avoid midday crowds, giving you a cleaner composition.
- Sunrise: (~5:30 AM – 6:30 AM)
- Sunset: (~5:30 PM – 6:30 PM)
General Tips for Great Photography and Videography in Palau
Ask for Permission before Photographing Locals
Palauans are very friendly, but it’s always good form to ask permission before taking photos of people. This is especially important if you’re visiting villages or cultural landmarks. A simple smile and a point to your camera usually get a nod or a “yes,” but always be respectful of personal space.
Take Your Time to Frame Each Shot
Palau’s scenery can be overwhelming; every corner feels like a postcard. Take time to frame your shot, focusing on what you want to highlight. The Rule of Thirds is a good guideline: divide your frame into a 3×3 grid and place subjects along the lines or where the lines intersect.
Explore Different Angles
Move around to get both high and low perspectives of the same subject. For instance, when photographing the Rock Islands, kneel down and shoot upward for a different view. Or, when capturing marine life, take some wide-angle shots and then zoom in for detailed close-ups of vibrant corals or turtles.
Simplify Your Composition
Don’t clutter your frame. Palau’s landscapes are already rich with detail, so focus on one aspect of the scene at a time. Whether it’s a singular island in the sea, a jellyfish drifting in the water, or a serene beach scene, try to get clean, straightforward compositions where the subject stands out.
Photography Gear Recommendations
Best Cameras for Palau
If you’re serious about photography, consider bringing a mirrorless or DSLR camera. While they are a bit bulky, the image quality and flexibility with lenses will let you capture both wide-angle landscapes and detailed wildlife shots.
- For day-to-day use: Sony Alpha A7C or Canon EOS R
- For underwater: GoPro Hero 11 or Olympus TG-6 (both waterproof and rugged)
Best Lenses
Wide-angle lenses (16-35mm) are ideal for capturing landscapes and large scenes like beaches or waterfalls. For closer shots of wildlife (like in Jellyfish Lake), a zoom lens (70-200mm) can be helpful. If you’re bringing only one lens, a versatile 24-70mm can handle most situations in Palau.
Drone Recommendations for Aerial Shots
If you’re into drones, Palau’s vistas are perfect for aerial photography. Many Rock Islands and water perspectives look better from the sky. Just make sure to check local regulations about drone usage, especially around marine sanctuaries and national parks.
- For portability and quality: DJI Mavic Air 2
- For budget options: DJI Mini 2 (lightweight and easy to carry)
Smartphone Photography Tips
Don’t want to lug around heavy gear? No problem—smartphone cameras are more powerful than ever. Make sure your photo settings are optimized for high resolution. Turn on grid lines to follow the Rule of Thirds, and use HDR mode when shooting sunset or sunrise. Don’t forget to clean your lens regularly to avoid blurry shots!
Important Cultural Considerations
Respect Sacred Sites
Some spots in Palau have cultural or spiritual significance, such as certain caves or islands. While you can take photos in many public areas, always ask a guide if photography is allowed in sensitive locations. Look for signs or markings that may indicate restrictions.
Be Mindful of Nature
Palau is known for sustainable tourism and respecting its natural environment. Avoid disturbing wildlife for the sake of a photo, especially in places like Jellyfish Lake. Don’t feed animals or stand on coral reefs just for the perfect shot.
Final Thoughts
Palau is one of those rare destinations where every corner begs to be photographed. Whether you’re hiking to a waterfall or snorkeling with jellyfish, you’ll have endless opportunities to capture stunning images. With a little planning, the right timing, and some respect for the local culture, you’ll come away with not only great photos but also great memories.
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