5-Day Itinerary for Traveling Through Palau
Day 1: Arrive in Koror & Settle In
Start your Palau journey by landing in the main island city of Koror. This is where most tourists base themselves, and it’s the perfect hub for exploring. Depending on when you arrive, take the afternoon to relax and settle into your hotel.
If you’re feeling up for it, check out the Palau International Coral Reef Center. Just a short walk or cab ride away, the center gives you a sneak peek into the underwater wonders you’ll be exploring in the coming days.
In the evening, stop by one of the local seafood restaurants for dinner. Try out the giant clams or fresh tuna—you won’t regret it.
Day 2: Explore Rock Islands & Jellyfish Lake
This is probably one of the most iconic days of your entire Palau trip. Book a full-day boat tour to the Rock Islands and Jellyfish Lake. The Rock Islands are a group of beautiful, uninhabited limestone islands that look like they came straight out of a postcard.
Fans of snorkeling and diving will love this day. You’ll float through crystal-clear waters and see colorful reefs and fish. One highlight is Jellyfish Lake where you can swim with millions of jellyfish. Don’t worry, they can’t sting you.
Your tour will often include lunch on a secluded beach. Enjoy the solitude of the islands while you refuel for more snorkeling and sightseeing. Be sure to bring sunscreen and some reef-safe gear.
Day 3: Ngardmau Waterfall and Babeldaob Island
Now that you’ve seen some of Palau’s marine beauty, it’s time to experience its inland wonders. Take a trip to the island of Babeldaob, the largest island in Palau, but sparsely populated.
Start the morning with a hike to Ngardmau Waterfall. The hike takes about 30 to 45 minutes through the lush jungle. The waterfall itself is the tallest in Palau, and you can take a refreshing swim at the base.
After hiking, head towards the Stone Monoliths in the northeastern part of the island. The monoliths are ancient stones left by Palau’s early inhabitants and are surrounded by a sense of mystery.
Before heading back to Koror, stop by the traditional Bai (men’s meeting house) near Melekeok village. It’s a great snapshot of Palauan culture and history.
Day 4: Visit the Milky Way & Snorkeling at Long Beach
No trip to Palau is complete without visiting the Milky Way lagoon. The waters here have a cloudy, white hue from the limestone mud on the seafloor, which locals and visitors alike say has natural healing properties.
Take a short boat ride from Koror to Milky Way. After applying the ‘healing’ mud to your skin, you’ll rinse off in the beautifully calm waters of the lagoon.
In the afternoon, ride over to Long Beach. At low tide, this soft sandbar appears in the middle of the sea, creating a stunning backdrop. Spend some time here snorkeling, swimming, or just relaxing on the beach.
Take another boat ride back to Koror and wrap up your day with a relaxing dinner by the water.
Day 5: WWII History & Departure
Before leaving Palau, there’s time to explore a little more history. You can visit the Peleliu Island, which played a significant role in World War II. It’s a quick flight or boat ride from Koror, making it a simple day trip.
Several monuments and relics from the war remain on Peleliu. You can find tanks, planes, and even caves where soldiers took shelter. Guided tours are highly recommended to get the most out of the historical background.
If you have time before your flight, consider visiting the Etpison Museum back in Koror to see more exhibits on Palau’s natural and cultural history.
End your Palau trip with some quiet moments on a beach. Reflect on everything you’ve experienced, and maybe plan your next trip back!
Final Thoughts on Your Palau Itinerary
This 5-day itinerary offers a flexible balance of marine activities, culture, and history. Palau is small but packed with beauty and adventure. You don’t need to rush around, as everything is relatively close by and easy to access.
Feel free to take this itinerary at your own pace. Have an extra day? Spend it diving or enjoying a kayak ride through the Rock Islands. No matter what you do, Palau will leave an unforgettable impression.
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