Sprinkled over 325 miles of vivid blue ocean, Palau's more than 300 islands form a picturesque paradise suited for both peace and play. The archipelago, surrounded by teeming reef life, has become one of the world's most popular destinations for divers. And inland, rainforests conceal waterfalls, rivers and caverns ripe for exploration. Flocks of cockatoos, terns and petrels sweep across the sun-swept skies. Palau is, for most, the Paradise one can imagine is at the end of a brilliant rainbow.
Located in the Western Pacific about a 1.5-hour flight from Guam, Palau is a lush landscape of more than 300 islands capped with verdant vegetation and swimming in pools of bright blue sea. The tropical climate ensures 80-degree days, refreshing showers and trade winds that cool and invigorate. Clear inland lakes are home to stingless jellyfish that fascinate divers, while surrounding ocean provides some of the best sport fishing and diving in Micronesia.
Civilization on Palau dates back as early as 1,000 B.C., though the origin of its early people remains unknown. Visitors can explore archeological sites on Baleobob Island, view ancient stone monoliths on Badrulchau, marvel at WWII relics on Peleliu, and trek through jungle to reach the German Lighthouse and 360 degree views of the Palau archipelago.
A shipwrecked English ship led to the first foreign contact in 1783, which increased as explorers traversed the Pacific. Spain governed the islands from 1885 to 1899, when they were sold to Germany. After World War I, control passed to the Japanese, who established Koror as headquarters for all South Pacific possessions. After World War II, Palau again changed hands, becoming a U.N. Trust Territory under U.S. administration. In 1994, Palau signed a Compact of Free Association with the U.S.
More About Palau:
TIME ZONE
When it's noon Monday in Palau, it is:
• 11:00 a.m. Monday in Manila
• 12:00 p.m. Monday in Tokyo
• 1:00 p.m. Monday in Sydney
• 5:00 p.m. Sunday in Honolulu
• 7:00 p.m. Sunday in Los Angeles
CLIMATE
Palau enjoys a pleasantly warm climate all year round with an annual mean temperature of 82° degrees F. (27° C.). Rainfall can occur throughout the year, and the annual average is 150 inches. The average relative humidity is 82%, and although rain falls more frequently between July and October, there is still much sunshine. Typhoons are rare as Palau is located outside the typhoon zone.
CUSTOMS, IMMIGRATION & HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
One bottle of liquor and up to 200 cigarettes can be brought into Palau duty-free. Importation of controlled substances and weapons is strictly prohibited. Proof of citizenship (passport or birth certificate) by U.S. citizens is required. Visas are not required. Non-U.S. citizens must have a valid passport. All visitors must have return travel arrangements or approval by the Chief of Immigration for an extended stay. The fee is $100 (U.S.). Cholera and yellow fever immunizations are required for those arriving from infected areas.
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Offering 165 luxury guestrooms & suites and 5 star amenities. Located in the heart of Koror, we're close to all main facilities & attractions on the island.