×

Palau🇵🇼 | best townsWhere to Find the Best towns in Palau

Palau’s towns are small, spread across a few islands, and shaped by the lagoon more than by streets. Koror is the hub with the guesthouses, dive shops and restaurants, and it costs the most. Babeldaob’s villages are quiet and cheap, while the far-flung southern islands are remote and ruled by boat schedules. For independent travel, pick by access first, because a ride decides your day.

By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 18, 2026
Discover Top towns
Explore the best villages in Palau

Why go?Key Factors That Shape the Experience

Palau’s towns are few and small because the country has only about 18,000 people spread over a scatter of islands, and roughly three quarters of them live in Koror. Traditional villages still follow chiefly clan structures, so land, reefs and even some beaches belong to someone, and that shapes what you can visit freely. Public transport is thin, so getting around means rental cars, taxis, or boats. The US dollar is the currency, which keeps things simple but also keeps prices closer to American levels than to Southeast Asia. Before choosing Palau for towns, know that this is a nature-first country: towns are bases for lagoon and reef days, not sightseeing destinations in themselves. Rock Island permits are required, and many village sites charge small fees, so carry cash in small bills.
Our Approach to Ranking
The list of best towns in Palau is created based on charm, local culture, atmosphere, hidden gems, and visitor appeal. If you feel a town is missing in this list, please let us know.

When to go?Best Time to Visit Palau for towns

Best months: The best months for towns in Palau are February to April, when rain is lightest and seas are calmest for boat transfers. Palau is hot all year at roughly 27 to 31°C (80 to 88°F), with annual rainfall around 3,700 mm (146 in), so showers happen in any month. Even the driest stretch can drop a short downpour.
Shoulder and wet seasons: May and November to January are the shoulder periods, with a mix of sun and squalls and fewer visitors. July to October is the wettest, with heavy rain and occasional typhoon swells that can cancel boats to outer islands. The upside is lower guesthouse and tour prices, often 10 to 25 percent below peak. Peak crowds come around December to April and around Asian holidays like Lunar New Year, so book rooms and rental cars a few weeks ahead then. Mornings … read more 👉
Best months: The best months for towns in Palau are February to April, when rain is lightest and seas are calmest for boat transfers. Palau is hot all year at roughly 27 to 31°C (80 to 88°F), with annual rainfall around 3,700 mm (146 in), so showers happen in any month. Even the driest stretch can drop a short downpour.
Shoulder and wet seasons: May and November to January are the shoulder periods, with a mix of sun and squalls and fewer visitors. July to October is the wettest, with heavy rain and occasional typhoon swells that can cancel boats to outer islands. The upside is lower guesthouse and tour prices, often 10 to 25 percent below peak. Peak crowds come around December to April and around Asian holidays like Lunar New Year, so book rooms and rental cars a few weeks ahead then. Mornings are the coolest and driest part of the day, so plan town walks before noon.

town hoppingPlanning Your Route Efficiently

How long to allow: A trip combining several Palau towns needs 5 to 8 days, because boat and road links eat more time than the distances suggest. Treat Koror as the hub, since the international airport, most boat operators and the main supermarkets sit in and around it. Add Babeldaob by road, which is connected to Koror by the Japan-Palau Friendship Bridge; allow 45 minutes to 1.5 hours each way for the long north-south run. The southern islands are a separate commitment, with boat transfers of roughly 1 to 3 hours depending on sea conditions.
Pacing and mistakes: Give each stop one night minimum, ideally two for remote ones. Travelers often pack too many outer-island stops into a short stay, then lose a day to weather. Start in Koror, go outward to the quiet areas, and keep the last night near … read more 👉
How long to allow: A trip combining several Palau towns needs 5 to 8 days, because boat and road links eat more time than the distances suggest. Treat Koror as the hub, since the international airport, most boat operators and the main supermarkets sit in and around it. Add Babeldaob by road, which is connected to Koror by the Japan-Palau Friendship Bridge; allow 45 minutes to 1.5 hours each way for the long north-south run. The southern islands are a separate commitment, with boat transfers of roughly 1 to 3 hours depending on sea conditions.
Pacing and mistakes: Give each stop one night minimum, ideally two for remote ones. Travelers often pack too many outer-island stops into a short stay, then lose a day to weather. Start in Koror, go outward to the quiet areas, and keep the last night near the airport because international flights tend to leave early or late. Reserve boats before arrival, since schedules are small.

The ListThe Best towns of Palau

1 Koror

Malakal boat docks, dive shops, Bai ngesechel, evening fish market

Plan around the Malakal docks for Rock Islands boat days, then spend afternoons in the national museum and evenings at the waterfront fish stalls.

Loading the map 🌍

Expert viewWhat You Should Know

How many towns to visit: Plan on two to three bases, because the country is small and the real cost is the boat or car getting between them. More than that and you spend the money on transfers instead of the lagoon, which is the reason you came.
Which kind to prioritize: The main hub gives you the most convenience: guesthouses from about US$60 to 110 a night, restaurants, dive shops and taxis. It costs more but saves time and logistics, so it suits a short trip. The quieter villages cost less, about US$40 to 80 for a room, but you need a rental car (around US$50 to 80 a day) or a lift, so they suit a longer stay. Remote islands give the most atmosphere but the least flexibility, and a boat day can run US$100 to 200 for a group. For most backpackers, the best value is a hub base plus one quiet … read more 👉
How many towns to visit: Plan on two to three bases, because the country is small and the real cost is the boat or car getting between them. More than that and you spend the money on transfers instead of the lagoon, which is the reason you came.
Which kind to prioritize: The main hub gives you the most convenience: guesthouses from about US$60 to 110 a night, restaurants, dive shops and taxis. It costs more but saves time and logistics, so it suits a short trip. The quieter villages cost less, about US$40 to 80 for a room, but you need a rental car (around US$50 to 80 a day) or a lift, so they suit a longer stay. Remote islands give the most atmosphere but the least flexibility, and a boat day can run US$100 to 200 for a group. For most backpackers, the best value is a hub base plus one quiet village.
Daily budget and fees: A realistic budget is US$90 to 150 a day including a modest room, meals at local eateries (US$8 to 15), and shared transport. The Palau Pristine Paradise Environmental Fee is US$100 per visitor on arrival, and a Rock Islands permit is US$50 and lasts 10 days. Guided lagoon tours often cost US$100 to 180, and village site fees are usually a few dollars to US$20.
Safety and culture: Palau is very safe, with petty theft the main issue, so lock your rental car. Dress modestly in villages, away from beachwear. Ask before entering or photographing traditional sites, as many are clan property, and respect the Palau Pledge you sign at the airport. Marine conditions change fast, so follow boat captains and avoid swimming alone.

✈️ The backpacker research shortcutPalau Travel Guide

An offline-friendly backpacking guide with optimized travel routes, ranked highlights, transport advice, and the best areas to stay.
example page 0 from our offline Travel Guide for Palau
example page 1 from our offline Travel Guide for Palau
example page 2 from our offline Travel Guide for Palau
example page 3 from our offline Travel Guide for Palau
example page 4 from our offline Travel Guide for Palau
example page 5 from our offline Travel Guide for Palau
example page 6 from our offline Travel Guide for Palau
example page 7 from our offline Travel Guide for Palau
The digital guide (99 pages) contains:
✅ 22 highlights, ranked by travel appeal
✅ Optimized 2, 3 & 5-day travel routes
✅ Cities, national parks, landmarks, beaches
✅ How to get around
✅ Offline-friendly for travel without Wi-Fi
👉 Click to see all 30+ guide features

📅 Plan smarter in minutes, not weeks
✅ Month by month travel advice
✅ Festivals & national holidays
✅ Budget expectations

🗺️ Go to the right places, skip the overrated ones
✅ Honest pros & cons of destinations
✅ Top hikes, parks & viewpoints
✅ Lesser-known places most travelers miss
✅ Clear “worth it vs skip it” guidance

🛏️ Travel smoothly without rookie mistakes
✅ Best areas to stay
✅ Transport systems explained simply
✅ Common scams & safety advice
✅ SIM cards, money & practical tips

🌍 Understand the country, not just visit it
✅ Culture & traditions
✅ 52 Essential phrases & customs
✅ Festivals worth planning around
✅ Traveler-friendly historical context
✅ Insights that make places more meaningful

📱 Built for real travel conditions
✅ Fully downloadable PDF
✅ Works completely offline
✅ Optimized for phone use
✅ Useful in remote areas & buses
✅ Everything in one place
Stop searching, start planning
Get instant access to your full guide. 30‑day money-back guarantee.
+ Add another guide for just

By proceeding you agree to our terms.
Sent to your inbox immediately after payment • 100% Secure Checkout
Best Backpacking Travel Advisor 2025 tourism awardBest Backpacking
Travel Advisor
2025
What others say about Take Your Backpack Guides:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fantastic, amazing amount of information!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My goodness this is amazing, it's what I've been looking for hats off too you!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I think this is absolutely BRILLIANT
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Very complete and informative. It's still missing places, but I gotta to commend you
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is truly amazing, thank you, can't wait to explore it with my kids!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Awesome resource, thank you!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is amazing! Can't wait to explore the ones I haven't seen
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I love this! Well done, great idea.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thanks for taking the time to make this gem!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This might be the best website I've ever seen.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Congratulations, and thank you so much for your work; it's incredibly valuable.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
In all seriousness I think you did a great job pointing out the important spots
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
10/10 very good
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
As someone who's only just starting to visit regularly this is awesome, thank you.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you very much! I'm going to visit my dad, it's going to be very useful!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is really cool! We'll be travelling for the first time and this definitely come in handy.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
You are now our minister of culture, congratulations 👨‍💼
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Just wanted to tell you that this is a pearl! Going to follow your recommendations.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is so cool. I'll definitely be using the resource for my travels soon.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is very impressive! Good work.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is an amazing and informative site. Very well done!

🛏️ Where to stay?Best Stay Options in Palau

Palau has very few true hostels, so budget travelers mostly stay in small guesthouses, motels and apartment rentals, with simple private rooms typically running US$50 to 100 a night. Downtown Koror puts you on the main road within walking distance of restaurants, supermarkets, dive shops and the country’s modest bar scene, while Malakal sits closer to the docks where many dive and Rock Islands boats leave and is quieter at night, though you’ll need a taxi for dinner. Arakebesang is calm and leafy with good water views but spread out, and staying on Babeldaob gives you rural silence at the cost of a 30 to 60 minute drive to the Koror boat departures; all four areas are low-crime and relaxed after … read more 👉
Palau has very few true hostels, so budget travelers mostly stay in small guesthouses, motels and apartment rentals, with simple private rooms typically running US$50 to 100 a night. Downtown Koror puts you on the main road within walking distance of restaurants, supermarkets, dive shops and the country’s modest bar scene, while Malakal sits closer to the docks where many dive and Rock Islands boats leave and is quieter at night, though you’ll need a taxi for dinner. Arakebesang is calm and leafy with good water views but spread out, and staying on Babeldaob gives you rural silence at the cost of a 30 to 60 minute drive to the Koror boat departures; all four areas are low-crime and relaxed after dark.

If you enjoy meeting fellow travelers, consider choosing hostels with high ratings for atmosphere. On the other hand, if you prefer having your own space, a hotel might be a better option.

Best hostels in Palau


Best quality hotels in Palau

PalauWhere to Go Next

Back to country guide
⭐️
Best landmarks in Palau
Discover them all
🏞️
Best national parks in Palau
Discover them all
🚶‍♀️
Best hikes in Palau
Discover them all
🏖️
Best beaches in Palau
Discover them all
🎡
Best attractions in Palau
Discover them all
🎎
Best festivals in Palau
Discover them all
🏝️
Best regions in Palau
Discover them all

👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?

Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

The goal is to provide realistic, experience-driven guidance — not generic itineraries — so you can explore destinations with better context, clearer expectations, and more confidence.

Read the full story