Koror, the old capital and largest city, is the cultural and commercial heart of Palau. It has many world-class resorts and hotels, myriad restaurants, shops, and markets. City attractions include the Belau National Museum, which exhibits multitudes of ancient relics from its long and storied past, including archaic money, native artwork, and tribal weapons. The Ngarachamayong Cultural Centre contains many interesting exhibits and statues dating back to prehistoric eras. Koror is also the site of the only Shinto Shrine outside of Japan.
Palau is the backdrop for many other magnificent destinations. Badrulchau, located at Imeungs, is a series of 37 stone monoliths that stand as a monument to Palau's early civilization. The island of Peleliu was commissioned as a US National Historic Landmark due to its significance during World War II. You can find shrapnel, old helmets, and rusty old abandoned tanks all over.
The official language of Palau is Palauan, with English being the next most spoken language. However, most services are available in English, Japanese, Korean, and even Chinese. Palau's native population is extremely friendly and helpful. With such a long history, exquisite sultry beauty, and gracious locals, Palau is the perfect year-round tropical destination for everyone.
Koror, the capital located on the same named island, was the capital of Japanese Micronesia between 1920 and 1945. In evidence of that, there is a Japanese cemetery near the city. Belau National Museum is excellent place to learn more about Palauan culture and history. It has exhibits from all eras of Palauan life, even carved and painted depictions of Palauan legends.
There's a story about mother and child turned into stone after the mother peeked into village men's house, which was forbidden. Apparently, Mother and Child Stone can be found in the village of Ngmerid.
Palau is great diving site - it is said to have the finest wall diving in Micronesia . Snorkeling in Jellyfish Lake is absolutely breathtaking – the lake is inhabited by hundreds of thousands stingless jellyfish - swimming in a “cloud” of harmless fish is unforgettable experience. And for those not into diving and snorkeling there's Palau aquarium.
Rock Islands are a group of more than 200 small limestone islets located southeastern of Koror. Erosion made them look like small mushrooms that have green top because they are covered by tropical green vegetation.
On the south of Koror lies Peleliu, another small island that was site of battles in 1944, fought between American marines and Japanese in their bunkers. Today tourists can visit soldier graveyards, ruins of forts, remain of the weapons and World War II Museum.
Palau 's most interesting archaeological site is definitely Badrulchau, located in island Babeldaob's far north. The origin of Badrulchau – 37 large basalt monoliths, some with human faces carved in them, is unknown. Some of the surrounding hillsides used to be terraced into steps and pyramids; scientists presume construction began around AD 100 and was abandoned around 1600.
Transport
International airport Airai is located in the southern part of Babeldaob Island . Some hotels arrange transport for their guests from airport to the hotel. If this is not the case, there are taxis and rental cars available at the airport. There's a possibility of hitching a boat ride with locals to some of the islands by offering to chip in for gas. Otherwise, there are weekly trips by government boats and occasional flights by small Cessnas.
Climate
June to August is the wettest and the stormiest period; typhoons sometimes hit in that period, although that doesn't happen often. Humidity is high and temperatures stay between 20°C (68°F) and 30°C (86°F) throughout the whole year. The best time to visit is springtime, when there are many festivals.
