Palau is an amazing island country in Oceania, that focuses on eco-tourism (the Palauan government limited the number of Chinese visitors, only to save Palau’s ecosystem). If you’re a beachgoer, water sports lover, or just looking for somewhere to relax and enjoy your time, Palau is the right place to visit.

In this post, we’ll talk about the top 10 reasons why you should visit Palau.

1- Majestic Beaches

Palau has endless stunning beaches where the sand is white and soft while the water is crystal clear and warm throughout the year. Some beaches are more popular and could become busy, but in most cases, if you get a little away from the tourist areas, you can have a beach, all to yourself.

2- Scuba Diving 

Whether you’re a professional diver or never tried scuba diving before, Palau has you covered. There are a lot of companies that offer scuba diving in Palau that enables you to compare prices and options very fast and worry more about having fun.

From channels and tunnels to drop-offs and reefs of varying depths, the memories of your scuba diving time in Palau would always bring a satisfaction smile on your face for years to come.

3- Swim In The Jellyfish Lake

Does the idea of swimming with jellyfishes sound like someone’s out of their mind? Well, not in Palau. It turns this these little guys have lost their sting (or at least it’s too weak to hurt humans) due to the absence of predators in the lake.

In fact, the main tourist attraction in Palau is its world-famous Jellyfish lake. It’s a once in a lifetime experience to snorkel among those little golden creatures and to see how beautiful and gentle they are, in person.

4- Island Hopping

Palau has approximately 340 islands, and together with parts of the Federated States of Micronesia, forms the western chain of the Caroline Islands. The most populous island is Koror.

Each island in Palau has is unique with its own ecology, culture, and beauty. One of the most beautiful islands in Palau is the Rock Islands with a small collection of limestone or coral uprises and ancient relics of coral reefs.

5- Palau’s centuries-old traditions

Palau’s history goes back to approximately 3,000 years ago when migrants from Maritime Southeast Asia moved there. Although Palau attracts a large number of tourists (compared to its size), people have never abandoned their old traditions.

Almost everyone in Palau is fluent in English, but they still talk in Palauan to each other. Their ceremonies such as weddings and funerals are still held traditionally, while the most well-kept tradition in Palau is when a woman gives birth to her first child, called the first-born ceremony. It occurs after the new mother undergoes several days of private cleansing. During the ceremony, the mother presents herself and her new baby to an audience of friends and family wearing a traditional grass skirt and covered in fragrant oils.

6- Palauan People

As mentioned above, Palauan people are descendants of maritime Southeast Asian immigrants who went there about 3000 years ago. Palauans are some of the most friendly people you’ll ever meet in your life. They make you feel welcome as you step down the airplane.

People in Palau are always down for a good conversation. If you ever feel tired while exploring Palau, just look foreign and show yourself tired while walking, and in a few minutes, a local would offer you a ride (there is no public transportation in Palau).

7- WWII History In Palau

Even though Palau is a small island-nation, it has always been an attractive place for world powers to annex. In 1944, a war occurred between Japanese and American forces in Palau, referred to as the “Battle of Peleliu“.

The war happened in Peleliu, a small island 40 km (25 mi) south of Koror (Palau’s main island). If you visit this island today, you’ll see the marks of the war are all over the island and have been left virtually untouched since the end of the battle. Throughout the island, you’ll find caves that were used by the Japanese, bombed-out buildings, partially destroyed tanks, abandoned fighter jets, and plenty more.

If you’re interested to learn more about this battle, click here.

8- The Only Japanese Speaking Country Besides Japan

During World War I, the Japanese Empire annexed Palau after seizing it from Germany in 1914 until they lost the islands to the US in 1944.

30 years was enough to teach Palauans, Japanese. Making Palau, the only Japanese speaking country in the world besides Japan itself. Japanese is spoken by some older Palauans and is an official language in the State of Angaur.

9- The Only Place In Micronesia To See Monkeys

Monkeys cannot be found anywhere else in Micronesia, but Palau. Those monkeys live on the island of Angaur. They were brought to Palau in the early 1900s by German scientists who began mining operations to extract the island’s rich phosphate reserves. Unsure of whether or not the fumes coming from the mines would be toxic to humans, they put monkeys there for a little experiment to test the air quality.

100 years later, and the monkeys are still living on the island of Angaur.

10- Wedding & Honeymoon Destination

Have you ever wanted to exchange vows on a diver’s slate surrounded by Palau’s stunning corals and sea life? How about your dream sunset reception after a romantic beach ceremony? Your imagination creates your future here in Palau.

Many of Palau’s hotels and tour operators serve as wedding planners and can assist you with everything from the marriage certificate to venue, flowers, dress, and more. Your only task is to arrive on time and enjoy one of the most memorable moments of your lifetime.

After the ceremony then your Marriage Licence goes to the president for his signature, then it is done.