Question 1

Why visit Palau?

Accepted Answer

It's the Pacific's natural cathedral: the UNESCO Rock Islands — 300+ jungle-mushroom islets in turquoise water — Jellyfish Lake's millions of stingless golden jellies, and diving (Blue Corner, German Channel's mantas) that polls as the world's best. Palau created the first shark sanctuary on Earth and makes every visitor sign an environmental pledge. Nature-first travel, done seriously.

Question 2

Do I need a visa for Palau?

Accepted Answer

No — US citizens receive a free one-year visa on arrival (a Compact of Free Association benefit). The $100 Pristine Paradise Environmental Fee (PPEF) is built into your airline ticket, not collected at the airport. Passport valid 6 months required.

Question 3

What is the Palau Pledge?

Accepted Answer

A world-first: every visitor gets a passport stamp that's a pledge — written by Palauan children — to "tread lightly, act kindly and explore mindfully," which you sign on arrival. It's legally meaningful (eco-violations carry fines) and sets the tone: reef-safe sunscreen only (reef-toxic brands are banned and confiscated), no touching wildlife, take nothing.

Question 4

How do I get to Palau from the US?

Accepted Answer

Via Guam — United flies Honolulu/West Coast → Guam → Koror (2 hours from Guam). Alternative routings run through Manila or Taipei. It's a long haul (Palau sits near the Philippines), so pair it with Guam or Yap if you can. Note: the capital is tiny Ngerulmud, but everything you'll use — hotels, dive shops, restaurants — is in Koror.

Question 5

Is Jellyfish Lake open and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Ongeim'l Tketau on Eil Malk island holds millions of golden jellyfish that lost their sting over millennia; you snorkel (never dive — deep layers are toxic) through pulsing clouds of them. It's included in most Rock Islands day tours; the Rock Islands/Jellyfish Lake permit (~$100, 10 days) covers it. Populations fluctuate with El Niño years — operators know current conditions.

Question 6

How is the diving in Palau?

Accepted Answer

Legendary — Blue Corner's current-swept shark-and-barracuda wall (you hook in and watch the show), German Channel's manta cleaning stations, Ulong Channel, Chandelier Cave, and WWII wrecks. Strong currents make many signature sites intermediate-plus; reef hooks required. Liveaboards or Koror day boats both work. Snorkelers aren't shortchanged: the Rock Islands tours are world-class without a tank.

Question 7

When is the best time to visit Palau?

Accepted Answer

November–April: drier season, calmest seas, peak visibility and manta activity. May–October brings more rain and wind but fewer visitors and lower rates — diving continues year-round. Palau sits outside the main typhoon belt, though not immune. Water: a constant 82–86°F.

Question 8

Is Palau expensive?

Accepted Answer

The priciest of the US-affiliated Pacific: remote logistics plus permits add up — figure the $100 Rock Islands permit, ~$150–250/day for two-tank diving, hotels $150–500+. Currency is the US dollar and US plugs work (Type A/B, 120V) — two familiar comforts. Budget move: guesthouses in Koror plus tour-boat days beat resort pricing.

Question 9

Is Palau safe to visit?

Accepted Answer

Very — Koror is small-town safe and violent crime is rare. The risk ledger is aquatic: currents at advanced dive sites (dive within certification, use guides), sun, and dehydration on boat days. Saltwater crocs exist in mangroves but incidents are extraordinarily rare. Emergency: 911, and there's a recompression chamber in Koror — with US-affiliated medical referral to Guam or Manila for anything major.

Question 10

What else is there beyond diving?

Accepted Answer

Kayaking the Rock Islands' hidden lagoons, the Milky Way's limestone mud bath (tour boats stop for the full-body white mask), Peleliu — site of one of WWII's fiercest battles, its airfield, caves and relics now a quiet open-air museum with guided tours — Badrulchau's ancient stone monoliths up north, and Ngardmau waterfall. Even non-divers fill a week easily.

Question 11

Can I drink the tap water?

Accepted Answer

Not safe — drink bottled. Rain-fed and desalinated supplies vary — drink bottled or filtered water.

Question 12

What food should I try?

Accepted Answer

Ulkoy. Taro-shrimp fritters.

Question 13

What is the capital of Palau?

Accepted Answer

Ngerulmud is the capital of Palau.

Question 14

What language is spoken in Palau?

Accepted Answer

Palauan and English both official and both spoken.

Question 15

What currency is used?

Accepted Answer

US Dollar (USD) is the currency of Palau.

Question 16

Do I need a power adapter?

Accepted Answer

Power plugs in Palau: A & B (flat 2-pin / 3-pin, 120 V). Check your devices before you travel.

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