When looking into a trip to Palau , a small island country scattered across Micronesia On its western side, I came across abundant details regarding its renowned mushroom-like Rock Islands and exceptional dive locations, which include more than 50 World War II shipwrecks.
However, when I arrived, I found that the place was keen to showcase something different: its vibrant cultural heritage on firm ground.
Efforts by the distant island chain to promote experiences such as guided village tours and hands-on traditional craft workshops seem to be aiding the resurgence of tourism after pandemic-induced declines. Data from the nation’s tourist board shows visitor counts climbing from around 5,000 in 2021 to over 50,000 in 2024. Despite current diplomatic frictions, tourists from China are at the forefront of this revival.
We're renowned for our pristine waters, yet there's much more to explore," remarks Sean Tekriu, greeting tourists at Palau’s Badrulchau Stone Monoliths, among the various inland draws promoted by local tourism authorities. "Our aim is to display our culture, history, and way of life.
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Palau, consisting of over 300 islands, can be directly accessed from various places such as Brisbane, Australia; Guam; Hong Kong; Macao; the Philippines, and Taiwan. The archipelago is renowned primarily for its mesmerizing underwater scenery, featuring approximately 1,500 types of fish and around 400 species of hard coral.
Palauans are fervent about safeguarding these natural treasures And they have set aside 80 percent of their waters as a protected sanctuary — among the highest percentages globally. When we arrived, we had to sign the "Palau Pledge" in our passports, vowing to protect the environment for coming generations.
A multitude of tourists visit to explore the sunken ruins of the former Japanese naval base. Pacific One of the standout artifacts is the Iro Maru, an enormous 470-foot-long supply vessel that lies intact in an upright position. Schools of lionfish and clownfish swim swiftly through its passageways.
Jellyfish Lake, formerly one of Palau’s top spots for social media photos, used to teem with harmless jellyfish that snorkelers would photograph alongside themselves. Unfortunately, this site has become almost deserted because of increasing sea temperatures. Nevertheless, enthusiasts such as myself can continue to admire Palau’s underwater splendor at locations similar to Ngemelis Wall, also referred to as the Big Drop-Off. While drifting near the water's surface, I observed large groups of brightly colored fish and caught sight of a nurse shark far beneath me; its shape gradually fading away as the reef wall descended sharply over a thousand feet into the abyssal depths.
My peaceful float was interrupted by a sudden sharp sting on my knee. When I surfaced, I found it bleeding, with no obvious culprit. Only later, while reviewing my photos, did I discover my likely attacker: The notoriously aggressive, yellow-and-black Titan Triggerfish was caught in one frame, its mouth agape with tiny, razor-sharp teeth.
At Tebang Woodcarving Shop, craftsmen narrate Palauan oral history using conventional wooden carvings known as storyboards. Tourists have the option to buy these artistic creations, some extending up to 20 feet in length, or they can enroll in classes to master the skill of making their very own storyboard.
"We have a deep enthusiasm for telling our tales," asserts McMichael Mutok Jr., emphasizing his efforts to safeguard his nation's heritage through his role at the National Register. According to folklore, he recounts, one prevalent story revolves around the breadfruit tree, which narrates how envy towards a miraculous fish-giving tree resulted in both being plunged beneath the waves, taking an entire island with them.
The Etpison Museum exhibits numerous storyboard displays alongside Micronesian artifacts including massive Yapese stone money. Similarly, both the Etpison and Belau National Museums offer extensive insights into regional history and traditions, featuring ceremonies like "first childbirth," a significant rite of passage for new mothers involving purification and restoration.
A map of Palau:
To get an interactive experience, visit Belau Eco Glass, which is both a gallery and center for repurposed art located within the Koror State waste management complex. Here you have the opportunity to turn discarded materials into beautiful creations through their glassblowing sessions, or simply buy finished items such as elegant vases and colorful jewelry. Having explored the exhibits, I departed with a charming set of tangerine-hued earrings.
During our visit, we dropped by the bi-weekly 680 Night Market, which brings together performers along with vendors and craftsmen offering an engaging blend of live music, traditional dances, regional dishes, locally grown produce, handmade crafts, and keepsakes beneath the Japan-Palau Friendship Bridge.
As the day turned to dusk, I enjoyed the ocean vistas from under the bridge connecting Koror Island—Palau’s main commercial and diving destination—with Babeldaob Island, known for its natural attractions and historic locations.
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On Babeldaob Island, adventurous travelers have the opportunity to explore Ngardmau, which stands as Micronesia’s highest waterfall. Accessible through a challenging, muddy path in the dense forest, visitors must decide whether they want to undertake an exhilarating river ford—a task I deferred to those more courageous—or take a less wet alternative along the edge of the stream. The effort culminates in a revitalizing swim in the natural pools below the cascading waters.
History enthusiasts You might consider visiting the ruins of Kaigun Sho, a World War II Japanese communication center. Located at the less crowded northern end of Babeldaob, I strolled past the leftovers of an old Japanese lighthouse. The breathtaking view of the Pacific made the journey worthwhile, even though only scant traces of the structure remained.
Close by, we wandered through the historical and peaceful terraces of the Badrulchau Stone Monoliths. These ancient ruins date back to around 150 AD and feature over 34 pillars thought to be remnants of an impressive assembly hall. I was particularly drawn to the enigmatic beginnings of this place, especially the regional tales about a mischievous deity who deceived other gods into scattering rocks all over the land.
Mutok Jr. believes that by promoting heritage-focused tourism and sharing such tales, Palau can boost its reputation to be on par with places like Pohnpei’s Nan Madol. Easter Island ’s moai.
"For visitors to come here and gain knowledge about our history and culture, that matters greatly to us," he states.
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