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 spots, 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 archipelago to promote experiences such as village tours and traditional handicraft workshops seem to be aiding the resurgence of tourism after reaching low points during the pandemic era. According to data from the nation’s visitor authority, tourist arrivals have risen sharply from around 5,000 in 2021 to over 50,000 in 2024. Despite ongoing diplomatic frictions, travelers from China are at the forefront of this revival.
We’re renowned for our pristine waters, yet there’s much more to explore,” explains Sean Tekriu, greeting tourists at Palau’s Badrulchau Stone Monoliths, one of numerous inland draws promoted by local tourism authorities. “Our aim is to display our culture, traditions, and way of life.
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Palau, comprising over 300 islands, can be accessed directly from various places such as Brisbane, Australia; Guam; Hong Kong; Macao; the Philippines, and Taiwan. The archipelago is renowned primarily for its mesmerizing aquatic environments, which are home to approximately 1,500 types of fish and around 400 species of hard coral.
The people of Palau are dedicated to safeguarding these assets.
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.
Numerous tourists visit to explore the sunken ruins of the former Japanese naval base.
Pacific
One of the most prominent artifacts is the Iro Maru, a huge supply vessel measuring 470 feet long, which lies intact on the seafloor. Schools of lionfish and clownfish swim swiftly through its passageways.
Jellyfish Lake, formerly Palau’s top spot for social media posts where visitors could take pictures alongside countless non-stinging jellyfish, has become almost deserted because of increasing sea temperatures. Nevertheless, enthusiasts such as myself can continue to admire Palau’s underwater wonders at locations similar to Ngemelis Wall, also referred to as the Big Drop-Off. While cruising near the water’s surface, I observed large groups of colorful fish and caught sight of a nurse shark far beneath me; its shape gradually faded 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 preserve Palauan oral traditions using classic wooden carvings known as storyboards. Tourists have the opportunity to buy these artistic creations, some extending up to 20 feet in length, or enroll in classes to master the skill of making their very own pieces.
“We are driven by the desire to share our tales,” asserts McMichael Mutok Jr., emphasizing his efforts to safeguard his nation’s heritage via his endeavors at the National Register. According to popular folklore, he recounts, there exists a legendary story about the breadfruit tree. This tale narrates how envy towards a miraculous fish-giving tree culminated in both the tree and an entire island being plunged beneath the waves.
Many storyboard illustrations can be seen at the Etpison Museum, alongside significant artifacts from Micronesia including large pieces of Yapese stone money. The exhibits at both the Etpison and Belau National Museums provide an extensive look into regional heritage and traditions, featuring events like the “first childbirth” ceremony—a purification rite designed for new mothers.
A map of Palau:
For a hands-on experience, check out Belau Eco Glass, a gallery and centre for upcycled art at the Koror State waste management facility. You can transform recycled trash into treasures at their glassblowing workshops, or purchase ready-made pieces like delicate vases and vivid jewellery. After browsing the collection, I left with a dainty pair of tangerine-coloured earrings.
We also visited the bi-monthly 680 Night Market, where performers come together with vendors and craftsmen for an engaging blend of live music, traditional dances, regional food, freshly harvested goods, handcrafted items, and keepsakes beneath the Japan-Palau Friendship Bridge.
As the day turned to evening, I enjoyed the ocean vistas from under the bridge connecting Koror Island – Palau’s main commercial and diving destination – to 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 path up a steep, muddy jungle trail, visitors must decide whether they want to undertake an exhilarating ford across the river—a feat I deferred to more courageous individuals—or take a less wetter course alongside the edge of the stream. Upon reaching their destination, explorers find themselves invigorated by a cool swim in the natural pools nestled 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 unpopulated north end of Babeldaob, I strolled past the leftover parts of an old Japanese lighthouse. The breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean made the journey worthwhile, even though only scant remnants of the structure remained.
Close by, we explored the historical and peaceful terraces of the Badrulchau Stone Monoliths. These archaeological remnants date back to 150 AD and consist of over 34 pillars thought to be part of an ancient assembly hall’s base. 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 around the land.
Mutok Jr. believes that by promoting tales through heritage-focused tourism, Palau can boost its reputation to be on par with places such as Pohnpei’s Nan Madol.
Easter Island
’s moai.
“The most important thing for us is having tourists visit and gain knowledge about our history and people,” he states.
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