Etpison Museum
Palaus (and Micronesias) history and culture are showcased at this splendid museum east of Koror city centre. A highlight is the superb collection of storyboards (carvings depicting Palaus traditional stories and legends) made by local master carvers. Theres also background informa
Palau National Capitol
Washington DC? No, Palaus political centre. This monumental building, which was constructed in 2006, is a replica of the American capitol. Visitors are often surprised by the imposing dome structure and the scale of the complex – such a large construction on a remote island. It is
Palau Community College Bai
Your first encounter with a bai (mens meeting house made of wood and thatch) will probably take place in the grounds of Palau Community College, right in the centre of Koror. Here youll find a superb bai beside a small memorial amid tropical gardens. Theres another bai in the colle
Ngatpang Waterfall
Fancy a dip? Make a beeline for this little jungle waterfall that drops into a broad pool. Its only a five-minute walk down the main road, but theres no sign. To get there from Koror, follow the road to the airport and turn left (west) at the T-junction just after the Japan-Palau F
Melekeok Bai
This elegant bai (mens meeting house) stands in superb isolation up a hill in Melekeok. From the Melekeok State Office, where youll pay the entrance fee, a stone path leads to the bai in about 15 minutes. This well-proportioned structure is elaborately ornamented with traditional d
Thousand Man Cave
On the northern outskirts of the Klouklubed village, Thousand Man Cave refers to a maze of tunnels and chambers built by the Japanese during WWII. The Americans encountered a great deal of trouble penetrating this cave system to dislodge the 1000 or so Japanese who refused to surre
Ngardok Nature Reserve
Micronesias largest natural freshwater reservoir, this protected area will appeal to nature lovers. The site has a well-maintained nature trail (about 1.6km) that winds through upland forest and grasslands. A floating dock offers a close-up view of the lake and surrounding wetlands
Kaigun Sho
Babeldaobs most impressive WWII site, Kaigun Sho is a bombed-out shell building, used as a communication centre by the Japanese during WWII. The facade is partially scarred by bullet holes. A Japanese tank and a few anti-aircraft guns lie next to the building. The site is easy to f
Peleliu Peace Memorial Park
On the southwestern tip of the island, the Japanese government built this memorial in 1985 for those who perished on Palau during WWII. The monument comprises a rectangular granite block with basaltic inlays, supported by two massive granite slabs. During a visit in April 2015, Jap
Airai Bai
Palaus oldest bai (mens meeting house) is over 100 years old, 21m long and 6m wide, with a steeply pitched roof reaching a height of 12m. It was constructed using local materials of wood and thatch on a stone platform. A number of legendary scenes and symbolic motifs are painted in
American Tanks
Northwest of the airstrip, two sturdy-looking US tanks rust in union on a grassy patch of land near a dirt track. Both are LVTs – Landing Vehicle Tractors – that were used to carry US Marines from ship to shore when the US invasion forces landed on Japanese-controlled Peleliu in Se
Japanese Military Headquarters Building
This two-storey building was the Japanese forward command post during WWII. It was important in their efforts to control Peleliu and was very fiercely defended, but the Americans managed to bomb it in 1944. With stairs that lead to nowhere, pockmarked ceilings, and exposed wires an
Badrulchau Stone Monoliths
If you want to see the Easter Island of Micronesia, bookmark this archaeological site located at Babeldaobs northernmost point, where youll find large basalt monoliths studded on a hillside. Their origin and purpose is unknown, but according to one legend the gods put them there to
WWII Memorial Museum
Housed in a concrete building that was a dispensary during WWII, this well-organised museum is an excellent starting point to understand the historical significance of the battle for Peleliu. It contains a fine collection of period photographs and war artefacts, including weapons,
US Army 323rd Infantry Monument & Lookout
The large coral ridge that runs parallel to Pelelius west coast was nicknamed Bloody Nose Ridge by the Americans in WWII. This small limestone hill covered with thick jungle was turned into a virtually impregnable fortress by the Japanese troops during their occupation of the islan
Belau National Museum & Bai
This little museum features exhibits from all eras of Palauan life, including artworks, photography, sculpture, storyboards and more. As you move between floors it is fascinating to trace the history of colonial occupation on the island. The museum grounds also contain a striking w
