Palau is an archipelago of about 200 largely limestone and volcanic islands, covered in tropical forest, fringed by large barrier reefs and turquoise lagoons. This islands are located in the western Pacific Ocean, 640 km (522 miles) southeast of Mindanao in the Philippines and 1,342 km (723 nautical miles) southwest of Guam.

Climate/Weather

Palau, located near the equator, enjoys a maritime tropical climate all year round with an annual average temperature of 30°C (86°F). Heavy rainfall occurs from May to November with precipitation throughout the year and a relatively high humidity of 82%. Thunderstorms are quite common but typhoons are rare, as Palau is not located in the hurricane corridor.

Diving in Palau

Diving is the number-one activity and Palau has over 50 world-class dive sites with underwater visibility beyond anyone’s imagination; its Blue Corner Wall dive is one of the best on the planet. Diving is year-round in Palau with a wet season from May to November. March and April are the best months to see sharks with spectacular sights such as migratory whale sharks, sharks or mantas mating, and large schools of fish spawning.

Discover Pristine Palau

Palau is a pristine paradise with approximately 75% covered in native forest and mangroves, offering numerous activities and adventure options; explore the archaeological site at Babeldaob’s northernmost point, where you’ll find 37 large basalt monoliths on a hillside some weighing up to 4,500kg, visit the World War II battlefields, war memorials, and shrines or learn more about Palau’s rich cultural heritage at Ngarachamayong Cultural Centre.

Main islands and Island groups:

Babeldaob with Melekeok the new capital, Koror, home of the largest city and former capital, Rock Islands made up of almost 300 mostly uninhabited islands, Peleliu, Angaur, Sonsorol Islands.

 

Palau Fast Facts

Geographic coordinates: 7 30 N, 134 30 E
Area: 459 sq km
Highest point: Mount Ngerchelchuus 242 m
Population: 21,347 (July 2016 est.)
Ethnic groups: Palauan 72.5%, Filipino 16.3%, other 11.2%
Languages: Palauan (official) 66.6%, English (official) 15.5%, Filipino 10.8%, other 7.1%
Government type: presidential republic
Time zone: UTC+9
National holidays: Constitution Day, 9 July (1981), Independence Day, 1 October (1994)
Telephone international country code: 680