Palau

Palau is a destination that doesn’t just ask you to visit; it asks you to take a pledge. In 2026, the Palau Pledge (stamped into every passport) remains the soul of the travel experience, turning every guest into a protector of this Micronesian marvel. From the 340 emerald islets of the UNESCO-listed Rock Islands to the legendary “Blue Corner” dive site, Palau offers a luxury that is defined by its untouched state.

Whether you are “bio-hacking” your skin with mineral-rich mud in the Milky Way or taking a private helicopter over the heart-shaped reefs, Palau is a sensory immersion into the world’s first “National Marine Sanctuary.”

Why we love Palau

We love Palau for its “Fearless Conservation.” In 2026, we are seeing the rise of “Floating Luxury,” led by the Four Seasons Explorer, which allows travelers to access the most remote blue holes and canyons without leaving a footprint. We love the “Ridge to Reef” philosophy—where you can trek to the jungle-shrouded Ngardmau Waterfall in the morning and be snorkeling with millions of stingless jellyfish by afternoon. It is a place that proves environmental stewardship is the ultimate luxury.

The Most Beautiful Places in Palau

From the “Underwater Utopia” to the ancient stone monoliths:

1. The Rock Islands (Southern Lagoon)

A UNESCO World Heritage site consisting of 445 limestone islands. In 2026, private kayaking and paddleboarding expeditions through these “mushroom islands” are the trend, offering silent access to hidden lagoons and sea caves. The water here is so clear it feels like a dream, and the biodiversity is so dense that even the shallowest reefs feel like a professional aquarium.

2. Jellyfish Lake (Ongeim’l Tketau)

One of the most surreal experiences on Earth. Swim among millions of golden, stingless jellyfish that have evolved over millennia without predators. In 2026, the lake is carefully managed with strict visitor quotas, ensuring a quiet, spiritual encounter with these pulsating creatures that feel like moving silk in the water.

3. The Milky Way Lagoon

A natural spa nestled within the Rock Islands. The floor of this turquoise lagoon is covered in white limestone mud, which locals have used as a skin treatment for generations. In 2026, luxury operators offer private “Wellness Afternoons” here, including chilled drinks and mud-mask rituals in the middle of the ocean.

4. Blue Corner & German Channel

The “Everest” of diving. Blue Corner is world-famous for its strong currents, where divers use “reef hooks” to hover and watch a parade of sharks, barracudas, and Napoleon wrasse. Nearby, the German Channel is the premier spot to witness manta rays at their “cleaning stations”—a massive, graceful spectacle of nature.

5. Badrulchau Stone Monoliths

Located on the northern tip of Babeldaob Island, these ancient stone carvings are the “Easter Island of the Pacific.” In 2026, they remain a place of mystery and silence, offering breathtaking views of the northern coastline and a deep connection to the 4,000-year-old history of the Palauan people.

Highlights of a Tour Through Palau

  • Four Seasons Explorer Experience: Move away from land-based hotels and embark on a cruising resort. In 2026, this “floating villa” offers daily embarkation and bespoke diving itineraries that change with the tides and the whale shark migrations.
  • The “Smile Air” Scenic Flight: Take to the sky in a vintage-style plane with the doors off. It is the only way to truly see the scale of the Rock Islands and the incredible color gradients of the “Seven Underwater Wonders of the World.”
  • Peleliu WWII Heritage: Take a private guided tour of Peleliu Island. It is an open-air museum where Japanese bunkers, tanks, and aircraft wrecks are being slowly reclaimed by the jungle—a poignant and historical contrast to the island’s natural beauty.

Essential Travel Tips

  • When to go: The dry season (December to April) is peak time. However, for “Crowd-Shifting,” visit in June or September—the weather is still tropical and sunny, but the dive sites are almost entirely yours.
  • The Palau Pledge: Upon arrival, you must sign the pledge in your passport to protect the environment. In 2026, this has evolved into the “Ol’au Palau” app, which rewards visitors for sustainable actions with exclusive local experiences.
  • Logistics: Most international flights arrive at night. We recommend booking a private car transfer to your resort in advance, as the airport is located on Babeldaob, about 30 minutes from the main hub of Koror.
  • Language: Palauan and English are official. English is spoken perfectly by almost everyone, but a friendly “Alii” (Hello) is the standard opening.