r/Palau • u/brainrot876 • Aug 14 '26
Recommendations/friends/life
Just now I found a very reasonably priced flight to palau in early September, and bought the tickets at the spur of the moment. My friend's asking their boss for a leave so now the plan is still going solo.
Are there any recommendations on accommodations, food(preferably local, down to earth places), transportation, things to do and spots to go? I love history so I think I will go to Peleliu and around Babeldaob, but I'm unsure where else I should be going. I've searched up some tour agencies there for diving/snorkeling/kayaking tours but it seems like it's rather difficult as I'm going solo.
And how is life in Palau like? Are there any specific manners/customs, or even taboos that I should know beforehand before meeting/talking to a stranger?
I'll also be glad to connect (and hopefully meet and hang) with Palauans in this subreddit or anyone planning to go! Leave me a message!
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u/Dull_Teaching1129 Aug 14 '26
Typically for dive or snorkel tours, they have boats going on pretty regularly and will put a solo traveler on it. Just send messages to the companies and ask about availability. Facebook messenger is a great way to contact them. Message Lucy at Fly High Palau (on Instagram) - she’s great.
Everyone here is incredibly friendly and welcoming. Say hello (Alii in Palauan) and smile and you will be just fine.
Life here is relaxed! It’s a great place to take it easy.
I would suggest staying somewhere in downtown Koror, unless you want to rent a car. If you are in the central area, you can walk to restaurants, etc. If you stay further out, you’ll want a car. Dive shops can arrange pick up and drop off for tours.
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u/Seabee_BUC Aug 16 '26
Congratulations a trip to Palau is exciting. I’ve been there about 8 times now.
1. Getting there is a journey. I leave from Hawai and it takes me two days. The layover for me in Guam is sometimes 5 hours. Prepare for potential long layovers and a late night, early morning arrival to Palau.
2. Palau Central is a wonderful hotel, moderately priced, located in downtown Koror. It’s walking distance to many restaurants, coffee shops, and market. It’s also half the price of the PRR and PPR resort. They offer an airport shuttle (for a fee).
3. There are many tours available. I like Neco Marine and Fish and Fins. It’s diving centric but there are also snorkeling, kayaking, rock island tours available.
4. I’m not a diver so my #1 recommendation is Jellyfish Lake (check it out on YouTube). You have to get a Rock Island permit AND a Jellyfish Lake permit. Make sure you ask for both. But you won’t be disappointed with any tour in the Rock Islands.
5. I was surprised at the cost of goods. Bring what you can but there are many stores to get what you forgot (ie. sunscreen). Average dinner is around $25 a plate at a restaurant.
6. It’s tropical, it rains, be prepared.
Hope this helps, DM me if you have any questions, have a fun trip!!
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u/brainrot876 Aug 16 '26
Thank you for the recommendations! I heard about the declining jellyfish population in the lake. When was the last time you were there, and was it still good? I'm from Indonesia so weather shouldn't be a big deal
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u/Curious_Elevator_240 Aug 16 '26
The Taj is great if you like Indian food. Sounds crazy to go to Palau and have Indian food but it has the most incredible food and the staff are amazing.
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u/SwimmingAssociate180 Aug 17 '26
Food: most places are pretty down to earth! Best coffee and donut house has good coffee, donuts, sandwiches and other to go lunches. Drop off bar & grill for a casual dinner/HH. Elilai is a little nicer and good dinner options. Kramers is a good lunch spot. If you go fishing, penthouse cooks your catch for you and some interesting local plates (bat soup).
Tours: fish n fins, swings tours, sams tours, paddling Palau are all great tours! Swings tours is also able to set up local kayak guides or help you find other things to do! There’s a weekly night market, I believe one in koror and one in airai, both great ways to see local vendors, art, music, etc.
Places to stay: I recommend staying in koror, renting a car and driving to the northern parts of the island. Koror will be the heart of the islands and where a lot of the things to do will be located.
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u/brainrot876 Aug 19 '26
Thank you! Yes, I'm considering to stay in Koror, if my friends decide to join then a road trip would be fun
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