First time · Koror
First time in KororKoror
Koror is a base, not a destination: the good days are on the water. Sleep here, book your boat and dive days first, use the town for a museum morning and an evening meal, and keep the last 24 hours before a flight free of diving.
The honest verdict
Koror is a small island town linked by bridge to the mainland. The Rock Islands, the dive walls and Jellyfish Lake (when open) are all reached by boat from the Malakal docks, so the trips that go wrong are the ones without a booked boat, a permit or a spare day. Four short clusters cover the town; a taxi or your hotel's shuttle joins them.
You will like
- Diving and snorkelling
- Boat days
- Quiet evenings
What wears you down
- Heat
- Booking boats in advance
- No public transport plan
Five things not to miss
- 1Rock Islands boat dayLimestone islands, lagoons and snorkelling; the reason to come.Best Dry season, first departure · US$120–200 plus permits
- 2A dive day at Blue Corner or German ChannelWorld-class diving with sharks and big fish, with a certified operator.Best Nov–May · US$180–260
- 3Jellyfish Lake, when openSnorkel among millions of stingless jellyfish.Best Morning · About US$100 permit plus the boat
- 4Belau National MuseumThe story of Palau in one place, with a traditional bai in the grounds.Best Weekday morning · US$10–20
- 5Palau International Coral Reef CenterA primer on the reef, with live fish; strong for children and rainy days.Best Weekday morning or rainy afternoon · US$10–20
Where to stay on a first visit
- Downtown KororFor: First visit, 2–3 nights, sights firstWalk to cafes and the museum; taxi to the boats.
From the airport
Roman Tmetuchl International Airport (ROR)
- Fastest and cheapest
- Pre-booked hotel shuttle or airport taxi to the door · about 30 min · about US$40
Typical ride times and fares, 2026 desk estimates (check). Last services and night options are on the gateway page.
How long to stay
- 1 day
- A stopover between flights
- 3 days
- The standard Koror stay
- 5 days
- A relaxed stay with a dive day and a Babeldaob car day
Show 5 more blocksHideThree mistakes to avoid, Money and SIM, Etiquette, The best time to go, A first day
Three mistakes to avoid
- Boat or tour sellers who take a deposit and give no receipt or written inclusions: book through your hotel or an established operator and keep the paperwork.(Scams)
- Follow the Palau Pledge: take nothing, touch no coral, feed no fish.(Survive · red lines)
- Diving: strong currents at Blue Corner and German Channel; dive with an established operator and follow the briefing.(Survive · safety)
Money and SIM
- Budget day
- US$80–130 excl. bed
- Paying
- US dollars. Cards work at hotels, dive shops, larger restaurants and supermarkets; carry small bills for taxis, small eateries and markets. ATMs are in Koror.
- Cash
- Cards work at hotels and dive shops. Carry US bills for taxis, small shops and permits; ATMs are in Koror.
- SIM
- Local carrier shop (check): Bring your passport and an unlocked phone; ask about data plans for a week.
Etiquette: the top three
- Palau Pledge
- You sign it on arrival: take nothing, kill nothing, and act with care toward the islands and their people.
- Greetings
- Say 'Alii' and smile; a friendly greeting matters more than fast business.
- Dress
- Cover swimwear in town and villages; swimwear stays on boats and beaches.
The best time to go
Jan: Drier and calmer; good visibility.
Dry season (Feb–Apr): The calmest seas and best visibility; the busiest boats.
A first day
Day 1 — Belau National Museum, a 12:30 lunch table downtown
Start about 08:30
Fixed point: Lunch table 12:30 (downtown Koror)
Hotel or AC café 13:00–16:00; dinner on the main street before 20:00.Hotel or AC café 1:00 PM–4:00 PM; dinner on the main street before 8:00 PM.
Timed version: Koror in 3 daysYour Koror checklist
The money points and the first-timer mistakes from this page in one list. Tick each one when you have handled it.
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