Things to do in Southern Palau Islands
Discover the best attractions and experiences Southern Palau Islands has to offer
Historic Monuments
Southern Palau’s wartime past is visible in battle sites and memorials across Peleliu and Angaur.
Peleliu Battlefield
Fierce 1944 combat site with ruins, monuments, and interpretive viewpoints.
Bloody Nose Ridge
Prominent ridge where intense fighting occurred, marked by memorials and sweeping views.
Angaur WWII Bunkers and Tunnels
Remnant fortifications and underground passages from the Pacific War to explore with a guide.
Museums
Small museums in the south offer context on wartime events and island heritage.
Peleliu War Museum
Exhibits and artifacts detailing the Peleliu campaign.
Angaur WWII Memorial Museum
Displays highlighting Angaur’s role in World War II and local stories.
Religious Monuments
Quiet religious sites offer a glimpse into local community life and history.
Peleliu Catholic Church
A historic church serving the local community.
Angaur Church
A local place of worship with simple, peaceful surroundings.
National & Theme Parks
Protected islands and lagoons form Palau’s most dramatic southern landscapes.
Rock Islands Southern Lagoon National Park
A remote archipelago of limestone islets with pristine lagoons and reefs.
Jellyfish Lake (Rock Islands area)
A sheltered lake famed for its docile jellyfish and surreal setting.
Rock Islands snorkeling spots
Crystal-clear waters and vibrant reefs ideal for easy snorkeling around the islets.
Neighborhoods
Explore the main settlements and communities that shape Southern Palau.
Peleliu Town
The island’s main hub with limited services and strong WWII heritage.
Angaur Town
Center of Angaur Island with coastal views and local life.
Free Things to Do
Enjoy the natural beauty and history without a fixed itinerary or entry fees.
Snorkel the reefs around Rock Islands
Explore colorful corals and small fish along protected coastlines.
Beachcombing and sunset walks on Peleliu
Stroll quiet shores and watch the colors change at dusk.
Explore WWII ruins (public areas)
Walk among preserved remnants at beaches and battle sites.
Gastronomy
Palauan flavors center on fresh seafood and traditional cooking methods.
Fresh reef fish and tuna dishes
Seasonal, seafood-forward plates showcasing day’s catch.
Coconut crab
A local delicacy featured in some regional preparations.
Imu – Palauan earth oven meals
Slow-cooked meals prepared in an underground oven for group feasts.
Nightlife
Evenings in the south are peaceful, with hospitality as the main draw.
Beachfront sunsets at island lodges
Relaxing evenings with ocean views and simple comfort.
Village cultural evenings
Occasional performances sharing Palauan traditions.
Stargazing by the shore
Clear southern skies offer excellent views of stars and planets.
Entertainment
History, culture, and nature provide engaging experiences.
Peleliu battlefield guided tours
Insightful walks to key sites with a local guide.
Angaur memorial tours
Visits to memorials and preserved sites around Angaur.
Cultural performances by local communities
Occasional dances and songs showcasing Palauan heritage.
Sports
Water and nature provide ideal playgrounds for active travelers.
Scuba diving around Rock Islands
Explore coral walls, reefs, and underwater scenery.
Kayaking around uninhabited islets
Paddle between small islands and calm coves.
Snorkeling the Peleliu reefs
Short, easy snorkels to see tropical fish and corals.
Off the Track
Go beyond the main sights with intimate, less-touristy experiences.
Island-hopping boat trips to uninhabited Rock Islands
Custom itineraries to tiny islets and lagoons.
Angaur cave exploration
Cave systems and rock formations with a guide.
WWII relic exploration with a local guide
Ventures to lesser-known ruins and relics with context.