Angaur State City
Small Palauan island state, WWII battle and phosphate history
Divers come for Angaur’s WWII wrecks and clear reefs; limestone cliffs and abandoned phosphate pits map a strange industrial past. Visit for snorkeling, village taro-and-coconut cooking, and low-traffic beaches where fishing boats and pandanus palms set the pace.
83°F
Why Visit Angaur State?#
Tiny Angaur State appeals to travelers who want raw island history paired with excellent reef diving. World War II relics and mining-era terraces give the island a unique historical texture, while coral gardens and underwater caverns invite snorkelers and divers. Village bai, traditional Palauan dances and quiet salt-rimmed beaches offer intimate cultural moments, and the short boat ride from Koror makes the visit feel like a deliberate escape.
Best Things to Do in Angaur State#
.jpg?width=600)
Angaur State Bucket List#
Angaur War Memorial - Monument and cemetery commemorating soldiers from the World War II Angaur campaign.
Japanese-era quarry ruins - Walk among abandoned quarries and mining ruins from the island’s phosphate era.
Angaur village center - Meet locals, see traditional homes, and sample island-produced coconut dishes.
Old runway area - Explore remnants of the wartime airstrip and surrounding grasslands on foot.
Coastal tidepool snorkeling - Discover small tidepools teeming with marine life along quiet Angaur shorelines.
Community handicraft stalls - Small-scale stalls offering woven goods and carved souvenirs from island artisans.
Koror snorkeling trips - Full-day boat trips to famous Rock Islands and unrivaled reef snorkeling sites.
Angaur to Peleliu day visit - Short boat transfer to Peleliu for extended WWII battlefield tours and memorials.
Best Time to Visit Angaur State#
Visit Angaur in the drier December-April stretch for calm seas, clearer water and easy snorkeling. The wet months (May-November) bring heavier rain, higher humidity and rougher seas.
December - April
25-31°C (77-88°F)
Calm seas and clearer water make snorkeling and diving superb; fewer storms and lower humidity mean pleasant walking and easy day trips.
May - November
24-31°C (75-88°F)
Frequent heavy showers, choppy seas and higher humidity; boat trips can be disrupted but reef life is abundant and terrestrial scenery becomes very lush.
March - June
27-32°C (81-90°F)
Hottest, most humid months bring intense sun with sudden squalls; excellent for sunbathing and diving but afternoons often too muggy for long hikes.
Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 31°C. Heavy rainfall (3175 mm/year), wettest in July.
January
January is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Heavy rain (277 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (174 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (183 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (216 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is the hottest month, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (265 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Heavy rain (294 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (378 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Heavy rain (321 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Heavy rain (270 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Heavy rain (295 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Heavy rain (243 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Heavy rain (259 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
How to Get to Angaur State#
Angaur is a small, sparsely populated outer state of Palau reached from Koror (Airai). Most international visitors arrive at Roman Tmetuchl International Airport (ROR) in Airai/Koror; travel onward to Angaur is by local boat charter or special arrangement rather than scheduled flights.
Roman Tmetuchl International Airport (ROR): ROR (Airai) is Palau’s main international gateway, serving flights from Guam, Taiwan and other regional hubs. From the airport to Koror town taxis and hotel shuttles take about 10-20 minutes; expect roughly US$10-20 for a taxi or hotel shuttle rates set by your accommodation.
No scheduled commercial flights to Angaur: Angaur is a small outer island and does not have regular commercial airline service from Koror. Access is by private boat charter from Koror or by arrangement with local operators; travel time by small boat is commonly under 2 hours depending on sea conditions and prices are variable-book through a Koror operator or your lodge in advance.
Train: There are no train services in Palau.
Bus & Boat: There is no public bus network to outer islands. Local boat charters and occasional inter-island cargo/boat services from Koror are the primary way to reach Angaur; these are arranged locally. Within Koror, taxis and short shuttle routes run between the airport, downtown and hotels-confirm schedules and fares locally.
How to Get Around Angaur State#
There are no scheduled commercial flights directly to Angaur; most visitors fly into Airai/Koror (ROR) and continue by local boat charters. For moving around, short taxi rides and walking are the practical options-inter-island movement requires advance arrangements with boat operators.
- Taxi / Hotel shuttle (US$10-20) - Taxis and hotel shuttles run between Roman Tmetuchl International Airport (ROR) and Koror. Trips take around 10-20 minutes depending on traffic; taxis are the easiest way with fixed short-route rates or hotel-arranged transfers. Have small US dollars in cash; hotel shuttles may be included in your booking.
- Domestic boat charter (Varies (book locally)) - The only reliable way to get to Angaur is by chartering a private boat from Koror. Operators vary and trips depend on weather; travel times are typically under 2 hours. Negotiate and confirm safety equipment, departure point and return times in advance-book through a reputable Koror operator or your accommodation.
- Inter-island cargo/passenger boat (occasional) (Varies) - Occasional island cargo or passenger boats sometimes call at outer islands on a non-fixed schedule. These are irregular and should only be used if you have local confirmation. Expect slower transit and basic facilities.
- Taxi within Koror (US$5-15) - Taxis are the main local on-island transport in Koror and useful for transfers to boat departure points. Short journeys are inexpensive but cash-only; drivers may expect tips.
- Walking - Angaur and Koror are small and walkable in parts; bring sun protection and good footwear for uneven surfaces. Walking is the best way to explore local villages and historic sites on Angaur.
Where to Stay in Angaur State#
Angaur island settlements - $0-40/night
Angaur is sparsely populated with no formal budget hostels. Visitors typically overnight in Koror and take a boat or charter flight for day visits.
Koror (nearest) - $80-180/night
There are no mid-range hotels on Angaur. Book a hotel in Koror for reliable amenities and organize transport to Angaur with local operators.
Koror / private charter - $200+/night
Angaur lacks luxury accommodation. High-end travellers should base themselves in Koror and arrange private charters for exclusive island access.
