Koror (city) Travel Guide
City Capital city of Palau
Koror functions as Palau’s travel hub: dive shops, liveaboard departures, fish markets and tours to Jellyfish Lake and the Rock Islands make it the practical base for reef diving and WWII wreck excursions.
Why Visit Koror (city)? #
As Palau’s main tourism hub, Koror is the gateway to world-class marine attractions and island culture. Boat trips to the Rock Islands and a visit to Jellyfish Lake are signature experiences, while Koror’s Belau National Museum and waterfront markets reveal local history and crafts. The town’s dive shops, seafood restaurants and easy transport links make it the practical center for exploring Palau’s reefs and limestone islands.
Top Things to Do in Koror (city)
All Attractions ›
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- Rock Islands Southern Lagoon - UNESCO-protected limestone islands with hidden lagoons, caves, and snorkeling sites.
- Jellyfish Lake - Marine lake where swimmers float among harmless golden jellyfish during guided trips.
- Belau National Museum - Koror museum displaying Palauan artifacts, WW2 relics, and cultural exhibits.
- Palau International Coral Reef Center - Research center with aquarium displays, coral exhibits, and conservation programs.
- German Channel dive site - World-class dive site with manta ray cleaning stations and dramatic coral walls.
- Ngerbeched Reserve kayaking - Kayak mangrove channels in Ngerbeched Conservation Area for birds and quiet paddling.
- Koror local market - Local market selling fish, tropical fruits, and handmade crafts, lively mornings.
- Rock Islands boat tour - Full-day boat excursions to snorkeling spots, limestone islets, and secluded beaches.
- Peleliu battlefield - Ferry to Peleliu for preserved battlefields, tanks, and wartime memorials.
Best Time to Visit Koror (city) #
Koror is best visited in the dry season (December-April) for top diving conditions and calmer seas. The wet season brings abundant rain and occasional storms-expect more variability in boat schedules and underwater visibility.
Best Time to Visit Koror (city) #
Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 31°C. Heavy rainfall (3593 mm/year), wettest in June.
January
January is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (276 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (220 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (197 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (222 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is the hottest month, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (280 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (425 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Heavy rain (424 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Heavy rain (365 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Heavy rain (289 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Heavy rain (329 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Heavy rain (268 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Heavy rain (298 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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How to Get to Koror (city)
Koror is served by Roman Tmetuchl International Airport (ROR) on nearby Babeldaob (Airai) and by a network of taxis, shared shuttles and boat taxis for getting around the islands. Most arrivals transfer to Koror by road or pre-arranged hotel shuttle; island excursions require boats.
Roman Tmetuchl International Airport (ROR): Roman Tmetuchl (often called ROR; located in Airai) is the international airport serving Koror and the rest of Palau. The airport is about 8-12 km from Koror town: taxis and hotel shuttles take roughly 10-20 minutes depending on traffic. Typical metered/shared taxi fares from ROR to central Koror are about US$8-12; some hotels run complimentary or low‑cost transfers if arranged in advance.
Train: There is no train network in Palau.
Bus / Shared shuttle: Palau has no formal long-distance bus system; instead you’ll find shared shuttle vans, public taxis and private drivers for island travel. Shared van fares between Koror and nearby points are low (a few dollars) and trips within Koror are normally under 10-20 minutes; inter‑island boat services are essential for visiting the Rock Islands and other outer sites.
How to Get Around Koror (city) #
Koror is Palau’s main population and service centre; many sights and shops are within walking distance of the town centre. Rental cars and taxis are the common ways to get around the island, and dive operators often provide transport for excursions. Public transport is minimal, so plan to arrange transfers through hotels or tour operators. Streets are compact but can be busy; Malakal and Koror harbour areas concentrate hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops.
Where to Stay in Koror (city) #
- Budget guesthouses in Koror - Small local guesthouses listed online.
- Tripadvisor: Koror budget stays - Good for reviews and contact details.
- Palau Pacific Resort - Resort with beach access and dive desk.
- Palau Royal Resort - Island-style resort with water activities.
- Palau Pacific Resort (upper rooms/villas) - Upscale villas and full-service resort.
- The Plaza Hotel Palau (premium rooms) - City-side higher-end rooms.
Where to Eat in Koror (city) #
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Koror (city)'s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
