Koror (city) 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.
Best Things to Do in Koror (city)#
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Koror (city) Bucket List#
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.
December - April
24°C to 29°C (75°F to 84°F)
Clear skies, calm seas and best visibility for diving and snorkeling-hot but less rain and boating is reliable; expect busy travel in peak months.
May - November
25°C to 31°C (77°F to 88°F)
Frequent heavy rain, reduced visibility underwater and lush landscapes-still warm, but dive conditions and ferry schedules are more changeable, so plan extra time.
June - November
25°C to 31°C (77°F to 88°F)
Elevated risk of tropical storms-rough seas, cancelled ferries and infrastructure strain; avoid nonrefundable bookings and carry flexible travel plans June-November.
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 compact and easy to navigate on foot for short trips, but getting to most attractions requires taxis or boats. For island hopping and snorkeling/diving trips you’ll rely on boat taxis and tour operators; for inland island exploration a rental car or shared shuttle works best.
- Taxi (US$8-12) - Taxis are the most convenient way to get from ROR into Koror and for short trips around town. Airport-to-Koror rides take about 10-20 minutes; fares are typically US$8-12 for a standard taxi. Negotiate or confirm fares for longer trips or when returning from excursions.
- Shared shuttle / Minivan (US$2-6) - Shared shuttles and minivans operate on common routes and are cheaper than private taxis for single travellers. Fares are usually a few dollars per person; vehicles can fill or wait until full, so expect some flexibility on departure times. Good for airport transfers when arranged through hotels or local tour operators.
- Boat taxi / Ferry (US$5-150) - Boat taxis and passenger ferries are essential for visiting outer islands and the Rock Islands UNESCO area. Short boat rides around Koror are inexpensive (roughly US$5-20 depending on distance); full-day charter trips to dive/snorkel sites or Rock Island tours commonly cost US$50-150 per person through operators in Koror. Book licensed operators and confirm return times.
- Car rental (US$50-100/day) - Hiring a car is handy for exploring Babeldaob and the roads around Koror at your own pace. Rentals are offered in Koror; rates vary seasonally and by vehicle type. Driving distances are short but some attractions and boat ramps are best reached by car.
- Bicycle / Moped (US$10-30/day) - Bicycles and mopeds are available for hire in Koror and are a pleasant way to explore the town and nearby coast. Use caution on roads that can be narrow and watch for local traffic; not ideal for long trips with luggage but great for short sightseeing.
- Walking - Koror’s downtown area and waterfront are compact and walkable; many shops, restaurants and dive offices are within short walking distances. Walking is the best way to explore the town itself, though boat or vehicle transport is required for most attractions outside Koror proper.
Where to Stay in Koror (city)#
Koror center - $40-80/night
Koror has a few inexpensive guesthouses and small hotels; basic rooms, limited amenities but convenient for dive operators.
Budget guesthouses in Koror - Small local guesthouses listed online.
Tripadvisor: Koror budget stays - Good for reviews and contact details.
Koror / Malakal - $120-250/night
Mid-range includes well-established island resorts convenient for diving and tours - comfortable rooms and onsite facilities.
Palau Pacific Resort - Resort with beach access and dive desk.
Palau Royal Resort - Island-style resort with water activities.
Malakal / Koror - $250+/night
Koror’s top-end stays are resort-style, focused on dive/tour amenities; true ultra-luxury options are limited but service is high.
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.
