Main image

Photographer: Dr. James P. McVey, NOAA Sea Grant Program; CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Malakal Island

Island

Adjacent to Koror town, Malakal Island hosts the harbor and marina that service dive operators and boat trips to Palau's reefs, making it a practical base for sea excursions.

Malakal Island Map data © OpenStreetMap contributorsKororKoror IslandNgerekebesangMalakal IslandMalakal Island
In this guide

Malakal Island essentials

Address: Malakal Island, Koror, Palau

About Malakal Island

Malakal Island is an island in the state of Koror in Palau. It forms part of the clustered islands that make up Palau’s main urban and commercial area.

The island is principally an urban and harbour area used for shipping, local services, and access to nearby reefs and marine sites. Visitors encounter built-up wharves and coastal infrastructure rather than natural wilderness.

Over time the island’s role has been shaped by Palau’s development as a maritime and administrative centre with facilities concentrated in Koror and adjacent islets. Infrastructure on the island supports regional transport and commerce.

Located in Koror state, the island lies within Palau’s central island group and close to the main population centres of Koror.

  • Local role: Part of Koror state and closely linked to the urban and marine infrastructure of Palau’s main population centres.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Malakal Island

The dry season (Nov-Apr) is best for diving and island activities; Palau's marine park rules remain in force year-round.

Dry season
November-April · 24-30°C
Best seas and skies for diving and island hopping.
Wet season
May-October · 25-31°C
More rain and humidity; surfing and diving continue but with more variable conditions.
Transition months
October-November · 24-30°C
Often pleasant with less predictable rain.

Weather & Climate near Malakal Island

Climate

Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 31°C. Heavy rainfall (3562 mm/year), wettest in July.

Air Quality: AQI 19 Good
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
31°
Warmest Month
22°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January - 22° - 29° 25° 274 mm - - 3.3 m/s - -
February - 23° - 29° 26° 218 mm - - 3.2 m/s - -
March - 23° - 30° 27° 197 mm - - 3.1 m/s - -
April - 24° - 31° 27° 223 mm - - 3.0 m/s - -
May - 24° - 31° 27° 278 mm - - 2.6 m/s - -
June - 23° - 30° 27° 417 mm - - 2.3 m/s - -
July - 23° - 30° 26° 422 mm - - 2.5 m/s - -
August - 23° - 30° 26° 361 mm - - 2.9 m/s - -
September - 23° - 30° 26° 288 mm - - 2.5 m/s - -
October - 23° - 30° 26° 324 mm - - 2.9 m/s - -
November - 23° - 30° 26° 266 mm - - 2.6 m/s - -
December - 22° - 29° 25° 294 mm - - 2.7 m/s - -
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Malakal Island

Malakal is adjacent to Koror and is reached by short boat transfers from the main town of Koror or by road over causeways where present. It serves as the common staging point for dive operators and lagoon tours.

Tips for Visiting Malakal Island

  • Malakal Island is part of Koror's lagoon system - check local boat schedules and hire a licensed boat operator for transfers.
  • Bring reef-safe sunscreen; the marine environment around Palau is fragile and heavily protected.
  • Respect local ownership and customary land-use rules - some islets are privately or communally managed.