The unexpected holiday destination for early 2026 is the island of Palau, or rather the archipelago. It consists of 200 small islands, many of which are volcanic in origin, located between the Philippines and Japan in the Pacific Ocean. Until 1994, they were a colonial possession of the United States, but they managed to gain independence by guaranteeing to maintain commercial and political ties with Washington. The tourist rediscovery of this remote location this year can be explained by the new trend of seeking alienation from the world, a sense of peace far from everything and everyone. But is it really worth the 24-hour flight, multiple stopovers, and all sorts of inconveniences to reach this tiny spot lost in the blue waves of the Pacific?
Palau: fairytale islands
Palau was born from a fairytale, and perhaps “fairytale” is the root of its name (the Malay word aibebelau, from which the ancient name Belau and later Palau derives). Local elders tell stories of how, in ancient times, the humans decided to capture a god. They tied him to a pole and prepared a pyre to burn him. When the god asked, “What are you doing?” they replied that they were just preparing dinner. “O Melau,” the god replied, meaning, “It’s a deception.” It seems that the name (Melau, Belau, Palau) derives from the tale of this deception, but also from the courage and determination of the inhabitants of these islands! Whoever dares capture a god and attempts to burn him surely fears nothing at all!
About Palau
The capital of the Palau Islands is Ngerulmud, located in the state of Melekeok, on Babeldaob, the country’s largest island, about 20 km from the ancient capital Koror. Unlike many capitals around the world, it is not the most populous city. In fact, it consists of a few houses clustered around a gigantic presidential palace that thoroughly replicates the US Capitol. A veritable “cathedral in the desert”… or rather, in the green.
The Palau islands consist of ancient volcanoes and coral atolls rich in vegetation. Their greenery is due to the tropical climate, with abundant rainfall and temperatures hovering around 27°C. The only time of year that is less favorable for tourism is summer (June-November) because of the several hurricanes that hit the place.
The islands are home to a rich fauna that mostly congregates in the underwater coral reefs. These seabeds are the perfect habitat for dolphins, manta rays, turtles, sharks, and whales. Various sea snakes are also present.
Getting to Palau
If you want to reach Palau, airplane is the only recommended means of transport, given the enormous distances. The archipelago has its own international airport, Koror Airport (ROR), but it does not have direct flights to major capitals. You must therefore arrive via intermediate stops, taking connections from the airports of Manila (MNL), Seoul Incheon (ICN), or Honolulu (HNL).
Once you land in Koror, transfers are handled by taxis, boats, ferries, and private companies that organize shuttles and chauffeured cars upon request.
What will you see on the islands
A week is enough to visit the main attractions of the Palau islands. There are hundreds of small islands, but the key tourist destinations are quite small and close to each other.
The former capital, Koror, is definitely worth a visit, with its typically Polynesian architecture intertwined with Anglo-Saxon colonial buildings; it is home to churches, museums, and parks. The large Capitol is the main (and only!) monument of the new capital, Ngerulmud. Another important tourist center is Peleliu, where buildings and vehicles from World War 2 still remain. But Palau’s wild nature is the nation’s most important “monument”. Visiting the fascinating Rock Islands (forest-covered sea stacks rising above a stunning beach) is a must. If you’re brave enough, you shall also admire the nearby “Jellyfish Lake”! A trip to Ngardmau Waterfall—217 meters, the highest in Micronesia—is also a must-see and enjoyable stop on your Palau itinerary. The beauty of the Flating Garden Islands, islets covered in wild vegetation, is protected by a major National Park.
If you love scuba diving, the most beautiful thing to see in Palau is the seabed. The spectacularly colorful corals, the unique fish, the shells, the rocky reefs… all these natural wonders are the destination of dozens of itineraries that depart from the islands’ stunning beaches.
Palau… Happy New Year!
Have a nice trip to Palau! The new year awaits you in the silence of this exotic beauty, in a season that isn’t necessarily crowded but certainly vibrant with many interesting activities. Take your time to discover yourself and enjoy your precious time at the edge of the world!
