Plan a summer trip to Koror & the Rock Islands. Explore neighborhoods, restaurants, places to stay and practical local advice from AVARA's full editorial…
Koror & the Rock Islands — TL;DR
Koror is the commercial centre of Palau, home to most of the country's 18,000 residents, and the access point for all offshore diving and island excursions.
Koror & the Rock Islands at a glance
What are the best things to do in Koror & the Rock Islands? Balance one or two headline sights with unhurried time in the neighbourhoods highlighted in this guide — that mix is what makes a Koror & the Rock Islands trip feel like more than a checklist.
How many days do you need in Koror & the Rock Islands? Three to four full days is the sweet spot for a first visit to Koror & the Rock Islands — enough to cover the main neighbourhoods on foot, sit down for two or three proper meals, and still keep a…
When is the best time to visit Koror & the Rock Islands? November to April (dry season), for the calmest seas and clearest water for diving the Rock Islands and snorkeling in Jellyfish Lake.
Where should I stay in Koror & the Rock Islands for the first time? First-time visitors do best in one of the walkable central neighbourhoods covered in the Where to Stay section of this guide — the ones that put you within a short walk of dinner and public transport.
How do you get around Koror & the Rock Islands? Guests fly into Roman Tmetuchl International Airport near Koror; once there, boats departing from Koror are the primary way to reach the Rock Islands, Jellyfish Lake, and other offshore dive sites, with Koror State permits required for these excursions.
Koror & the Rock Islands overview
November to April (dry season), for the calmest seas and clearest water for diving the Rock Islands and snorkeling in Jellyfish Lake.
Guests fly into Roman Tmetuchl International Airport near Koror; once there, boats departing from Koror are the primary way to reach the Rock Islands, Jellyfish Lake, and other offshore dive sites, with Koror State permits required for these excursions.
US Dollar ($)
Palauan and English (both official).
PWT (UTC+9)
Koror and the Rock Islands continue to be tightly managed through the Koror State permit system, balancing world-famous access to Jellyfish Lake's harmless golden jellyfish and the UNESCO-listed Southern Lagoon against conservation concerns, while Palau Pacific Resort's overwater bungalows and Palau Carolines Resort's private-island full-board model represent the two dominant strands of Palau's luxury lodging, both anchored by the country's reputation as one of the world's premier and most conservation-conscious dive destinations.
Where to eat, drink & do in Koror & the Rock Islands
Koror & the Rock Islands neighborhoods
Koror town centre Palau's commercial centre, home to most of the country's residents and the access point for all offshore excursions.
Southern Lagoon Rock Islands A UNESCO World Heritage-listed collection of limestone islands and lagoons.
Jellyfish Lake A unique marine lake home to millions of harmless golden jellyfish.
Practical info for Koror & the Rock Islands
Getting around in Koror & the Rock Islands? Guests fly into Roman Tmetuchl International Airport near Koror; once there, boats departing from Koror are the primary way to reach the Rock Islands, Jellyfish Lake, and other offshore dive sites, with Koror State permits required for thes
When to go in Koror & the Rock Islands? November to April (dry season), for the calmest seas and clearest water for diving the Rock Islands and snorkeling in Jellyfish Lake.
What's changing now in Koror & the Rock Islands? Koror and the Rock Islands continue to be tightly managed through the Koror State permit system, balancing world-famous access to Jellyfish Lake's harmless golden jellyfish and the UNESCO-listed Southern Lagoon against conservation concerns
Seek out WWII history among the Rock Islands in Koror & the Rock Islands? Wartime wrecks and history scattered throughout the Rock Islands, a lesser-known complement to the area's natural wonders.
Base yourself in Koror town centre in Koror & the Rock Islands? Palau's commercial centre, home to most of the country's residents and the access point for all offshore excursions. Known for commercial hub and excursion gateway.
Frequently asked questions about Koror & the Rock Islands
What are the best things to do in Koror & the Rock Islands? Balance one or two headline sights with unhurried time in the neighbourhoods highlighted in this guide — that mix is what makes a Koror & the Rock Islands trip feel like more than a checklist. Book any high-demand entries in advance, keep evenings loose for a proper dinner, and leave at least one afternoon completely unplanned for the small discoveries Koror & the Rock Islands tends to reward.
How many days do you need in Koror & the Rock Islands? Three to four full days is the sweet spot for a first visit to Koror & the Rock Islands — enough to cover the main neighbourhoods on foot, sit down for two or three proper meals, and still keep a day for a nearby day-trip or a slow morning. Extend to five or six days if you plan to combine the city with the surrounding region.
When is the best time to visit Koror & the Rock Islands? November to April (dry season), for the calmest seas and clearest water for diving the Rock Islands and snorkeling in Jellyfish Lake.
Where should I stay in Koror & the Rock Islands for the first time? First-time visitors do best in one of the walkable central neighbourhoods covered in the Where to Stay section of this guide — the ones that put you within a short walk of dinner and public transport. Avoid staying next to the main transit hubs unless convenience trumps atmosphere for your trip.
How do you get around Koror & the Rock Islands? Guests fly into Roman Tmetuchl International Airport near Koror; once there, boats departing from Koror are the primary way to reach the Rock Islands, Jellyfish Lake, and other offshore dive sites, with Koror State permits required for these excursions.