Koror
The main town of Koror State, a few kilometres from the airport. The state runs out across the southern lagoon to every one of the Rock Islands.
- Arrival
- Palau International · ROR
- To the city
- About 6 km from Koror, on Babeldaob
- Private jets
- Open 24 hours; prior permission required
- Best time
- February to April
The city
A harbour town on the edge of the lagoon.
Koror is the base for the lagoon, and home to the country’s largest hotel, on Ngerkebesang. The state reaches far beyond the town: all 445 of the Rock Islands, their 52 marine lakes and the reefs between them lie within its boundaries, and permits for the lagoon are sold by the Koror State rangers. On arrival every visitor signs the Palau Pledge, stamped into the passport, promising to respect the islands and their people.
The mean temperature is about 27 °C all year, and rain can fall in any month. The Palau Visitors Authority notes that showers are more frequent from July to October; February to April are the driest months on the long-term record, and the islands lie outside the usual typhoon tracks.
- The Rock Islands Hundreds of forested limestone islets in a World Heritage lagoon, a short boat ride from the town.
- Jellyfish Lake A marine lake of golden jellyfish, reached with a dedicated five-day permit.
- Belau National Museum The national museum in Koror, for the islands’ history, carving and traditional money.
Arriving
From Babeldaob, a short drive south.
Palau International Airport stands at Airai on Babeldaob, about 6 km from Koror. It has a single runway of about 2,200 metres, and customs on site for international arrivals.
- Manila 2 h 30
- Taipei 3 h 30
- Shanghai 4 h 10
- Beijing 5 h 35
- Delhi 8 h 40 long-range jet
When to go
February to April.
Every month is humid and reaches 31 °C, and the sea stays at 28 to 29 °C. Rain is heavy all year; February to April are the driest months and July to October bring the most frequent showers.
- 31° J 281 28°
- 31° F 202 28°
- 31° M 189 28°
- 31° A 220 29°
- 31° M 308 29°
- 31° J 397 29°
- 31° J 423 29°
- 31° A 379 29°
- 31° S 316 29°
- 31° O 335 29°
- 31° N 272 29°
- 31° D 301 29°
Where to stay
On Ngerkebesang and Malakal.
Shown for information. We have no arrangement with any of these hotels.
- Palau Royal Resort A resort of 158 rooms and suites on the east shore of Malakal, announced by the Palau Visitors Authority as five-star.
- Palau Pacific Resort Open since 1984 on the west coast of Ngerkebesang, with a beach of about 300 metres and, beside it, five water bungalows and seven pool villas.
Where to dine
Where to book in Koror.
No MICHELIN Guide covers Palau. Elilai holds a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice award for 2025; Meduu Ribtal is the fine-dining room of the Palau Pacific Resort.
- Elilai Seaside Restaurant Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice 2025 Seafood $$$$ Medalaii, Koror
- Meduu Ribtal Signature restaurant, Palau Pacific Resort Seafood and prime rib Palau Pacific Resort, Ngerkebesang
Flying to Koror?
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A Business or First Class seat on a scheduled airline, or an aircraft of your own. Tell us the date and how many are travelling, and we reply with one final price, our margin included.