If you're looking for an island getaway that feels a little different from the usual Bali, Phuket or Maldives trip, Palau deserves a spot on your list. This tiny Pacific nation is made up of around 340 islands, yet only a handful are inhabited, leaving much of its landscape wonderfully wild.

For Malaysians, getting there takes more planning than a typical regional holiday, but the reward is spectacular: turquoise lagoons, limestone islands, coral reefs, marine lakes and some of the world's most remarkable underwater scenery.

Whether you're visiting for snorkelling, diving, nature or simply a few peaceful days away from busy city life, here's everything you need to know before planning your Palau holiday.

Palau is an island nation in Micronesia, in the western Pacific Ocean. Its main tourism hub is Koror, while Palau International Airport (ROR) on Babeldaob serves as the country's main gateway.

The country's most famous natural attraction is the Rock Islands Southern Lagoon, a UNESCO World Heritage site covering 100,200 hectares and containing 445 uninhabited limestone islands.

Unlike a conventional beach destination where you might spend most of your holiday beside a resort pool, Palau is really about exploring what lies beyond the hotel. Think boat trips through mushroom-shaped islands, snorkelling over coral reefs and swimming in unusual marine lakes.

Palau is particularly appealing if you've already explored the more familiar Southeast Asian islands and want something more adventurous.

The biggest draw is its marine environment. The Rock Islands Southern Lagoon is home to more than 385 coral species, 746 fish species and a remarkable concentration of marine lakes.

It's also a destination where conservation is part of the travel experience. Visitors sign the Palau Pledge on arrival, committing to help protect the country's environment and culture.

For Malaysian travellers who enjoy diving, snorkelling, kayaking or simply being surrounded by nature, Palau offers plenty to keep you busy without feeling overly commercialised.

There are currently no direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Koror, so Malaysian travellers need at least one stopover. Current routing options include connections through Manila, Hong Kong, Macau, Taipei, Tokyo or Brisbane.

For a practical route, Manila is worth considering. Philippine Airlines launched direct Manila–Koror services in 2026, making the Philippine capital an important transit point for travellers heading to Palau.

When planning your flights, allow enough time between connections. Palau is not a destination where you'll want to rush through an airport after a long international journey.

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Good news for Malaysian passport holders: a tourist visa can be issued on arrival in Palau, for short-term tourism and leisure visits. Palau Immigration states that your passport should be valid for at least six months at the time of entry, and you should have a return or onward ticket and sufficient funds for your stay.

There is also an important online requirement. Travellers must complete the Palau Entry Form no more than 72 hours before departure. Once submitted, you'll receive a QR code which must be shown during check-in and upon arrival.

Every visitor must also sign the Palau Pledge on arrival. In addition, Palau's US$100 Pristine Paradise Environmental Fee is collected through international airline tickets.

Entry requirements can change, so always recheck the official Palau immigration information before departure.

Palau may be small, but you'll need several days to experience its best sights.

Start here. The Rock Islands are Palau's signature landscape, with hundreds of forest-covered limestone islands rising from brilliant turquoise water.

The area isn't just photogenic. Its coral reefs, marine lakes and archaeological remains make it important both environmentally and culturally. UNESCO inscribed the site as a World Heritage property in 2012.

A boat tour through the lagoon is one of the best ways to appreciate its scale.

For many visitors, this is the bucket-list experience.

Located on Eil Malk Island, Ongeim'l Tketau, or Jellyfish Lake, is home to golden jellyfish found in this unique marine-lake ecosystem. The lake is about 45 minutes from Koror by boat.

The jellyfish have very mild stinging cells and are generally considered harmless to people, but visitors must follow local rules designed to protect the ecosystem. Snorkelling is permitted, while diving is not.

Access also requires the appropriate Rock Islands/Jellyfish Lake permit, so confirm current fees with your tour operator before booking.

Don't leave your camera behind for this one. The Milky Way is famous for its pale, mineral-rich water and soft white mud, which has become a popular natural spa experience during Rock Islands tours.

It's usually visited as part of a boat excursion rather than independently, so combining it with other Rock Islands stops makes the most sense.

If you've had enough time in the water, head inland to Ngardmau Waterfall on Babeldaob.

The waterfall offers a different side of Palau, surrounded by tropical vegetation rather than lagoons and coral reefs. It makes a good choice for travellers who want to balance their island activities with a little hiking and nature.

Don't treat Koror simply as somewhere to sleep between tours.

Spend some time exploring the town, visiting museums and trying local food. Koror is also where many restaurants, shops, dive operators and tour companies are based, making it a convenient base for exploring Palau.

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Once you're in Palau, the best experiences are mostly outdoors.

Snorkelling and diving should be at the top of the list. The Rock Islands area has exceptional marine biodiversity, while dive operators around Koror offer access to reefs, walls and other underwater sites.

Island-hopping is another must. Instead of visiting just one beach, spend a full day travelling between the Rock Islands, stopping for swimming, snorkelling and scenic viewpoints.

For something slower, try kayaking through the lagoons. Paddling between limestone formations gives you a quieter perspective than travelling by speedboat.

Nature lovers can also explore Babeldaob's forests and waterfalls, while history and culture enthusiasts can visit museums and learn more about Palau's traditional way of life.

Palau enjoys a warm tropical climate throughout the year, with an average temperature of around 27°C. Rain can occur year-round, although rainfall is more common from July to October.

For Malaysians planning a holiday mainly around diving, snorkelling and boat trips, February to May can be a particularly attractive period because conditions are generally favourable for outdoor activities.

That said, Palau's weather is tropical and changeable, so even during the preferred travel months, rain showers are possible. Always check the forecast before scheduling your boat excursions.

If you travel during busier periods, book accommodation and popular tours ahead of time, especially if Jellyfish Lake is one of your priorities.

Most visitors base themselves in Koror, where you'll find the widest choice of hotels, restaurants and tour operators.

Located conveniently in downtown Koror, Palau Hotel offers simple, comfortable accommodations with easy access to nearby shops and local eateries. Guests enjoy convenient amenities including daily complimentary breakfast and a relaxed dining setup with a warm atmosphere. It serves as a practical, hassle-free base for travelers exploring the island's major attractions.

Palau Central Hotel provides modern, down-to-earth lodging equipped with thoughtful room amenities like Keurig coffee makers and air conditioning. The property features a daily breakfast buffet, an outdoor swimming pool, and an on-site restaurant and bar to unwind after a day out. Its central location makes organizing island tours and accessing city services exceptionally seamless.

Situated along the water's edge, Sea Passion Hotel boasts scenic bay views and direct waterfront access for water sports enthusiasts. The resort features relaxed guest rooms, an outdoor pool overlooking the ocean, and on-site dining and bar options. It is an ideal choice for travelers seeking a tranquil seaside stay with convenient tour departures right from the property.

Cove Resort Palau is a stylish, nautical-themed property situated near Malakal Harbor, catering well to divers and island hoppers. Guests can enjoy a sprawling outdoor pool, a popular resort restaurant and bar, and private balconies offering views of the marina. Its proximity to key dive operator centers makes it a top pick for adventure-focused travelers.

This budget-friendly guesthouse option offers a compact 10x10 ft private room equipped with air conditioning, a hot shower, and a private bathroom. Situated in a peaceful neighborhood in Koror, the property features homey amenities including free Wi-Fi, private parking, and access to a shared kitchen. It provides a simple, welcoming, and cost-effective stay suited for solo travelers or short visits.

Notes: Hotel prices change depending on travel dates and room type, so treat displayed rates as a guide rather than a fixed price.

If you enjoy seafood, you'll have plenty to look forward to in Palau.

Local cuisine traditionally revolves around seafood, taro and other root vegetables. Taro has a particularly important place in Palauan food culture and has traditionally been cultivated by Palauan women.

Look out for dishes featuring fresh fish, crab, clams, coconut and taro. Japanese, Filipino and American influences are also noticeable throughout Koror's food scene.

For something more adventurous, you may encounter fruit bat soup, a traditional Palauan delicacy prepared with coconut milk and spices. It is certainly not for everyone, so there's no shame in sticking to the excellent seafood instead.

If you're looking for something familiar, you'll also find Japanese, Filipino, Korean, Chinese and other international food around Koror.

Palau isn't the kind of holiday where you simply arrive and decide what to do at the airport. With connecting flights, boat tours and nature experiences to organise, a little preparation goes a long way.

Once your dates are set, your passport is ready and your Palau Entry Form is on your phone, let Traveloka take care of the practical bits. You can compare flights, browse hotels in Koror and explore available travel activities in one place.

For a destination as remote and nature-focused as Palau, the best souvenir may simply be knowing you left the islands as beautiful as you found them.