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Rock Islands
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Explore Palau’s Rock Islands through limestone lagoons, coral reefs, Jellyfish Lake, kayaking, diving and carefully protected cultural landscapes.

The Rock Islands are Palau’s most recognisable landscape: hundreds of forested limestone islets scattered across the southern lagoon between Koror and Peleliu. Many rise as steep, mushroom-shaped formations from clear turquoise water, their narrow bases sculpted by tides and erosion. The archipelago is not a conventional resort coastline with roads and permanent settlements; it is a marine destination explored by boat, kayak, paddleboard, snorkel and scuba gear. Koror, outside the Rock Islands themselves, is the principal base for excursions and supplies.
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The islands form part of Palau’s Rock Islands Southern Lagoon, a protected cultural and natural landscape recognised by UNESCO for its exceptional reef systems, marine habitats and archaeological evidence of former human occupation. Beneath the water are coral gardens, drop-offs, channels and sheltered coves supporting reef fish, rays, turtles and other marine life. Conditions vary with weather, tides and the chosen site, while visibility and currents make local guidance particularly important for divers and snorkellers.
Some locations have become especially well known. Jellyfish Lake, on Eil Malk, is a seawater lake reached by a forested walk and governed by conservation rules that may change according to ecological conditions. Ulong Island and its surrounding waters combine beaches, mangroves, reefs and historic associations, while the southern lagoon includes passages such as German Channel and broad seascapes around the Ngerukuid Islands, commonly known as the Seventy Islands. Not every islet is open for landing, and many are best appreciated from the water.
The Rock Islands also preserve traces of Palau’s earlier communities. Rock shelters, caves, terraces and stone features record periods when people lived in or used these islands, while oral traditions and clan connections remain important to Palauan cultural identity. The landscape therefore carries significance beyond its scenery: it is a customary, ecological and historical environment in which access, fishing, anchoring and tourism are regulated.
A visit is usually organised as a full-day boat trip from Koror, combining several water-based activities with a picnic or simple island stop. Kayaking through quiet channels offers a slower view of mangroves and limestone walls, whereas diving exposes the lagoon’s dramatic underwater relief. Visitors who allow more than one day can choose different combinations of reefs, lakes, beaches and cultural sites, but should accept that weather and conservation decisions may alter an itinerary. The Rock Islands reward careful, low-impact exploration rather than hurried sightseeing.

When is the best time to visit Rock Islands?

Best: February–March, December · 30°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January30250
February (best)30200
March (best)30150
April30200
May30250
June30300
July30350
August30400
September30350
October30300
November30250
December (best)30200

Getting to and around Rock Islands

How to get there

The Rock Islands have no public airport or road network and are normally reached by boat from Koror, which lies outside the archipelago and is Palau’s main tourism and transport base. International visitors arrive at Roman Tmetuchl International Airport in Airai State on Babeldaob, Palau’s principal island, then travel by road to Koror before joining a licensed boat, diving or kayaking excursion. Flights and connections can change, so confirm current routing and allow time for transfers, permits and weather-related adjustments.

Transportation

Travel within the Rock Islands is by permitted motorboat, kayak or other organised marine excursion; there are no roads, buses or taxis between the islets. Boat operators based in Koror commonly combine reef stops, beaches, caves, lagoon passages and selected landing sites, while dive operators plan routes according to conditions and experience levels. Kayaking is possible in sheltered areas but still requires sun protection, hydration and awareness of tides and boat traffic. Do not land on, anchor beside or enter areas marked as restricted.

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Best attractions in Rock Islands

The Rock Islands are experienced primarily as a marine and wilderness destination rather than a collection of conventional land-based attractions. Boat trips from Koror explore limestone islets, mangrove-fringed channels, sheltered coves and beaches, often combining scenic cruising with snorkelling or swimming. The lagoon’s coral gardens and outer reef sites support varied marine life, while more demanding dive locations reveal steep walls, channels and changing currents. Kayaking offers a quieter way to enter narrow waterways and view the relationship between forest, limestone and tidal water. Jellyfish Lake on Eil Malk is a distinctive inland-water experience, approached by a trail and subject to conservation rules. Ulong Island provides beaches, reefs and historical associations, while the Ngerukuid Islands, known as the Seventy Islands, are best appreciated from the water and under carefully controlled access arrangements. Caves, rock shelters and old stone features add cultural depth, although they should never be treated as unrestricted adventure sites.

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Best landmarks in Rock Islands

The defining landmark of the Rock Islands is the archipelago itself: steep, vegetation-covered limestone formations rising from the southern lagoon in forms shaped by erosion, tides and tropical weather. The protected Ngerukuid Islands, widely called the Seventy Islands, form one of Palau’s most recognisable seascapes, with their clustered silhouettes best viewed from a boat or approved lookout rather than approached freely. Jellyfish Lake on Eil Malk is a natural landmark of a different kind, a marine lake separated from the lagoon by limestone and forest, with access governed by conservation requirements. German Channel is a significant navigational passage whose dredged route and surrounding reefs reflect the area’s colonial-era maritime history. Ulong Island contributes beaches, forest, reefs and cultural associations, while caves, rock shelters and stone features recall earlier Palauan use of the islands. These landmarks are not isolated monuments: together they form a protected landscape in which geology, customary history, archaeology and marine ecology remain inseparable.

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Best restaurants in Rock Islands

There are no normal restaurant streets or permanent dining clusters across the Rock Islands, so most visitors eat in Koror before or after their excursion or receive a packed lunch from their operator. Day trips may include simple meals featuring rice, grilled fish, chicken, fruit and locally familiar island dishes, with arrangements varying between providers. Palauan food in the wider area reflects the country’s Pacific setting and its historical links with Asian cuisines; seafood, taro, cassava, coconut and fresh tropical fruit are useful reference points, while soups, grilled preparations and preserved or fermented flavours may appear in local cooking. In Koror, visitors can find casual eateries, cafés and restaurants serving Palauan food alongside Japanese, Filipino, Chinese and American-influenced dishes. Bring reusable water containers and avoid assuming that remote beaches have food or fresh water available. Advance notice is sensible for dietary requirements, particularly on full-day boat trips.

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Best bars in Rock Islands

The Rock Islands themselves have no established nightlife, bars or nightclubs because visitors generally leave the archipelago before evening and the islets are protected natural and cultural spaces. Evening life is concentrated in Koror, outside the region, where hotel bars, casual restaurants and a modest selection of social venues provide the main options after a day on the water. The atmosphere is generally more suited to conversation, dinner and recounting the day’s diving than to a large club scene. Some accommodation providers and tour businesses may arrange informal gatherings, but these are commercial offerings rather than traditional island activities and can vary by season. Visitors should not expect beach parties, late-night facilities or regular entertainment on the Rock Islands themselves; quiet conditions are part of the reason the lagoon remains environmentally and culturally distinctive.

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Best nightclubs in Rock Islands

The Rock Islands themselves have no established nightlife, bars or nightclubs because visitors generally leave the archipelago before evening and the islets are protected natural and cultural spaces. Evening life is concentrated in Koror, outside the region, where hotel bars, casual restaurants and a modest selection of social venues provide the main options after a day on the water. The atmosphere is generally more suited to conversation, dinner and recounting the day’s diving than to a large club scene. Some accommodation providers and tour businesses may arrange informal gatherings, but these are commercial offerings rather than traditional island activities and can vary by season. Visitors should not expect beach parties, late-night facilities or regular entertainment on the Rock Islands themselves; quiet conditions are part of the reason the lagoon remains environmentally and culturally distinctive.

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Best shops in Rock Islands

Shopping is not an activity within the Rock Islands, where visitors should bring what they need and leave natural materials undisturbed. Koror, outside the archipelago, is the practical place to buy water, reef-conscious travel supplies, snacks and locally made souvenirs before or after an excursion. Regional shopping tends towards small galleries, craft outlets, hotel shops and markets rather than large retail centres. Appropriate keepsakes may include Palauan artwork, woven items, carved pieces and locally produced food products, provided they are legally made and sourced. Visitors should never collect coral, shells, sand, archaeological fragments or pieces of limestone from the islands. Ask sellers about the origin and materials of crafts, particularly when an item resembles wildlife or an ancient artefact. Bringing a reusable bottle, dry bag and sun protection from Koror is more useful than expecting to purchase supplies once a boat has entered the lagoon.

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Rock Islands essentials

Currency and Payment
Palau uses the United States dollar (USD), the national currency. Cards are widely useful in Koror and for established hotels, operators and larger businesses, but cash remains sensible for smaller purchases, local food, gratuities and situations involving limited connectivity. Organised excursions, permits and equipment arrangements should be clarified before departure, including what is included in the booking. Visitors are not dealing with a separate Rock Islands currency, and exchange facilities are more readily available in Palau’s main urban areas than on the islands.
Safety
The principal risks are marine and environmental rather than urban. Follow your boat crew or dive guide, wear appropriate flotation equipment when instructed, protect yourself from strong sun and remain alert to currents, changing weather, sharp coral and slippery rocks. Divers should be properly certified for the conditions and should not underestimate drift dives or channel currents. Jellyfish Lake has specific ecological and visitor rules. Avoid touching coral or wildlife, and do not swim beyond the limits set by guides, especially near boat routes and exposed reef edges.
Emergency Situations
Palau’s national emergency telephone number is 911 for police, fire and ambulance services. On the water, contact the boat operator or guide immediately and follow the vessel’s emergency procedure; mobile coverage may be limited or absent among the islands. Carry essential medication, drinking water and sun protection, and tell the operator about medical conditions before departure. Divers should have suitable insurance and understand the operator’s arrangements for evacuation or medical assistance, as the Rock Islands are offshore and response times depend on location and sea conditions.
Do's and Don'ts
Do follow Palauan conservation rules, obtain the required permissions through your operator and treat customary places, caves and archaeological features respectfully. Do listen to local guidance about photography, landings and bathing. Do not remove shells, coral, sand or artefacts; feed wildlife; stand on coral; or leave rubbish behind. Modest, practical clothing is appropriate when visiting communities or cultural sites, even though swimwear is suitable for designated water activities. Tipping is not a legal requirement, but a modest gratuity may be appreciated for good service.
Local Tips
Choose an itinerary based on the activities you value rather than trying to cover every named site in one day, since boat routes depend on tides and conditions. Ask whether a trip includes permits, meals, equipment and conservation charges before booking. The clearest water, calmest channels and most interesting wildlife encounters are not guaranteed on every departure. If visiting Jellyfish Lake is important, confirm its current status in advance and keep the rest of the day flexible. Early preparation also helps avoid unnecessary single-use plastic on remote islands.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloAlii[Ah-lee]
GoodbyeAloha[Ah-loh-ha]
YesOng[Ong]
NoNgel[Ngel]
Please/You're welcomeTia el ngii[Tee-ah el ngee]
Thank youKemal[Keh-mahl]
Excuse me/SorryMelek[Meh-lek]
How are you?Ngemel a diak?[Ngeh-mehl ah dee-ack]
Fine. And you?Diak. Oi a diak?[Dee-ack. Oi ah dee-ack?]
Do you speak English?Ong a ngii rael bok?[Ong ah ngee rah-el bok?]
I don't understandNgemel a diak el ngii[Ngeh-mehl ah dee-ack el ngee]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseOng a ngii el menu, tia el ngii[Ong ah ngee el meh-noo, tee-ah el ngee]
I don't eat meatNgemel a diak el mo[Ngeh-mehl ah dee-ack el moh]
Cheers!Ong a mo ngii![Ong ah moh ngee!]
I would like to pay, pleaseOng a ngii el belu, tia el ngii[Ong ah ngee el beh-loo, tee-ah el ngee]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Melek![Meh-lek!]
Go away!Melek a ngii![Meh-lek ah ngee!]
Call the Police!Ong a ngii el Police![Ong ah ngee el Poh-lees!]
Call a doctor!Ong a ngii el doctor![Ong ah ngee el dok-tor!]
I'm lostNgemel a diak el ngii[Ngeh-mehl ah dee-ack el ngee]
I'm illNgemel a diak el mo[Ngeh-mehl ah dee-ack el moh]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Ong a ngii el ngii...[Ong ah ngee el ngee...]
I'm just lookingOng a ngii el ngii el[Ong ah ngee el ngee el]
How much is it?Melek a diak el?[Meh-lek ah dee-ack el?]
That's too expensiveEl ngii a kirel[El ngee ah kee-rel]
Can you lower the price?Ong a ngii el kirel?[Ong ah ngee el kee-rel?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Melek a diak el?[Meh-lek ah dee-ack el?]
It's one o'clockEl ngii el ches[El ngee el ches]
Half past (10)El ngii el ches el ches[El ngee el ches el ches]
MorningMelek[Meh-lek]
AfternoonMelek el kirel[Meh-lek el kee-rel]
EveningMelek el kirel[Meh-lek el kee-rel]
YesterdayEl ngii el kirel[El ngee el kee-rel]
TodayEl ngii el kirel[El ngee el kee-rel]
TomorrowEl ngii el kirel[El ngee el kee-rel]
1Ches[Ches]
2Ches el kirel[Ches el kee-rel]
3Ches el kirel[Ches el kee-rel]
4Ches el kirel[Ches el kee-rel]
5Ches el kirel[Ches el kee-rel]
6Ches el kirel[Ches el kee-rel]
7Ches el kirel[Ches el kee-rel]
8Ches el kirel[Ches el kee-rel]
9Ches el kirel[Ches el kee-rel]
10Ches el kirel[Ches el kee-rel]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Melek a diak el...?[Meh-lek ah dee-ack el...?]
What's the address?Melek a diak el address?[Meh-lek ah dee-ack el ad-dress?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Ong a ngii el ngii (el map)?[Ong ah ngee el ngee (el map)?]
When's the next (bus)?Melek a diak el next (bus)?[Meh-lek ah dee-ack el next (bus)?]
A ticket (to ....)El ngii el ticket (el ....)[El ngee el tik-et (el ....)]

History of Rock Islands

Early Settlement and Archaeological Landscapes

Palau has been inhabited for thousands of years, and the Rock Islands preserve evidence of how communities used a demanding marine environment. Caves, rock shelters, terraces and other features indicate periods of occupation and activity on islands that today appear largely uninhabited. Archaeological remains must be understood alongside Palauan oral histories and customary connections to places, rather than treated simply as scenic curiosities. The islands’ reefs, lagoons and forest resources supported travel, fishing and settlement, while their cliffs and enclosed spaces also provided shelter.

Palauan Seafaring and Clan Connections

Before European administration, Palauan communities navigated the archipelago by canoe and maintained intricate relationships with reefs, channels, islands and fishing grounds. The Rock Islands formed part of a wider social and economic landscape linking settlements in the main island groups. Clan authority, customary ownership and traditional knowledge continue to influence how places are understood and managed. These relationships help explain why the Rock Islands are a cultural landscape as well as a natural one, and why some areas have restricted access or special protocols.

Spanish, German and Japanese Imperial Rule

Palau came under Spanish influence in the late nineteenth century before Spain sold its Caroline Islands possessions to Germany in 1899. German administration was followed by Japanese rule after the First World War, when Palau became part of the Japanese South Seas Mandate. Koror developed as an administrative and commercial centre during this period, bringing new infrastructure and economic activity to the islands. The name German Channel, a navigable passage in the Rock Islands, reflects the archipelago’s later colonial history, although the channels themselves are far older than those political associations.

World War Two in Palau

Palau was drawn into the Pacific theatre during the Second World War, when Japanese military facilities and defensive positions were established across the islands. The major fighting at Peleliu, south of the Rock Islands and a separate island destination, left a particularly visible battlefield landscape, while wartime traces also remain elsewhere in Palau. Caves, bunkers, wrecks and submerged aircraft are reminders of the period. Visitors should distinguish Peleliu from the Rock Islands, although both form part of Palau’s wider historical and marine setting.

Trust Territory and Independence

After the Second World War, Palau became part of the United Nations Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands administered by the United States. Political debate over the islands’ future continued for decades, including discussion of a Compact of Free Association with the United States. Palau became independent in 1994, while retaining close economic, political and security ties with the United States. This modern history shaped infrastructure, travel connections and public institutions in the country, including the arrangements through which visitors reach and experience the Rock Islands.

Conservation and the UNESCO Landscape

As Palau’s marine environment gained international recognition, the Rock Islands became the focus of stronger conservation and tourism-management measures. The Rock Islands Southern Lagoon was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2012 for its reef biodiversity, distinctive limestone formations and archaeological heritage. Palau has since continued to regulate access, marine activities and visitor behaviour through permits, protected-area rules and conservation initiatives. The resulting visitor experience is shaped by an effort to keep tourism compatible with reefs, wildlife, customary rights and the long-term health of the lagoon.

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Rock Islands, Palau

Discover the best of Rock Islands with Evendo, the 100% free app-based travel guide. From attractions and landmarks to restaurants and tours, we've got you covered.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich set of information including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
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More about the Evendo app

Explore Rock Islands like never before with Evendo. Our comprehensive, free app-based guide helps you discover the best attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more.

  • History of Rock Islands
  • Travel essentials for Rock Islands
  • Local advice to maximize your visit
  • Easy navigation through the app and the destination
  • 'Near me' feature to find nearby attractions
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience

Planning a trip to the enchanting Rock Islands, Palau? Look no further than Evendo, your ultimate travel companion. This 100% free app-based travel guide is designed to help you make the most of your visit. From the mesmerizing Jellyfish Lake to the iconic Milky Way Lagoon, Evendo covers all the must-see attractions. Dive into the rich history of the Rock Islands, explore hidden gems, and savor local delicacies at top-rated restaurants like The Taj and Elilai.

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Whether you're kayaking through the emerald waters or exploring the fascinating WWII relics, Evendo is your go-to guide. Download Evendo now and transform your Rock Islands adventure into an unforgettable journey.

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