Palau’s Museums & Historical Sites
Palau is rich in WWII history, due to battles having taken place on the islands. The Peleliu World War II land tour on Peleliu Island is just one of the history tours offered. This one is a good way to experience ‘Bloody Nose Ridge’ and ‘1,000 Man Cave’, sites of Marines battles and Japanese fortifications. Peleliu Island is also home to many tanks and other relics.
The island is 70 minutes by speedboat from Koror. The tours run every day and cost just $30. The Belau National Museum in Koror offers rich insights into the history and culture of Palau and is open every day. The Etpison Museum is closed on Sundays and comprises two floors of Palauan and Micronesian artifacts, displays, and photography. There is also a large gift shop, where visitors can purchase art, jewelry, books, and souvenirs. A popular trek is to the Ngardmau Waterfall in Babeldaob. This is the largest waterfall in Palau, and the trail passes by key historical sites from the Japanese occupation, including an old locomotive and parts of a disused railway system.
The waterfall is also accessible by monorail and zip-line. Open every day, 9.00 am until 5.00 pm, there is a $20 entry fee. The Stone Monoliths of Ngarchelong are another must-see in Palau. A series of 39 stone monoliths were built in 100 AD, the stones are four-foot-tall and the largest weighs five tonnes. They are open to the public every day, from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm, and the entry fee is just $5.
