Making the most of Koror
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Cruise ships call at Malakal Harbor, on Malakal Island outside Koror.
Printable map to take along.
Koror, the principal city and island area of Palau (though not the largest), is where most visitors stay. This is a convenient base for exploring Babeldoab and the Rock Islands. Returning visitors will notice that it is becoming more modern and traffic is getting worse. It has restaurants and stores.
Visit the Belau National Museum to catch up on the islands' cultural history and the Senior Citizens Center to watch seniors teaching handicraft traditions to a new generation. The Etpison Museum also has superb displays and a great restaurant/gift shop. The Palau Aquarium is a welcomed addition. It is the interpretive division of the Palau International Coral Reef Center and has lots to offer. See the many exhibits there including chambered nautilus.
Palau rated as one of the world's best diving destinations by scuba aficionados. And why not...Palau has unspoiled reefs, caves, and walls with the most amazing array of marine life you can ever imagine.
The tiny capital of Koror has Internet Cafes, supermarkets and enough tourist shopping to keep you busy for a couple of hours.
Food and shopping
There are a number of stores in Koror to purchase traditional Palauan storyboards, but the best shopping spot is the jail, which sells storyboards on behalf of their prisoners. The proceeds of which go to the prisoners' families to help support them while they are in jail. This jail is in the center of Koror, set back off the street on the east side.
Money
Currency US Dollar (USD)
Staying connected
Official languages English, Palauan