Palau travel guide

The occupying Japanese forces dug this cave complex during WWII. It was part of their new island-defense strategy, which also included fortified bunkers and underground positions. Instead of stopping the Allies at the beach, the Japanese would only disrupt the landings at the water's edge and depend on an in-depth defense farther inland. The caves and tunnels have afterwards been cleared for unexploded ordnance, so today it’s open and anyone can venture into the pitch dark tunnels. Remember a flashlight (and to bend down).

Bloody Nose Ridge was the location for some of the most fierce fighting in the Battle of Peleliu. Here soldiers had to fight man to man, since they ran out of ammo, with huge casualties as a result.
One of the trails, which all start at the Japanese shinto shrine, leads up to the summit. There is a viewing platform with 360 degrees panoramic views of Peleliu Island. The summit is marked with a "World Peace" menhirs.

Right at the end of Malakal Island is Ice Box Park, a recreational area with shade and stunning views over the azure waters. Local drunks tend to hang out here, which is understandable. Behind the building for the bureau of tourism at the far end, is a giant claim nusery. The big tanks on land are fenced off, but there is a giant claim kindergarten behind protective net in the water. From the edge it doesn't look like much, but from below you realise the whole bottom is covered in giant claims about 40 cm long.

A small bunker with the doors open, so you can take a peek inside.

These are the ruins of the old Japanese communications center, Kaigun Sho. It was built in the shape of a cross and disguised as a field hospital to avoid being attacked. When the allies found out, they bombed it. Today, there are various remnants from the war, including tanks and guns, but else it's very tidy. You need a ticket, which can only be purchased at Airai State Office (else you risk getting fined 500 USD!).

The two story Japanese headquarter is tucked away in the vegetation not far from the landing strip. It has been heavily damaged, but most pillars stand and there are still some concrete slaps left of the first floor. So be careful, when venture in. Trees are growing from the balcony and vines are hanging down from the holes in the ceiling. There are also two small hangars and a bunker, all open for a peek.

The ruin (because it's a ruin) of this Japanese lighthouse has a beautiful setting with extensive views over the azure blue lagoon below. The lighthouse was built during the Japanese occupation and it was destroyed not many years later. Again, there isn't that much info to find anywhere.

This monument can be seen from the road, but otherwise there are no signs or information. The monument has rows of name plates of Japanese soldiers.

The road leads up to a Japanese shinto shrine, where there also is a memorial for the U.S. marine corps. There are nice views over the jungle from the memorial. The trails for the Bloody Nose Ridge also start here. Don't venture outside the white markers, as the outside areas haven't been cleared for unexploded ordnances.

Jellyfish Lake is a true wonder of nature, and part of Palau's only World Heritage Site. As the name suggests, it's a lake filled with jellyfish. To add to the wonder, the lake is placed on a jungle covered tropical island in the most stunning azure blue sea. Since the jellyfish are harmless (only stings very very little), it's possible to swim with them in the lake. The Palau government want to protect the fragile Jellyfish Lake, so you need to join a tour (and get a permit) and there are restrictions, like no touching. However, the concentration of jellyfish can in some of areas of the lake be so dense, that the jellyfish gently bump into you. It's an expensive excursion (even more as it's usually combined with snorkeling or diving among Rock Islands), but totally worth it.