Palau things to see and do

Most people use Koror as a stepping-stone to explore the rest of Palau. But hang around in the capital, the busiest centre in the islands, and you will find many craft shops, a handful of local restaurants and some lively bars, which serve up an authentic slice of Palauan culture.

Enjoy Palau's many and varied dive sites – considered some of the best in the world – including the famous Blue Corner. Other top sites are Ngemelis Wall, aka the Big Drop-off; the German Channel, known for its manta rays; Siaes Tunnel, an underwater cavern where white-tip reef sharks are common; and Chandelier Cave, where underwater chambers filled with stalactites.

Understand Palau's diverse marine ecosystem better with a visit to the aquarium. Themed exhibits feature varieties of hard and soft corals, some of the region's numerous fish species as well as invertebrates such as the famous stingless jellyfish, giant clams and even crocodiles. The aquarium is part of the Palau International Coral Reef Centre.

Visit the island of Peleliu, which forms the southern boundary of the Rock Islands. In 1985 it was designated a US National Historic Landmark, owing to the part it played in WWII. Abandoned tanks, helmets and bomb casings are still dotted throughout the island and some of Palau's best dive sites are located here.

Look into the eyes of a dolphin as you swim alongside it in the clear, fish-laden waters of Palau. Located just off Koror, the Dolphins Pacific is one of the world's largest marine mammal interaction, educational and research facilities and offers wonderful opportunities to swim with these magnificent creatures.

See the 37 stone monoliths known as Badrulchau, concrete examples of Babeldaob's early civilisation. The basalt stone pillars, weighing up to 4,500kg each, are believed to date to around AD100 and archaeologists think they may have been the support for a building. They are found located in a field in the far north of Babeldaob Island.