21 Fun and Quirky Facts About Palau: A Tiny Paradise with Big Surprises

Palau from the air.

Palau is a hidden gem in the Pacific Ocean, known for its crystal-clear waters, lush jungles, and vibrant marine life. But beyond its picture-perfect beaches, this island nation has some truly quirky, unique, and fascinating facts that make it stand out.

From jellyfish-filled lakes to giant stone money and a Stonehenge-like site, here are 21 fun and unusual facts about Palau that will make you want to pack your bags and explore this incredible destination!

1. Home to Jellyfish Lake – One of The World’s Most Unique Snorkelling Spots

Palau’s Jellyfish Lake is famous for its golden jellyfish, which have evolved to lose their sting due to the absence of predators. Visitors can snorkel among millions of these harmless creatures, though the Jellyfish population has recently declined.

2. Palau is a Pioneer in Eco-Tourism

Palau takes environmental conservation seriously. Every visitor must sign the Palau Pledge, a mandatory passport stamp committing to protecting the islands and marine life during their stay.

3. Reef-Safe Sunscreen is the Law!

Palau was the first country in the world to ban harmful sunscreens that damage coral reefs. Only reef-safe sunscreen is allowed, ensuring that Palau’s pristine waters stay protected for future generations.

4. The Country Once Produced Giant Stone Money

Palauans historically is the origin of rai stones, massive limestone discs (some as large as 4 metres wide!) used as currency in Yap. The stones were quarried from the Rock Islands of Palau and transported by canoes and rafts to Yap. You can see giant stone money in Palau.

5. Palau Has a National Beer

Love trying local drinks? Red Rooster Beer is Palau’s national beer, brewed locally and available in different varieties, including Amber, Light, Stout, Wheat and Tropical Ale. It’s the perfect drink after a long day of snorkelling or diving! Personally, we loved the Tropical Ale and Wheat beers.

6. Roosters Roam Freely and Hold Cultural Significance

Roosters are everywhere in Palau—on the streets, near resorts, even on the beach! Traditionally, they hold cultural significance, and are even painted onto the Bai’s (traditional meeting houses).

7. Palau is a Shark Sanctuary

Palau created the world’s first shark sanctuary in 2009, banning all commercial shark fishing across its entire 600,000 square kilometres (230,000 square miles) of ocean.

8. There’s Lagoon with Skincare Mud; the “Milky Way”

Palau’s Milky Way Lagoon is filled with white limestone mud, which locals and tourists slather on their skin for its purported anti-aging properties. It’s like a natural spa in the middle of paradise!

9. The Islands Look Like They’re Floating

Some of Palau’s Rock Islands have been eroded at the base, making them appear as if they’re floating on water. It’s an optical illusion that looks incredible in aerial photos!

10. There’s an Underwater “Cemetery” for Planes and Ships

Beneath Palau’s turquoise waters, you’ll find WWII shipwrecks and fighter planes resting on the ocean floor. These eerie remnants have become artificial reefs, teeming with marine life and attracting adventurous divers.

11. Palau’s Capital is One of the Least Populated in the World

The capital, Ngerulmud, has only a few hundred residents, making it one of the smallest and least populated capitals on the planet.

12. It’s One of the Few Countries Without a Military

Palau has no standing army and instead relies on the U.S. for defense. The country is so peaceful that even law enforcement is minimal.

13. Palau enforces Reusable Food and Water Containers

Palau’s Responsible Tourism Education Act requires tourism businesses to provide reusable food and water containers to customers to reduce plastic waste. We definitely saw this in action in each of our accommodation options in Palau.

14. WWII History is Everywhere

Palau was a key battleground in World War II, especially on Peleliu Island, where you can still explore abandoned tanks, caves, and war relics.

15. There’s a Mysterious Stonehenge-Like Site

The Badrulchau Stone Monoliths on Babeldaob Island are massive ancient pillars, believed to be part of a 1,000-year-old structure, but no one knows exactly who built them. It’s a fascinating site to visit.

16. Palau has Coconut Crabs

Coconut crabs are the world’s largest land-dwelling arthropods, and while they’re a delicacy in some places, in Palau there are many protections in place around these creatures.

17. Betel Nut Chewing is Part of Daily Life

Many Palauans chew betel nut, a traditional practice that stains the teeth, and acts as a mild stimulant that has a similar effect to nicotine. Betel nut chewing is a social custom and often part of cultural ceremonies. The practice is known to lead to oral disease.

18. Palau’s Rock Islands Are a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Palau’s famous Rock Islands Southern Lagoon is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its hundreds of limestone islands, marine lakes, and rich biodiversity, including rare species.

19. Palau Has a Mini “Avatar” World

The Ngardmau Waterfall and surrounding jungle resemble something straight out of Avatar in the right conditions, with floating mist and lush, otherworldly landscapes.

20. Palau loves their Christmas lights

One surprise in Palau is how many Christmas lights decorate the city, even after the Christmas period. Elaborate lights fill public spaces and buildings, and are also a big part of festivals.

21. Palau Has Some of the Best Diving Sites in the World

Palau is known for its famous dive sites, including the Blue Corner, German Channel, and Big Drop Off. The Ulong Channel is famous for drift diving, where you let the current carry you past sharks, manta rays, and vibrant coral reefs—one of the most thrilling dives on the planet!

Why You Need to Visit Palau

Palau is more than just a tropical paradise—it’s a place of natural wonders, ancient traditions, and eco-conscious initiatives. Whether you’re swimming in Jellyfish Lake, slathering on Milky Way mud, or sipping a Red Rooster Beer, Palau is full of surprises waiting to be explored!

Planning a trip to Palau? Discover 23 unmissable things to see and do in Palau.

Would you add any of these experiences to your Palau bucket list? Let me know in the comments!