Angaur
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Angaur

Angaur

Small southern Palauan island with World War II remnants, strong-current reefs, and a quiet local population.

Angaur is the southernmost inhabited island of Palau, a small flat island of about 8 square kilometres sitting apart from the main Palauan island chain. It is one of Palau's least-visited destinations, with a small resident population and no significant tourist infrastructure.

The island has historical significance from World War II — US forces landed here in September 1944 in a battle that lasted several weeks. Some remnants of the fighting are still visible in the jungle. Angaur is also known for its small population of feral macaque monkeys, a legacy of Japanese occupation when the monkeys were brought to the island. The reefs around Angaur offer good diving with strong currents and abundant pelagic fish. Access is by light aircraft or boat from Koror.

Guide

Getting There

Angaur is one of the harder Palauan islands to reach. Light aircraft fly between Koror and Angaur a few times a week — schedules slip and flights are routinely cancelled for weather or low bookings. The flight takes about 30 minutes and gives spectacular views down the Rock Islands chain.

The alternative is the supply boat, which runs irregularly from Koror and takes most of a day in open water. Charters can be arranged with dive operators but they are expensive. Plan to stay at least two or three nights — turning up for a day trip is rarely possible.

Guide

Things to Do

Angaur is a small island with a handful of distinct highlights: a few World War II ruins half-buried in jungle, a small troop of feral macaques that live wild on the island, lighthouses and reefs, and the surf at the southern point. None of it is signposted in any meaningful way — ask a local with a pickup truck and you will see most of it in a morning.