KororThe capital, Koror, is the busiest center in the islands with many gift shops, restaurants and other resort facilities. For an insight into Palau’s history, a visit to the Palau National Museum is advised where more than 1000 relics of Palau’s past are housed including shell money and traditional weapons.
BabeldaobPalau’s biggest island is about 43km (27 miles) long and 24km (15 miles) across at its widest, and is covered in dense foliage. The terrain is varied with steep mountains, freshwater lakes and sand dunes. Palau’s first inhabitants
settled along the coastline. Today, visitors can explore the 37 stone monoliths known as
Badrulchau which are concrete examples of the island’s early civilization. Other remnants of Palau’s history are located at Imeungs in the southwest of the island. These stone foundations and pillars are all that remain of the political and military center of this part of the island.
ElsewhereFor sports lovers, the Rock Islands offer endless possibilities for snorkeling, sea kayaking, sailing and fishing. The island of Peleliu forms the southern boundary of the Rock Islands. In 1985 it was designated a US National Historic Landmark, owing to the part it played during World War II. Abandoned tanks, helmets and bomb casings are still dotted throughout the island.
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