About Peleliu Island

Situated about 30 nautical miles south of the commercial capital of Palau, Koror, Peleliu Island

known locally as Beliliou, is about 12km long and about 5km wide. The island of Peleliu is one of

sixteen states that make ups the Republic of Palau.

It boasts a lush, tropical rain forest with hills that reach over 100 meters above sea level

which makes it ideal for hikers, bird watchers and nature lovers in general. There is also a

picnic area known as Ngermelt, where the only natural swimming hole in Palau is located.

Visitors can jump in the Ngermelt and experience this swimming in this unique site. The

climate in Peleliu is tropical with an average year round temperature in the mid 80°F.

The island of Peleliu is ideal for SCUBA diving. The dive spots of Palau are all located to

the south of the Republic, between Koror and Peleliu. The majority of these dive spots are

located within 20 minutes by motor boat from Peleliu as opposed to 1 hour from Koror. It is

also possible for snorkeling and body boarding in Peleliu. Unlike Koror, Peleliu does not

have many overnight tourists which make it easier for those tourists who choose to stay

overnight to see the island without any distractions. In addition, it is easy and safe for

tourists to get around and mingle with local residents due to the very low crime rate. The

island is 7 miles away from the southern island of Anguar, which is also know for its history

and other attractions.

Beneath the beauty of Peleliu, hides a deep, dark secret. In 1944, there was a battle that

was fought here between the U.S. and Japan where over 12,000 men had lost their lives.

After almost three months, U.S forces were victorious. Prior to this battle, Palau was under

Japanese Imperial regime since 1914. Remnants of the Japanese occupation as well as

the battle are still evident in Peleliu to this day. These include former Japanese buildings,

pillboxes, bunkers, tanks, cannons, and planes. There are also approximately 300 natural

and man-made caves which were used by the Japanese Imperial troops during this battle.

There are also numerous memorials and monuments from both the U.S. and Japan in

Peleliu placed by their respective governments after World War II. It is this history that

attracts many people from all over the world to Peleliu as well as the commissioning of U.S.

Navy carrier ship, USS Peleliu in 1983.

Modern Peleliu is made up of about 500 residents, all living in the north end of the island in

the village of Klouklubed. There’s a police presence in the form of the Peleliu State

Rangers as well as the Palau National Police. A medical dispensary staffed with a doctor

and nurse, as well as an emergency evacuation speed boat are available as well.