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Angaur Forest Reserve
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The Angaur Forest Reserve on Palau's southernmost inhabited island is a place of striking natural recovery and historical significance. The dense tropical forests thrive on soil once stripped for phosphate by German and Japanese mining interests in the early 1900s. The most famous residents of the reserve are the crab-eating macaques, which were originally brought to the island by German miners as pets and now roam free in large numbers; this makes Angaur the only island in Palau where monkeys exist. Beyond the macaques, the forest serves as a vital sanctuary for migratory birds traveling across the Pacific. The lush canopy hides the scars of industry and the remnants of heavy World War II combat, creating an atmosphere of resilient growth. Rising to a maximum elevation of 61 meters, the reserve provides gentle trails through diverse flora, where visitors can witness how nature has reclaimed the land while preserving the unique, introduced biodiversity that has become part of the island's identity.
- Location: Palau
- Top sights: Elechol Ra Nguruhei · Elechol Ra Ngmersau · Our Lady of the Rosary Church
- Nearby: Kloulklubed (17 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb–Apr.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 |
| Rain mm | 207 | 194 | 182 | 159 | 264 | 316 | 343 | 269 | 248 | 203 | 215 | 227 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
Reaching the forest reserve typically requires taking a boat or small plane from Palau's main islands to Angaur, followed by local transport or a moderate walk to the dense forested areas.
Best season
The best period for a visit is generally during the drier months between February and April, when the trails are less muddy and humidity levels are slightly more manageable for exploration.
Terrain & paths
The terrain is characterized by dense, untamed tropical vegetation and uneven ground, with informal paths that can become quite challenging and overgrown, demanding careful navigation skills.
What to bring
Essential gear typically includes sturdy hiking boots, long pants to protect against scratches, plenty of drinking water, and insect repellent to cope with the dense tropical environment.
Parking
As Angaur is a small island with limited infrastructure, formal parking is practically nonexistent; visitors usually coordinate transportation from the main settlement or walk to the reserve.
Safety
Visitors should remain vigilant regarding the introduced macaque population, which can be unpredictable, and stick to known paths to avoid getting lost in the dense, undisturbed vegetation.
Time needed
Exploring the forest margins and observing the wildlife typically takes around two to four hours, though passionate nature enthusiasts might easily spend half a day in the reserve's vicinity.
Geography
Facts
- The only location in Palau with a wild monkey population.
- Home to the endemic Palau White-eye bird.
- Forest is regenerating over former phosphate mining sites.
- Supports a healthy population of giant coconut crabs.
- Critical habitat for the native Palau Fruit Dove.
- Features various rare tropical ferns and orchid species.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Angaur Forest Reserve (4)
Elechol Ra Uchul A Kerekar
A beach on Angaur, distinguished by its location and tranquility.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Are there guided hikes in the reserve?
Yes, local guides offer tours to see the unique flora and wild macaques.
How to get to the Angaur Forest Reserve?
Angaur is accessible by ferry or small plane from Koror.
Are the macaques on the island dangerous?
They are wild animals; keep your distance and do not feed them under any circumstances.
Do I need sturdy shoes?
Yes, trails can be uneven and damp; sturdy hiking shoes are recommended.
How much time should I allocate?
Half a day to a full day is sufficient to explore the reserve and the island.
Angaur Forest Reserve: where is it located?
Angaur Forest Reserve is located in Palau.
Angaur Forest Reserve: what is there to see?
Highlights include Elechol Ra Nguruhei, Elechol Ra Ngmersau, Our Lady of the Rosary Church.
Angaur Forest Reserve: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Apr.
Angaur Forest Reserve: why is it worth visiting?
The Angaur Forest Reserve on Palau's southernmost inhabited island is a place of striking natural recovery and historical significance.
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Koror is the most populous city in Palau and served as the national capital until 2006.
Koror Business District
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Airai
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Mengellang
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Ngerulmud Administrative Center
As the seat of government, Ngerulmud is the center for public spending and national administration.
Ngerulmud
Ngerulmud has been the capital of Palau since 2006.
Ngchesar
Ngchesar is a quiet settlement on the east coast of Babeldaob.
Melekeok
Melekeok is a village on the east coast of Babeldaob.
Aimeliik
Aimeliik is a settlement in southwestern Babeldaob.
Ngiwal
Ngiwal is a village in eastern Babeldaob.
Ngardmau
Ngardmau is a settlement on the west coast of Babeldaob.
Angaur
Angaur is the main settlement on the island of the same name in southern Palau.
History & landmarks
🗺️
Angaur Hills
The Angaur Hills are elevations on the southernmost inhabited island of Palau.
German Channel
This artificial channel was created during the German colonial period to allow the transport of phosphate from the southern lagoons.
🗺️
Ngerukewid Cliffs
These steep limestone walls rise vertically from the turquoise water.
Rock Islands (Chelbacheb)
The Rock Islands are an archipelago of limestone formations in the ocean.
Nature
Bloody Nose Ridge
This rugged limestone ridge on Peleliu was a strategic point during World War II.
Blue Corner
One of the world's most famous diving sites with immense fish density.
Ngerumekaol Spawning Channel
A critical habitat for groupers during their spawning season.
Carp Island Reserve
A crescent-shaped island with rich coral gardens and mangroves.
Ngerukewid Islands (70 Islands)
A strictly protected wildlife preserve within the Rock Islands.
Jellyfish Lake
An isolated marine lake on Eil Malk island.
More places
🗺️
Angaur Island
Angaur is the southernmost of Palau's main inhabited islands.
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Angaur Battlefield
In September 1944, this island was the scene of fierce fighting between the US 81st Infantry Division and Japanese defenders.
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Angaur Harbor
This harbor is the sole supply artery for Palau's southernmost inhabited island.
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Angaur Lighthouse
This historic lighthouse is located on Angaur island and dates back to the phosphate mining era.
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Peleliu Peace Memorial
This memorial was erected by Japan to commemorate the dead of the Battle of Peleliu and to promote peace.
Peleliu WWII Memorial
The memorial honors the fierce battles between the USA and Japan in 1944.
German Lighthouse
The German lighthouse on Peleliu was built during the German colonial period in the early 20th century.
Orange Beach
On this section of beach on Peleliu, the first US Marines landed on September 15, 1944, under heavy Japanese fire.