Bloody Nose Ridge

Bloody Nose Ridge, formally known as the Umurbrogol Mountains, is a jagged limestone formation on the island of Peleliu in Palau. It gained its grim nickname during the Battle of Peleliu in late 1944, one of the most intense and costly amphibious campaigns of World War II. The ridge is composed of razor-sharp coral limestone, riddled with hundreds of natural caves and man-made tunnels that the Japanese military utilized to create a formidable defensive network. This treacherous terrain forced American Marines into agonizing house-to-house style fighting through the rocky crevices. Today, the ridge serves as a powerful open-air museum and memorial site, where rusted artillery, discarded equipment, and fortified bunkers remain frozen in time. Climbing the steep paths to the various lookout points provides a somber perspective on the strategic importance of the heights, providing panoramic views of the island's lush recovery and the serene Philippine Sea beyond.

Nearby cities

Koror

Koror is the most populous city in Palau and served as the national capital until 2006.

Koror Business District

This district forms the economic heart of Palau.

Airai

Airai is the second most populous settlement in Palau.

Meyuns

Meyuns is a significant village located on Ngerekebesang Island.

Kloulklubed

Kloulklubed is the main village on Peleliu Island.

Ulimang

Ulimang is the administrative center of Ngaraard State on Babeldaob.

Mengellang

Mengellang is the main village of Ngarchelong State at the northern tip of Babeldaob.

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

German Channel

This artificial channel was created during the German colonial period to allow the transport of phosphate from the southern lagoons.

🗺️

Angaur Hills

The Angaur Hills are elevations on the southernmost inhabited island of Palau.

🗺️

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

Carp Island Reserve

A crescent-shaped island with rich coral gardens and mangroves.

Ngerumekaol Spawning Channel

A critical habitat for groupers during their spawning season.

Blue Corner

One of the world's most famous diving sites with immense fish density.

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

Orange Beach

On this section of beach on Peleliu, the first US Marines landed on September 15, 1944, under heavy Japanese fire.

German Lighthouse

The German lighthouse on Peleliu was built during the German colonial period in the early 20th century.

Peleliu WWII Memorial

The memorial honors the fierce battles between the USA and Japan in 1944.

🗺️

Peleliu Peace Memorial

This memorial was erected by Japan to commemorate the dead of the Battle of Peleliu and to promote peace.

Peleliu Battlefield

This historic area preserves remains of the intense 1944 combat, including Japanese bunkers and American tanks.

Peleliu Island

Peleliu is a low-lying coral island in the southern Palau archipelago.

Peleliu South Harbor

Peleliu South Harbor is the island's logistical hub.

🗺️

Angaur Harbor

This harbor is the sole supply artery for Palau's southernmost inhabited island.