View World War II Relics in Palau

View World War II Relics

On Peleliu Island, which is south of the stunning Rock Islands, are steep limestone cliffs that hide caves, as well as World War II planes, tank and war paraphernalia scattered about the island. The surrounding reef island measures 4.6 miles in length, and are somber reminders of the titanic battle that was fought on the island between American and Japanese forces in 1944. Derelict tanks, amphibious landing ramps, airplane propellers, bomb casings and steel helmets now dot the landscape and a War Museum has been set up for viewing smaller artillery and other items of interest.

In Angaur, a raised coral limestone island situated southwest of Peleliu, white sand beaches alternate with rocky protrusions along the island’s rugged coastline. Inside the forests, there are many relics including aircraft.

On Babeldaob Island, you can find remnants of World War II and pre-war times, including a Japanese Cannon, Japanese lighthouse, and a radio station.

Day tours are available with most tour operators, and if you prefer to extend your stay, state ferries run on a regular basis from Malakal, Koror to Peleliu or Anguar. There are also airstrips on Peleliu Island and Angaur Islands. Babeldaob sites are accessible by car on a paved highway that circles around the island, but it is recommended that visitors contact the State Offices so they could hear the history behind these relics.