Angaur

Angaur is the main village on Angaur Island, a small, standalone island and state located southwest of Peleliu. The village is the administrative and population centre of the island, which has a total population of around 120 residents. Angaur has a distinctive history shaped by German phosphate mining in the early 20th century, followed by Japanese occupation during WWII, when the island was the site of a significant battle in 1944. Remnants of this layered past — rusting mining equipment, Japanese fortifications, and abandoned US military hardware — are scattered across the island's interior.

The village is a quiet, sun-baked settlement with sandy streets, a small harbour, and a relaxed pace of life. The island is known for its population of wild Micronesian monkeys (introduced during the German administration), its excellent surfing conditions on the southern coast, and its pristine beaches. Angaur is accessed by small plane from Koror or by private boat, and it offers a genuinely remote island experience with very basic infrastructure.

By Plane

Angaur Airstrip is a small grass airstrip on the northern edge of the island. Belau Air operates small-plane flights from Koror (ROR) several times a week; the flight takes about 20 minutes. The airstrip is a short walk or drive from the village.

By Car / Road

Angaur has a simple road network of sandy and gravel tracks. The island is small enough to walk or cycle. There is no car ferry; visitors arrive by air or private boat. From Peleliu, a private boat charter (approximately 45 minutes) is the most practical option for independent travellers.

The island is about 8 km² and can be circumnavigated on foot in a day. Bicycles can be arranged through local guesthouses. A few residents have cars, and visitors staying at a guesthouse may be able to arrange transport. The main village is walkable.

• WWII battle sites — Angaur was heavily fought over in September–October 1944; Japanese bunkers, US landing craft wrecks, and artillery positions remain visible in the jungle.

• Monkey population — the island's famous wild macaques, descendants of monkeys introduced by German phosphate miners, can be seen in the island's interior and near the airstrip.

• Angaur Harbour — the small boat harbour and the village shoreline, with views toward Peleliu.

• Phosphate mining ruins — the remains of the German-era railway, loading piers, and machinery sheds.

• Surfing — Angaur has several surf breaks along its southern and western coasts, particularly the well-known "Angaur Left" break; best conditions from November to April.

• Beachcombing — the eastern and southern beaches are quiet and often empty, good for shell collecting and solitude.

• Monkey watching — the wild macaques are habituated but should not be fed; early morning visits to the interior increase the chance of sightings.

• Snorkelling — the reefs around Angaur are healthy and uncrowded; bring your own gear.

• Village store — basic groceries and snacks.
• Guesthouse kitchens — meals are prepared for guests on request; expect grilled fish, rice, taro, and canned goods.
• There are no restaurants.

Tap water is limited and may not be potable. Bottled water should be brought from Koror. There are no bars.

• Budget: Angaur Guesthouse — the only visitor accommodation on the island, basic rooms with shared facilities (US$30–50/night). Meals can be arranged.

There is a small village store selling basic provisions. For more significant shopping, stock up in Koror before coming.

• Peleliu — 45 minutes by private boat, with WWII historical sites, Peleliu Harbour, and rock islands
• Koror — 20 minutes by air or several hours by boat, Palau's main centre
• Rock Islands — accessible by charter boat from Koror, a UNESCO World Heritage site of limestone islets