Palau is an island country located in the western Pacific Ocean, southeast of the Philippines. It is composed of more than 340 islands, forming the western chain of the Caroline Islands. Given its island geography, Palau primarily relies on sea ports for transportation and connectivity:
- Sea Ports: Palau has several sea ports scattered across its islands, serving as crucial entry points for maritime transportation and tourism. Major sea ports include:
- Koror Port: Located in the state of Koror, this port is the main gateway for maritime traffic and tourism in Palau. It accommodates passenger ferries, cargo ships, and recreational boats.
- Malakal Port: Also situated in Koror, Malakal Port is an important hub for domestic and international shipping, handling cargo and passenger vessels.
- River Ports: Palau’s geography does not feature navigable rivers, so river ports are not present in the country’s transportation infrastructure.
- Inland Terminals: Inland terminals in Palau are limited due to its small land area and focus on maritime transportation. However, facilities such as storage warehouses and cargo handling areas may exist near sea ports to facilitate logistics and trade.
- Border Crossings: Palau does not share land borders with any other country, so traditional border crossings are not applicable. However, the country has entry points such as airports and sea ports that serve as immigration and customs checkpoints for travelers arriving by air or sea.
List of Largest Ports in Palau
| Port Name | Types of Cargo Ships | Monthly Arrivals |
|---|---|---|
| Koror Port | Passenger, Cargo | 50 |
| Malakal Port | Passenger, Cargo | 40 |
| Airai Port | Passenger, Cargo | 30 |
| Peleliu Port | Passenger, Cargo | 20 |
| Angaur Port | Passenger, Cargo | 15 |
| Kayangel Port | Passenger, Cargo | 10 |
| Sonsorol Port | Passenger, Cargo | 5 |
| Hatohobei Port | Passenger, Cargo | 3 |
| Aimeliik Port | Passenger, Cargo | 2 |
| Ngarchelong Port | Passenger, Cargo | 1 |
Major Ports of Palau
1. Port of Malakal
The Port of Malakal is the busiest port in Palau, located near the capital city of Ngerulmud. Situated on Malakal Island, the port is vital for both cargo and passenger traffic. Malakal serves as the main port for imports and exports to Palau, including fuel, machinery, food products, and consumer goods. It also serves as a docking point for cruise ships, contributing significantly to the tourism industry. With its deep-water facilities, it is equipped to handle large vessels and serves as a strategic point for maritime traffic in the Pacific.
City Location: Ngerulmud, Palau
Latitude: 7.3715° N
Longitude: 134.4815° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Koror | 6 | Main Road (Koror-Ngerulmud) |
| Airai | 16 | Koror-Airai Road |
| Ngerchelong | 30 | Main Road (Koror-Ngerulmud) |
| Peleliu | 50 | Boat or Ferry Connection |
| Angaur | 55 | Boat or Ferry Connection |
| Babeldaob | 24 | Babeldaob Road |
| Kayangel | 70 | Boat or Ferry Connection |
Nearby Railway Stations:
Palau does not have any railway stations, as it is an island nation with no rail infrastructure.
2. Port of Koror
Koror, the most populous city and former capital of Palau, also has a significant port that serves as a central hub for the country’s commercial activities. This port is critical for Palau’s imports, particularly in fuel and construction materials, and for international shipping. Koror Port plays a key role in the tourism sector, handling a large number of cruise ships that dock in Palau each year. Its facilities are equipped to handle both cargo vessels and passenger ships.
City Location: Koror, Palau
Latitude: 7.3400° N
Longitude: 134.4745° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Ngerulmud | 6 | Koror-Ngerulmud Road |
| Airai | 14 | Koror-Airai Road |
| Malakal | 6 | Main Road |
| Peleliu | 45 | Boat or Ferry Connection |
| Angaur | 55 | Boat or Ferry Connection |
| Ngerchelong | 15 | Koror-Ngerulmud Road |
| Babeldaob | 18 | Babeldaob Road |
Nearby Railway Stations:
There are no railway stations in Palau.
3. Port of Peleliu
The Port of Peleliu, located on Peleliu Island, plays a key role in the southern part of Palau. The port is primarily used for the export of Palau’s agricultural products, such as coconuts and tropical fruits, as well as for general cargo. Peleliu is known for its beautiful beaches and historical sites, making it a popular tourist destination. The port also serves military and civilian needs, particularly for supplies and shipments to the outer islands of Palau.
City Location: Peleliu, Palau
Latitude: 6.9578° N
Longitude: 134.2451° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Koror | 45 | Boat or Ferry Connection |
| Ngerulmud | 55 | Boat or Ferry Connection |
| Airai | 50 | Boat or Ferry Connection |
| Angaur | 65 | Boat or Ferry Connection |
| Ngerchelong | 55 | Boat or Ferry Connection |
| Babeldaob | 65 | Boat or Ferry Connection |
| Malakal | 50 | Boat or Ferry Connection |
Nearby Railway Stations:
There are no railway stations in Palau.
4. Port of Angaur
Angaur is a small island with a port that primarily serves the shipping of goods such as fuel, materials, and general cargo. The port on Angaur Island is also an important point for military and civilian transportation. Angaur is known for its historical significance during World War II, and the port is used for regional trade and transportation of goods between the island and the main islands of Palau.
City Location: Angaur, Palau
Latitude: 6.9908° N
Longitude: 134.1186° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Koror | 50 | Boat or Ferry Connection |
| Peleliu | 65 | Boat or Ferry Connection |
| Ngerulmud | 55 | Boat or Ferry Connection |
| Airai | 60 | Boat or Ferry Connection |
| Babeldaob | 70 | Boat or Ferry Connection |
| Malakal | 65 | Boat or Ferry Connection |
| Ngerchelong | 75 | Boat or Ferry Connection |
Nearby Railway Stations:
There are no railway stations in Palau.
5. Port of Ngerchelong
Located on the northern tip of Babeldaob Island, Ngerchelong Port serves as an important port for local trade and transport to the outer islands. The port is primarily used for shipping agricultural products, seafood, and supplies. Ngerchelong also functions as a strategic point for smaller, inter-island vessels that transport goods and people within Palau.
City Location: Ngerchelong, Palau
Latitude: 7.3623° N
Longitude: 134.5992° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Koror | 15 | Koror-Ngerulmud Road |
| Ngerulmud | 18 | Babeldaob Road |
| Airai | 20 | Babeldaob Road |
| Malakal | 30 | Babeldaob Road |
| Peleliu | 50 | Boat or Ferry Connection |
| Angaur | 75 | Boat or Ferry Connection |
| Babeldaob | 30 | Babeldaob Road |
Nearby Railway Stations:
There are no railway stations in Palau.
6. Port of Babeldaob
Babeldaob is the largest island in Palau, and its port is an essential component of the country’s transport infrastructure. It primarily serves as the entry point for cargo shipments to the main island, including construction materials, consumer goods, and fuel. The port also plays a key role in Palau’s shipping industry, handling both general cargo and supplies for the local islands.
City Location: Babeldaob, Palau
Latitude: 7.3530° N
Longitude: 134.6420° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Koror | 24 | Babeldaob Road |
| Ngerulmud | 40 | Babeldaob Road |
| Airai | 40 | Babeldaob Road |
| Malakal | 35 | Babeldaob Road |
| Peleliu | 70 | Boat or Ferry Connection |
| Angaur | 75 | Boat or Ferry Connection |
| Ngerchelong | 30 | Babeldaob Road |
Nearby Railway Stations:
There are no railway stations in Palau.
7. Port of Kayangel
Kayangel is a small, remote island located to the north of Palau, with a port that serves both local and international shipping needs. While its cargo handling capacity is limited, the port plays a crucial role for the local community, primarily supporting fishing industries and local transportation.
City Location: Kayangel, Palau
Latitude: 7.3922° N
Longitude: 134.6436° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Koror | 70 | Boat or Ferry Connection |
| Peleliu | 95 | Boat or Ferry Connection |
| Angaur | 100 | Boat or Ferry Connection |
| Ngerulmud | 130 | Boat or Ferry Connection |
| Babeldaob | 100 | Boat or Ferry Connection |
| Malakal | 100 | Boat or Ferry Connection |
| Ngerchelong | 150 | Boat or Ferry Connection |
Nearby Railway Stations:
There are no railway stations in Palau.
8. Port of Malakal Island
Malakal Island is located just off the coast of the main island of Babeldaob, and it serves as a key port for the country. The port plays an important role in transporting goods and passengers to the main urban areas, as well as smaller inter-island ferries connecting Palau’s outer islands.
City Location: Malakal Island, Palau
Latitude: 7.3720° N
Longitude: 134.4825° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Koror | 6 | Boat or Ferry Connection |
| Ngerulmud | 10 | Boat or Ferry Connection |
| Airai | 14 | Boat or Ferry Connection |
| Babeldaob | 30 | Boat or Ferry Connection |
| Peleliu | 50 | Boat or Ferry Connection |
| Angaur | 55 | Boat or Ferry Connection |
| Ngerchelong | 60 | Boat or Ferry Connection |
Nearby Railway Stations:
There are no railway stations in Palau.
9. Port of Ngerulmud
Ngerulmud serves as the administrative capital of Palau and has a smaller port primarily focused on serving the governmental and diplomatic needs of the island nation. The port is also used for the shipment of smaller goods and supplies to and from the capital. While it does not handle large quantities of cargo, it remains important for the island’s infrastructure.
City Location: Ngerulmud, Palau
Latitude: 7.3715° N
Longitude: 134.4815° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Koror | 6 | Koror-Ngerulmud Road |
| Airai | 14 | Koror-Airai Road |
| Peleliu | 50 | Boat or Ferry Connection |
| Angaur | 65 | Boat or Ferry Connection |
| Ngerchelong | 30 | Koror-Ngerulmud Road |
| Babeldaob | 24 | Babeldaob Road |
| Kayangel | 70 | Boat or Ferry Connection |
Nearby Railway Stations:
There are no railway stations in Palau.