About Peleliu:

Peleliu (or Beliliou) is a constituent island of Palau, a small island nation in South Pacific Ocean about 800 km east of the Philippines and about 3,200 km south of Tokyo.  One of the sixteen states of Palau, Peleliu is located northeast of Angaur and southwest of Koror. Peleliu’s total area is 13 square kilometres and it boasts of a population of 700 (the third most populous state of Palau). The village of Kloulklubed on the northern coast is the capital of Peleliu. Imelechol, Lademisang and Ongeuidel are the other three villages of Peleliu. Peleliu is about 23 miles south of Koror, one of the main islands of Palau. The island is a noted tourist spot for its rich war history as well as remarkable water sports.

History:

Peleliu is a memorable site of the famous Battle of Peleliu between the US and the Japanese forces during World War II. The island was a colony of the Germans between 1899 and 1914 during when the island witnessed industrial growth in terms of phosphate mining and copra harvesting. In 1915, the Japanese conquered the island and their rule continued till 1944. The island saw a significant growth during this period in terms of culture and industry. In 1944, the US entered the island as a part of General MacArthur’s plan of securing Palau and the Philippines. A fierce struggle continued thereafter and in March 1945, Peleliu was liberated and was returned to the Palauans.

Peleliu Island Tour:

The island has the only WWII museum in Palau, besides war memorials and other sites, caves, and war wreckage remains. One can explore the island in a bicycle.

Peleliu attractions:

• Bloody Nose Ridge (offers a beautiful panoramic view of Peleliu’s jungles and ocean reefs and also the spectacular Rock Islands)
• US tanker and Japanese cannons in a huge cave
• Orange beach & US monument to the fallen soldiers of the Second World War
• Zero fighter (Japanese airplane crashed in the jungle)
• Campbeck Dock (built by the US for military purposes, now Peleliu south dock)
• Peace Memorial Park (located at the southern tip of Peleliu, it gives a beautiful view of Anguar Island)
• Japanese air field built at the time of the Second World War (still used by small aircrafts and helicopters)
• Japanese Headquarters building that was bombed by the US forces; now preserved as a museum
• Japanese tanker
• 1000 Men Caves (along the main road to North Dock)
• Honeymoon beach (great site for picnic)
• Swimming hole (a natural hole where fresh and salt water mixes)

Snorkelling and diving:

Dolphin Bay resort in Peleliu offers excellent opportunities for scuba diving and snorkeling the coral walls and underwater marine life and other exciting tours. Fishing, beachcombing, bicycling are some other avenues of exploration.