Sonsorol
Sonsorol is a remote island in Palau with a strong traditional culture, quiet lagoons and unspoiled Pacific scenery.
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About Sonsorol
Sonsorol is a remote coral island state in the southwestern part of Palau, roughly 300 km south of Koror. It consists of four low-lying islands: Sonsorol (Dongosaro), Fanna, Pulo Anna (Puro) and Merir (Melieli). The main settlement is the village of Dongosaru on Sonsorol Island, home to a small Sonsorolese community.
The islands are known for their Sonsorolese language and culture, traditional outrigger canoe building and strong seafaring traditions. The small population maintains a distinctive way of life centred on fishing, copra and subsistence crops such as coconut, taro and breadfruit.
The state has a layered history that includes German and Japanese colonial periods, and a Japanese garrison was stationed on the islands during World War II. Remnants of that era remain, and today Sonsorol is one of the most isolated inhabited states of the Republic of Palau.
There are no airports or hotels on Sonsorol, and access is only by ocean boat from Koror. Travel depends heavily on weather and sea conditions, while the surrounding reefs, seabird colonies and quiet beaches draw small numbers of researchers, volunteers and adventurous visitors.
For travellers, Sonsorol offers a rare chance to experience an intact outer-island community. Most logistics, supplies and onward transport are arranged through Koror, the main hub for Palau.
Sonsorol Travel Guide
Best Time to Visit
The calmest seas for the long boat journey from Koror usually occur during Palau's drier months, roughly November to April. Allow flexibility during the wetter and stormier months from about May to November, when ocean conditions can delay travel.
How to Get Around
Sonsorol Island is small and explored on foot, with no roads or cars. Movement between the four islands of Sonsorol State is by local outrigger or motor boat, and most outside access depends on scheduled or chartered boats from Koror.
Where to Stay
There are no hotels or resorts on Sonsorol. Visitors typically arrange a village homestay or basic guest accommodation with the local community in advance, while basing logistics and supplies in Koror.
Food & Drink
Meals are based on fresh reef fish, coconut, taro, breadfruit and other locally available foods. Supplies are limited on the islands, so visitors usually bring provisions from Koror and should confirm meal arrangements with their hosts.
Ground Transportation Services in Sonsorol
Airport Transfers
Sonsorol has no airport, so arrivals use Roman Tmetuchl International Airport in Koror and continue to Sonsorol by ocean boat. Transfers can be arranged in Koror for the airport-to-harbour connection before the sea journey.
Hourly Chauffeur
Sonsorol itself has no roads or cars, so hourly chauffeur service is best used in Koror for transfers between the airport, hotels, shops and the harbour before departing for the islands.
Car Rental
Car rental is not available on Sonsorol, but visitors can rent a car in Koror or on Babeldaob for independent travel across mainland Palau before or after the boat trip to Sonsorol.
Bus & Group Transfers
Group travel to Sonsorol is normally arranged by charter boat from Koror for community visits, research or group expeditions. Minibuses and coaches can handle group transfers on the mainland Palau side.
Frequently Asked Questions
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