To the immediate south, and connected to Babeldaob by a bridge, lies the interconnected trio of islands known as Koror, Ngerkebesang and Malakal. Koror which comprises only 4.2 percent of the land area, is home to more than 70 percent of the total population, and is the seat of Palau's national government and commercial center. Lying a few miles south of Koror is the uniquely rich aquatic ecosystem of the Rock Islands. These Rock Islands also are home to Palau's unusual marine lakes, which have been the subject of serious biological study. More than 1,500 varieties of tropical fish and 700 different corals and anemones have been identified in the lagoons and reefs.
Sea turtles are also abundant.
Inshore reef fishing is a major occupational and recreational activity for the men of Palau, and fresh fish is an indispensable part of the Palauan diet. South of the Rock Islands lie the islands of Peleliu and Angaur which are low coralline platforms with some high limestone ridges. Peleliu, the sight of one of the bloodiest battles of World War II, maintains historic battle sights such as Bloody Nose Ridge, Orange Beach and the fascinating underground cave systems created by the Japanese. Further south, more than 200 miles to the south of Angaur, lie the Southwest islands of Sonsorol, Hatohobei, Pulu Ana, Merir and Helen's Reef made up of a combination of low platform islands and atolls. With temperature averages from a high of 83 degrees Fahrenheit to a low of 81 degrees Fahrenheit, Palau's tropical climate changes little from season to season.