Looking for a place in Palau that's neither overly luxurious nor boringly generic — somewhere you can truly unwind after a day of diving? Landmark Marina Hotel might just be the ideal choice you've been looking for! It may not have the polish of a five-star resort, but it more than makes up for it with a comfortable, laid-back atmosphere perfectly tailored to divers' needs — making it one of the best value-for-money options around.
Location: A Hidden Gem of a Marina Hotel
Landmark Marina Hotel sits nestled among the islands of Palau, perched alongside a tranquil bay with its own private dock.
Landmark Marina is tucked beside a peaceful bay, right next to the charming little Palau Aquarium. The hotel is modest in scale but refined in just the right way, in a great location, and stands out among mid-range options. More importantly, its facilities are perfectly suited to divers — from the moment you enter the water to the moment you step back on shore, every detail has been thoughtfully arranged to give you a comfortable place to rest your weary post-dive body.
If you're anything like the Editor — someone who just wants to collapse into bed after diving — Landmark Marina is absolutely the place to be. The hotel has its own exclusive dock, where at 9 o'clock each morning, a group of divers and snorkelers lines up to board the boat. You can enjoy a leisurely breakfast at 8
, then stroll just a few steps to the deck and hop straight onto the boat — couldn't be more convenient.Best of all, the dock is spacious, so even when it's busy it never feels crowded — a real blessing for those of us hauling around bags full of dive gear!
The Tomahawk Steak at Landmark Marina — An Absolute Must!
A must-try at Landmark Marina: the 42 oz tomahawk steak
When it comes to dining in Palau, the prices can be a bit of a shock — a decent Western meal typically runs around NT$500–700, with limited choices to boot. If you're looking for a reliable, can't-go-wrong recommendation, we highly suggest the steaks at Landmark Marina! Their steaks are among the best in Palau, with every course — from starters and salad to soup and the main event — delivering genuine satisfaction.
Same quality, same portion size — the tomahawk steak in Palau is actually better value than in Taiwan
The Editor especially recommends the tomahawk steak at Landmark Marina — the meat is incredibly tender with an outstanding texture. This magnificent cut weighs in at over 42 oz, with a diameter as imposing as a giant axe-head. It'll absolutely satisfy your appetite, but unless you have a truly heroic stomach, this one is best shared between two!
What's more, Landmark Marina sources its beef from the United States — US Prime grade Angus — which, compared to the generally steep prices in Palau (dim sum at a local Cantonese restaurant, for instance, can run upwards of US$16 for a single item like turnip cake), makes this an exceptionally good deal.
Looking for a top-notch American-style steak? This is your place.
US Prime sirloin steak set, including starter, soup, main course, and ice cream
The owner's secret specialty — the "three-bone short rib" — comes in an astonishing portion
Freshly carved "three-bone short rib" — a challenge for your taste buds
Landmark Marina Steak Set Prices:
- US Prime sirloin steak set: US$61 per person (tax-inclusive) (base price US$50, plus 10% service charge and 10% tax)
- US Prime 42 oz tomahawk steak set (for two): US$229.9 for two (tax-inclusive) (base price US$190, plus 10% service charge and 10% tax)
A Hidden Culinary Gem Waiting to Be Discovered — Brazilian Churrasco
Landmark Marina's hidden gem: Brazilian churrasco
Beyond the steaks, Landmark Marina has another incredible secret up its sleeve — Brazilian churrasco! William, the owner, spent part of his younger years living in Brazil, and he has brought the authentic flavors of Brazilian barbecue all the way to Palau. Watch the skewers of meat rotate over glowing charcoal and you might just start drooling! With special marinades and a meticulous cooking process, the pork belly comes out crispy without being greasy, and the beef is packed with flavor — one bite leads to another, and before you know it, you can't stop.
This is no ordinary barbecue — it's a full-on culinary experience in its own right!
Beef, pork, and chicken — exclusive seasonings to satisfy every food lover's palate
However, due to the extensive preparation required for Brazilian churrasco, the grill only fires up for groups of 30 or more. Be sure to contact Landmark Marina in advance to find out whether the churrasco will be available during your visit!
The Brazilian churrasco requires a group of 30 or more before the grill gets lit!
Fishing Fun — Getting Up Close with the Ocean
One of the great advantages of having a private dock is that you can board a boat right from your doorstep
Fishing in Palau is a form of leisure — a way to shake off the stress of everyday work through the act of casting a line. When you let go of any attachment to the catch, it becomes an expression of a truly unhurried way of life.
William, Owner
When it comes to Palau's underwater world, it's world-class by any measure. Beyond scuba diving, Landmark Marina also offers fishing trips — a different kind of ocean adventure altogether. William himself is a passionate angler; just take one look at his office, which is filled with fishing rods of every variety, and his love for the sport becomes immediately clear. You can head out to sea with the captain for a night fishing experience, venturing into non-protected waters where the captain adjusts the fishing spots based on the day's conditions to make sure everyone gets as many bites as possible within the available time.
Since the Editor is very much a fishing novice, we're going on the word of experienced Taiwanese anglers who have fished in Palau before: Palau's rich marine ecosystem is reflected directly in the thrill of fishing there. The sheer variety and abundance of fish species means that even a complete beginner like the Editor would come away with an unforgettable experience.
William is a devoted fishing enthusiast — he uses time on the water to forget the toils of the day
Of course, amid the exhilarating tug-of-war with the fish, don't forget to look up at Palau's spectacularly unpolluted night sky. If you happen to be there during a full moon, the moonlight spills like silver across the surface of the sea, making the water shimmer and dance — a scene that adds a uniquely romantic and almost magical quality to the entire evening.
One important note: in Palau, only local residents are permitted to sell fish they catch. Visitors may not sell their catch to locals or hotels. Experienced anglers should also be aware that fishing from the shore or in harbor areas is not permitted in Palau — violations can result in fines!
On a night fishing trip, don't forget to take in the breathtaking, light-pollution-free night sky
Landmark Marina's Hidden Activity: Fishing Trips
- Minimum 6 people per group; US$80 per person (plus a government fishing tax of US$20).
- Contact Landmark Marina directly for more details.
A local fellow traveler on the same boat came home with a plentiful catch that night
The Editor's Closing Thoughts: Landmark Marina — More Than a Hotel, It Feels Like Home
Deep blue skies, red-tiled roofs, crystal-clear water — isn't this exactly the image Palau leaves in every traveler's heart?
Landmark Marina doesn't really feel like a typical hotel — it feels more like a large guesthouse that William runs as his own home. He has lived in Palau for over 20 years and actually resides on the property, with his office right next to the lobby. Next time you check in, if you happen to run into William, be sure to say hello — his warmth and enthusiasm are a perfect embodiment of classic Taiwanese hospitality!
All in all, Landmark Marina is a wonderful place for divers and food lovers alike to spend their holiday. Comfortable, easygoing, and able to meet all kinds of needs, it lets you immerse yourself in Palau's magnificent ocean world while enjoying a genuinely relaxing and memorable stay!
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