Angaur is a small coral-line Island located so 10 km southwest of Peleliu Island, at the southern most tip of the main group of islands in the Palau Archipelago. The island, approximately 8 square kilometers in size, is a raised platform type island lacking a protective reef. Angaur's steep shoreline cliffs are continuously pounded by large waves, creating a spectacular sight. The highest point on the island is only 40 meters above the sea level, with the most of its land being only 10. Angaur's terrain is very rugged with marshy swamps across the landscape. For centuries, large numbers of birds used Angaur as a nesting ground. Their droppings eventually became large phosphate deposits which led to the beginning of the mining of phosphate in the early part of the 20th century by the German Administration.

The mines, located along the east coast, continued operations through the American Administration which finally ceased operation during the 1950s. The mined phosphate was initially processed and loaded on the ships at a small harbor on the west side of the Island. This small natural harbor was expended and a lighthouse later built. The abandoned remains of the lighthouse can still be seen on the high ground to the northwest of the harbor.

Angaur's inhabited settlements are concentrated on the west coast, south of the harbor. There, the villages of Rois and Ngaramasch are interconnected by a network of roads. Secondary roads span out across the island and almost encircle it. On the east side of the island is a landing strip constructed during the Japanese administration. Although unimproved, the 6600 foot runway is still used by a small aircraft providing service between Koror and Angaur. It is believed that the presence of this runway played an important role in the decision by the American forces to take Angaur along with Peleliu during World War II. Due to there being less defensive forces on Angaur, the Island received much less shelling before the invasion, and avoided the tragic loss of life as witnessed in Peleliu. Most of Angaur is covered with a mixed forest which includes several small stands of ironwood trees.

In the oral tradition of Palau, Angaur is where chuab the god of creation, was destroyed. His subsequent fall into the oceans water and projecting body parts, created the Palau Island. Angaur is considered one of the places where all Palauans migrated from, to populate the rest of Palau.

There is much for visitors to explore in Angaur. From well preserved WWII plane wrecks and historical sites to its natural beauty and quiet, lazy calm, Angaur possesses a special mystique which is sure to please everyone.