Babeldaob is the main island of the Republic of Palau, an independent state in free association with the United States. YPT organises private tours to Palau and features it in our popular Least Visited Countries Tour, which occurs twice a year—once in summer and once in winter. Palau is renowned for its WWII history, exceptional scuba diving, and diverse culinary offerings, ranging from fruit bat soup to Asian fusion cuisine, as well as the local brewery, Red Rooster Beer, which provides a selection of amber, stout, and three other beer varieties. However, Babeldaob is full of opportunities for exploration and offers intriguing day tour activities that many travellers might overlook, so we have created this Babeldaob Palau Day Guide for an overview on what the island offers.
Travel from Downtown Koror to the Northern Tip of Babeldaob
Start your adventure by heading to the northernmost tip of Babeldaob. On the way out of Koror you’ll pass the Japan-Palau Friendship Bridge. This bridge is a reinforced concrete structure featuring a portal frame and cable-stayed design, measuring a total length of 413 metres. Constructed in 2002 by the Kajima Corporation of Japan, it replaced the previous bridge built by Socio Construction Co. of South Korea in 1978, which unfortunately collapsed in 1996 due to poor construction. On the way, there are plenty of scenic stops with views of the lagoons surrounding the island, as well as the Ngardmau waterfalls.
According to a legend about Ngardmau, this intriguing feature of Palau was formed by a one-eyed eel that fell into such a deep sleep that it never awoke. Today, the waterfall is regarded as the head of the eel, while locals continue to share tales of a large living eel wandering somewhere in the river. Not usually visited by tourists, it’s a great spot to top for a refreshing dip and hang with the locals.
Badrulchau Stone Monoliths: A Historical Marvel
The Badrulchau Stone Monoliths, often referred to as the “Easter Island of Micronesia”. At Badrulchau, you’ll encounter the largest collection of ancient megaliths in Palau, featuring 39 monoliths and 7 intricately carved faces. These stone giants date back to the 2nd century and are believed to be the remnants of a significant structure, likely an ancient Palauan meeting house. It’s a bit of a hike down (and back up) but certainly worth the trek as one of the Pacific’s most mysterious and oldest landmarks.
Afternoon: Discovering the Capitol
As you make your way back down the island, be sure to stop at Ngerulmud, the administrative capital of Palau. With a population of fewer than 400 residents, it is the least populated capital in the world. Here, you can visit the Capitol building, which was built with loans from Taiwan, unfortunately placing Palau in debt. The Capitol accommodates the Senate (13 seats) and the House of Delegates (16 seats). Feel free to wander the grounds, peek into the President’s office, and admire the distinctive architecture that blends Palauan imagery with a design reminiscent of the United States Capitol Building. A fun fact: Palau has no political parties; all representatives are independent!
Exploring Airai: A Touch of Tradition
Continue your journey to Airai, home to the oldest bai (traditional meeting house) in existence, dating back 180 years. The rains of Palau have not been kind to ancient architecture, resulting in a limited number of historical buildings. At the turn of the century, there were over a hundred bai across the islands, making this a significant cultural site.
While in Airai, don’t miss the chance to see a traditional “Kabekel,” a war canoe. These canoes served as bases for warriors during expeditions to neighboring villages. The last recorded use of these canoes in battle was in the late 18th century, after which colonial powers like the Germans and Japanese prohibited warfare in Palau.
Evening: Local Culture at the 680 Night Market
On your way back, make a stop at the 680 Night Market. Held in the evening underneath the Japan-Palau Friendship bridge, this vibrant hub is usually brimming with live entertainment and delicious food. Enjoy the lively atmosphere, sample local delicacies, and soak in the essence of Palauan culture to wrap up your day of exploration.
Enjoy your journey through Babeldaob, where history, culture, and adventure await! Visit Palau with YPT on a private tour or join our Least Visited Countries Group Tour.
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