Plizio Visual Lab
Ngarchelong Stone Faces
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
ruins
Weather…
Water temperature…
Located at the northern tip of Babeldaob Island in Ngarchelong State, the Badrulchau archaeological site is Palau's most significant and enigmatic megalithic monument. The site features 52 massive basalt monoliths arranged in two rows, believed to have once functioned as the foundation pillars for a grand spiritual or community meeting house (bai) of immense proportions. Among these pillars are several carved stone faces, showing distinct features such as large eyes and prominent mouths, which have puzzled archaeologists for decades. Local legends attribute the construction of these monoliths to gods, while scientific estimates suggest they date back several centuries. The site's strategic location on a grassy hillside features panoramic views of the ocean, highlighting its likely importance as a ceremonial center. Badrulchau is part of Palau’s UNESCO World Heritage tentative list and remains a powerful symbol of the islands' ancient engineering skills and cultural heritage.
- Location: Palau
- Top sights: Ngerchelong stone monoliths · Bischerad · Old Japanese Lighthouse
- Nearby: Ulimang (7 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb–Apr.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 |
| Rain mm | 216 | 197 | 183 | 177 | 279 | 331 | 375 | 303 | 284 | 236 | 239 | 246 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Ngarchelong Stone Faces are outdoors at the Badrulchau site, usually accessible without restrictions. The ground is open, and the stones stand in a clearing.
Typical hours
The ruin site has no set hours and can be visited during daylight. Coming in bright daylight is recommended to see the details of the stone faces.
Photography
Photography is allowed, and the enigmatic faces are a popular subject. Try playing with shadow effects to highlight the stones' expressions.
Time needed
Viewing the stone row takes about 15-20 minutes. For a detailed look and photos, allow 30 minutes.
Combine with
This attraction pairs well with the nearby Ngaraard Stone Path or the Ngarchelong coastal area. Old ceremonial platforms in the vicinity are also interesting.
Getting there
The site is off the main road in Ngarchelong, reachable by car on an unpaved track. A 4WD vehicle is helpful in wet weather.
Insider tip
Visit the site early morning to enjoy soft light and quiet. Respect the cultural significance - do not touch the stones excessively.
Geography
Facts
- The site contains between 37 and 52 individual basalt monoliths.
- The heaviest stones weigh more than 5 tons each.
- Radiocarbon dating confirms the site was used around 161 AD.
- Locally, the archaeological site is known as Badrulchau.
- Some of the stone pillars stand over 2 meters tall.
- The monoliths are arranged in two distinct parallel rows.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Ngarchelong Stone Faces (5)
Tet el Bad (Stone coffin/Sarcophagus)
Stone sarcophagus in Ngarchelong, a traditional burial site.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What are the stone faces?
Ancient, mysterious stone figures that were carved into basalt blocks.
How do you get there?
By car to the end of the road in Ngarchelong, then a short walk.
Are there admission fees?
Yes, a fee is often charged for access to this archaeological area.
How long does a visit take?
About 30-45 minutes for the whole site.
Can you have a picnic there?
No, this is an archaeological site, please take your trash with you.
Ngarchelong Stone Faces: where is it located?
Ngarchelong Stone Faces is located in Palau.
Ngarchelong Stone Faces: what is there to see?
Highlights include Ngerchelong stone monoliths, Bischerad, Old Japanese Lighthouse.
Ngarchelong Stone Faces: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Apr.
Ngarchelong Stone Faces: why is it worth visiting?
Located at the northern tip of Babeldaob Island in Ngarchelong State, the Badrulchau archaeological site is Palau's most significant and enigmatic megalithic monument.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Oceania
More places in Palau →
Nearby cities
Airai
Airai is the second most populous settlement in Palau.
Koror Business District
This district forms the economic heart of Palau.
Koror
Koror is the most populous city in Palau and served as the national capital until 2006.
Meyuns
Meyuns is a significant village located on Ngerekebesang Island.
Kloulklubed
Kloulklubed is the main village on Peleliu Island.
Ulimang
Ulimang is the administrative center of Ngaraard State on Babeldaob.
Mengellang
Mengellang is the main village of Ngarchelong State at the northern tip of Babeldaob.
Ngerulmud
Ngerulmud has been the capital of Palau since 2006.
Ngerulmud Administrative Center
As the seat of government, Ngerulmud is the center for public spending and national administration.
Ngchesar
Ngchesar is a quiet settlement on the east coast of Babeldaob.
Melekeok
Melekeok is a village on the east coast of Babeldaob.
Aimeliik
Aimeliik is a settlement in southwestern Babeldaob.
Ngiwal
Ngiwal is a village in eastern Babeldaob.
Ngardmau
Ngardmau is a settlement on the west coast of Babeldaob.
Kayangel
Kayangel is the northernmost inhabited settlement in Palau, located on a coral atoll.
History & landmarks
Ngerulmud Monoliths
Near the current seat of government are ancient stone structures that indicate the historical importance of this location.
Palau Capitol Building
The Capitol Building in Ngerulmud is the official seat of the government of Palau.
Bai ra Airai
This traditional meeting house, over 130 years old, is the oldest of its kind in Palau and a major cultural monument.
Nature
Lake Ngardok Nature Reserve
The largest freshwater lake in Micronesia is located on Babeldaob.
Ngardmau Waterfall
The tallest waterfall in Palau cascades from Mount Ngerchelchuus.
Mount Ngerchelchuus
Mount Ngerchelchuus is the highest point in Palau, reaching an elevation of 242 meters.
Lake Ngardok
Lake Ngardok is the largest natural freshwater lake in Micronesia.
Babeldaob Mangroves
The mangrove forests of Babeldaob fringe large portions of the main island's coastline.
🗺️
Ngaremeduu Bay
Ngaremeduu Bay is the largest estuary and mangrove ecosystem in Palau.
Ngaremeduu Conservation Area
This area encompasses the largest estuarine ecosystem in Palau, featuring mangrove forests and seagrass beds.
More places
Badrulchau Stone Monoliths
The site in Ngarchelong consists of 37 massive basalt monoliths, with origins dating back to approximately 150 AD.
Badrulchau Monoliths
This archaeological site comprises 37 large stone monoliths dating back to around 161 AD.
Ngaraard Stone Path
This historical path in Ngaraard is an excellent example of traditional road-building techniques using carved basalt stone.
Ngardmau Mining Site
This site was once a center for bauxite and phosphate mining.
Stone Path of Ngerchelchuus
This ancient stone-paved path leads through the dense jungle of Babeldaob and once connected important villages.
Babeldaob Highlands
The highlands form the hilly interior of Palau's largest island.
Ngardok Basin
The Ngardok Basin is a natural depression on Babeldaob Island.
Imeong Village Ruins
The ancient village of Imeong houses significant stone platforms and terraces that once formed the cultural center of Ngeremlengui.