Ngardmau

Ngardmau is a scenic municipality located on the northern side of Babeldaob Island, renowned for its extraordinary natural beauty and historical significance. The region's crown jewel is the Ngardmau Waterfall, the tallest in Palau, which plunges over a basalt cliff into a cool, refreshing pool. The hike to the falls takes visitors along an ancient trail where remains of a Japanese-era narrow-gauge railway can still be seen, remnants of a once-thriving bauxite mining industry. Set at the base of Mount Ngerchelchuus, the highest peak in the country, Ngardmau gives access to lush rainforests and pristine river systems. The village itself is small and tranquil, maintaining a strong sense of traditional Palauan culture centered around community and the land. For travelers, Ngardmau provides a well-suited blend of outdoor adventure and historical exploration, showcasing the raw volcanic landscape and rich colonial heritage of Palau’s largest island.

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.

Kayangel

Kayangel is the northernmost inhabited settlement in Palau, located on a coral atoll.

Angaur

Angaur is the main settlement on the island of the same name in southern Palau.

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.

Nature

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 Nature Reserve

The largest freshwater lake in Micronesia is located on Babeldaob.

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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.

Babeldaob Mangroves

The mangrove forests of Babeldaob fringe large portions of the main island's coastline.

Lake Ngardok

Lake Ngardok is the largest natural freshwater lake in Micronesia.

More places

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.

Imeong Village Ruins

The ancient village of Imeong houses significant stone platforms and terraces that once formed the cultural center of Ngeremlengui.

Ngaraard Stone Path

This historical path in Ngaraard is an excellent example of traditional road-building techniques using carved basalt stone.

Ngardok Basin

The Ngardok Basin is a natural depression on Babeldaob Island.

Ngatpang Aquaculture Center

This center specializes in the sustainable farming of seafood.

Badrulchau Stone Monoliths

The site in Ngarchelong consists of 37 massive basalt monoliths, with origins dating back to approximately 150 AD.