Ngchesar

Ngchesar is a serene and traditional settlement located on the eastern coast of Babeldaob, Palau's largest island. As the capital of Ngchesar State, it serves as a regional administrative hub while maintaining a peaceful, rural atmosphere. The village is renowned throughout Palau for its exceptional craftsmanship in building traditional war canoes, known as Kabekel. The annual war canoe festival is a major cultural highlight, showcasing ancient maritime skills and competitive spirit. The geography of Ngchesar is defined by dense, untouched mangrove forests and winding rivers that are home to exotic birdlife and saltwater crocodiles. Village life remains centered around the 'Bai' (traditional meeting houses), adorned with intricate storyboards and wood carvings. For those seeking an authentic Micronesian experience, Ngchesar provides a rare look at Palauan customs, traditional seafaring heritage, and the pristine natural beauty of Babeldaob's less-traveled eastern shore.

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 Administrative Center

As the seat of government, Ngerulmud is the center for public spending and national administration.

Ngerulmud

Ngerulmud has been the capital of Palau since 2006.

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.

Angaur

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

History & landmarks

Palau Capitol Building

The Capitol Building in Ngerulmud is the official seat of the government of Palau.

Ngerulmud Monoliths

Near the current seat of government are ancient stone structures that indicate the historical importance of this location.

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

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.

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.

Ngardmau Waterfall

The tallest waterfall in Palau cascades from Mount Ngerchelchuus.

Ngaremeduu Conservation Area

This area encompasses the largest estuarine ecosystem in Palau, featuring mangrove forests and seagrass beds.

More places

Ngardok Basin

The Ngardok Basin is a natural depression on Babeldaob Island.

Ngatpang Aquaculture Center

This center specializes in the sustainable farming of seafood.

Babeldaob Highlands

The highlands form the hilly interior of Palau's largest island.

Japanese Communications Center

This ruin of a massive reinforced concrete building in Airai served as a communications hub for the Japanese military during WWII.

Airai Bai

The Airai Bai is a traditional men's meeting house over 170 years old.

Airai Stone Path

The Airai Stone Path is a historic connecting road made of large stone slabs.

Stone Path of Ngerchelchuus

This ancient stone-paved path leads through the dense jungle of Babeldaob and once connected important villages.

Airai Solar Farm

This solar farm represents Palau's commitment to renewable energy.