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Babeldaob, Belau - Things to Do in Babeldaob

Babeldaob

Babeldaob, Belau - Complete Travel Guide

Babeldaob is the largest island in Palau (Belau), offering visitors an authentic glimpse into Palauan culture and pristine natural beauty. This volcanic island is home to the country's capital, Ngerulmud, and features rolling hills, ancient stone monoliths, traditional villages, and some of the most spectacular diving and snorkeling sites in Micronesia. The island serves as the cultural and administrative heart of Palau, where visitors can explore traditional bai (meeting houses), learn about local customs, and experience the warmth of Palauan hospitality. Unlike the more tourist-focused Rock Islands, Babeldaob provides an opportunity to see authentic island life, from local markets to traditional fishing villages. The island's interior is covered with dense jungle and archaeological sites, while its coastline offers world-class diving, pristine beaches, and mangrove forests teeming with wildlife. Babeldaob is perfect for travelers seeking cultural immersion, outdoor adventures, and a deeper understanding of Pacific island life beyond the typical resort experience.

Top Babeldaob

Ancient Stone Monoliths

Discover Palau's mysterious stone monoliths scattered across Babeldaob, including the famous Badrulchau stone faces that date back over 1,000 years. These archaeological wonders offer insight into ancient Palauan civilization and provide excellent photo opportunities against the jungle backdrop. The site requires a short hike through tropical vegetation and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Booking Tip: Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and cooler temperatures. Entry fees are typically $10-15 per person, and hiring a local guide ($20-30) is recommended for historical context and navigation.

Snorkel at Ngardmau Waterfall

Visit Palau's tallest waterfall, cascading 30 meters into a pristine freshwater pool perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The hike to the waterfall takes about 45 minutes through lush jungle terrain, passing traditional taro patches and offering glimpses of local wildlife. The crystal-clear pool provides a refreshing break from the tropical heat and excellent underwater visibility.

Booking Tip: Bring water shoes for the rocky stream bed and waterproof bags for electronics. Entry fee is around $15-20, and the trail can be muddy during rainy season, so visit during dry periods for easier hiking.

Traditional Village Cultural Experience

spend time in authentic Palauan culture by visiting traditional villages where locals demonstrate traditional crafts, cooking methods, and storytelling. Participate in weaving workshops, learn about traditional medicine plants, and enjoy locally prepared meals featuring taro, fish, and tropical fruits. These experiences often include visits to traditional bai (meeting houses) and explanations of Palauan social customs.

Booking Tip: Book through local cultural centers or guesthouses for real feels costing $30-50 per person. Respect local customs by dressing modestly and asking permission before photographing people or sacred sites.

Kayaking Through Mangrove Channels

Paddle through Babeldaob's extensive mangrove systems, home to saltwater crocodiles, various bird species, and unique marine life. The calm waters provide easy kayaking conditions while offering opportunities to spot fruit bats, kingfishers, and monitor lizards. These eco-tours often include stops at traditional fishing spots and explanations of the mangrove ecosystem's importance to Palauan culture and environment.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours cost $60-80 including equipment and guide. Book with operators who provide safety briefings about crocodile awareness, and choose morning tours for better wildlife viewing and cooler temperatures.

World War II Historical Sites Tour

Explore Babeldaob's significant WWII history through visits to Japanese fortifications, gun emplacements, and memorial sites scattered across the island. Learn about the island's strategic importance during the Pacific War and see well-preserved bunkers, anti-aircraft guns, and cave systems used by Japanese forces. These sites offer both historical insight and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Booking Tip: Combine multiple sites in a full-day tour costing $80-120 with transportation and guide. Wear sturdy shoes for exploring bunkers and bring flashlights for cave systems. Local guides provide valuable historical context and safety guidance.

Getting There

Babeldaob is accessible via Palau International Airport (ROR), located on the island itself near Airai. Most international flights arrive from Philippines, Taipei, South Korea, or Japan, with United Airlines, Philippine Airlines, and China Airlines providing regular service. From the airport, the capital Ngerulmud is about 30 minutes by car, while other parts of the island are accessible via the main circumferential road. Many visitors rent cars at the airport or arrange transfers through their accommodations, as public transportation is limited.

Getting Around

Renting a car is the most practical way to explore Babeldaob, with several agencies at the airport offering vehicles for $40-60 per day. The main road circles the island and is generally well-maintained, though some interior roads to waterfalls and archaeological sites may require 4WD vehicles. Taxis are available but expensive for longer distances, while some guesthouses and tour operators provide transportation for specific activities. Bicycles can be rented in some areas, but the hilly terrain and tropical heat make cycling challenging for longer distances.

Where to Stay

Airai (near airport)
Ngerulmud (capital area)
Melekeok (eastern coast)
Ngarchelong (northern tip)
Ngatpang (western coast)
Ngaremlengui (central west)

Food & Dining

Dining on Babeldaob focuses on fresh local ingredients including fish, taro, breadfruit, and tropical fruits, with many small local restaurants serving traditional Palauan dishes alongside Asian influences from Filipino and Japanese cuisines. Local markets in Koror (accessible by bridge) offer the widest variety of dining options, while village eateries on Babeldaob serve authentic home-style cooking at very reasonable prices. Don't miss trying traditional dishes like tinola (fish soup), red snapper, and locally grown organic vegetables, often prepared with coconut milk and served with rice or taro.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Palau

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

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L'ANCIENNE ÉCOLE

4.7 /5
(2423 reviews) 3

Il Ghiottone

4.5 /5
(1957 reviews) 2

il Mulino

4.5 /5
(1946 reviews) 2
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La Cucina Italiana Raleigh

4.8 /5
(1760 reviews) 2
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Casa D'Angelo Ristorante

4.6 /5
(1675 reviews) 3
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Cafe Vico – Authentic Italian Restaurant & Catering in Fort Lauderdale

4.6 /5
(1479 reviews) 3
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Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The best time to visit Babeldaob is during the dry season from December to April, when rainfall is lower and humidity more manageable for outdoor activities and hiking. However, Palau's tropical climate means warm temperatures and occasional rain year-round, so any time can be suitable for travel. The wet season (May-November) brings more frequent afternoon showers but also lush green landscapes and fewer tourists, making it ideal for budget travelers who don't mind occasional rain. Diving and snorkeling conditions remain excellent year-round due to consistent water temperatures.

Insider Tips

Bring cash as ATMs are limited outside the airport area, and many local businesses don't accept credit cards
Learn basic Palauan greetings like 'Alii' (hello) to show respect for local culture and receive warmer welcomes
Pack reef-safe sunscreen as Palau has strict environmental protection laws, and chemical sunscreens are banned to protect coral reefs

Activities in Babeldaob