Babeldoab Island travel guide

These are the ruins of the old Japanese communications center, Kaigun Sho. It was built in the shape of a cross and disguised as a field hospital to avoid being attacked. When the allies found out, they bombed it. Today, there are various remnants from the war, including tanks and guns, but else it's very tidy. You need a ticket, which can only be purchased at Airai State Office (else you risk getting fined 500 USD!).

The ruin (because it's a ruin) of this Japanese lighthouse has a beautiful setting with extensive views over the azure blue lagoon below. The lighthouse was built during the Japanese occupation and it was destroyed not many years later. Again, there isn't that much info to find anywhere.

This monument can be seen from the road, but otherwise there are no signs or information. The monument has rows of name plates of Japanese soldiers.

A monolith is a large single upright block of stone. Some of the ones at Badrulchau even have carved faces. As it often is with prehistoric things, not much is known about them. At least there is an information board explaining the few facts. The collection here at Badrulchau is by far Palau's biggest and best, so it's understandable that some calls it the "Easter Island of Micronesia".

Palau highest point is the summit of Mt. Ngerchelchuus (217 m). There is a turn off at the road, where a sign says Mt. Ngerchelchuus. From here it looks like an easy hike, but we never ventured up to the top, as the view was already good enough for us.

Beautiful Ngardmau Waterfall is probably the most famous on-land sight Palau has to offer. The waterfall is a tough 30-40 minutes hike and more than 500 steps from the entrance. You will pass some old railway track, which were used by the nearby bauxite mines (don't follow them too long, take the trail to the right). Then you reach the riverbed, which is dotted with natural pools. The waterfall is a short hike from here over boardwalks and a bridge. You will arrive at the bottom of the wide and tall waterfall (width 37m, height 30m), which apparently is the tallest in Micronesia. You can take a rough shower under falls or get behind the curtains of water.

This waterfall is not just less known than Ngardmau Waterfall further north, it's location is close to a secret. Google maps are wrong and most locals have only heard about the waterfall. So to get there: Park outside the construction camp. Follow the 4x4 track along the fence, which quickly turns into a jungle trail which descent. You can start to hear the waterfall. You will arrive at the top of the waterfall. Follow the rope across the river (you will get wet feet) and take the trail down to the bottom of the falls. Vola. A beautiful waterfall in a tranquil jungle setting.

You will see Palau National Capitol long before you get there. A white dome perching over the lush jungle. As you arrive, you will be perplexed about its isolated, but truly stunning, location high on a ridge with views over a bay. It's easy to see, where they got the inspiration from (Washington DC), but as you take in the details, you find many quicky local designs. There seems to be no security and you’re freely to roam around the grounds and inside the main building. It’s one of the few places in Palau without an entrance fee.