Babeldaob Travel Guide

Discover the culturally rich and naturally beautiful island of Babeldaob in Palau with our comprehensive travel guide. Plan your itinerary, explore must-visit attractions, try local food and drinks, and find accommodation and transportation options.


Introduction to Babeldaob

Babeldaob is the largest island in Palau, Micronesia. Known for its cultural richness and natural beauty, the island attracts visitors from all over the world. With its pristine beaches, diving spots, waterfalls, and scenic views, Babeldaob offers a unique travel experience to its visitors. This comprehensive travel guide will help you discover the best places to visit, things to do, local food and drink scenes, and accommodation and transportation options on the island.

List of Places to Visit in Babeldaob

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Belau National Museum: The museum showcases Palau’s rich cultural heritage, history, and biodiversity. It features exhibits on traditional Palauan lifestyle, artifacts, and marine life.

  • Bai ra Mesei: A ceremonial meeting place for the traditional chiefs of Palau. It features stone pillars with carvings of marine animals.

  • Peleliu Island Battle Memorial: A tribute to the soldiers who fought during the World War II Battle of Peleliu.

Natural Attractions of Babeldaob: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Ngardmau Waterfall: A scenic waterfall with limestone formations and nearby trails for hiking and bird watching.

  • Kayangel Islands: A group of small islands with white sand beaches and coral reefs, perfect for snorkeling and diving.

  • Ulong Island: A popular spot for kayaking and snorkeling with crystal-clear waters and diverse marine life.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Babeldaob

  • The Babeldaob Trail: A well-established trail that takes hikers through the scenic mountains and jungles, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

  • The Ngatpang Trail: A moderately challenging trail that takes hikers through the lush rainforest and to the summit of a mountain, offering stunning views of the coastline.

Best Things to Do in Babeldaob: Activities and Tours

  • Rock Island Kayak Tour: Explore the beautiful Rock Islands on a guided kayak tour and discover the vibrant marine life and pristine beaches.

  • Snorkeling and Diving Tours: Explore the coral reefs and marine life of Palau with a snorkeling or diving tour.

  • Island Explorer Tour: Discover the hidden gems of Palau on an island explorer tour that takes you through the stunning natural scenery and cultural landmarks.

Week-Long Itinerary for Babeldaob

Day Activity
Day 1 Arrive on Babeldaob, explore the local markets and food scene
Day 2 Visit Belau National Museum and Bai ra Mesei. Take a hike to Ngardmau waterfall
Day 3 Take a kayaking tour around the nearby islands and enjoy the stunning beaches
Day 4 Visit the Peleliu Island Battle Memorial and learn about the history of WWII battles
Day 5 Take a diving or snorkeling tour to explore the coral reefs and marine life
Day 6 Take a hike to the Ngatpang Trail and explore the scenic views
Day 7 Visit Ulong Island for kayaking and snorkeling

Food and Drink Scene of Babeldaob

Must-Try Dishes

  • Palauan Chicken Adobo: Chicken cooked in a tangy soy sauce and vinegar marinade, served with rice.

  • Malarkey: A traditional Palauan dessert made with rice flour, palm sugar, and coconut milk.

Local Beverages

  • Bai: A locally brewed traditional drink made from taro roots, cassava, or rice.

  • Jellyfish Lake Cocktail: A refreshing cocktail made with local spirits and fruit juices, named after the famous Jellyfish Lake in Palau.

Where to Stay in Babeldaob: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Palau Pacific Resort: A luxury resort with beachfront villas, four restaurants, a spa, and a private beach.

  • West Plaza by the Sea: A mid-range hotel located in downtown Koror, offering an outdoor pool, restaurant, and bar.

  • B&B Mahijah: A budget-friendly guesthouse located in Airai, offering clean rooms and a communal kitchen.

What to Buy in Babeldaob: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Palauan Traditional Mats: Handmade mats woven from pandan leaves, souvenir shops sell them in various sizes and colors.

  • Shark Tooth Weapons: Made from the teeth of sharks, these decorative items are unique to Palauan culture.

Local Culture and Customs of Babeldaob

  • The traditional Palauan culture is deeply rooted in the teachings of their ancestors. Visitors are expected to respect the local customs and traditions.

  • It is customary to remove shoes before entering someone’s home or a place of worship.

Best Time to Visit Babeldaob

The best time to visit Babeldaob is from December to March, when the weather is dry and comfortable. Avoid visiting during the typhoon and rainy season (June-November) as heavy rains and strong winds can disrupt travel plans.

Do’s and Don’ts of Babeldaob

Do:

  • Respect the local customs and traditions.

  • Dress modestly while visiting places of worship or local villages.

Don’t:

  • Dispose of trash in public places.

  • Touch or step on the coral reefs while snorkeling or diving.

Safety and Health

Safety in Babeldaob

  • Babeldaob is generally a safe place for visitors. However, it is still advised to be cautious and aware of your surroundings.

  • Avoid walking alone at night in isolated areas.

Health in Babeldaob

  • Palau has no cases of malaria or yellow fever, but dengue fever can be a problem in some areas.

  • Visitors are advised to have up-to-date vaccinations, including Hepatitis A and B, and to carry insect repellent and sunscreen.

Getting to Babeldaob: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Babeldaob

  • Roman Tmetuchl International Airport (ROR): Located in the island of Koror, serves as the primary gateway to Palau.

  • Babeldaob Airport (BCD): Located in the northern part of Babeldaob, serves domestic flights.

Bus Stations Near Babeldaob

  • There are no bus stations on the island of Babeldaob. Visitors can hire a car or a taxi to get around the island.

Other Options

  • Visitors can also take a ferry from Koror to Babeldaob.

How to Get Around in Babeldaob

  • Renting a car or hiring a taxi is the most popular way to get around Babeldaob.

  • Visitors can also hire a bike or motorcycle to explore the island on their own.

Where to Go Next from Babeldaob: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Rock Islands of Palau: A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its unique limestone formations and marine life.

  • Jellyfish Lake: A marine lake with millions of harmless jellyfish, it’s a perfect place for snorkeling and swimming.

Conclusion

Babeldaob offers a unique travel experience to visitors with its diverse cultural heritage and natural beauty. This comprehensive travel guide will help you plan your itinerary, discover the must-visit attractions, try local food and drink scenes, find suitable accommodations, and explore transportation options. Remember to respect the local customs and traditions, and stay safe and healthy during your visit.

Palau's capitol building Palau's capitol building