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Palau🇵🇼 | hikesNgardmau Waterfall Trail30-meter falls, forest stairs, plunge pool, 2.5 km each way | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in Ngardmau Waterfall Trail
🏆 Top pickhike ranked #1
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 15, 2026

The trail starts at a small ticket booth where a local attendant collects the entry fee, and from there a concrete-and-gravel track drops you into the forest. Ngardmau Waterfall Trail is in the north of Palau, on Babeldaob island, a drive up the island from Koror. Palau’s tallest waterfall, around 30 meters, spills over a rock lip into a pool, and the roughly 2.5 kilometers each way run through jungle, ferns and a muddy stretch of stairs. Go early, when the forest is cool and the cicadas haven’t hit full volume, and you get the pool nearly to yourself. The walk is short but humid and slippery after rain, with a steep set of steps on the way back out. Public transport is thin: no regular bus reaches the trailhead, so you need a rental car, a tour or a negotiated taxi. It suits casual hikers, swimmers and anyone who wants green quiet after the Rock Islands. If you want a long, challenging alpine day, it will feel too gentle.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 Palau Travel Guide.
Best time to go: November - April
Duration: 2 to 3 hours
Distance: 5 kilometers
Total ascent: 150 meters


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✨ Why go?
Ranked #1 hike in PalauWhy visitors keep coming back

Palau is mostly a water-and-reef destination, so a walk to the biggest fall on Babeldaob is the easiest way to see the island’s inland side. The payoff is high for modest effort. You cover about 2.5 kilometers each way, nothing technical, and finish at a freshwater pool beneath the cascade where you can cool off after the muggy descent.

The route also gives you a close look at Ngardmau’s rainforest, which is a different world from the diving boats of the lagoon. Paths branch toward the old Japanese-era hillside relics and the Ngardmau Falls lookout, so you can stretch or trim the outing to fit your energy and the weather.

It slots into a road loop of Babeldaob easily. You can pair it with other stops on the northern coast in a single day, which makes it a practical break between island-hopping … read more 👉
Palau is mostly a water-and-reef destination, so a walk to the biggest fall on Babeldaob is the easiest way to see the island’s inland side. The payoff is high for modest effort. You cover about 2.5 kilometers each way, nothing technical, and finish at a freshwater pool beneath the cascade where you can cool off after the muggy descent.

The route also gives you a close look at Ngardmau’s rainforest, which is a different world from the diving boats of the lagoon. Paths branch toward the old Japanese-era hillside relics and the Ngardmau Falls lookout, so you can stretch or trim the outing to fit your energy and the weather.

It slots into a road loop of Babeldaob easily. You can pair it with other stops on the northern coast in a single day, which makes it a practical break between island-hopping days. Cost stays low, with just a small fee at the entrance, and no gear beyond decent shoes, water and a swimsuit is needed.

💡 HighlightsKey sights and experiences for travelers

  1. Ngardmau Waterfall: The star of the hike, a drop of roughly 30 meters, the tallest in Palau. It pours into a pool you can wade or swim in, and the spray cools the air around you. After heavy rain the flow thickens and turns the pool a milky tan.
  2. The forest staircase: A long run of steps carries you down toward the falls through tall trees and thick ferns. Going down is easy. The climb back up is the real workout, and your calves will notice it.
  3. Rainforest corridor: Between the entrance and the stream, the trail passes giant leaves, vines and palms, with birdcalls overhead. The shade is welcome, and mud patches make boots more useful than flip-flops.
  4. Stream crossings and the plunge pool: Small streams cross the route, and at the bottom the water collects in a clear pool. It is the best moment
… read more 👉
  1. Ngardmau Waterfall: The star of the hike, a drop of roughly 30 meters, the tallest in Palau. It pours into a pool you can wade or swim in, and the spray cools the air around you. After heavy rain the flow thickens and turns the pool a milky tan.
  2. The forest staircase: A long run of steps carries you down toward the falls through tall trees and thick ferns. Going down is easy. The climb back up is the real workout, and your calves will notice it.
  3. Rainforest corridor: Between the entrance and the stream, the trail passes giant leaves, vines and palms, with birdcalls overhead. The shade is welcome, and mud patches make boots more useful than flip-flops.
  4. Stream crossings and the plunge pool: Small streams cross the route, and at the bottom the water collects in a clear pool. It is the best moment of the day, a cold swim after a sweaty walk.
  5. Japanese-era relics on the hillside: Around Ngardmau there are remains from the Japanese administration, including old rail and ropeway traces linked to the area’s bauxite mining. They add a historical layer to a nature walk, though the signage is light, so a local guide helps you read them.
All of it fits comfortably in about two to three hours at an easy pace, including time for a swim and photos.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do near Ngardmau Waterfall Trail

Milky Way, Shark City Island, Beach and Rock Island Tour

Milky Way, Shark City Island, Beach and Rock Island Tour

5.0(24)
From €181
per personViator
Koror City Tour

Koror City Tour

0.0(0) 4h
From €45
per personViator

Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you.

🌤️ When to go?Choosing the right time of year

  • Dry Season (December to April): This is the best window for the Ngardmau Waterfall Trail, with highs around 29 to 31°C (84 to 88°F), less mud on the red-clay path and a calmer, clearer feel in the jungle. The falls run lower but still look good, and Babeldaob roads are easy for rental cars.
  • Wet Season (June to October): Expect warm, sticky days of 27 to 31°C (81 to 88°F) with heavy showers that can come in short bursts. The falls thunder at their fullest, but the steps and slopes turn slick and the final stretch can be sloppy.
  • Transition Months (May and November): Rain is patchy and temperatures sit in the same 27 to 31°C (81 to 88°F) range, so these months are workable if you start early.
  • Crowds and Prices: Tour groups pass through mostly in the late morning, and the entry fee stays the same
… read more 👉
  • Dry Season (December to April): This is the best window for the Ngardmau Waterfall Trail, with highs around 29 to 31°C (84 to 88°F), less mud on the red-clay path and a calmer, clearer feel in the jungle. The falls run lower but still look good, and Babeldaob roads are easy for rental cars.
  • Wet Season (June to October): Expect warm, sticky days of 27 to 31°C (81 to 88°F) with heavy showers that can come in short bursts. The falls thunder at their fullest, but the steps and slopes turn slick and the final stretch can be sloppy.
  • Transition Months (May and November): Rain is patchy and temperatures sit in the same 27 to 31°C (81 to 88°F) range, so these months are workable if you start early.
  • Crowds and Prices: Tour groups pass through mostly in the late morning, and the entry fee stays the same all year. Flights and hotels in Koror cost more from December to March.
  • Daylight: Sunrise is near 6:00 am and sunset near 6:00 pm in every season.
Start by 8:00 am to have the trail and the swimming pool at the base mostly to yourself.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: excellent for travelingFEBFebruary: excellent for travelingMARMarch: excellent for travelingAPRApril: highly recommended for travelingMAYMay: fair for travelingJUNJune: fair for travelingJULJuly: fair for travelingAUGAugust: fair for travelingSEPSeptember: fair for travelingOCTOctober: fair for travelingNOVNovember: highly recommended for travelingDECDecember: excellent for traveling
palau-hike-ngardmau-waterfall-trail
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🥾 Hike detailsA practical overview of the hike

Total Distance: About 5 kilometers round trip, roughly 2.5 kilometers each way.
Estimated Duration: Two to three hours round trip, depending on how long you linger at the pool.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate. The path is well defined, but humidity, mud and the final staircase climb make it feel tougher than the distance suggests.
Starting Point: The trailhead and ticket booth are in Ngardmau State, on the northern part of Babeldaob island.
  • Public transport access: No regular bus serves the trailhead. Most independent travelers rent a car, join a tour from Koror or arrange a taxi that waits for them.
… read more 👉
Total Distance: About 5 kilometers round trip, roughly 2.5 kilometers each way.
Estimated Duration: Two to three hours round trip, depending on how long you linger at the pool.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate. The path is well defined, but humidity, mud and the final staircase climb make it feel tougher than the distance suggests.
Starting Point: The trailhead and ticket booth are in Ngardmau State, on the northern part of Babeldaob island.
  • Public transport access: No regular bus serves the trailhead. Most independent travelers rent a car, join a tour from Koror or arrange a taxi that waits for them.
  • Entry: A small fee is collected at the booth.
Major Landmarks:
  • Entrance booth: Where you pay and start the walk.
  • Staircase section: A long set of steps through the forest, steepest near the bottom.
  • Waterfall and pool: The final destination, with a drop of about 30 meters.
Terrain and Scenery: A mix of gravel track, packed earth and wooden or stone steps. Sections turn slick after rain. Views open occasionally over the forested hills of the island’s interior.
Vegetation: Dense tropical rainforest with ferns, palms, pandanus, vines and broad-leaved trees that create deep shade.
Wildlife: Expect tropical birds, lizards, insects and the occasional fruit bat overhead. Mosquitoes can be persistent, so bring repellent.
What to Bring: Water, grippy shoes, swimwear, a towel and a rain layer.
⚠️ Hiking info can sometimes be outdated or inaccurate. Before you hit the trail, check the latest conditions with locals. If you do spot anything that's off, I'd love to hear from you, so I can update it for fellow travelers.

🛡️ SafetyStaying Safe: What Travelers Should Know

The Ngardmau Waterfall Trail is a well-marked, manageable walk, and the main hazard is slippery footing. The path drops down a long run of steps and muddy red-clay sections, and after rain the wooden stairs and roots get greasy. Wear shoes with real tread rather than flip-flops, and take the climb back up slowly, since the return is where most people tire in the heat and humidity. Carry at least 1 liter of water per person, insect repellent for mosquitoes, and a light rain layer, because showers arrive fast. Stay on the marked path, as the forest is dense and it is easy to lose bearings if you wander. Swimming at the base is fine in normal flow, but skip the pool after heavy rain when the current picks up. Wildlife is minor here, mostly birds, lizards and the occasional crab, so nothing needs … read more 👉
The Ngardmau Waterfall Trail is a well-marked, manageable walk, and the main hazard is slippery footing. The path drops down a long run of steps and muddy red-clay sections, and after rain the wooden stairs and roots get greasy. Wear shoes with real tread rather than flip-flops, and take the climb back up slowly, since the return is where most people tire in the heat and humidity. Carry at least 1 liter of water per person, insect repellent for mosquitoes, and a light rain layer, because showers arrive fast. Stay on the marked path, as the forest is dense and it is easy to lose bearings if you wander. Swimming at the base is fine in normal flow, but skip the pool after heavy rain when the current picks up. Wildlife is minor here, mostly birds, lizards and the occasional crab, so nothing needs special handling. Pack out your trash and leave the plants alone.
Check Country Safety

FAQCommon questions from travelers

Plan on about 2 to 3 hours round trip, including time at the falls. The walk down from the trailhead in Ngardmau is roughly 25 to 40 minutes each way, and most people allow another 30 to 45 minutes to swim and rest. From Koror, the drive to the trailhead along Babeldaob’s main road takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Easy to moderate for most hikers, with the effort concentrated in the steps and the climb back up. The route covers roughly 1.5 to 2 km (1 to 1.2 miles) one way, with a descent of around 100 meters (330 feet) that you have to re-climb at the end. Mud after rain makes it harder, and the heat adds more strain than the distance does.
No guide is needed, since the trail is clear and signed. You do need to pay a small site entry fee at the trailhead, typically around US$5 to 10. Visit hours are daytime, and most visitors come independently by rental car or on a half-day tour from Koror.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

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We 💚 feedbackFinal thoughts on hiking the Ngardmau Waterfall Trail

Pair it with a drive around Babeldaob’s northern coast and a lunch stop, then save the Rock Islands for the next day so your legs recover from the stairs. I would start at opening time to beat the tour vans and bring a dry shirt for the ride back.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on in-depth research, insights shared by experienced travelers, and feedback from the local travel community in Palau. While every effort is made to keep the information accurate and current, conditions can change — so if you spot anything incorrect or outdated, please get in touch.



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