Airai works well as a day-trip base if you have a rental car, since the main road gives quick access to both Koror and the rest of Babeldaob, but without wheels you will depend on pricey taxis.
Badrulchau Stone Monoliths:
These rows of basalt pillars stand in an open field up the island’s road network, well over an hour’s drive from Airai, and nobody else is usually there. They are remnants of an ancient village and take about 30 minutes to see. Entry is a small fee, typically under US$10 for the Babeldaob heritage sites. Go in the morning, before the afternoon downpours, and bring mosquito repellent.
Ngardmau Waterfall:
Palau’s tallest waterfall rewards a muddy walk of about 45 minutes each way through forest, so wear shoes with grip. Driving from Airai takes roughly 1 hour. Budget US$10 …
read more 👉Airai works well as a day-trip base if you have a rental car, since the main road gives quick access to both Koror and the rest of Babeldaob, but without wheels you will depend on pricey taxis.
Badrulchau Stone Monoliths:
These rows of basalt pillars stand in an open field up the island’s road network, well over an hour’s drive from Airai, and nobody else is usually there. They are remnants of an ancient village and take about 30 minutes to see. Entry is a small fee, typically under US$10 for the Babeldaob heritage sites. Go in the morning, before the afternoon downpours, and bring mosquito repellent.
Ngardmau Waterfall:
Palau’s tallest waterfall rewards a muddy walk of about 45 minutes each way through forest, so wear shoes with grip. Driving from Airai takes roughly 1 hour. Budget US$10 to 20 for the entry fee plus fuel. First-timers often start after noon and run short of daylight, so leave by 9 a.m. The dry months give firmer trails.
Koror Rock Islands Boat Day:
The Rock Islands are why most people come to Palau, and the dock is about 20 to 30 minutes away. A full-day tour with snorkeling in Jellyfish Lake or the lagoons costs about US$150 to 250 including permit fees. Book a day ahead and choose calm months from February to April, because rough seas cancel trips.
Melekeok and Ngchesar Coast:
A loop north along the east coast passes Ngchesar’s mangroves and the capital in Melekeok, about 45 minutes one way. It costs little beyond fuel, around US$15 to 25, and suits a lazy afternoon with swim stops.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.