Ngardmau
Ngardmau at a Glance
Costs: $130-250 per day - palau is pricier than many Pacific islands; diving and park fees add up.
Safety: Generally safe with good tourist support - low violent crime and reliable tourist services; standard precautions advised.
Best Time: November-May - dry season gives best underwater visibility and calmer seas.
Why Visit Ngardmau?
Ngardmau appeals to travelers who favor rainforest hikes and waterfall exploration over crowded resorts; the Ngardmau Waterfall and jungle trails invite quiet outdoor time. Ancient stone sites and traditional bai meeting houses connect visitors with Palauan heritage, and nearby mangroves and rivers are great for kayaking and birdwatching. Local food emphasizes taro, coconut and freshly caught reef fish, enjoyed in small village eateries and family homes.
Best Things to Do in Ngardmau
Island
Babeldaob
Largest Palauan island with diverse ecosystems and villages
Island
Koror Island
Main island of Palau and national population center
Island
Malakal Island
Small island in Palau near Koror
Island
Ngerekebesang
Island in Palau near Koror with residential communities
Museum
Belau National Museum
National museum preserving Palauan culture and artifacts
Archaeological Site
Badrulchau Stone Monoliths
Ancient stone monolith complex in Ngarchelong, Palau
Waterfall
Ngatpang Waterfalls
Series of waterfalls in Ngatpang, Palau
Waterfall
Ngardmau Waterfall
Tall rainforest waterfall and popular swimming spot
Ngardmau Bucket List
Don't Miss
Ngardmau Waterfall - Short rainforest hike leads to a refreshing multi-tiered waterfall and natural pools.
Ngardmau Bai (traditional meeting house) - Visit the carved communal bai to learn about Palauan customs and storytelling.
WWII relic sites - Explore rusting bunkers and relics left from the island’s World War II history.
Hidden Gems
Local fishing hamlets - Small coastal villages where fishermen sell fresh catch and share island life.
Village craft stalls - Handmade woven items and local crafts sold by Ngardmau artisans near the shore.
Short coastal snorkeling spots - Shallow reefs right off the shore ideal for quick snorkels and reef viewing.
Day Trips
Babeldaob interior loop - Scenic drive through Babeldaob villages, roadside views, and roadside bai meeting houses.
Ngardmau to Koror boat trip - Half-day boat ride to Koror for island markets and Rock Islands excursions.
Nearby Cities #
Best Time to Visit Ngardmau
Ngardmau (Palau) is best in the dry months (December-April) for calm seas, clearer water and top snorkeling/diving. The May-November rains bring heavier showers and rougher conditions.
Cool Season
Moderately dry, cooler nights and calm seas - ideal for clear-water diving, island hopping and avoiding the heavy rains that come later in the year.
Hot Season
Warmest, sunniest months with excellent visibility underwater but increasing humidity; expect busy dive trips and occasional afternoon showers too.
Rainy Season
Frequent heavy rains, higher surf and reduced underwater visibility; fewer tourists and lush landscapes, but boat schedules and outdoor plans are often disrupted.
Ngardmau's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 31°C. Heavy rainfall (3346 mm/year), wettest in July.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Good | 22° - 29° | 25° | 269 mm | overcast | 81% | 3.7 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 11.6h |
| February | Good | 23° - 29° | 26° | 186 mm | overcast | 81% | 3.7 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 11.8h |
| March | Very Good | 23° - 30° | 27° | 168 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 3.5 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Very Good | 23° - 31° | 30° | 200 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 3.1 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 12.2h |
| May | Good | 24° - 31° | 30° | 273 mm | overcast | 82% | 2.6 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.3h |
| June | Good | 23° - 30° | 27° | 352 mm | overcast | 82% | 2.5 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.4h |
| July | Good | 23° - 30° | 26° | 398 mm | overcast | 82% | 2.5 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.4h |
| August | Good | 23° - 30° | 26° | 368 mm | overcast | 82% | 2.9 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.2h |
| September | Good | 23° - 30° | 26° | 287 mm | overcast | 82% | 2.7 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.1h |
| October | Good | 23° - 30° | 26° | 323 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 2.9 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 11.8h |
| November | Good | 23° - 30° | 26° | 248 mm | overcast | 82% | 3.0 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 11.7h |
| December | Good | 22° - 29° | 25° | 274 mm | overcast | 82% | 2.9 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.6h |
How to Get to Ngardmau
Ngardmau is on the northwest of Babeldaob island in Palau; international arrivals come into Roman Tmetuchl International Airport (ROR) near Koror/Airai. From there the paved road network connects to Ngardmau by car or taxi.
Roman Tmetuchl International Airport (ROR): Palau’s main airport is Roman Tmetuchl International Airport (ROR) in Airai (near Koror). International flights arrive at ROR; from Koror/Babeldaob you can drive to Ngardmau.
Babeldaob access: There is no separate airport for Ngardmau-road access from Koror/Airai is the common route.
Train: There is no rail network in Palau.
Bus / Local transfer: Palau has informal bus and shared-van services on Babeldaob and between Koror and key villages; these are inexpensive but can be infrequent. Taxis and rental cars are common for reaching Ngardmau directly from the airport or Koror.
How to Get Around Ngardmau
Ngardmau is best reached by road from Roman Tmetuchl Airport (ROR) using a taxi or rental car. Shared vans are a cheaper but less predictable option - driving yourself gives the most flexibility.
- Taxi / private car from ROR (approx. USD 20-50) - Taxis and private transfers from Roman Tmetuchl Airport to Ngardmau are direct and convenient-travel time is roughly 30-50 minutes depending on traffic and exact pickup location. Taxis are cash-based; confirm the fare before boarding.
- Car rental (USD 40-100/day (varies by vehicle and season)) - Car rental is a popular and practical way to explore Babeldaob and reach Ngardmau. Roads are paved but can be narrow in places; a vehicle gives flexibility to visit sites across the island.
- Shared van / local bus (approx. USD 1-5) - Informal shared vans and small buses operate between Koror and villages on Babeldaob. They are inexpensive but can be infrequent and on-demand; ask locals for current routes and times.
- Domestic flights (none to Ngardmau) (N/A) - There are no scheduled domestic passenger flights to Ngardmau-air travel is not part of local point-to-point travel on Babeldaob itself.
- Walking - Ngardmau’s villages and many local attractions are walkable once you arrive; expect short distances between village centers and sites. Wear sun protection and carry water for longer walks.
Where to Stay in Ngardmau
Budget
Ngardmau (rural) - $0-35/night
Ngardmau (Palau) is a rural state with virtually no guesthouses. Budget travellers normally stay in Koror and take day trips to Ngardmau by arrangement.
Mid-Range
Koror (nearest hub) - $80-200/night
No dedicated mid-range hotels in Ngardmau. Most visitors book comfortable hotels in Koror, then arrange transport or guided day trips to Ngardmau.
Luxury
Koror resorts - $200+/night
Ngardmau has no luxury resorts. For high-end stays, use Koror’s resorts and plan private boat charters to visit the state’s dive and nature sites.