UlimangUlimang at a Glance
Costs: Typical daily budget: $140-$220 - boat trips and island logistics raise costs; modest local food prices but few budget options.
Safety: Safe but remote; watch ocean hazards - low crime and welcoming locals; natural hazards (currents, sun) are main concerns.
Best Time: Best months: Nov-Apr - november to April has the most reliable calm seas and sunny weather for beaches and snorkeling.
Why Visit Ulimang?
Tucked along the northern shores of Babeldaob, this coastal village appeals to visitors seeking local beaches, intimate village culture, and easy access to island adventures. Close ties to Palauan traditions show in bai houses and communal dance events, and the local cuisine highlights grilled reef fish and coconut-based dishes. Sailors and snorkelers come for calm coves and clear water, while those interested in everyday island life appreciate quiet lanes, roadside markets, and friendly hospitality.
Best Things to Do in Ulimang
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
Ulimang Bucket List
Don't Miss
Ulimang shoreline - Local sandy bay with fishing boats, shallow reefs, and calm swimming spots.
Ngaraard traditional bai sites - Historic communal meeting houses reflecting clan history and carved pictorial panels.
Koror day visit to Belau National Museum - Short trip to Koror’s museum explaining Palau’s cultural and natural heritage.
Hidden Gems
Ngaraard mangrove channels - Tangled mangroves offering quiet paddles and coastal birdwatching opportunities.
Small village craft stalls - Local vendors selling handicrafts, shells, woven items, and island snacks.
Coastal reef viewpoints at sunset - Low-key headlands perfect for evening light over the western reef flats.
Day Trips
Rock Islands Southern Lagoon - UNESCO-listed archipelago with limestone islets, snorkeling lagoons, and iconic mushroom-shaped rocks.
Jellyfish Lake (Ongeim’l Tketau) - Unique marine lake for guided snorkeling among non-stinging golden jellyfish, boat access required.
Nearby Cities #
Best Time to Visit Ulimang
Visit Palau between November and April when the dry northwest monsoon brings clearer seas, lower humidity, and excellent visibility for snorkeling and diving. Expect heavier rains and higher humidity from May to October, which brings fewer tourists and lush jungle growth.
Dry Season
Calmer seas, clearer skies and lower humidity make this the best time for snorkeling, diving, and island hopping - beaches and reefs at their most vivid and accessible.
Wet Season
Frequent heavy showers and higher humidity limit afternoon activities but bring dramatic skies, intense reef nutrients, and fewer tourists for discounted stays and lively local festivals.
Hot Season
Peak humidity and heat make midday unpleasant, but early mornings and late afternoons are great for dives; plan for sudden storms and extra sunscreen and water.
Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 31°C. Heavy rainfall (3297 mm/year), wettest in July.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Good | 22° - 29° | 26° | 268 mm | overcast | 81% | 3.7 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 11.6h |
| February | Good | 23° - 29° | 26° | 178 mm | overcast | 81% | 4.0 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 11.8h |
| March | Very Good | 23° - 30° | 27° | 162 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 3.5 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Very Good | 24° - 31° | 30° | 196 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 3.2 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 12.2h |
| May | Good | 24° - 31° | 30° | 272 mm | overcast | 82% | 2.6 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.3h |
| June | Good | 23° - 30° | 27° | 338 mm | overcast | 82% | 2.6 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.4h |
| July | Good | 23° - 30° | 26° | 393 mm | overcast | 82% | 2.6 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.4h |
| August | Good | 23° - 30° | 26° | 373 mm | overcast | 82% | 3.0 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.2h |
| September | Good | 23° - 30° | 26° | 288 mm | overcast | 82% | 2.6 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.1h |
| October | Very Good | 23° - 30° | 26° | 321 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 3.0 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 11.8h |
| November | Good | 23° - 30° | 26° | 243 mm | overcast | 82% | 3.1 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 11.7h |
| December | Good | 22° - 29° | 26° | 265 mm | overcast | 82% | 3.2 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.6h |
How to Get to Ulimang
Ulimang is accessed most straightforwardly via Roman Tmetuchl International Airport (ROR) with onward travel by taxi, rental car or hotel shuttle across Babeldaob. Expect travel times from the airport to north-eastern Babeldaob villages to be longer than to Koror.
Roman Tmetuchl International Airport (ROR): The main entry point to Palau is ROR (Airai) on Babeldaob. From the terminal you can reach Koror in about 15-25 minutes by taxi; Ulimang (on Babeldaob/Ngaraard area) is a longer drive-roughly 30-60 minutes depending on exact location. Taxi fares into Koror are typically in the USD 15-25 range; rental cars are available at the airport.
Train: There are no train services in Palau.
Bus: There is no formal nationwide bus network. Movement between Koror and villages on Babeldaob is handled by taxis, rental cars, hotel shuttles and occasional shared vans; fares for short local trips are low (a few USD) but services are informal and schedules change.
How to Get Around Ulimang
Public transport is limited; renting a car or arranging a taxi/transfer is the most practical way to reach and move around villages like Ulimang. Shared vans exist but are informal and infrequent.
- Taxi (USD 5-50) - Taxis provide door-to-door service between the airport, Koror and Babeldaob villages. They are the most convenient option for luggage and irregular schedules; agree the fare before starting longer trips to remote villages.
- Car rental (USD 40-90/day) - Self-drive is the most flexible way to explore Babeldaob and reach Ulimang. Rental desks operate at ROR and in Koror; roads are generally paved but can be narrow and less maintained in rural stretches.
- Hotel shuttle / private transfer (USD 0-30 (often free if included)) - Many accommodations and tour operators offer pickups and drop-offs timed to flights and dives - a reliable option when available, especially for reaching properties off the main roads.
- Shared van / local minibus (USD 1-5) - Occasional shared vans serve local routes; these are cheap but informal with no strict timetable. Use them for short hops if you can get local guidance on routes and pickup points.
- Walking - Villages are compact and best explored on foot once you’ve reached them by car or taxi. Walks between nearby facilities are straightforward but bring sun protection and water.
Where to Stay in Ulimang
Budget
Koror - $60-150/night
Ulimang itself has no hotels; travelers usually stay in Koror. Budget guesthouses and occasional economy resort rooms are the only low-cost options.
Palau Pacific Resort - Economy Rooms - Budget rates in low season sometimes available
Koror guesthouses (various) - Small, locally run guesthouses listed online
Mid-Range
Koror waterfront - $120-250/night
Mid-range lodging is in Koror near the harbor. Expect comfortable rooms, decent on-site dining, and easy access to dive operators and ferries.
Palau Pacific Resort - Comfortable rooms with island amenities
Mid-range Koror hotels (various) - Good mix of services and dive tours
Luxury
Koror / Peleliu access - $250+/night
Luxury choices are limited outside Koror. Travelers seeking high-end resorts or private villas should book well ahead, especially in high season.
Palau Pacific Resort - Leading luxury resort in Palau
Private luxury stays (listings) - Villas and premium resort suites listed online
Where to Eat in Ulimang
Local Food
Ulimang is a small village in Ngaraard; dining options are minimal-expect simple village stalls and home-cooked Palauan flavors rather than formal restaurants.
- Restaurants in Ulimang (map search) - Search for any local cafes or eateries
- Palauan specialties (map search) - Where to find traditional island dishes
- Ngaraard markets & stalls (map search) - Nearby village markets and fresh produce
Where to go nearby (Koror)
Most visitors to Ulimang head to Koror for varied dining: seafood, hotel restaurants, and informal stalls offering Palauan favorites.
- Koror restaurants (map search) - Main concentration of Palau’s eateries
- Street food & casual spots (map search) - Grab-and-go local snacks and seafood
- Hotel dining in Koror (map search) - Resorts and hotel restaurants nearby