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Ngaraard

Ngaraard, Palau offers forested Babeldaob landscapes, traditional villages, coastal scenery and authentic cultural experiences far from busy resort areas.

Forest, Coast and Traditional Villages

Ngaraard occupies the northern part of Babeldaob, Palau’s largest island, where thick forest, mangrove-lined inlets and open Pacific coast create a landscape that feels deliberately unhurried. Rather than a conventional town, Ngaraard is a state of scattered villages, rural roads and community spaces, with Ulimang serving as its principal administrative centre. The setting rewards visitors who value nature, cultural context and time away from heavily developed resort areas.
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Living Palauan Heritage

Traditional Palauan society remains visible in the state’s village organisation, clan connections and communal meeting traditions. A bai, the traditionally decorated men’s meeting house found in Palauan communities, is central to understanding how local stories, chiefly authority and public life have been expressed through architecture. In Ngaraard, the coastal villages and interior routes offer a quieter perspective on Babeldaob than the commercial centres around Koror, while roadside views reveal the island’s red earth, dense vegetation and broad wetlands.

Exploring Northern Babeldaob

The state is best experienced slowly, by road and with respect for community spaces. The Compact Road links Ngaraard with the rest of Babeldaob, making it possible to combine village visits, forest scenery, coastal observation and nearby northern attractions in a wider island itinerary. Facilities are limited, and the appeal lies less in a packed schedule than in encounters with Palau’s landscape, oral heritage and finely balanced relationship between land and sea.

When is the best time to visit Ngaraard?

Best: April–June · 31–32°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January30300
February31250
March31250
April (best)31200
May (best)31200
June (best)32200
July32200
August32200
September32200
October32250
November33300
December33300

Getting to and around Ngaraard

How to get there

Ngaraard has no separate commercial airport. International visitors normally arrive at Roman Tmetuchl International Airport near Airai in southern Babeldaob, travelling onwards by road across the island. From the airport, a hired car, private transfer or locally arranged taxi is generally the most practical way to reach Ngaraard, as public transport is limited and services are not designed around frequent tourist connections. The Compact Road provides the principal overland link between Babeldaob’s states, although journey times depend on the final village and road conditions. Travellers coming from Koror must cross the bridge to Babeldaob before continuing north.

Transportation

A private vehicle or locally arranged transfer is the most useful transport option in Ngaraard because settlements and points of interest are spread along roads rather than concentrated in a walkable centre. The Compact Road is paved and connects the state with the rest of Babeldaob, while smaller village roads provide access to coastal and community areas. Walking is suitable for short local explorations, but distances, heat, humidity and limited roadside facilities make it impractical as the main means of transport. Taxis and organised transfers are more readily arranged from Koror or through accommodation providers than hailed within Ngaraard, and visitors should not assume regular bus services.

Best landmarks in Ngaraard

Ngaraard’s most significant landmarks are connected with community identity and the landscape rather than monumental urban architecture. A traditional bai, where access is permitted, represents Palauan systems of chiefly authority, collective discussion and storytelling; its decorated façade and carefully organised interior express a visual language rooted in island history. Ulimang’s civic and village spaces provide a contemporary setting for Ngaraard’s local identity, while the Compact Road marks the infrastructure that connected Babeldaob’s states more closely in the modern era. Along the coast, mangrove-lined channels and traditional shoreline areas are cultural landmarks as well as ecological features, reflecting long relationships between communities, fishing grounds and tidal environments. These places should be approached with local guidance: their significance lies not only in appearance, but also in customary ownership, memory and continuing community use.

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Best restaurants in Ngaraard

Ngaraard has a limited, locally oriented dining scene rather than a concentration of restaurants. Food is shaped by Palau’s island environment, with fish and other seafood, rice, root crops, breadfruit, taro, cassava and tropical fruit appearing in home cooking and informal meals. Coconut and locally grown produce are important ingredients, while Palauan cuisine also reflects exchanges with neighbouring Micronesian cultures, Japan and the United States. Visitors may encounter food through accommodation providers, small local eateries, community events or roadside stops, but opening arrangements and payment options can be informal and changeable. It is wise to carry snacks and water when driving through northern Babeldaob, as dining choices are widely spaced. Meals shared through a local host can offer greater cultural insight than seeking a formal restaurant setting, provided dietary needs are explained clearly in advance.

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Best bars in Ngaraard

Ngaraard does not have a developed nightlife district or a concentration of nightclubs. Evenings are generally quiet, shaped by village life, family gatherings and the darkness of a comparatively lightly developed rural landscape. Visitors staying locally may find informal social occasions or a small bar connected with accommodation, but these should not be assumed to operate with fixed nightlife schedules. The more characteristic evening experience is listening to local hosts, enjoying a home-prepared meal, watching the changing light over the coast or travelling only with careful attention to unlit roads and weather. For a broader choice of bars, live entertainment and late-opening venues, travellers normally look to Koror, although reaching the capital after dark is not a practical substitute for staying locally. Respect for residential communities is important, particularly around village homes and communal spaces.

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Best shops in Ngaraard

Shopping in Ngaraard is modest and practical, with small local shops and informal roadside sales more important than dedicated retail districts. Travellers may find locally grown fruit, prepared food or simple household goods, while distinctive Palauan purchases such as woven items, carved objects and story-rich handicrafts are more likely to be sourced through community contacts, cultural centres or established craft outlets elsewhere on Babeldaob and in Koror. Traditional money, food products and handmade work should be bought respectfully, with attention to whether an item is intended for sale and whether natural materials have been collected legally. Because retail choices are limited in the state, visitors should purchase fuel, medicines, speciality food and other essentials before travelling north. The appeal of shopping here lies in meeting makers and supporting local livelihoods rather than browsing a concentrated commercial quarter.

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Ngaraard essentials

Currency and Payment
The United States dollar, written as USD, is Palau’s official currency. Card payments may be accepted by larger hotels, established businesses and some tourist providers, but payment facilities are much less predictable in rural Babeldaob than in Koror. Carry sufficient cash in small denominations for local purchases, fuel, informal services and places that do not have reliable card terminals. ATMs are concentrated in the main population and commercial areas, so it is sensible to obtain cash before travelling north. International visitors should also tell their bank that they are travelling to Palau and check foreign transaction and cash withdrawal policies.
Safety
Ngaraard is a quiet rural destination, but visitors should use ordinary precautions with valuables, vehicles and personal belongings, especially when stopping at isolated coastal areas. Tropical weather can change quickly, and heavy rain may affect smaller roads, trails and shore conditions. Take care near mangroves, reefs and unmarked water edges, and do not enter unfamiliar waters without suitable local guidance. Heat, humidity and strong sun make water, shade and sun protection essential. Mobile coverage and immediate assistance may be less reliable than in Koror, so tell someone about longer drives and avoid leaving fuel, food or navigation arrangements until the last moment.
Emergency Situations
Palau uses 911 for emergency assistance, including police, fire and medical emergencies. State clearly that you are in Ngaraard and provide the nearest village, road junction or recognisable landmark, as rural locations may be harder to identify than addresses in Koror. Medical facilities and emergency resources are concentrated around the main urban area, so serious cases may require transfer. Keep essential medicines with you and consider comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical evacuation. For urgent problems, accommodation hosts, local government offices and nearby residents may help communicate with emergency services, but visitors should not rely on immediate specialist care within the state.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress modestly when visiting villages, community facilities or religious places, and ask permission before entering private land or photographing people, traditional structures and ceremonies. Palauan communities place importance on respect, courtesy and local authority, so follow instructions from hosts and do not treat a bai or other communal space as a simple photo backdrop. Avoid removing shells, coral, plants or historic objects, and take all rubbish away from beaches and forest areas. Tipping is not a universal obligation, although a modest gratuity may be appreciated for exceptional service. Do not assume that customary sites, fishing areas or village events are open to visitors without prior agreement.
Local Tips
Ngaraard is most rewarding when approached as a landscape of villages, coast and forest rather than as a compact sightseeing town. Begin with a clear route plan, identify fuel and food stops in advance, and allow flexibility for weather and conversations with local residents. Ulimang provides useful orientation, while nearby village roads and community spaces reveal more about daily life than a hurried drive along the main road. A local guide can explain customary boundaries, oral history and the meaning of traditional architecture in ways that maps cannot. Combining Ngaraard with neighbouring Ngerchelong and other northern Babeldaob states creates a fuller understanding of the island’s cultural and natural geography.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloAlii[ah-lee]
GoodbyeKlairechar[klai-re-char]
YesOmechell[oh-meh-chell]
NoCheldecheduch[chel-de-cheh-dooch]
Please/You're welcomeKmalt er a rengul[k-malt er ah reng-ool]
Thank youSulang[soo-lang]
Excuse me/SorryChomdasu[chom-dah-soo]
How are you?Kede ousbech er kid[keh-deh oos-bech er kid]
Fine. And you?Melechesei. E kemam[mel-eh-cheh-say. eh keh-mam]
Do you speak English?Mosecha er a Belau[moh-seh-chah er ah bel-ow]
I don't understandNg diak el kmo ngak[ng dee-ahk el kmo ngahk]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseKau er a klou el debedebekii, kemiu[kow er ah klow el deh-beh-deh-beh-kee, keh-mee-oo]
I don't eat meatNg diak el kau er a babier[ng dee-ahk el kow er ah bah-bee-ehr]
Cheers!Chimol beluu[chee-mole beh-loo]
I would like to pay, pleaseKemiu el kmo ng diak[keh-mee-oo el kmo ng dee-ahk]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Ngak a ngalek[ngahk ah ngah-lehk]
Go away!Mla mo chodesui[mla moh choh-deh-soo-ee]
Call the Police!Klukuk el meruul a ralm er a ked[kloo-kook el meh-rool ah rahlm er ah ked]
Call a doctor!Klukuk el meruul a daob[kloo-kook el meh-rool ah dah-ohb]
I'm lostNg diak el kmo meoud[ng dee-ahk el kmo meh-ood]
I'm illNg diak el kmo mekekerei[ng dee-ahk el kmo meh-keh-kehr-ay]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Kau er a blil[kow er ah bleel]
I'm just lookingNg di mle kau el mlai[ng dee mle kow el mla-ee]
How much is it?Kau sebechel a kereker[kow se-beh-chell ah keh-reh-kehr]
That's too expensiveA blik a kall[ah bleek ah kahl]
Can you lower the price?Meng diak lekau el kall[mehng dee-ahk leh-kow el kahl]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Kede ousbech er kid[keh-deh oos-bech er kid]
It's one o'clockAm omeleb a tekoi[ahm oh-meh-lehb ah teh-koy]
Half past (10)Becheleu a klok[beh-cheh-loo ah klohk]
MorningNgalek a babier[ngah-lehk ah bah-bee-ehr]
AfternoonNgalek a meral di uchul a babier[ngah-lehk ah meh-rahl dee oo-chuhl ah bah-bee-ehr]
EveningNgalek a meral mei[ngah-lehk ah meh-rahl may]
YesterdayKemiu el kmo ng diak[keh-mee-oo el kmo ng dee-ahk]
TodayA kmal meral di uchul[ah k-mahl meh-rahl dee oo-chuhl]
TomorrowA kmal meral di elab[ah k-mahl meh-rahl dee eh-lahb]
1Reng[reng]
2Desu[deh-soo]
3Telu[teh-loo]
4Fa[fah]
5Limang[lee-mahng]
6Enem[eh-nem]
7Kedad[keh-dahd]
8Mesuub[meh-soob]
9Tebedil[teh-beh-deel]
10Uul[ool]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Melekoi el chais er a...[meh-leh-koy el chah-ees er ah...]
What's the address?Kede ousbech er a chelechang?[keh-deh oos-bech er ah cheh-leh-chahng]
Can you show me (on the map)?Meng diak locha chodecheduch[mehng dee-ahk loh-chah choh-deh-cheh-dooch]
When's the next (bus)?Kede ousbech er kau?[keh-deh oos-bech er kow]
A ticket (to ....)Chelid el kmo ng techa[chell-id el kmo ng teh-chah]

History of Ngaraard

Ancient Settlement and Clan Society

Ngaraard’s history begins with Palauan settlement of Babeldaob and the development of communities governed through clans, chiefs and customary obligations. Villages were connected to the sea, freshwater sources, forest resources and productive coastal areas, while oral traditions preserved genealogies, place names and accounts of migration. Traditional meeting houses, or bais, provided an architectural setting for discussion, political authority and the transmission of knowledge. Although much of this history was recorded orally rather than in written chronicles, it continues to shape community identity in northern Babeldaob. The landscape of Ngaraard, including its inlets, wetlands and forested ridges, is therefore not simply scenic territory but a cultural record shaped by generations of Palauan stewardship.

Spanish Colonial Influence

Spanish authority reached the Palau Islands during the late eighteenth century, although its practical control over the archipelago remained limited compared with the stronger colonial systems later imposed by Germany and Japan. Catholic missionaries and regional trade brought new religious and political influences, while traditional chiefly structures continued to organise local life in places such as Ngaraard. The period did not erase Palauan customs, but it introduced external ideas into an island society already linked to wider networks across Micronesia. Evidence of Spanish influence is more apparent in Palau’s broader religious and colonial history than in a dense concentration of surviving Spanish buildings within Ngaraard itself.

German Administration and New Commerce

Germany acquired the Caroline Islands, including Palau, from Spain in 1899 and administered them until the First World War. During this period, colonial officials sought greater control over trade, labour and local administration, linking Palau more firmly to regional commercial networks. Ngaraard remained predominantly rural, with communities continuing to depend on fishing, cultivation and forest resources, but the wider colonial economy altered patterns of authority and exchange. German rule was comparatively brief, yet it formed part of the transition from chiefly governed island communities to a modern administrative system shaped by overseas powers.

Japanese Rule and Wartime Change

Japan took control of Palau in 1914 under a League of Nations mandate and developed Koror as the administrative and commercial centre of its Pacific island territory. Japanese institutions, businesses and infrastructure expanded across the archipelago, while Palauan communities experienced new economic pressures, labour demands and cultural influences. Ngaraard’s northern communities remained less urbanised than Koror, but they were part of the same colonial system and wartime landscape. The Second World War brought military mobilisation and disruption throughout Palau; the islands were transferred to United States administration after Japan’s defeat in 1945. The war’s legacy remains part of Palau’s wider historical memory, even where Ngaraard retained its rural character.

Trusteeship and the Modern State

After the Second World War, Palau became part of the United Nations Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands administered by the United States. Roads, schools, public administration and new economic opportunities gradually connected Babeldaob’s communities more closely to Koror and the rest of the islands. Ngaraard’s villages retained customary relationships and local identity while adapting to modern state institutions. Palau adopted its Constitution in 1979 and entered into free association with the United States in 1994, becoming an independent republic. Contemporary Ngaraard reflects this layered history: traditional village life and customary authority remain important alongside elected government, modern roads and conservation-minded development.

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Ngaraard

Discover Ngaraard with Evendo – the 100% free app-based travel guide that covers top attractions, landmarks, shops, restaurants, and more.

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Welcome to Ngaraard, a hidden gem in Palau, and meet your perfect travel companion, Evendo. Imagine stepping into the lush landscapes and serene beaches of Ngaraard with a detailed guide in your pocket. Evendo is designed to help travelers make the most of their trip with detailed information on all the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities.

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