Ngaraard: A Hidden Gem in Palau

• 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]

• 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]

• 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]

• 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]

• 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]

• 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]

Ngaraard is home to the ancient stone monoliths of Badrulchau, which are believed to date back to around 100 AD. These towering stones are arranged in a mysterious pattern and are thought to have been part of a larger ceremonial or community structure. The site indicates the presence of an advanced and organized society that once thrived in the area.

Ngaraard has historically been an important region in the Palauan chiefdom system. It is known for its traditional governance structure, where local chiefs, known as 'Ibedul', played a crucial role in managing communal affairs and maintaining social order. The customs and rituals associated with the chiefdom system have been preserved and are still practiced in Ngaraard today.

During the early 20th century, Palau, including Ngaraard, fell under Japanese control following the defeat of Germany in World War I. The Japanese occupation lasted until the end of World War II and left a lasting impact on the region. Infrastructure developments, such as roads and schools, were established, and elements of Japanese culture were integrated into local life.

World War II brought significant changes to Ngaraard as it became part of the broader Pacific theater. The area saw military activity and the construction of strategic facilities. Remnants of wartime structures and relics can still be found in the region, serving as a somber reminder of the conflict that once engulfed the island.

After World War II, Ngaraard, along with the rest of Palau, entered a period of reconstruction under the administration of the United States as part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. This era saw the introduction of modern infrastructure, healthcare, and education systems. Ngaraard gradually transitioned from a traditional society to a more modern one while retaining its cultural heritage.

Ngaraard is renowned for its vibrant cultural festivals and the preservation of traditional practices. Events such as the annual 'Belau National Heritage Day' celebrate Palauan culture, including traditional dance, music, and crafts. The community takes great pride in maintaining these traditions, which are integral to their identity and social cohesion.

Ngaraard is located in the northern part of Babeldaob Island in Palau. The nearest international airport is Roman Tmetuchl International Airport in Airai, approximately 50 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a taxi or arrange for a rental car to drive to Ngaraard. The journey typically takes around an hour by road. There are no direct public transportation options from the airport to Ngaraard, so pre-arranged transportation is recommended.

Ngaraard is a relatively small area, and many of its attractions can be explored on foot or by bicycle. For longer distances, taxis are available, although it's advisable to negotiate the fare beforehand. Car rentals are an excellent option for those looking to explore the broader region at their own pace. Be aware that public buses do not frequently operate in this area, so planning your transportation in advance is important.

The official currency in Palau is the United States Dollar (USD). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels and larger establishments, but it is a good idea to carry cash, especially when visiting smaller shops and markets. ATMs are limited in Ngaraard, so withdrawing sufficient cash in Koror or at the airport is recommended before heading to Ngaraard.

Ngaraard is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is always advisable to take standard precautions such as avoiding isolated areas at night and keeping your belongings secure. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists in Ngaraard, but staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings is always a good practice.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. There are local clinics available for medical emergencies, but for more serious health concerns, you may need to travel to a larger medical facility in Koror. Ensure you have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting local villages and cultural sites. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, particularly when visiting religious sites or attending local ceremonies. Public Transport: Do be respectful and courteous to drivers and fellow passengers. Don't expect punctuality as public transport schedules can be irregular. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Alii' (hello). A handshake is common, but a slight nod of the head is also appropriate. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Ngaraard like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Palauan goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the area's history and culture. Don't miss visiting traditional meeting houses (bai) and exploring the pristine beaches and hiking trails. For a unique experience, consider participating in a traditional Palauan fishing trip or a village tour to learn about local customs and practices.