Ngerulmud: The Hidden Gem of Palau

• HelloAlii
  [ah-lee]
• GoodbyeKlairechar
  [kly-re-chahr]
• YesOngalek
  [ong-ah-lek]
• NoChad
  [chad]
• Please/You're welcomeKede mla mocha ongalek
  [keh-deh mlah moh-chah ong-ah-lek]
• Thank youKom kmal mesaul
  [kohm k'mahl meh-sow-ool]
• Excuse me/SorryChedam
  [cheh-dam]
• How are you?Ng diak?
  [ng dee-ahk]
• Fine. And you?Ng di meral se el kmo ngak?
  [ng dee mehr-ahl seh el k'moh ngahk]
• Do you speak English?Ng di meral se el kmo ngalek?
  [ng dee mehr-ahl seh el k'moh ong-ah-lek]
• I don't understandNg diak el kmo meruul
  [ng dee-ahk el k'moh meh-rool]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseNg meral di mocha ke meduch er a rengalek
  [ng mehr-ahl dee moh-chah keh meh-dooch er ah reng-ah-lek]
• I don't eat meatNg diak el meral di chutem
  [ng dee-ahk el mehr-ahl dee choo-tem]
• Cheers!Kaliid
  [kah-leeed]
• I would like to pay, pleaseNg meral di mocha medak el kmo ngar er a keris
  [ng mehr-ahl dee moh-chah meh-dahk el k'moh ngahr er ah keh-rees]

• Help!Chad ra rengalek
  [chad rah reng-ah-lek]
• Go away!Chad ra beluu
  [chad rah beh-loo]
• Call the Police!Chad ra rengalek er a beches el chad
  [chad rah reng-ah-lek er ah beh-ches el chad]
• Call a doctor!Chad ra rengalek er a meduch er a doktor
  [chad rah reng-ah-lek er ah meh-dooch er ah dohk-tohr]
• I'm lostNg diak el kmo meruul
  [ng dee-ahk el k'moh meh-rool]
• I'm illNg diak el kmo ngar er a meral
  [ng dee-ahk el k'moh ngahr er ah mehr-ahl]

• I'd like to buy...Ng meral di mocha beluu...
  [ng mehr-ahl dee moh-chah beh-loo]
• I'm just lookingNg di mocha beluu
  [ng dee moh-chah beh-loo]
• How much is it?Ke mlo diak?
  [keh m'loh dee-ahk]
• That's too expensiveA mekngit a diak
  [ah meh-kngit ah dee-ahk]
• Can you lower the price?Ng diak el mlo medengei a rechad er tiang
  [ng dee-ahk el m'loh meh-deng-gay ah reh-chad er tee-ahng]

• What time is it?Ke diak el kmo?
  [keh dee-ahk el k'moh]
• It's one o'clockAk di milil el mla mo melim a klukuk
  [ahk dee mee-leel el mlah moh meh-leem ah kloo-kook]
• Half past (10)Eng di mla klokobeluu (10)
  [ehng dee mlah kloh-koh-beh-loo (10)]
• MorningMeral di mloker ra rengalek
  [mehr-ahl dee m'loh-kehr rah reng-ah-lek]
• AfternoonMeral di mloker ra remelech
  [mehr-ahl dee m'loh-kehr rah rem-eh-lech]
• EveningMeral di mloker ra rengalek
  [mehr-ahl dee m'loh-kehr rah reng-ah-lek]
• YesterdayKmang
  [kmahng]
• TodayKmal mesulang
  [k'mahl meh-soo-lahng]
• TomorrowKmal meral
  [k'mahl mehr-ahl]
• 1Rengal
  [reng-ahl]
• 2Dua
  [doo-ah]
• 3Telu
  [teh-loo]
• 4Erpat
  [ehr-paht]
• 5Lima
  [lee-mah]
• 6Enem
  [eh-nem]
• 7Pitu
  [pee-too]
• 8Valu
  [vah-loo]
• 9Siva
  [see-vah]
• 10Selau
  [seh-lah-oo]

• Where's a/the...?Ungil ra...
  [oong-eel rah]
• What's the address?Ke diak el kmo ra telungalek?
  [keh dee-ahk el k'moh rah teh-loong-ah-lek]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Ng diak el mlo mengedei er a chad er a beches?
  [ng dee-ahk el m'loh mehng-ged-ay er ah chad er ah beh-ches]
• When's the next (bus)?Ke diak el kmo ra belau er a cheruul?
  [keh dee-ahk el k'moh rah beh-lah-ooh er ah cheh-rool]
• A ticket (to ....)Kede chad ra beluu (er ....)
  [keh-deh chad rah beh-loo (er)]

Ngerulmud, the capital city of Palau, was officially designated as the seat of government in 2006. This decision was made to create a centralized location for the administrative functions of the country, moving away from the former capital, Koror.

The construction of the Capitol Complex in Ngerulmud began in 2000 and was completed by 2006. The complex includes the Palau National Congress (Olbiil Era Kelulau), the President's Office, and the Palau Supreme Court. The architecture of the complex reflects a blend of traditional Palauan design and modern functionality.

Ngerulmud was officially inaugurated as the capital of Palau on October 7, 2006. This event marked a significant milestone in Palau's history, symbolizing the country's progress and development since gaining independence from the United States under the Compact of Free Association in 1994.

Ngerulmud is located in the state of Melekeok, which is rich in cultural and historical significance. The area is known for its traditional Palauan architecture, including the bai, or men's meeting houses, which are intricately decorated with carvings and paintings that depict Palauan legends and history.

Ngerulmud is strategically situated on the largest island of Palau, Babeldaob. This location provides easier access to various parts of the country and supports the development of infrastructure, including roads and transportation networks, that connect the capital to other states and islands.

The establishment of Ngerulmud as the capital has spurred economic development in the region. New government buildings, improved infrastructure, and increased investment have contributed to the growth of local businesses and services, enhancing the quality of life for residents.

Ngerulmud, the capital of Palau, is located on the island of Babeldaob. The nearest international airport is Roman Tmetuchl International Airport in Koror, approximately 25 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a taxi or rent a car to reach Ngerulmud. The journey typically takes around 30 minutes by road. There are no direct public transportation options from the airport to Ngerulmud, so arranging private transportation is recommended.

Getting around Ngerulmud can be challenging due to limited public transportation options. Most visitors rely on rental cars or taxis to explore the area. Car rental services are available at the airport and in Koror. Taxis are also available, but it's advisable to negotiate the fare before starting your journey. While Ngerulmud is not particularly pedestrian-friendly, some attractions may be accessible on foot if you enjoy walking.

The official currency in Palau is the United States Dollar (USD). Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry cash for small purchases and in less touristy areas. ATMs are available in Koror, but there are fewer options in Ngerulmud, so it is wise to withdraw sufficient cash before heading to the capital.

Ngerulmud is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is always advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Petty theft can occur, so secure your valuables.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Ngerulmud. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies where you can purchase over-the-counter medications. Additionally, make sure to have the contact information of your country's embassy or consulate in Palau.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting government buildings or cultural sites. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Palauans are generally Christian, so be respectful when visiting churches. Public Transport: Do be courteous and respectful to drivers and other passengers. Don't expect regular public transport schedules. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly hello or a handshake. Palauan culture values politeness and respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and seafood. Don't refuse food offered by locals, as it may be considered impolite.

To experience Ngerulmud like a local, visit the nearby traditional villages and interact with the residents. Participate in local festivals and cultural events if your visit coincides with one. Exploring the natural beauty of Babeldaob island, including its waterfalls and hiking trails, offers a glimpse into the local way of life. Also, consider trying local delicacies such as taro and coconut-based dishes.