Babeldaob Getting there & around

Getting there & around

Private speedboats, fishing boats and state motorboats going to Babeldaob generally leave from Koror's T-Dock or the Fisheries Co-op on Malakal; simply go to the docks and ask if anyone's heading that way. You can generally join a boat by sharing fuel costs. Some boats return to Koror the same day, some stay overnight.

You can get from Koror to the bai in Airai in a sedan, but beyond that you'll need a 4WD vehicle, given the nature of Babeldaob's roads. A trip from one end of the island to the other can take hours. It's possible to drive as far as Melekeok on the east coast and Ngeremlengui on the west coast along rough dirt roads (although rental companies may restrict vehicle use in these areas, and in wet weather the roads become impassable).

The Palau visitor information centre (488 2793) might be able to help with arranging a guide.

Folks at North Beach Cottages can transport you to Ngaraard by boat (US$250) or via a two-hour car journey (US$150; maximum four people).