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Ngardmau

Palau · City · USD · 7.600000, 134.570000
Family friendly 4.4/10 · Rank 2380 of 2 709
Best season: February-April

Best for

Ngardmau is an ideal place for nature, trekking and waterfall lovers. It is recommended for active travellers, couples and those who want to see Palau beyond the beaches. Least suitable for nightlife and shopping lovers.

Best season

February-April

Daily budget
$186.00 (≈ 15 609 ₽)
For 7 days
$1 302.00 (≈ 109 264 ₽)
Ngardmau is a state and a small settlement in the northwest of Babeldaob Island, known for its scenic waterfalls, which are one of Palau's main natural attractions. Travelers come here to swim in the cool cascading waters and enjoy views of the tropical rainforest. Ngardmau also offers excellent opportunities for hiking and birdwatching.
Summer
32.0°C
Winter
25.0°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

calm

Pace of life

slow

Local character

Ngardmau residents are friendly and hospitable people, preserving a traditional way of life. The atmosphere in the village is calm and authentic.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Palau's largest waterfall
  • Scenic jungle trail
  • Natural swimming pools
  • Unique nature of Babeldaob
  • Fewer tourists

Cons

  • No beach
  • Limited infrastructure
  • Difficult to get around without a car
  • Limited nightlife
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
28.0°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
31.0°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
32.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
27.0°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
30.0°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
25.0°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
May-October
Attractions

Ngardmau Waterfall

Palau's largest waterfall, about 30 metres high. A scenic jungle trail with a suspension bridge and natural pools leads to it.

Waterfall Trail

A roughly 4.8 km round-trip route through tropical forest, past basalt riverbeds and natural pools. You can swim in the cool water.

Japanese Mining Era Ruins

Remains of infrastructure from the Japanese colonial period, scattered along the trail to the waterfall.

Viewpoints

Several viewing platforms over the valley with panoramic views of Babeldaob's tropical forests.

Best areas

Waterfall Area

The main attraction with the trail and natural pools.

Ngardmau Centre

A small settlement with basic infrastructure.

Must-try food

Fresh fish

Tuna, reef fish and crab, grilled or in coconut milk.

Taro

A traditional root vegetable served boiled or as a puree.

Coconuts

Fresh coconuts and dishes with coconut milk.

Seafood delicacies

Sea cucumbers, shellfish and other marine treasures.

Where to go next

Koror

Palau's largest city with restaurants and shops. 40 minutes away.

Ngerulmud

Palau's capital with the Capitol Complex. 30 minutes away.

Rock Islands

A UNESCO site with lagoons and diving. 1 hour by boat.

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
low
Getting there
Nearest airports
Roman Tmetuchl International Airport (ROR).
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Visa
Visa requirements
visa-free (30 days)
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
February-April
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$45.00
≈ 3 776 ₽
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$130.00
≈ 10 910 ₽
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$200.00
≈ 16 784 ₽
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$300.00
≈ 25 176 ₽
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$250.00
≈ 20 980 ₽
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$100.00
≈ 8 392 ₽
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$35.00
≈ 2 937 ₽
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$4.00
≈ 336 ₽
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$1.50
≈ 126 ₽
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$12.00
≈ 1 007 ₽
Burger
Average price for a burger
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$6.00
≈ 504 ₽
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$2.00
≈ 168 ₽
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$60.00
≈ 5 035 ₽
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
$100.00
≈ 8 392 ₽
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$60.00
≈ 5 035 ₽
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽
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Frequently asked questions
Ngardmau: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is February-April. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Ngardmau: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +32.0°C, during the day — up to +31.0°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Ngardmau: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +25.0°C, during the day — up to +30.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Ngardmau: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on May-October. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Ngardmau: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $186.00 (≈ 15 609 ₽) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Ngardmau: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $45.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $130.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $200.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $300.00 per night, an apartment — $100.00 per night, a villa — $250.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Ngardmau: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $15.00, dinner at a restaurant — $35.00, a cup of cappuccino — $4.00, a 0.5L beer — $5.00, a 1.5L bottle of water — $1.50. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Ngardmau: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $40.00, a single public transport ticket — $2.00, a short taxi ride — $10.00, car rental — $60.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Ngardmau: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Ngardmau Waterfall — Palau's largest waterfall, about 30 metres high. A scenic jungle trail with a suspension bridge and natural pools leads to it.; Waterfall Trail — A roughly 4.8 km round-trip route through tropical forest, past basalt riverbeds and natural pools. You can swim in the cool water.; Japanese Mining Era Ruins — Remains of infrastructure from the Japanese colonial period, scattered along the trail to the waterfall.; Viewpoints — Several viewing platforms over the valley with panoramic views of Babeldaob's tropical forests.. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Ngardmau: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Fresh fish — Tuna, reef fish and crab, grilled or in coconut milk.; Taro — A traditional root vegetable served boiled or as a puree.; Coconuts — Fresh coconuts and dishes with coconut milk.; Seafood delicacies — Sea cucumbers, shellfish and other marine treasures.. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Ngardmau: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Waterfall Area — The main attraction with the trail and natural pools.; Ngardmau Centre — A small settlement with basic infrastructure.. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Ngardmau: is a visa required?
Visa: visa-free (30 days). Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Ngardmau: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Roman Tmetuchl International Airport (code ROR). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $40.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Ngardmau: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — USD. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $186.00 (≈ 15 609 ₽). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Ngardmau: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Ngardmau: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as low. There is not much nightlife, but the basics are available.
Ngardmau: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Koror — Palau's largest city with restaurants and shops. 40 minutes away.; Ngerulmud — Palau's capital with the Capitol Complex. 30 minutes away.; Rock Islands — A UNESCO site with lagoons and diving. 1 hour by boat.. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

4.4/10
Overall rank: 2380 of 2 709
Rank among cities: 1021

Best season

February-April

Useful information

Currency: USD
Coordinates: 7.600000, 134.570000