Babeldaob is the largest island in Palau but far less developed than neighbouring Koror, connected to it by a bridge. Most of the island is covered in rainforest, with scattered villages along the coast and a new capital complex at Melekeok on the east side.
The main attractions are spread around the island and a car is essential. In Melekeok you will find ancient carved stone heads, a beautifully maintained bai (a thatched-roof traditional meeting house for chiefs and elders), and the hilltop Capitol of Palau at Ngerulmud. Lake Ngardok, Micronesia's largest freshwater lake, lies just inland. The best beaches stretch northward from Melekeok to the northern tip. In the north, Taki Falls drops 25 metres into a jungle pool and the stone monoliths of Badrulchau — 37 enormous basalt columns arranged in rows on a hillside overlooking the coast — are one of the Pacific's more mysterious archaeological sites. On the western side, Mount Ngerchelchuus is Palau's highest point and the climb is short but real.
Japanese wartime ruins, interesting caves, and remote villages round out the picture. Babeldaob rewards a day or two of exploration if you can arrange transport.