Babeldaob is the biggest island ofPalau. The area of Babeldaob makes up over 70% of the land area of the entire Republic of Palau. It has about 30% of the country's population, with about 6,000 people living on it. The central forested Middle Ridge of Babeldaob has been designated an Important Bird Area because it supports populations of most of Palau’s endemic birds.
Babeldaob is one of the most underdeveloped populated islands in the Pacific Ocean. The village of Ngerulmud on the island has served as Palau's capital city since 2006, despite there being only about 320 people (2020) in the state. It is the smallest national capital in the world by population.
The island has fresh water in Lakes Ngardok and other watersheds which provide the country with drinking water. Ngardok Nature Reserve was established to protect the water quality.
Unlike most of the islands of Palau, Babeldaob is mountainous. It contains Palau's highest point, the 242-m-tall (794 ft) Mount Ngerchelchuus. Babeldaob's eastern coast has many sandy beaches, in particular north from Melekeok to Ngaraard, and the island's western coast has a shoreline with many mangrove forests.
FromKoror you can cross over the Koror-Babeldaob (or Japan-Palau Friendship) bridge by car, bus or taxi.
Driving is the best option for getting around this sparsely populated area. The roads here tend to be in very good condition and the traffic very light.
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