Ngardmau Waterfall is Palau’s largest waterfall – dropping over the edge of a cliff about 30 meters. The main island in this country is by far the largest – yet it is still very small. You can drive around this entire island in about an hour. One of the highlights to the north is definitely this waterfall – its about a 30 minute hike in – or for those who prefer not to walk, jump on the small single engine mono rail and move along at a snail’s pace.
A series of deep pools have been carved into the bedrock over the centuries – some so deep you cannot even see the bottom through the fairly clear water. These make a perfect spot to hang out as invariably you will work up a sweat as you hike in.
The Ngerdorch River (further to the south and on the other side of the island from the waterfall) is the longest river in Palau and the longest river in the entire Micronesia. It runs about 13km through the mangrove swamps. If your lucky you will see several crocodile as well as the archer fish – a unique fish that spits water onto the banks of the river to wash insects down for its own feeding.
A population of only around 20,000 people in the country live in and around the largest town, Koror to the south. Once you drive to the northern part of the island – you are surrounded by natural vegetation – ie no people. There are only a couple of places to stay in the north – one being the M&A Bungalows. I just saw their sign by chance and pulled into their dirt road. Starving. Asked for lunch – no menu – rather they brought out whatever food they had at the time. Nice!
They have kilometers of beach front – all totally empty. Very few people live here. When the tide goes out you can walk about 1km out to the reef. This is the *perfect* place to escape from everywhere. Bring a book. Just relax – amazing – www.marivsidebungalows.com
Wow, that’s a fantastic looking waterfall. I like the shot at the end where you get a sense of perspective from the guy walking.
Beautiful waterfalls. Looks like you get to go to fabulous places!
Speechless, it’s impossible to describe the beauty of this waterfall and place in words….