Aimeliik

Aimeliik is a rural state on the southwestern coast of Babeldaob, the largest island in Palau. Bordered by Airai to the southeast and Ngatpang to the north, the state covers 52 square kilometers of rolling savanna, tropical forest, mangrove-lined estuaries, and river valleys. The local population of approximately 350 residents lives across five traditional villages: Mongami (the state capital), Medorm, Imul, Elechui, and Ngchemiangel.

The state stands out for its ancient archaeological earthworks and protected nature reserves. Aimeliik contains monumental stepped terraces that date back more than 2,000 years, traditional village meeting grounds, and centuries-old stone pathways constructed before European contact. Located a 30-minute drive from Koror across the Japan-Palau Friendship Bridge, Aimeliik provides access to rural Palauan village life, ancient history, and coastal nature reserves without the resort traffic of the commercial center.

Aimeliik has a tropical rainforest climate with steady heat and high humidity throughout the year. Daytime temperatures typically range between 28°C and 31°C (82°F–88°F), cooling to around 24°C (75°F) at night. Steady tropical rainfall feeds its river systems and dense inland forests.

The most favorable window to visit Aimeliik is during the drier period from February to April. Rainfall is lower during these months, making hiking trails firmer and facilitating travel along the unpaved paths leading to archaeological terraces and river lookouts. Daytime temperatures average 29°C to 31°C (84°F–88°F) with moderate trade winds.

The wet season runs from June through October, with July and August recording the heaviest rainfall. Rain during this period often arrives in brief, heavy downpours rather than day-long storms, keeping rivers flowing and the vegetation lush. May and November to January serve as transitional months characterized by occasional showers and warm conditions.

By Air

No airport exists in Aimeliik. The nearest air gateway is Roman Tmetuchl International Airport (ROR) in neighboring Airai State, located 16 km southeast of Mongami. The airport receives international flights from Guam and Manila on United Airlines, Taipei on China Airlines, and regional services from other Pacific hubs. An airport taxi to Aimeliik takes about 20 to 25 minutes and costs $25–$40 USD.

By Bus

No public bus service connects Koror or the airport to Aimeliik. Travelers must arrange private transportation, rent a vehicle, or book a guided day tour through an operator in Koror.

By Car

Aimeliik is connected to the rest of Babeldaob by the paved Palau Compact Road (Route 1). From Koror, cross the Japan-Palau Friendship Bridge into Airai and drive northwest along the western branch of the Compact Road. The 22 km trip from downtown Koror takes 30 to 35 minutes. From Roman Tmetuchl International Airport, the drive is 16 km and takes approximately 20 minutes.

By Train

No train service in Palau.

A rental car is the most practical way to explore Aimeliik and surrounding areas of Babeldaob. Car rental agencies based in Koror or at the airport charge between $40 and $75 USD per day for a compact car or SUV. Refuel before leaving Koror or Airai, as there are no commercial gas stations in Aimeliik.

Within villages such as Mongami and Medorm, walking is practical along quiet paved roads and footpath networks. Taxis do not patrol rural roads in Aimeliik, but private taxis in Koror can be chartered for full-day island tours ($100–$150 USD). No ride-hailing apps operate in Palau.

• Ked ra Ngchemiangel (Aimeliik Terraces): Extensive earthen terraces sculpted into the savanna hillsides near Ngchemiangel village. Archaeological research indicates these structures date back over 2,000 years, functioning as prehistoric agricultural, defensive, and residential platforms. Free entry.
• Bai ra Keai (Aimeliik Bai): A traditional Palauan bai (men's meeting house) situated in Ngerkeai village. Built on an elevated stone foundation with steep thatched gables, the structure features painted wooden gables depicting clan legends and traditional history. A small donation or maintenance fee ($5 USD) is occasionally requested on site.
• Malsol's Tomb (Bad er a Malsol): A megalithic stone monument and burial site commemorating Malsol, a legendary Palauan warrior. The site sits along a shaded forest clearing near traditional village paths. Free entry.
• Ngerderar Watershed Conservation Area: A protected 300-hectare forest reserve under the Palau Protected Areas Network (PAN). It protects the watershed of the Ngerderar River and includes walking tracks, native hardwood trees, and a visitor center with educational displays on regional ecology. Free access.
• Ngerderar Waterfall: A small freshwater cascade located along the upper section of the Ngerderar River within the conservation area. The falls flow into a shallow rock pool surrounded by wild taro and jungle foliage. Free access.
• Ngerchebal Island Conservation Site: A coastal mangrove island and marine reserve located along Aimeliik's western shoreline. It features a ranger station, wooden boardwalks through mangrove wetlands, and shallow reef areas for swimming. Free access.
• Japanese Agricultural Experiment Station Ruins: Concrete foundations, storage vaults, and narrow-gauge rail remnants from Japanese colonial-era agricultural projects built in the 1930s near Medorm. Free access.

• Hike the Ngerderar River Trail: Walk the marked forest path through the Ngerderar Watershed reserve to spot endemic birds such as the Palau fruit dove and Micronesian kingfisher before stopping for a swim at the waterfall pool.
• Walk Pre-Colonial Stone Pathways: Follow sections of the ancient paved stone pathways (chitalom) connecting Elechui and Ngchemiangel, passing traditional clan stone platforms (odesongel) along the route.
• Kayak Western Lagoon Mangroves: Paddle a kayak through the sheltered saltwater channels and mangrove estuaries bordering the western reef barrier, accessible from coastal access points near Imul.
• Camp on Ngerchebal Island: Pitch a tent at the designated campsite on Ngerchebal Island for overnight stays on the western lagoon. Basic picnic tables and restroom facilities are available. Register with the Aimeliik State Office ($10–$15 USD per night).
• Shop at the Ngerderar Makit: Stop at the community roadside market next to the Ngerderar Visitor Center on weekday mornings to buy fresh tropical fruits (papayas, soursop, mountain apples), coconut sweets, and woven pandanus handicrafts sold by local villagers.

• Ngerderar Makit Stall (Aimeliik): A small roadside vendor at the visitor center offering simple Palauan takeaway food, such as fried reef fish served with boiled taro, banana fritters, and fresh coconuts. Budget ($3–$8 USD).
• The Penthouse Restaurant (Airai / Koror Road, 14 km southeast): A casual diner on the highway to Koror serving hearty portions of Palauan and Filipino staples, including oxtail soup, grilled yellowfin tuna, and fried pancit noodles. Budget to mid-range ($8–$18 USD).
• Airai Water Paradise Restaurant (Airai, 15 km southeast): An open-air dining pavilion near the airport serving seafood curries, grilled fish steaks, and Japanese bento boxes. Mid-range ($15–$30 USD).
• Drop Off Bar & Grill (Malakal, Koror, 24 km south): A popular marina restaurant in Koror known for fresh tuna and wahoo sashimi, poke bowls, burgers, and cold draft beer. Mid-range ($12–$28 USD).
• Elilai Restaurant (Ngermid, Koror, 23 km south): A hilltop dining room overlooking the lagoon, serving grilled local lobster, fresh seafood pasta, and steak. Upscale ($30–$65 USD).

• Ngerchebal Island Campsite (Aimeliik): A rustic coastal camping area managed by the state conservation office, featuring wooden tent platforms and basic toilet facilities. Campers must bring all tents, sleeping gear, and supplies. Budget ($10–$15 USD per person per night).
• DW Motel (Koror, 22 km south): A no-frills motel in central Koror providing clean air-conditioned rooms, private bathrooms, small refrigerators, and Wi-Fi. Budget to mid-range ($65–$95 USD per night).
• Airai Water Paradise Hotel & Spa (Airai, 15 km southeast): A full-service hotel located near the airport, featuring air-conditioned rooms, a swimming pool with water slides, a spa, and complimentary airport transfers. Mid-range ($120–$180 USD per night).
• Palau Royal Resort (Malakal, Koror, 25 km south): An upscale waterfront resort featuring a private beach, swimming pool, tennis courts, ocean-view balconies, and landscaped tropical grounds. Upscale ($250–$420 USD per night).

• Airai (14 km southeast): Located at the southern entrance to Babeldaob, featuring Roman Tmetuchl International Airport, the historic Airai Bai, and remnants of Japanese World War II military defenses.
• Ngatpang (12 km north): A neighboring state to the north, known for the Taki Falls nature trail, local aquaculture farms, and dense mangrove channels along Karamadoo Bay.
• Koror (22 km south): Palau's main commercial center, offering diving shops, museums such as the Belau National Museum, supermarkets, and waterfront restaurants.
• Melekeok & Ngerulmud (28 km northeast): The seat of Palau's national government on Babeldaob's eastern coast, centered on the neoclassical Capitol complex overlooking the sea.
• Ngardmau (32 km north): A rugged northern state renowned for Ngardmau Waterfall (Taki Falls), the tallest waterfall in Micronesia, and the historical Japanese bauxite mining route.