The Untouched Paradise: Babeldaob Island, Palau’s Hidden Gem

Text by MOOK Travel Life Network, Chen Guanxin | Compiled & Reported Source: Moleskine Editorial Department

The Rock Islands are Palau’s main tourist hub, yet the country’s largest northern island—Babeldaob Island (Babeldaop Island, also the second-largest in Micronesia after Guam)—remains less developed and thus better preserves its pristine ecosystem. Known as “Palau’s Back Garden,” visiting here offers a chance to discover a more genuine and natural side of Palau.

Kayaking in North Island Mangroves

In the past, most kayaking activities in Palau took place among the Rock Islands. However, the natural and pristine scenery of North Island, deliberately protected by the Palau government, has long remained shrouded in mystery. Fortunately, thanks to limited but now available government access, visitors can finally explore the island’s beauty by kayak or canoe. Located in the northwest-central part of North Island is a dense mangrove forest, about a 40-minute boat ride from Koror Island. After putting on life jackets, visitors can paddle in pairs in small boats through the mangrove swamp lakes. With calm waters and cool, pleasant temperatures, kayaking here is not only easy and safe but also allows for a serene appreciation of the surrounding natural ecology—like mangroves, mudskippers, fiddler crabs, and even occasional saltwater crocodiles. Kayaking here feels like being in a paradise, far removed from the noise and chaos of the civilized world, offering a peaceful and harmonious connection with nature.

North Island Dive Site #7 – The Astonishing Drop-Off

The large atoll at the northwest tip of North Island remains largely undeveloped and thus retains remarkably intact and spectacular underwater landscapes. Among them, the most breathtaking is the Astonishing Drop-Off—a massive underwater cliff that plunges at least 150 meters vertically just a few meters from the shallow reef. A variety of marine life thrives in this dramatic environment, including colorful tropical fish, uniquely shaped soft and hard corals, blue and purple starfish within arm’s reach, and giant sea cucumbers up to 30 cm long. It’s an awe-inspiring underwater scene that stirs the soul. Just a short dive from the shore reveals such majestic seascapes, filling every diver with wonder.

North Island Dive Site #13 – Giant Table Coral

Table-like coral? Absolutely. At this snorkeling spot, you’ll see coral flat as tabletops—some even as large as dining tables or beds. Various marine fish swim above them, creating what seems like a happy home built by nature itself. Observing these sea creatures makes you envy their little paradise.

Mermaid’s Channel

This is a newly opened diving area by the Palau government. As the name suggests, Mermaid’s Channel offers the chance to spot manatees, commonly known as “sea cows” or “mermaids.” Though their round bodies might not be conventionally “beautiful,” these gentle giants are extremely rare and classified as protected species. So if you’re lucky enough to see one, be sure to take a good look. Aside from manatees, you may also encounter a rich variety of marine life, including surgeonfish, Napoleon fish, sea fans, sea whips, black coral tubes, finger coral, brain coral, rose coral, and fire coral. The underwater spectacle here is truly beyond imagination.