Melekeok

Introduction

Melekeok is the capital of the island nation of Palau. It is located on the east coast of Babeldaob, the largest island of Palau and has a total population of just over 200 inhabitants, including nearby villages. Since the 7th of October 2006, the city of Melekeok became the seat of Palau's government, replacing Koror as the nation's capital. Koror remains the biggest settlement of Palau though and is still the cultural, commercial and tourism heart of the state.

Sights and Activities

• Melekeok is home to Palau's capitol complex, which is a 30-45 minute drive from downtown Koror. The picturesque capitol grounds include the judicial, legislative and executive buildings for the national government. The capitol complex remains controversial to many locals, given its expansive size and cost relative to the country's tiny population.
• Odalmelech (Ngermelech Gods carved from Stone).
• Ngermelech Village; Meteu el Klechem.
• Melekeok Village; Did el Bad er a Beriber (Ancient Dock's stone bridge).
• Melekeok Village; Ngermecheluch Site.
• Ngerang; Bai el Melekeong/Euang el Chades (Melekeok's Bai and its platform of four).
• Melekeok Village; Lomech er Ngii el mora Ngeremecheluch (ancient stone path).

Weather

As Melekeok is located near the equator, the climate on the island is tropical. Generally, the weather is hot and humid, with temperatures around 30 °C during most of the year, rarely dropping below 20 °C at night. The island receives a lot of rain throughout the year with the heaviest rainfall from May/June until November, when cyclones are a real possibility as well. Obviously, this is not the best time to visit, but can still be pleasant. Most of the rain comes in late afternoon (heavy) downpours.

Getting There

By Plane

Palau International Airport (international code: ROR), also known as Roman Tmetuchl International Airport or Babelthuab Koror Airport, is located about 25 kilometres from Melekeok and has direct connections to Guam, Taipei, Seoul, Manila, and several other places.

Pacific Flier is a new airline serving Palau from early 2010. Destinations include Brisbane, Tokyo, Guam and Clark airport near Manila. Continental Micronesia Airlines (subsidiary of Continental Airlines) flies daily from Guam and Manila to Koror. There are also flights to and from Yap in Micronesia.

Asian Airlines and Korean Air have charter flights to Seoul, while China Airlines has charter flights to Taiwan.

Belau Air flies to and from Peleliu, an island within the nation of Palau.

Getting Around

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.

Keep Connected

Phone

See also International Telephone Calls

External Links