Step into Airai on this award-winning, eco-friendly tour. Voted the PATA Gold Award for Community Based Tourism, "Experience Airai" is your ticket to an authentic Palauan adventure. Traditionally the boundary between the two heavens of Palau, ruled by Paramount High Chiefs Reklai and Ibedul, Airai is whispered to be the "Switzerland" of Palau for its peaceful grounds. Your guided journey will unveil the secrets of its neutrality, starting at the traditional meeting house, Bai ra Rengara Irrai. From there, you'll uncover the secrets of a magnificent war canoe that was never launched into battle and walk the historic causeway that served as a passage between the north and south. This immersive experience not only tells the history but lets you feel it, as you walk the same paths as generations past, connecting with a heritage that still thrives today.

Key Locations 

Bai ra Rengara Irrai, located in Ordomel village, is the oldest bai in Palau. In a village, a bai acts as a meeting house as well as a symbolic structure to members of the community.

In former times, every village had a bai, but have since been destroyed and (or) reconstructed, except for this one. This bai, in particular, is a chief's meeting house, which is still being used today by the chiefs. There are a total of 10 chiefs and each chief are assigned seats along the walls in accordance to rank and title.

The bai, on occasion, was also the scene of feasting and dancing. The bai is lavishly decorated in both the exterior and interior with significant symbols and legends found on the gables and beams.

Kabekel, also known as war canoe, was the major type of ocean vessel that are distinguished from all others in the Pacific area, they are usually low in the water when compared to the length of the boat and the size of the sail.

This Airai war canoe, Kesebekuu, was built around the 1990’s by some of the elders of Airai and some of the younger men who are involved in men’s association in the village. The tools that was used to carve the canoe was adze tools, which is very common in every village who construct the canoes. Each sitting position in the war canoe has significant values, each sitting position represents the ranking of each person traditional clan in the village.

Chades er a Mechorei, the traditional causeway in Airai, entered the Palau Register of Historic Places in 1995. It remains one of the most significant pieces of Palauan heritage that can be seen in Palau today. It is not certain when the Chades er a Mechorei or the meeting house were constructed. However, respected elders from Airai say that they were constructed before any foreigners came to Palau. 

Things to Know: 

Given the importance of this site to Palauans in terms of their history and culture and the concerns that exist in regards to its future; those visiting the site should not engage in any type of behavior or activity that disturbs the integrity of the site or diminishes the respect that should be accorded to it.

Remember to take everything you bring to the site with you when you leave. We encourage using non-plastic items. Please bring your own water container.

Do not remove anything from the site. Although you may not think something is significant to this site, all pieces make up the whole.

Remember that many sites include culturally sensitive areas therefore, behavior should always be respectful.

No one is allowed to enter the Bai except for the traditional chiefs or any local person assigned by the Chiefs.

Specific areas around the Bai have “No Entry Signs’ please do follow the signs.

There is a fee of $10.00 charged to each person visiting the Bai.

All tours conducted at the Bai and other sites are guided tours therefore ,we encourage all visitors to utilize the tour guides from the State Offices, no outside tour guides are allowed to guide tours in the sites without the presence of a State Tour guide.

The tour consists of stone paths, therefore for safety purposes, we encourage visitors to wear walking shoes and or hiking shoes to avoid slipping from the stones on the paths. Furthermore, when walking on the stone paths, please listen to the Tour Guide as he/she will explain the significance of the stone path.

In Melekeok, Palau's capital, this exclusive tour takes you along a hidden and ancient, man-made stone path that stretches for about 300 meters through the jungle. At the trail's end, a cultural treasure and most representative of Palauan architecture, the chief's meeting house, called ‘bai’, awaits. Throughout your tour, your local tour guide recounts tales of the past and ancestral wisdom, connecting its significance to what is Palau today. All tours require 24 hours booking.

The Kingdom of the Northern Sky Full Day Tour is your ticket to discovering the heart and soul of one of Palau’s states, Melekeok. We're talking ancient paths, stunning views, and a deep dive into the local culture. You'll get to try local cuisine, learn ancestral wisdom, and even check out where the big decisions happen in Palau. It's like a time machine and a sightseeing tour rolled into one!

Here's how your day will look like!

Begin your adventure with a warm welcome and a brief introduction to Melekeok's history and significance. Explore the traditional sea port entry to Bai Melekeong, uncovering fascinating tales and legends. Wander through the ancient stone path leading to Ngerang village, stepping back in time to witness the lifestyle of Melekeok's ancestors.

Enjoy stunning panoramic views of Bailechesau while savoring a delicious 100% local lunch prepared by skilled traditional cooks.

Afternoon:
Experience firsthand the artistry and craftsmanship of Melekeok through demonstrations of omengaus el touechel (thatching) and jojo making. Marvel at the awe-inspiring stone monolith, a testament to the island's ancient past.

Conclude your journey with a visit to the Palau Capitol Building. Your guide will share the history of how this building came to be and connecting what you've seen of the "past" to what is Palau today. 

Ngaraard is a place steeped in myth and legend. The pinnacle of this expedition is a visit to Micronesia's only known petroglyph, a mysterious carving etched into the island's bedrock. As you explore this ancient site, listen to the enchanting legend of a star-crossed love, intertwined with the very petroglyph before you.. For lunch, delight in local flavors and views at a beach park, called Kuabes. However, your day doesn’t end there! Get lost in the peacefulness of nature, and the tales of time! 

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