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Babeldaob
The thickly jungled Babeldaob, the
largest island in Micronesia after Guam, has a land area of over 150 sq
miles (400 sq km), more than four times the total area of all the other
islands put together. Still, its population is small, as most young
people make their way to Koror in search of jobs. Babeldaob's Melekeok
State was designated in the constitution as the future site of the
country's capital, and although grandiose plans have been drawn up,
many people doubt they'll ever come to fruition.
Babeldaob is a high, volcanic island of gently rolling hills, with
beautiful stretches of sandy beach on the east coast and mangrove
forests on the west. Parts of the jungly interior are virtually
unexplored, and many of the villages are still connected by ancient
stone paths.
Many of the island's hillsides were once terraced into steps and
pyramids; archeological research suggest they were probably begun
around 100 AD. Their purpose remains a mystery, and even curiouser,
only one village was built anywhere near them. Ngarchelong State, at
the northernmost end of the island, has an open field with rows of
large basalt monoliths known as Badrulchau, placed there according to
legend by the gods to support an enormous bai.
Airai, at the southern end of the island, has Palau International
Airport. The town's most visited attractions are its two bais, one old
and one new. The northern Ngaraard State has some of the island's
prettiest beaches.
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