Palau sits in the Pacific Ocean where warm, wet air blows in from the sea almost every day. That moisture feeds the thick jungle that covers much of Babeldaob island, and the rain that soaks into the hills eventually flows downhill to form rivers and waterfalls like Ngardmau.
The trail to the waterfall passes through one of the last large areas of lowland tropical rainforest in Micronesia. Hikers may spot kingfishers with bright blue wings, unusual fruit bats hanging from branches, and giant ferns that feel prehistoric. The air is rich and humid, and the jungle sounds like a natural orchestra.
When you arrive at the waterfall, the spray creates a cool mist even on a hot day. Local children sometimes swim in the pool at the bottom. The waterfall is a reminder that Palau is not just about the ocean - it has lush, green land full of its own wonders too.