Badrulchau in Babeldaob is one of the most spectacular sights in Palau. These monoliths of stone also invoke wonder and mystery.
Location
These monoliths are found at the north end of Babeldaob, the largest island in Palau.
What to See
There are 39 of these stone monuments. Many of them have carved faces. The purpose of the monuments and when they were constructed are still unknown. However, some experts believe the monoliths were built in 100 AD.
The largest of the stones weigh 5 tons. What makes the stone monoliths even more intriguing is the fact that the stones did not originate from Palau. This meant the material used to build the stones were imported.
Aside from the stones, the views around the monolith are strikingly beautiful. For these reasons, Badrulchau in Babeldaob has become one of the major tourist attractions in Palau.
History
The islands that make up Palau was very likely settled in some 4,500 years ago. The identities of the original settlers is unknown, but the prevailing theory is they came from the Philippines. The original population were the pygmy. The contemporary population however, most likely were from the Sunda Islands.
During the 18th century, British traders started coming to the islands. The 19th century saw the Spaniards exploring the islands as well. After losing in the Spanish-American War, Spain sold Palau to Germany.
The islands remained in German control until Japan took over in 1914. The Japanese would maintain control of the islands until World War II. In 1944, the US seized the islands in the Battle of Peleliu.
The islands formally became part of US territory in 1948. In 1979, the Marshall Islands and Palau refused to be part of the Micronesian state. They instead opted for independence. On May 25, 1994, Palau formally became independent.
Cost
The entrance fee is 5 USD. The daily budget for a stay in Palau is probably 100 USD at the very least.
Other Info
Babeldaob has many other tourist attractions. There is the Japanese War memorial site where you can rest and take photos. Another interesting place is Malsol’s Tomb. He was a warrior from another village who was stoned to death. According to legend, the stones that killed him were used to construct the place.
Aside from Badrulchau in Babeldaob, you can also visit the Ngardmau Waterfalls. This is in the center of a jungle. The views alone make the site worth visiting.
