Lake Ngardok

Lake Ngardok in the interior of Babeldaob is the largest natural freshwater lake in Micronesia, sitting in a basin of savanna and forest with saltwater crocodiles living in it and the surrounding wetland protected as a nature reserve. A trail runs in from the road through the savanna. The lake supplies part of Melekeok's water. The open grassland around it is unusual in a region that is mostly forest. The reserve around it covers around five hundred hectares and was Palau's first designated conservation area of its kind.

Background

The lake lies in Melekeok State on Babeldaob and covers approximately 6 hectares; in all of Micronesia only Lake Susupe on Saipan is a larger natural freshwater lake. The lake and its marshes are an important breeding ground for the endangered saltwater crocodile, and the Ngerdorch River gives the crocodiles a route to the sea. Some of its plants and animals occur only in the Palau Islands, such as the Palau fruit dove (biib) and Palau fantail, and the Micronesian imperial-pigeon, Pacific black ducks, the Palau flycatcher and a fruit bat called olik also live here. The surrounding Ngardok Nature Reserve covers 493 hectares and was listed as a Ramsar site on 18 October 2002.

Source: Wikipedia, "Lake Ngardok"

The landscape

• The lake - the largest natural freshwater body in Micronesia.
• The savanna - the open grassland around the basin.
• The crocodiles - the saltwater crocodile population in the lake.
• The reserve - the protection covering the lake and its wetland.

When to go

November to April is the drier season and the trail is firmer. The wet season makes the savanna path muddy. Early morning is coolest for the walk.

Things to know

Swimming is not advisable because of the crocodiles. The trail is exposed with no shade across the savanna. Facilities are minimal and a guide is advisable.

Nearby

Melekeok is east, and Ngatpang is west.

Key facts