This lake is not only Palau's largest fresh-water reservoir but also the largest sanctuary for its crocodiles. Adventurous naturalists can hike a trail to the lake for a glimpse of these distant relatives of the dinosaur, but it is advised that one bring binoculars as these menacing reptiles are generally shy of man. Melekeok Bai Melekeok has a long history as one of Palau's military powers. Long ago, Melekeok was involved with so many inter-village wars, this site housed not one but several Bai meeting houses, which were destroyed during the period of Japanese colonization. The new Melekeok Bai, with its brightly painted carvings depicting stories of its glory, was built in 1992 using traditional architectural methods.
Hikers can follow stone pathways bounded on both sides by lush jungle up to the Bai.
This is the last remaining Bai from the period when the traditional political system was still in effect. Like Melekeok Bai, its painted carvings tell of its past glories and sometimes poke fun at other villages. An informed local guide can help bring this site alive by translating the stories told in the carvings and showing you how Palau's chiefs actually conducted their business here. Metuker ra Bisech People from the neighboring islands of Yap once traveled some 400 miles of open ocean in outrigger canoes to mine quartz for their money. Unlike the coins we carry in our pockets today, these wheel-like pieces of stone sometimes measured more than a meter in diameter.