Ngerulmud

Ngerulmud is the capital city of the tiny island nation of Palau, located in the western Pacific Ocean.

The city was established as the capital in 2006, after the government realized that their previous capital city, Koror, was just a tad too bustling and urban for their tastes. They wanted a change of pace, a quieter setting, a place to call their own.

And so, they chose Ngerulmud.

This sleepy little town is home to just over 250 people, including government workers and their families. The town’s main attraction is the Capital Complex, a grandiose government building that includes the country’s legislative offices, the president’s office, and a fancy conference center.

The Capital Complex was designed to symbolize Palau’s traditional meeting houses, but to be honest, it looks more like a giant spaceship that landed in the middle of the jungle. It’s a little bit weird, but hey, it’s Palau.

Travelers don’t usually flock to Ngerulmud for a tourist experience. The town doesn’t have a lot to offer in terms of entertainment or excitement, unless you count hiking in the nearby mountains or watching paint dry on the government building.

One of the most interesting things about Ngerulmud is the fact that there are no traffic lights in the entire town. That’s right, none. Drivers just have to use their common sense and take turns at intersections, which surprisingly works pretty well.

Overall, Ngerulmud is a charming little town that’s worth a visit if you’re in the area. Just be sure to bring a book or two, because there’s not a lot going on here.