Airai, Coastal state capital on Babeldaob Island, Palau.
Airai is a state covering the southern portion of Babeldaob and is defined by rivers, mangrove swamps, and limestone islands spread across the region. Multiple small settlements dot this landscape, each serving as a hub for local communities.
The region developed from traditional villages built around stone platforms that still function today as family burial grounds and ancestral sites. This foundation shaped how communities are organized and remains central to local identity.
The people who live here speak Palauan and have strong connections to the ocean, relying on traditional fishing practices handed down through generations. You can observe how daily routines center on water-based activities and the care for marine knowledge passed from family to family.
The international airport sits on the southern coast and serves as the primary gateway for travel, with flights connecting to various destinations in the region. Most visitors arrive here before heading to other areas.
The bridge spanning the Koror Channel links this region directly to the capital, creating a road connection that replaced what was once only possible by boat. This link transformed how people move between islands and conduct trade.
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