Ngerulmud, Palau’s seat of government in Melekeok State on Babeldaob, is a quiet capital without an airport of its own. For anyone starting there, the practical departure point is Roman Tmetuchl International Airport (ROR) in Airai, at the southern end of Babeldaob near Koror. From there the journey to Bhutan crosses a good part of Asia, but it follows a fairly clear pattern. This page explains how to get from Palau’s capital to Paro.
From the Capital to Airai
Ngerulmud is a road journey from the airport along Babeldaob’s main road. Most travellers simply plan to arrive at ROR with plenty of time, particularly if they are coming across from Koror, where many people live and stay. Because Palau’s international links are limited, your first flight is the one that shapes the whole trip, so book it early and check current schedules carefully.
Palau’s Onward Links: Taipei, Manila and Bangkok
Our Palau guide describes a common pattern: fly from Koror to Bangkok by way of Taipei or Manila, with carriers such as China Airlines or Philippine Airlines, then pick up a Drukair or Bhutan Airlines flight to Paro. Bangkok, Kathmandu and New Delhi are among the few cities served by Bhutan’s two airlines, which are the only carriers flying into the country.
- Via Taipei: Airai to Taipei, then on to Bangkok.
- Via Manila: Airai to Manila, then on to Bangkok.
- Into Bhutan: Drukair or Bhutan Airlines from Bangkok to Paro International Airport.
Bangkok tends to be the most natural gateway for Palauans because it sits on the way west from the Pacific, rather than requiring a detour further into South Asia.
On the return, the same logic applies in reverse. Fly out of Paro, spend a night in Bangkok if your Pacific connection does not line up neatly, and then continue home through Taipei or Manila. Palau’s limited flight frequency means a missed link can cost several days, so a relaxed return is worth the extra hotel night.
Ngerulmud to Paro, Step by Step
Here is an illustrative version of the trip. It is an example only, and actual connections depend on the timetables when you book.
You drive from Ngerulmud to the airport in Airai and fly to Manila. After a connection, you continue to Bangkok, where you overnight close to the airport. The next morning you board your Bhutan flight, and a few hours later you are descending between forested ridges into Paro. Your guide meets you at arrivals and the first afternoon is kept deliberately light.
That overnight in Bangkok is worth keeping. Paro’s approach is flown visually and weather can cause delays, and our Palau guide also notes that flights are restricted to daylight hours. A night in hand protects your tour if anything slips.
Heading West: Palau Time vs Bhutan Time
Palau is on UTC+9 all year, while Bhutan is on UTC+6 with no daylight saving. So Bhutan is three hours behind Palau. When it is 9am in Ngerulmud, it is 6am in Paro.
Flying west is usually kinder on the body than flying east. You will find yourself waking early for the first few mornings in Bhutan, which suits sunrise walks and early monastery visits rather well.
Tropical Palau and Highland Bhutan
Palau is warm and humid throughout the year, with frequent rain showers and little change in temperature from month to month. Bhutan has far more distinct seasons. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the most popular, summer (June to August) is the monsoon, and winter (December to February) is cold but clear, especially at altitude.
For Palauans, the cool mornings and evenings in Bhutan are the main adjustment. Even in spring and autumn, a fleece and a warm jacket are essential, and in winter you will want proper cold-weather layers. Festival lovers can aim for Paro Tshechu in spring or Thimphu Tshechu in autumn, remembering that their dates follow the lunar calendar.
Documents for Palauan Travellers
Palauan passport holders need a Bhutan visa, applied for online in advance and usually arranged through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator. Our Palau guide notes that the visa is approved before you travel, with the stamp issued on arrival in Paro. Your operator also arranges the itinerary, guide and transport that the visa is based on.
- SDF: currently USD 100 per adult per night for most international visitors; check the latest rates with the Department of Tourism before booking.
- Insurance: travel insurance covering the whole stay is required.
- Cash: Bhutan uses the ngultrum, pegged to the Indian rupee; ATMs are mainly in towns.
Trip Lengths That Suit the Journey
Since you will likely spend a night in Bangkok in each direction, plan your Bhutan nights around that. Five nights give you Paro and Thimphu. Seven or eight let you add Punakha and its riverside dzong. With ten nights or more, central Bhutan and its quieter valleys come within reach, and a short trek becomes possible in the right season.
Frequently Asked from Palau
Where do I actually fly from if I live in Ngerulmud?
From Roman Tmetuchl International Airport in Airai, which serves the whole of Palau, including Koror and the capital.
Which gateway works best for Palauans?
Bangkok is the most common choice, reached via Taipei or Manila, but Kathmandu and New Delhi are also served by Bhutan’s airlines.
When should I book my Paro seats?
Well in advance, ideally through your tour operator, as seat availability is limited in the busy spring and autumn months.
For wider detail on visas, costs and itineraries, read our full guide How to Travel to Bhutan from Palau. We would be pleased to plan the Bhutan leg of your trip around your Pacific connections.
