Aimeliik Bai (Bai er a Keai)
Rising on its ancient stone platform in Elechui Village, the Aimeliik Bai is one of the finest working traditional men's meeting houses on Babeldaob — its painted gables still narrate clan histories in vivid ochre and black. Step inside and you step into a governance tradition that has shaped Palauan society for centuries.
A House That Tells Stories
The bai is not a ruin — it is a living institution. Rebuilt in 1988 on the traditional Ngarkeai chiefs' platform, the structure follows centuries-old carpentry techniques, with every carved beam and painted panel carrying deliberate cultural meaning. The steep thatched roof and richly decorated façade make it one of the most photogenic buildings in all of Micronesia.
Palauan bai were — and in many communities still are — the place where chiefs deliberated, disputes were settled, and young men learned the codes of their clan. Visiting one with a local guide unlocks layers of symbolism that would otherwise remain invisible to the outside eye.
What to Look For
Pay close attention to the painted story-boards (storyboards) on the gable ends: each scene depicts a moral tale or historical event specific to Aimeliik's chiefly lineage. The stone platform beneath the bai is itself ancient, predating the current structure by generations.
Nearby stands a Japanese communications building from the WWII era — a jarring but fascinating contrast that underscores how many layers of history this small village quietly holds.
Visiting Practically
Entry is around $5 USD and the site is typically visited as part of a guided Babeldaob circuit. Combine it with Malsol's Tomb in the same village for a full morning of Aimeliik history. Dress respectfully and ask before photographing any community members.
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