We lucked out having a former president as our Tour Ambassador! That is, the former President of the Northern Mariana Islands Senate – and Edith DeLeon Guerrero still serves as an American politician for the NMI. Numerous stunning attractions and interesting sites were covered in our full day trip of Saipan – her remarkable knowledge adding a new dimension to the experience. Edith met us at our accommodation – the stylish Coral Ocean Resort which has beach views of Tinian Island with scenic Ladder Beach nearby.
For an impressive overview of Saipan history, the NMI Museum of History and Culture showcases artifacts from the Spanish, German, Japanese, and American periods, including fascinating exhibitions about the Indigenous Chamorro and Carolinian people – expert seafarers who still practice centuries-old celestial navigation skills. My partner David was particularly interested in the archaeological finds while I found equally compelling the eyewitness accounts of famous aviator Amelia Earhart, who it’s believed was captured by the Japanese on Saipan.
World War II events are focused in the northern area – a beautiful drive with impressive cliff views – but with a tragic background. Rather than surrender to US forces at the conclusion of the Battle of Saipan, Japanese soldiers and civilians as well as Korean labourers committed suicide – the top of the 833 foot Mt. Marpi is known as “Suicide Cliff” with Banzai Cliff close by.
Also worth visiting was the Korean Peace Memorial, the Okinawa Peace Memorial, and the Monument to the War Dead in the Mid-Pacific. And in a hidden limestone cave, the Last Command Post houses an abandoned Japanese Imperial Army command post that you can walk into and explore. Around 5 kilometres from here is Bird Island Lookout – one of the most popular photo opportunities in the archipelago. Another attractive small islet is lush green Forbidden Island (it was part of a CIA training area for a long period).
Further on Saipan’s views, on our drive, lookouts provided spectacular panoramas of the coastline and in the far distance, the highest mountain on the island, the 1,554 foot Mt. Tapochau
Also featuring sweeping vistas over the water was entrancing LaoLao Bay Resort where we enjoyed a veritable feast with a superb choice of delicious local and Japanese dishes for lunch.
Exploring more from the cultural perspective, we visited Laolao Kattan Latte Site; a prehistoric archaeological site which was easy to access. Used as building supports by the ancient Chamorro, these ancient stones are found only in The Marianas archipelago.
Continuing on to an enormous warehouse, the 500 Sails tour was so interesting. Dedicated to reviving traditional maritime culture through the building and sailing of outrigger canoes, the name was inspired through the arrival of the Spanish galleon San Pedro at Guam in 1565 being met by the Chamorros in 500 of their traditional Mariana sailing canoes – or flying proa. The organisation is aiming to match that number, planning to have 500 proas built by 2030. Almost hidden on a hillside is a local Catholic holy place Santa Lourdes Shrine. Nature frames a statue of the Virgin on the mountain wall with incredible towering banyan trees.
Then, well refreshed by sampling Tupu Juice and other fresh local fruits, we found some great gifts and souvenirs for home at the I Love Saipan Store 101. This amazing and jam-packed tour gave us a good appreciation of the natural beauty as well as Saipan’s intriguing culture and its role in World War II history.