Nestled in the middle of the Mariana Islands archipelago, Saipan is an island in the Pacific administered by the US. Rich with history and culture, the island is home to many Asians and Pacific Islanders. Travelers will surely enjoy the cultural diversity and flora and fauna of the island. Check this guide to discover the best things to do in Saipan!
Suicide Cliff, found in Marpi Point Field, is a historical and scenic site perfect for a secluded trip from the city center. Also known as Laderan Banadero, the cliff is a memorial site where thousands of Japanese leaped to their deaths to avoid capture by the US in 1944. Standing at 800-foot high, Suicide Cliff overlooks the vast Philippine Sea. Aside from its troubled past, the cliff is also popular for photoshoots and stargazing.
Used as a strategic location during World War II, Mount Tapochau is Saipan’s highest peak at 474m. Located in the middle of Saipan, the mountain played an important role during the liberation of the island. Today, Mt. Tapochau is a popular hiking destination that offers a panoramic view of the entire island. A vast range of endemic tropical plants can also be found along the trails of the mountain.
The Grotto is a large underwater cavern opening with different passageways. At its deepest point, the Grotto can reach 21-meter deep. Descend to one of the famous diving spots in the world and explore the beauty of the Grotto. Aside from barracudas, turtles, and colorful corals, white tip sharks are also spotted in the area. Swimming with the abundant life through the wide chambers of the cave gives an underworld experience similar to Hollywood sci-fi films.
Banzai Cliff in the northern tip of Saipan is another site where Japanese soldiers and civilians committed suicide during the Battle of Saipan. Today, the cliff remains dotted with obelisks, Buddha figures, and a peace memorial. Banzai Cliff serves as a grave reminder of the casualties of war. Each year visitors from Japan and elsewhere visit the shrine to offer gifts, flowers, and prayers to remember those lost at the cliff.
The American Memorial Park is a 30-acre protected built to honor the sacrifices made during the Second World War. Located along Micro Beach Road, the memorial park is the final resting place for over 4,000 people who died in 1944. The well-maintained park is perfect for cycling and running. The park also has basketball and tennis courts and a pool.
Just a few blocks away from American Memorial Park is Micro Beach, another paradise with pristine white sand and crystal clear waters. Surrounded by restaurants, bars, and cafes, the beach is also a popular destination for casual meetups and special gatherings. Wrap up the experience with a majestic sunset view from one of the cafes in the area.
T Galleria by DFS is one of the, if not the best high-end shopping destinations in Saipan. Located along Beach Road, T Galleria has a wide range selection of duty-free goods. The shopping mall is home to some of the big brands in fashion such as Gucci, Dior, and Prada.
Bird Island is a popular destination in Saipan where thousands of seabirds live. An important habitat for many bird species, the island is home to White-Tailed Tropicbirds and Black Noddies. Surrounded by a protected marine zone, Bird Island is also a sanctuary for tropical fishes and colorful coral reefs. Other notable attractions on the island include natural pools, a seaside cliff, and a lush jungle.
Laulau Beach in northern Saipan offers a quick retreat from the busy beaches of Saipan. Accessible by a dirt road that runs through the jungle, the secluded beach is perfect for laidback and family-friendly activities. Lining the gentle curve of Magicienne Bay, the beach has calmer waves than other beaches found on the island. Laulau Beach is also visited by professional divers who want to witness its diverse and colorful marine ecosystems.
Tucked on the southern end of Saipan, Obyan Beach is one of the few secluded beaches found on the island. Visited for its calm waves, the beach is perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving. On a clear day, tourists can expect to find beautiful views of the northern cliffs of Tinian. Aside from swimming, visitors can also visit the nearby World War II bunker.
Known for its cultural diversity and historical sites, Saipan is filled with war memorials that commemorate the fight to liberate the island. Nature lovers will also get a kick out of this island due to its scenic and quiet white sand beaches.
The weather is hot and humid for the entire year in Saipan. If you’re looking for the sunniest time to visit the island, the warmest months are June, May, and July. The hottest time of year is generally early to mid-June where highs are regularly around 31.5°C with temperatures rarely dropping below 25.9°C at night.
Saipan is generally a bit expensive for tourists, but the prices of accommodation can still dip or increase depending on the location. Garapan is the best place to stay if you are looking for exciting nightlife scenes and high-end shopping centers. However, if you’d like a quieter neighborhood near the ocean, the southern part of the island has a number of relaxing resorts.