Saipan

A Western Pacific island with the white sands of Managaha, Grotto diving and WWII sites; convenient direct flights make it a long-standing favorite for Chinese family beach holidays (check the latest entry rules).

Saipan is the capital island of the Northern Mariana Islands (a US commonwealth) in the Western Pacific, about 20 km from north to south. Its west coast has calm lagoons and white sand beaches sheltered by coral reefs, while the east coast and northern tip feature limestone cliffs facing the rough Pacific. Temperatures stay around 26–30°C year-round and water visibility is excellent; the island is known for diving, snorkeling, skydiving and other activities, as well as its WWII sites. Areas to explore: Garapan on the west coast is the hub of hotels, duty-free shops, restaurants and the night market, and nearby American Memorial Park and Micro Beach are good for sunsets; Managaha Island is just 15 minutes away by boat. The north, in the Marpi area, has the Grotto, Bird Island, Banzai Cliff and Suicide Cliff, usually covered on a half-day loop by rental car; in the center you can drive up Mount Tapochau for views over the whole island; about 5 km across the water to the south is Tinian, a day trip by small plane. Seasons: December to June is the dry season, with calm, sunny weather ideal for boat trips; Jul–Oct is the hot, humid rainy season, and typhoons can disrupt flights and boat trips. Getting there: there are direct or seasonal flights from Hong Kong and some mainland Chinese cities, or connect via Seoul, Tokyo and elsewhere; there's no public transport on the island, so get around by rental car (driving on the right; a Chinese license must be accompanied by a translation, subject to local rules), hotel shuttle buses or taxis. Allow 4–5 days. Note: Chinese citizens who meet the requirements can enter Saipan visa-free (usually for up to 14 days), but must apply online for the CNMI Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before departure and carry a return ticket; this does not apply to anyone previously refused a US visa or with a record of violations, and it does not allow entry to Guam or the US mainland. Policies are subject to the latest official rules of the US Department of Homeland Security and the CNMI.

Top sights

• Managaha Island – A coral islet in the lagoon off Garapan, ringed by white sand, with crystal-clear water and plenty of tropical fish for snorkeling. It is a…
• The Grotto – A limestone sea cave on Saipan's northeast coast. A pool inside connects to the open ocean through three underwater passages, making it a w…
• Banzai Cliff – A sea cliff at the northern tip of Saipan. In the final stage of the 1944 Battle of Saipan, many Japanese civilians and soldiers leapt from…
• Bird Island – A limestone islet just off the northeast coast, protected as a seabird sanctuary. A viewing platform looks out over the island and the brig…
• Suicide Cliff – A limestone cliff about 250 metres high on Marpi Mountain, where Japanese forces and civilians jumped at the end of WWII. The clifftop offe…
• Micro Beach – A fine white-sand beach beside Garapan with calm, clear lagoon waters and a view of Battleship Island. It is the top choice on Saipan for w…
• American Memorial Park – A WWII memorial park run by the US National Park Service. The visitor centre explains the Battle of Saipan, and the grounds include memoria…
• Mount Tapochau – Saipan's highest peak, at about 474 metres. A white statue of Jesus stands on the summit, with 360-degree views over the whole island, the…
• Tinian – A quiet island just south of Saipan, home to the North Field bomb-loading pits from which the atomic bombs for Hiroshima and Nagasaki were…
• Garapan & Street Market – Saipan's hub for hotels, duty-free shops and restaurants. The Thursday night street market serves barbecue, coconuts and Chamorro snacks.
• Last Command Post Park – The last Japanese command post during the 1944 Battle of Saipan. Rusting WWII weapons, including tanks and cannons, are displayed in front…
• Forbidden Island – A small island off the east coast, below the cliffs. The viewpoint looks out over dramatic seascapes, and hikers can go down to tide pools…
• Ladder Beach – A small cove below the cliffs at Saipan's southern tip. Limestone caves offer shade for picnics, and crashing waves make for dramatic views…
• Obyan Beach – A quiet white-sand beach on the south coast, past the airport. The clear water inside the reef is ideal for snorkelling and shore diving, a…
• Laulau Bay – A wide bay on the east coast, where shore diving reveals sea turtles, rays and coral walls. It is one of Saipan's top spots for diving.
• Kalabera Cave – A huge limestone cave in the northern forest. Ancient Chamorro rock paintings survive on its walls, and during WWII it served as a Japanese…
• Wing Beach – A quiet beach in the Marpi area in the north, with reef snorkelling where coral and fish swarm. Across the water you can see Battleship Isl…
• Pau Pau Beach – A shallow sandy beach on the northwest coast, shaded by many trees, with calm water. Locals come for picnics and sunsets, and it is good fo…
• Sugar King Park – A small park commemorating Matsue Haruji, the 'Sugar King' of the Japanese occupation period. It preserves a sugar-cane steam train and a J…
• NMI Museum of History and Culture – A small museum in a former Japanese hospital from the 1920s, telling the history of Chamorro and Carolinian culture, from Spanish rule thro…
• Old Japanese Jail – The concrete remains of a prison from the Japanese occupation period, with tree roots wrapped around the broken walls. Legend says the Amer…
• Japanese Lighthouse (Navy Hill) – A lighthouse ruin from 1934 on the hillside east of Garapan, overlooking the town, the lagoon and the sunset over Battleship Island.

Where to eat

• Naked Fish Bar & Grill – A seafood bar and restaurant opposite the American Memorial Park, famous for its tuna poke and whole fried parrotfish…
• Surf Club – A sunset restaurant next to Chalan Kanoa Beach, where you can enjoy local dishes like chicken kelaguen and fish escabec…
• Spicy Thai Noodle Place – An affordable Thai restaurant on the north side of Garapan, popular with locals for its spicy noodles, tom yum goong, a…
• Shirley's Coffee Shop (Garapan) – A long-standing family restaurant on the first floor of the Century Hotel, serving generous portions of Filipino and lo…
• Monster Pizza Pub – An affordable local pizza joint in Garapan, specializing in fusion flavors like Korean bulgogi, with thin, crispy crust…

Itineraries

• Saipan & Tinian Classic Loop – Based in Garapan, explore northern WWII historic sites, Managaha Island, Tinian, and the southern bays.