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 field hospital and shelter.
Kalabera Cave lies in the jungle of northern Saipan and is one of the largest limestone caves on the island. Its entrance is tall, and inside are stalactites and stalagmites. The walls bear red rock paintings left by the ancient Chamorro people, depicting human figures and scenes of daily life. Legend holds that the cave was once used for funeral rites. The name Kalabera is Spanish for skull. During WWII, Japanese forces used the cave as a field hospital and shelter. The area near the entrance can be explored independently, but for the inner cave it is best to follow a local guide, who sometimes charges a small entry fee. From Garapan it is about 20 minutes' drive, and the last stretch of road is gravel. The cave is dark inside, so bring a torch.
Opening hours
About 09:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Bird Island
- Pau Pau Beach
- Wing Beach
- The Grotto
- Suicide Cliff
- Last Command Post Park
- Banzai Cliff
- Japanese Lighthouse (Navy Hill)