NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS
The Northern Mariana Islands is a common wealth with United States and is located in the Western Pacific Ocean. It is an archipelago of 15 beautiful islands among which Saipan, Tinian and Rota are the most populated and visited islands. The wonderful holiday destination of Saipan is the capital of Northern Mariana Islands. It is a tropical paradise blessed with crystal clear waters, sandy beaches, magnificent marine life, ethnic food and panoramic scenic views which will surely make you fall in love with the beauty of this island.
HOW TO GET THERE
By Air
There are three major International Airports in Northern Mariana Islands located at Saipan, Rota and Tinian. Asiana Airlines, Continental Airlines and Northwest Airlines connect the island from the countries of Japan, Guam, Korea and Philippines etc.
By Sea
Boat facilities are available at Tanapag Harbor in Saipan. The visitors can also go directly to Rota by sea instead running through Saipan. Some inter island boats also run frequently.
ACCOMMODATION
The islands of Northern Mariana offer a good choice of accommodation options suited to the pocket of the tourists. There are some luxury hotels, resorts, motels, lodges and cheap budget hotels which well suit to the requirements of the visitors. The best of staying facilities are available mainly at Saipan. The hotels and resorts of the island are well equipped with all the modern amenities and are marvelously designed to offer the guests with a romantic beach front surrounding. The tasteful multi cuisine food is served for the guests within the hotel campus.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Northern Marian Islands offer an exciting tour full of enjoyment, adventures, relaxation and fun. Blessed with a wide range of sightseeing destinations, mouth watering delicacies, exotic marine life, shopping and various thrilling activities, this island has a multitude of tourist sites which appeal the visitors to enclose the hidden treasures of the Northern Marianas by themselves. The main tourist attractions of the island include-
SAIPAN
It is the most popular and beautiful tourist destination among the Mariana’s archipelago. Enriched with immense natural beauty and worth visiting landmarks, this island has a lot of wonderful sites which are beyond description. Some of the popular places in Saipan are-
- Micro beach
It is the most beautiful beach of not only Saipan but the entire Micronesia. Stretched in an area of about one km, this white sandy beach is an ideal destination for various fun filled and excited activities. There are several picnic parks, a playground and water sports facilities available at the beach. The other famous beaches of Saipan are Lau Lau Beach and Obyan Beach.
- Zoo
It is a great place of fun for kids as well as adults. Several species of wild animals such as lions, tigers, foxes, bears, monkeys and beautiful birds collected from all parts of the world are kept in the Zoo of Saipan.
- Managha Island
This beautiful island in Saipan is also called as Bird Island. It is turned into a natural reserve for the various species of beautiful and colorful birds and is visited by a glass bottomed boat. - GarapanThis largest town of the common wealth is situated at the west coast of Saipan. This town is famous for its sushi shops, WW2nd museum and karaoke clubs.
- Mount Tapochau
This is the highest mountain peak in Saipan which provides an elegant view of the entire island. Although, climbing to the peak is a tough job but it is really an excited adventure.
- American Memorial Park
It is located at the center of Saipan. Nestled amidst stunning landscape, this park is an ideal destination for enjoying picnics, playing and jogging.
- Grotto
It is one of the best diving spots in Saipan. There is a sunken pool which is attached to the deep blue ocean with underwater caves. Grotto offers and excellent and unique diving experience to the visitors.
ROTA
Famous for some of the world’s best diving sites, this beautiful island of Rota is standing like a real jewel in the chain of Northern Mariana Islands. Rota possesses a crowning glory and unique natural landscapes. Endowed with steep hill ranges, crystal clear waters, pristine beaches and orange sunsets, the island of Rota is surely and unexplored beautiful destination which spell bound the visitors with its stunning charm and beauty. Some of the popular sightseeing places in Rota are-
- Rota Hole
Also known as Senhanom Cave, it is a famous boat dive cite of Rota. The divers are supposed to be entering the cavern from an ocean which is at about 40 feet. Various kinds of fishes and lobsters can be seen inside the hole.
- Coral Gardens
This excellent site offers a rare opportunity to witness a multitude of coral formation and various species of colorful fishes from a depth of 15 to 60 feet.
- Shoun Maru
It is a large Japanese freighter of WW2nd. various interesting items such as tanks, bath tubs and bikes etc. can be seen in the ship.
- Sagua Gaga Seabird Sanctuary
This sanctuary is a home to several rare species of seabirds. There is also a collection of exotic plant species at Taiscana’s Botanical garden.
- Pina Tang Park
It is located at the entrance of Songsong village in Rota. It is a sea water park blessed with a plenty of sea channels.
TINIAN
It is comparatively a less developed island of Marianas but it is equally worth visiting because of its panoramic landscapes, breathtaking sceneries and historical monuments. This island offers some excellent sightseeing places which are mentioned as below-
- Laderan Bonadero
Also known as Suicide Cliff, this point provides and enormous and spectacular view of the entire island. It is a great site to enjoy your day trip in Tinian.
- Bonadero Caves
These caves offer the site of Japanese Imperial Army’s command post which was called Bonadero. Here you can find Japanese memorials, WW2nd cannons, tanks and other military items used during the war.
- House of Taga
It was the home of the legendry chief Taga of the island. It is a gigantic building made up of hand carved lime stones and is located near the Tinian harbor. Several historical artifacts and useful information is displayed at this place. Other popular tourist places in Tinian include Atomic Bomb Pits, Blow Holes, Mount Lasso and beaches etc.
SHOPPING IN NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS
The markets of North Marians do not provide much for shopping. But some of the specialties of these markets are masks and decorative items made of coconut, wishing dolls, wood carvings etc. these items are a perfect gift to be purchased from the local markets of the island. Saipan is an ideal place for buying clothes, jewelry, perfumes etc. at cheap prices.
Thus, the Northern Mariana Islands are endowed with a myriad of sightseeing places and natural beauty. The unexplored islands, warm hospitality, romantic climate, magical sunsets and rich culture appeal the visitors to unfold the hidden secrets of this tropical paradise.
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