Americas - Travel To Mariana Islands

 

Mariana Islands

The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) is currently undergoing massive change as its fiscally challenged capital Saipan painfully comes to terms with the loss of its lucrative Japanese tour market. But travel trends come and go; the charm of the islands endures. It's therefore your mission, should you accept it, to seek out the best of the CNMI.

At first glance, Saipan can seem like a package-tour nightmare, a place where Chamorro culture has devolved, tour buses constantly patrol the sights, and solitude seems hard to come by. But catch the island at the right time and at the right angle (in the right place) and you'll be rewarded with some poignant experiences: flame trees in bloom; melancholy historical sights; turquoise waters and white sands; and fine diving and snorkelling. At some stage, you will need respite, though, and that's waiting just south of Saipan in the form of Tinian. This is a somniferous island, tiny in size but claiming a mighty chapter in world history: American B-29s flew from here to drop the atomic bomb on Japan. Tinian, for the most part, has escaped major development (although it does have an ostentatious casino) and its natural charms remain intact, like lovely beaches and rewarding hikes. But the real jewel in the CNMI chain is beautiful Rota. Actually, Rota is the Diamond Tiara of the Marianas, the crowning glory, an island punctuated by a hilly interior, small farms, good spring water, enough deer to maintain a hunting season and fiery orange sunsets that light the evening skies. And a more friendly place you'd be hard-pressed to find; by the time you've finished with Rota, your arm will be sore from waving and your heart will be sore from having to leave.

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The rainy season is from July to October, when rainfall averages about 300mm a month; from December to May the monthly rainfall average is only around 100mm.

According to The Guinness Book of Records, Saipan has the world's most equable temperature, averaging 27°C year-round.

Like Guam, the CNMI lies directly along the typhoon track, with typhoons most commonly occurring from August to December. In 2004 the CNMI suffered three major typhoons: Typhoon Chaba and Typhoon Songda in August, and Typhoon Sarika in September. Chaba hit Saipan, Rota and Tinian, forcing over 1000 residents from their homes to evacuation centres. Damage was estimated at US$18 million and the Northern Marianas were declared an official disaster zone. Songda and Sarika were less widespread: both hit the small islands of Pagan, Alamagan and Agrihan, north of Saipan.

Navigating Mariana Islands

Your home driving license will do for up to 30 days; bring an International Driver's License if your home version isn't in English. Drive on the right-hand side. At Tanapag Harbor in Saipan, visiting boats can anchor in the commercial harbour or alongside the pier by the Mobil Tanks. Quarantine, customs and immigration officials handle clearance requirements, and you can get directions from the port captain on VHF Channel 16. You can go straight to Rota (rather than going through Saipan), though its harbour facilities are worse than those of Saipan or Tinian.

Facts about Mariana Islands

Attend a village fiesta in honour of local patron saints.

Explore Saipan's western shore: it is encircled by a barrier reef, creating a lagoon with white sand beaches.

Visit the last command post of the Japanese Imperial Army known as Banadero, with WWII cannons, tanks and artillery preserved in a limestone cave.

Enjoy spectacular views from the Puntan Sabaneta (also known as Banzai Cliff) and Laderan Banadero (also known as Suicide Cliff because of thousands of Japanese soldiers who jumped to their deaths to avoid capture).

Take a trip to the southern island of Tinian, which has a rugged coastline with tiny coves. At Abbas on the northern shore, there are blow holes where incoming waves shoot 6m (20ft) into the air.

Also on Tinian, visit the House of Taga, a temple or meeting house associated with the legendary chief Taga. It consists of magnificent stone pillars, carved in the traditional way and transported from nearby coastal areas.

Hop over to Rota, a small and friendly island with a variety of natural attractions. Outside the main village of Songsong, sights include Toga Cave, a huge limestone cavern with stalactites and stalagmites, so large it was used as a wartime hospital.

While on Rota, see the fascinating Wedding Cake Mountain, which resembles a layered cake. Curious artefacts can also be viewed at the Rota Cave Museum, located in a gigantic limestone cave.

See huge and ancient stone remains carved by the Chamorros at the Taga Stone Quarry, on Rota.

Take a glass-bottomed boat trip out to Isleta Maigo Fahang (also known as Bird Island) a beautiful, unspoilt island set aside as a nature reserve.

Try some watersports: There are many suitable diving and snorkelling locations; windsurfing is popular on Saipan. Parasailing is available. Local fishing competitions are held in several places.

If you'd rather explore underwater scenery and wrecks whilst staying warm and dry, take a submarine cruise.

Mariana Islands Airports

Saipan (SPN) is situated 5km (3 miles) south of Chalan Kanoa.There are smaller airports at Rota (ROP) and Tinian (TIQ).

Visa/Passport requirements

US citizens need no visa and can stay as long as they like; non-US citizens can stay visa-free for up to 30 days. Tourists can apply for an extension of up to two months.

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