Saipan
Overview
Saipan is 23 km (14 mi) long and 8 km (5 mi) wide. The best beaches and most populated areas are on the western and southern coasts, with the north and east being rugged and mountainous. Many Chamorros on Saipan consider their culture more intact than on Guam, and the US Military has a much smaller presence on Saipan than on Guam. Therefore, comparisons between the two islands should take this into account. Furthermore, Chamorros on Saipan and throughout the CNMI still primarily speak Chamorro at home, while the same isn't true of Guam. Furthermore, while the differences between a commonwealth (as in the CNMI) and a territory (as in Guam) may not appear to be great (especially to a mainland US citizen), Saipan should not be referred to as a territory when speaking to a local. Finally, while the population of the CNMI, as on Guam, are US citizens and proud to be recognized as such, their independence is equally important. Garapan is the main hotel area on Saipan, and includes a number of gambling establisments, as well as karaoke/hostess bars.
[Edit]History
When to Go
[Edit]Transport
| » Getting Around |
| » Getting There & Away |
General Information
While English is the official language, relatively few people on Saipan speak English as their first language. Nevertheless, nearly everybody does speak English, though with much more of an accent than on Guam. Most speak Chomorro at home, and the many migrant workers on Saipan come mostly from China and Taiwan. Furthermore, Korean and Japanese tourists make these languages fairly prevalent as well.
[Edit]Health & Safety
Accommodation
| » General Sleeping |
| » Hotels to Hostels |
Entertainment
| » General Drinking |
General Shopping
Duty Free Galleria, in the center of Garapan, has the top name brands and fashions available for high prices (but supposedly lower rates than in Tokyo). Locally made crafts are available in some stores on the islands, but check first to make sure the items were not manufactured in the Philippines, Thailand, or Indonesia. There is a tiny branch of Bestseller Books, packed full of the latest titles as well as magazines and travel guides, in the Joeten Susupe shopping center. Music And, further south on Beach Road, carries discs by local musicians. Blockbuster Video has a branch in the Town House shopping center.
[Edit]General Sights
Saipan, Guam, and many other islands of the Marianas were all important battle sites during WWII, and many Japanese bunkers and armaments still exist on these islands. These sites are managed by the National Park Service under the "War in the Pacific" Parks designation. Saipan is fairly small and by renting a car or moped, it is easy to drive around the island and take in the natural splendor, as well as visit a number of parks. Scuba diving is also popular, and the underwater world should definitely be seen.
[Edit]General Activities
Scuba diving and snorkeling are deservedly the most popular activities here among western tourists, though gambling and karaoke/hostess bars are most popular among Korean businessmen, as well as some Japanese travellers. Garapan is coastally located, so other watersports abound as well. For scuba divers, the term "Fun Dive" is used for those who have already been certified and just want to recreationally dive, while "Taiken dive" is used to designate first-time divers that take classes on Saipan. The same is true for the rest of the CNMI and somewhat so for Guam. The Saipan Hash House Harriers meet every Saturday at 3:30 p.m. at the Bank of Guam parking lot in Garapan to run, hike, jog, climb and otherwise trek through jungle, swamps, mountains, and other terrain. It's usually a great way to meet people and see a side of island life you might not catch otherwise.
Contribute to Unearth Travel and Help Create
The World's Finest Travel Guide
- Edit Information and Submit Photos
- CreativeCommons means it is Free to Share
Navigate the World and [Edit] the Content