"Life on the quiet paradise of CNMI" Top 5 Page for this destination Saipan by DSwede

Saipan Travel Guide: 91 reviews and 299 photos

Well, my work situation in Asia is always up in the air... so having to run out on limited notice to renew my Visa, guess who got yet another junket?! Yes, I was able to get to Saipan for a paid leave from Korea. Having found a direct flight from Busan, Korea to Saipan, I was the only white person on the plane! I had lots of looks by the other passengers and by the airport staff, but had a great trip nonetheless. I flew on the red-eye flights out and back to maximize the daylight hours of my visit too.

Due to the blessings of the internet, networking and some friends around the world, I wound up staying all but one night with some local friends. Being dive instructors and great outgoing people, I had a great time of it. I logged 6 dives in different locations, toured the island, learned the local ways and politics, ate well and made some good new friends.

Suicide Cliffs, guns and Flame Trees

The island is nice. I could see myself coming back. Its quite chill and relaxed. Saipan Island is less than 15 miles with ~60000 people or less. It is a US commonwealth, so English and the dollar are the way to go. Local politics have a bit to be desired (am getting good 1st hand info since my friends are radio host).

Saipan is almost a forgotten place today. Only people with the curiosity for travel or history come by the name. The islands have remained quiet and remote for the average person. But history shows that they were a logistic and tactical focal point in the Pacific Theater of WWII.

Battles raged between USA and Japan in the waters and islands of the area. Ultimately, Saipan was home to one of the bloodiest battles of the war (more than 43,000 deaths!). Neighboring island (Tinian) became the world's busiest airport (at the time) since it was the base for all Asian raids and USAF missions. That was the airport that the infamous Enola Gay departed from.

(for more pictures, feel free to visit my CNMI (Saipan) Gallery. If you enjoy the pictures, please leave a comment.)

Pros and Cons

Pros:Most consistent weather and waters, despite the season.
Cons:Transportation options to get here are rather limited.
In a nutshell:A day and half to see the WWII sites, weeks to explore the diving.

Intro Updated Mar 29, 2011
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (11)

Sandwich and Grill Restaurants (4)

Bobby Cadillac's is an American style sandwich, grill and pizza restaurant. The menu is on the wall, and once you... more travel advice

Diving the warm waters Sports & Outdoors (1)

[I apologize for the quality of the photos in this tip. I've uploaded them several times. They are crystal clear for... more travel advice

Bloody Past Favorites (1)

Saipan is almost a forgotten place today. Only people with the curiosity for travel or history come by the name. The... more travel advice

Breakfast and diner Restaurants (4)

Shirley's is a decent quality diner and coffee shop. While there are countless options for lunch and dinner, there are... more travel advice

Comments (3)

Reply
- Report abuse
hunterV Mar 13, 2010 at 12:53 PM

Hi, Dave! I see you are fortunate with your trips! Great! ><><><
Reply
- Report abuse
starship Apr 16, 2009 at 11:21 AM

I love history so the WWII museum would be fascinating to me. Sounds like you had fun diving. I like to snorkel but am too chicken to try diving. Have you read "Shadow Divers?"
Reply
- Report abuse
SLLiew Apr 12, 2009 at 11:57 PM

Great tips on Saipan. Wow.. you clocked so many dives. I miss my diving days.