Saipan Hotels

Go diving at The Grotto, the top underwater spot in the Northern Mariana Islands, or hop on a boat and glide across to the ‘Pearl of Saipan’ at Managaha Island,or pull on your hiking boots and trek up Mount Tapochauand be rewarded with phenomenal views. When it comes to idyllic natural scenery, Saipan simply can’t be beaten.

Saipan's Top 10

Saipan History

• Suicide Cliff - An estimated 10,000 Japanese families leaped off the cliffs from fear of the U.S. Marines coming ashore during World War II.
• Bandadero Caves - Last command post of the Japanese Imperial Army, the limestone cave has preserved WWII guns and canons.
• World War II Relics - Airplane and tanks in the lagoon from WW II, international divers are attracted to these sites.
• Micro Beach - Northern part of the beach is the site of ancient Chamorro village.
• Camp Susupe - After the United States forces landed in Saipan, this POW camp was built for Japanese prisoners.

Saipan Art & Culture

• Shunji Matsue Statue - A bronze statue of the Sugar King stands in the Sugar King Park.
• Flames Tree Arts Festival - For three days, local and Micronesian artists show off their wares.
• CNMI Museum of History and Culture - Formerly a Japanese hospital built in the 1920s featuring artefacts from shipwrecks and civilization living on the island.
• American Memorial Park – A national park that honours fallen soldiers of World War II.
• Torri Gate - Relics of a Japanese shinto shrine and gate that survived World War II bombings.

Saipan Shopping

• Fu Dogs & Qi - Wander through this Saipan antiques shop that sells exceptional art, jewellery kimonos, fu dogs and more.
• Bestseller Books - In the Joeten Susupe Shopping Centre, with current magazines and travel guides.
• Music And - South of Beach Road, it sells music by local artists.
• La Moda Isla - Souvenir shop that sells items focused on island culture.
• Garapan Street Market - Walk around the market to sample the food at more than 40 booths on Thursday nights from 5 pm to 9 pm throughout the year.

Gay & Lesbian Saipan

• The Flair - Open throughout the week, but Friday night is the best time to go.
• Sagua Spa at The Hyatt Regency Saipan - Facility uses traditional techniques to offer a relaxing environment with fantastic results.
• Boss Karaoke - Sing with friends or have a confidential party in the private rooms.
• Himawari - Hidden sushi restaurant inside a Japanese grocery store.
• GIG Nightclub - In the shape of a giant Egyptian pyramid, with large sphinxes at the entrance.

Saipan Events

Make sure you pack your best running shoes for the coveted 10km Fun Run or Half Marathon in January.

Slip into your wetsuit and take notes from the pros at the Marianas Open Windsurfing Championships in February.

Feel the romance in the air as you float through paradise at the annual Valentines Walk in February.

Celebrate with the patron saint at the annual San Vicente Festival in early April.

The Liberation Day Festival is actually a weeklong bonanza celebrating Saipan’s wartime freeing from Japan that ends, appropriately, on 4 July.

When To Go

There is very little seasonal temperature variation, but you will get the driest weather between December and June.

July to November is the rainy season, when the occasional typhoon is also whipped up.

The Guinness Book of World Records credits Saipan with the most equable temperature in the world, so any time is a good time to visit!

Getting Around

There is no public transport on Saipan, but plenty of shuttle buses run between the airport and hotels.

A walk along the beach is the perfect way to while away an afternoon.

Probably the best way to see the sights of Saipan is to hire a car and explore at your own leisure.