If you read my post about Guam, you already have a little knowledge about the area. Saipan is the second-largest island of the Micronesian Islands (Guam is the first). I had friends working and staying in Saipan, so I popped on over one day to our neighbor. New adventures to have and old friends to connect with.
From Guam, it was only about a 45-minute flight to Saipan. I'm unsure if there are direct flights to Saipan, so you might have to fly through Guam. But make the most and check out both islands if you want.
I was only there for the day and landed on one of the first flights. So we got down to business. What do you do when you get off an early morning plane...hike a mountain.
We hiked up Mount Tapochua to get the best view of the island. The hike isn't tricky, we were all in flip-flops, but the trail can get a bit steep. There are handrails available.
The view from the top is totally worth it. You can see the entire island from this one point.
A statue of Jesus is also keeping an eye on the island.
After our hike, we grabbed some brunch at a hidden restaurant not far from the mountain. It has been so many years, I'm not sure the restaurant, unfortunately, is still around.
Just like Guam, Saipan was occupied by the Japanese during WW2. I believe there are more military relics to be found on Saipan than on Guam. My friends, who lived there, say they found tons of old helmets and dead grenades on many of their hikes.
On the side of a cliff, are old Japanese jail cells and hideouts built into the rock.
The Last Command Post is a museum of tanks.
Near the command post is the Korean Peace Memorial.
A scenic and haunting sight is the Suicide Cliff lookout.
As WW2 was ending, the Japanese were so scared of becoming prisoners of war by the U.S. that thousands jumped to their death from this cliff.
You can feel the energy of this place. And as the crystal blue water sparkles and shines against the white rock and green trees, you are compelled to take a moment of silence for those souls.
Another stunning viewpoint is from Banzai Cliff Monument.
Following the curve of the road as it moves us to The Grotto!
Similar to Devil's Den in Florida, you climb down a somewhat cave entrance to find this bright blue pool of wonder. You can swim, snorkel or dive The Grotto.
Also in eye range from The Grotto is Bird Island Sanctuary. You can snorkel the reef that protects Bird Island Beach. You can also walk to and explore actual Bird Island itself.
With so much adventuring accomplished, we decided to take a moment and chill at the beach and catch some rays. Before going to the beach, we stopped at an open market and fruit stand for some fresh produce to enjoy with our sand and sun.
My friends were performers in our sister theatre in Saipan, so I went and saw them in the show that night. The Sandcastle Theatre in Saipan is located in the Hyatt Regency Hotel.
After the show, we went to Naked Fish Bar and Grill for dinner. I never had octopus before, but here I ordered their garlic octopus and became a fan. They have classic bar food like wings and burgers. They also have poke and lots of seafood options.
Not wanting the day to end, we strolled over to the Godfathers Bar. A great local bar with great staff and great drinks. There are a fun Godfathers cut out you can take pictures with.
The next morning, I had to get up to fly back to my own island for shows that night. It was so good to see some old friends. And I was really proud of all the adventures and sights we covered in just one day!
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