Notes From the Guam Side: Saipan

In the middle of last month, our family hopped up to the island of Saipan, the northern most island in the chain of islands known as the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. It is a small island, but very pretty. Saipan, along with the rest of the Mariana Islands, is loaded with World War II history. If you ever visit the island, or Tinian, Rota, or Guam, be sure to bring a camera with you. In addition to the historical aspect of Saipan, it is also a good place to go hiking, biking, and scuba diving.

View from our hotel looking toward Mount Taputchao. The village of Garapan is in the foreground.

Sign at Bonsai Cliff, scene of a great tragedy in World War II.

Bonzai Cliff: scene where Japanese soldiers and civilians threw themselves and children over the cliff rather than be captured. No amount of pleading from the horrified American soldiers or captured Japanese could stop the suicides before hundreds met their deaths.

Japanese memorials atop Bonzai Cliff.

A Boonie Dog standing on the road at the bottom of Suicide Cliff seemed to pose for the camera..

Japanese static displays below Suicide Cliff.

Looking up at Suicide Cliff.

Japanese memorial near the static displays.

Looking up at another part of Suicide Cliff. Notice the holes in the cliff face, evidence of the heavy bombardment by the US Navy prior to the landing.

Market Night in Garapan.

Another shot of Bonzai Cliff, this one taken in around 10:00 in the morning.

Video I took of the waves at Bonzai Cliff.

Memorial atop Suicide Cliff.

Bird Island. Unfortunately, there were no birds on Bird Island the morning I took this picture.

View from the cliff top looking down into the Grotto.

Entrance to the Grotto. This is a popular scuba diving spot. It is best to be a skilled diver before attempting a dive here.

Stairs leading to the Grotto. Divers walk down these steps carrying all their gear. Parking is above and does not allow the convenience of pulling the car close to the water's edge first before pulling out the gear.

Scars of War: The cliff face at Suicide Cliff along the road to Marpi Point and Bonzai Cliff.

View from atop Mount Taputchao. Clouds were a problem, but once in a while I could get a shot of the shoreline. From the top of Mt. Taputchao you can see all of Saipan and Tinian Island just 3 miles to the south of the island.