Aqua Resort Club Saipan

Bloody Past

by DSwede

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. The historical accounts of Saipan can be witnessed at many of the tourist sites, such as:
North end of the island: Last Command Post, Banzai Cliff, Suicide Cliff
Central island: Japanese Hospital, Sugar King Park, Japanese Jail
Top of the island: placards and displays on top of Mt. Tapochao
South end of island: several bunkers, shelters, and memorials

But best source of information is the American WWII Museum and Memorial Park:
Just north of the Hyatt Hotel, in Garapan.
Entry is free of charge until 5pm. Closed Mondays, Tuesdays and holidays.

http://www.nps.gov/archive/amme/wwii_museum/amp_ww2_museum.html

FindManyThingsToDiscoverAlongForbidden

by s.miles

Hike around the rocks and find neat caverns, tidal pools and the top of Forbidden...
This is the place to hike to if you want a bit of a challenge to your day instead of just lounging around in a hammock at seaside!
As you can see from the photo's, there weren't too many people there---you might find 'us' and thats it!!
Check it out for yourself. You won't have to bring a good book along....

Suicide Cliff

by kenmerk

Another site noted for mass suicides of Japanese civilians and soldiers at the end of the Battle of Saipan in WW2 is Suicide Cliff, on the north end of the island.

A 250 Meter tall sheer rock face, Suicide Cliff offers excellent views of the north end of the island of Saipan, including an old Japanese military air strip.

Saipan

by Badodge

"Saipan"

Our trip to Saipan was one of the best we have taken. The people were friendly. The weather was great, with a few rain showers in the afternoon. Renting a car and driving around the island was easy. A trip well worth the long flight from the U.S..
The island has changed a lot in 7 years, many stores closed and lower tourist rate higher unemployment