Scintillating Saipan

We never run out of paradise in this world. Saipan, for one, is a haven that scintillates with crystal-clear, turquoise-colored ocean waters. When you hear the call of Saipan, you just give in.

I recently answered again the call of Saipan, and sampled the best island life could offer. Saipan, the largest island of the Northern Marianas Islands, enthralled my senses anew with its tranquil white-sand beaches. My excitement heightened when I ventured into water activities like parasailing and snorkeling.

Saipan is a commonwealth of the US in the western Pacific Ocean. Because of proxemics, the island whispers kinship with the Philippines when it comes to the similarities in history. For one, the Spanish Colonial Crown ruled Saipan from the first sighting of Ferdinand Magellan on March 6, 1521. And like the Philippines, Saipan was subjected to Japanese rule and American occupation. The difference is that the Japanese were present before World War II, before American intervention touched its shores, whereas the Philippines was subjected to American colonization prior to Japanese occupation with the onset of the Pacific War.

Because of its past, Saipan has numerous wrecks sitting on its ocean floor. Metal ghosts of sunken Japanese ships and airplanes can be seen from the submarine tours, even while diving in shallow waters. Remnants of the past have become sanctuaries for countless species of marine animals, creating a coral reef in the present for future generations to admire.

To better experience what divers see while being comfortable in our surroundings, my group and I rode the Deepstar Submarine, berthed at Saipan port. This submarine has large view ports where I spied upon numerous species of corals, multicolored fishes large and small, the famous Shoan Maru shipwreck, a Japanese freighter ship torpedoed by the USS Whale on Jan. 7, 1943, and the wreck of an American fighter plane with its large propellers and machine gun lying just 35 feet below the surface. Landlubbers can experience this side of Saipan without trading their clothes for wet suits. All they need do is take the submarine tours, which guarantee sightings of the rich island biodiversity.

The following day brought more adventures and sights to behold as I stepped upon the white sandy shores of Managaha island. A marine-protected area, this island has been termed the crown jewel of Saipan. After going through the day’s activities here, I am more than convinced that it is indeed the jewel among jewels of Saipan’s isles and inlets. Here, my very good friend Reesa Guerrero and I experienced the marriage of air and sea, parasailing from 800 to 1,000 feet, connected only by a strong nylon line. Reesa and I were towed by a boat and flew without wings so high up that we could see miniature versions of what used to be our full-sized companions. So we thought: this is what it’s like to be taller than everybody else. From the air, our companions brought us down to the water surface. Saipan’s warm and inviting turquoise-colored water was so refreshing that we were almost sorry that we were only dipped in them for a few minutes, before the boat picked up speed once more and our parachute carried us up again. What an exhilarating experience, one that I am sure I would want to do again.

Managaha island offers a host of other water activities like snorkeling and intro diving. I opted for a massage by the beach. Reesa chose to snorkel and later on tried intro diving, an experience she will cherish forever. Managaha island is accessible by a 10-minute ferry boat ride that leaves Saipan boat dock every two hours, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Saipan also has its romantic side that silently screams unique picturesque views. The Bird Island is said to be famous among lovers young and old. It is one of the most photographed spots in Saipan. It offers a 360-degree view of the island that literally takes your breath away. Thousands of birds call this island their home, hence the name.

It was challenging to see the birds from the distance where I stood, but on my next visit I am going to make sure to bring a pair of good binoculars in order to see a menagerie of bird species here, like the Black Noddy, the Golden White Eye and the White-tailed Tropic Bird, to name a few.

Visible large holes speckled the cliffs at the Bird Island, carved into the earth by mortar shells from World War II; they serve as a small reminder that from the ashes of conflict, a magnificent edifice of nature refuses to bow down and be destroyed. Those holes are a testament to Mother Nature’s formidable strength in the island.

Along the same route as the Bird Island lookout lies the grotto dive site. Divers are not the only ones who trek through this famous spot. Descending and ascending its hundred or so steps is well worth the effort as the mouth of the cave swallows its visitors to show the blue treasure that lies within. According to my friend and famous underwater photographer Yvette Lee, this underwater cave, which is known to divers, leads to three below-surface openings that directly empty out to the Pacific Ocean’s larger body.

In Saipan, it’s not only natural wonders that captivate a visitor but also manmade ones. We sampled several restaurants that showcased Asian cuisines. Among the many cuisines our palates admired, the Chinese food we ate at the noodle bar in the Best Sunshine Casino was made by a chef from Hong Kong. This casino currently holds fourth place in revenues worldwide.

Soon to open under the same umbrella of Imperial Holdings will be the Grand Mariana hotel. This hotel — to open first quarter of 2017 — will have Michelin-star rate restaurants, hundreds of rooms catering to every whim and desire of its guests, whether it’s to eat well, drink well, play well, or just simply relax among the many sights and sounds Saipan offers. It will also offer Italian-made luxury yachts for the use of its guests.

We sampled tidies harina, the island’s national dish at the Café at the Park and of course had our fill of classic American cuisine of US corn-fed steaks, Maine lobsters and beef pies at the country house restaurant.

Speaking of cuisines, our famished selves were definitely sated when we were hosted for dinner at the Fiesta hotel. It was a feast for all our senses because we were immersed in a little bit of island culture by watching expert Polynesian dancers in the stunning costumes doing what they do best, and that is dancing their cultural folk dances. 

On the other hand, the magic show Sand Castle at the Hyatt Regency Hotel made the impossible seem possible, as the magician and his beautiful assistants worked their wonders. From disappearing acts to levitation, the show was nothing less than mind-boggling as well as entertaining. 

Saipan scintillates with all the bounties of nature. A revered relationship is observed by man in deference to the environment. That way, the paradise is preserved and protected.

So, when you hear the call of Saipan, there’s nothing you can do but to submit yourself to the island paradise.

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For more information, call Abraham Ong at 507-4333 and 0917-326-0127.