Contents

Saipan ...... 03 #01 Grotto #02 Managaha Island #03 Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine #04 #05 Mt. Tapochau #06 Micro Beach #07 Stargazing #08 Obyan Beach #09 Mount Carmel Cathedral #10 Forbidden Island #11 Street Market #12 Bird Island #13 Sugar KingPark #14 Beach Road Pathway #15 Romance

Tinian ...... 13 #16 Taga Beach #17 Blow Hole #18 Broadway #19 #20 Old San Jose Church BellTower

Rota ...... 17 #21 Senbon Yashi #22 Hole #23 Village Overlook Marianas 30 Treasures #24 Bird Sanctuary #25 Teteto Beach Small islands, sparkling like jewels in the Pacific Ocean, ...... 21 call you closer with colors that excite your imagination. #26 Flame Tree Settled by seafaring navigators nearly four thousand years ago, #27 Sports #28 War-related Sites #29 The Marianas possess a natural beauty created by the Made in the Marianas #30 awesome power of volcanoes, a surging sea, and sunlit skies.. Night Life And now, the wonders of these islands, Travel Information ...... 27 and the enduring spirit that lives in the hearts of their people, are yours to share.

The Marianas Visitors Authority presents the hidden riches of these idyllic islands in Marianas 30Treasures. We warmly invite you to experience the breathtaking locations, unique culture, and friendly people of the islands of , , Junji Takasago and Rota as captured through the lens of Photographer nature photographer Junji Takasago. Junji Takasago was born in Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan in 1962. His photography, inspired by the natural world, is typically focused on animals, rainbows, landscapes, skies, and underwater locations. Mr. Takasago's publications include Dear Earth, The Rainbow Planet, Night Rainbow, Free, and others. He has been featured on TV and radio and serves as an executive board member of the Oceanic Wildlife Society (OWS), a non-profit environmentalorganization. #16 Taga Beach http://junjitakasago.com Saipan Saipan

As you approach Saipan by air, you may think itimpossible that the ocean surrounding this beautiful island can exhibit so many shades of blue.Saipan is your gateway to the The Marianas. It is an island of big smiles, where visitors are greeted with #28 BanzaiCliff “hafa adai” or “tirow,” the greetings of the indigenous

Chamorro and Carolinian people. #28 Last CommandPost #28 SuicideCliff

#07Stargazing #01Grotto

#02 Managaha Island #12 BirdIsland

#01 Grotto #15Romance #06 Micro Beach A Magical Underwater Cave Beckons

#04 Garapan You into the Sunlight

#11 Garapan StreetMarket #03 Our Lady of LourdesShrine

#13 Sugar KingPark

#05 Mt.Tapochau

#14 Beach RoadPathway

#11 Sabalu FarmersMarket #10 ForbiddenIsland #09 Mount CarmelCathedral

Saipan International Airport

Saipan is the largest island and the capital of the U.S.Commonwealth of the .

#08 ObyanBeach , the historic capitol, and Garapan, with its busy downtown, are both located here. Blessed with a tropical climate and average temperature of 27 degrees Celsius (80 degrees Fahrenheit), the island has two seasons, dry from December to June and rainy from July to November. Saipan offers beautiful white sand beaches

Area : Approximately 115.4 km2 and plentiful year-round activities, including snorkeling, Located at Marpi Point on the northern end of Saipan, the cavernous Grotto attracts divers from around the world. At Population : 48,220 (as of 2010) diving, trekking, golf, jogging, and more. You can drive Highest peak : Mt. Tapochau (475 meters above sea level) the bottom of 116 stairs, you encounter a natural pool filled with blue seawater. Once underwater, you're shown the Island color : Saipan Blue around the island in just three hours, so going places and way by light passing through three horizontal caves that connect to the open sea and direct sunlight from the opening doing things is easy even if your visit is a short one. above. As you swim through the magical light and into the cave, you may be lucky enough to encounter sea turtles and large migratoryfish. 3 4 #02Managaha Saipan

It's Easy to Lose Track of Time on This Small Island

#03 Our Lady of LourdesShrine A Statue of the Virgin Mary Imparts a Sense of Peace

Driving south from Capitol Hill, you encounter a small statue of the Virgin Mary looking skyward in prayer. Local Christians placed the statue here, the site of a cave where Saipanese sought refuge during an invasion in World War II. In front of the statue is a well whose water is said to possess healing powers when poured on an afflicted area. You can also drink the water directly from the well. Candles for prayers may be offered. An annual religious ritual is held here everyFebruary.

#04 Garapan One Day Is Not Enough to Experience It All

About 20 minutes from Saipan International Airport, Garapan is the largest downtown in the The Marianas. This bustling district stretches along Micro Beach on the western shore of the island and visitors can catch a distant view of Managaha Island from the beach. Many large hotels and visitor attractions such as shopping malls, restaurants, and small shops are in Managaha is a small islet, surrounded by a coral reef, just 10 minutes by Garapan. boat from the shore of Saipan. Only 1.5 kilometers around, Managaha is easily explored on foot. There is no overnight accommodation. However, there are quaint restaurants, shops, and shower facilities for those on day trips. Enjoy snorkeling in crystal clear, startlingly blue waters. Or trek through a palm forest, where you'll discover the sacred burial ground of the Carolinian Chief Aghurubw. Managaha is a designated marine conservation area, so its environment is protected.

5 6 #05 Mt.Tapochau Saipan Enjoy a 360-Degree View from the Highest Point on Saipan

Mt. Tapochau is the highest point here at 475 meters above sea level. on Saipan, part of a mountain Because access is via a rugged range that originates in the depths gravel road, a four-wheel drive of deepest point on earth in the vehicle is recommended. A statue of Marianas Trench. From its peak, you Jesus Christ stands on a pedestal can see the streets of Garapan, Lake at the scenic overlook, benevolently to the south, and Managaha watching overvisitors. to the west. The breeze is refreshing

#06 #07 Micro Beach Stargazing A Beach that Changes Color Seven Times a Day Watch the Stars Come Out in the Tropical Night Sky

The powdery white sand of Micro Beach, which fronts the resort hotels of the Garapan district, tempts you to remove your shoes and walk barefoot. Micro Beach is said to change its shades of color seven times a day, most notably during Saipan's remarkably beautiful sunsets. With Managaha off the The starry sky has captivated humans from the beginning. The Marianas offer superb locations for stargazing. The coast, Micro Beach is a great spot skies above The Marianas are clear, thanks to cleansing air currents that constantly travel across the Pacific. The to soak up some of Saipan's best Grotto is one of many ideal observation sites as it is located in the northeast of Saipan facing the Pacific, where it is scenery. unaffected by city lights. We recommend that youjoin a stargazing tour for convenience and safety at night.

7 8 #10 Saipan

Located at the southern end of #08 Obyan Beach Saipan, Obyan Beach enjoys some Forbidde of the clearest water on the island. Feel the Life of the Sea at a Coral Reef On a good day, you can see the n Island neighboring island of Tinian nearby. A favorite of local people, the beach One of Saipan's Favorite is dotted with green trees, ideal for Day Treks lounging in the shade. Inside the outer reef are beautiful patch reefs Located in LaoLao Bay, Forbidden with an abundance of small fish to Island is a nature reserve that is see when snorkeling or swimming. home to various flora and fauna. At the edge of the outer reef, the Take a 30-minute trek from the bottom quickly drops to a depth of trailhead in the village of up to 17 meters, which makes this down to the island, where there are site popular among divers. A strong caves and tide pools for snorkeling. current runs outside the reef, so be Take special care if you walk in an sure to enjoy marine activity there area facing the open ocean as waves with a professionalguide. can be rough and arrive unexpectedly. Nevertheless, do not miss a chance to experience the “forbidden” charms of this special island.

#09 Mount Carmel Cathedral The Largest Catholic Church in The Marianas

With its beautiful Spanish-style exterior, Mount Camel Cathedral attracts many visitors. Reconstructed To discover local and specialties in the Marianas, street markets are the in 1949 after World War II, it was #11 StreetMarket place to go. The Garapan Street Market, held Thursday nights, features food designated as a cathedral by papal stalls selling skewers of various grilled , fresh fruit juice, and more to decree in 1984. Inside, you're Get a Taste of Local Food and Culture enjoy as you stroll. Meanwhile, Sabalu Farmers Market in Susupe is held bathed in gentle light passing Saturday mornings. Here you'll find freshly picked vegetables, hot peppers, and through stained glass windows. This traditional local foods, including apigigi (coconut, tapioca, and other ingredients cathedral provides Catholics living in baked in a banana leaf). “Sabalu” means Saturday in the Chamorrolanguage. The Marianas with a place of worship and serves as a landmark for the Garapan Street Market Sabalu Farmers Market town of Chalan Kanoa. A sugar cane processing plant and a shrine built to celebrate the harvest were in this area during the period of Japanese rule. Lanterns and a gate from the old shrine can still beseen.

9 10 Saipan

#12 Bird Island This boardwalk runs for five kilometers along the western shore of Spend a Day Bird Watching #14 Saipan from the Garapan district to Kilili Beach Park and offers some of the best morning and sunset views on island. The pathway is designed Bird Island, called “Isleta Maigo Fahang” (Island of Sleeping Birds) in the to be wheelchair accessible with a flat surface with slopes of less than Chamorro language, is located Marpi district in northeast Saipan. The BeachRoad five degrees. Benches are located along the route. During the cooler uninhabited limestone isle has numerous holes that are perfect for nesting. hours of morning or evening, this is a popular walking and jogging The islet is a breeding site for the common tern (Sterna hirundo), white-tailed Pathway site. On Saipan, beaches are considered places for light exercise. The tropicbird (Phaethon lepturus), and others. The island is a Marine Protected boardwalk is a reinforced structure designed to help prevent beach Area, so people are prohibited from going ashore or fishing. Most bird Walk or Jog? erosion caused by rising sealevels resulting from climate change. watching is done through binoculars from a lookout during the earlyevening. More Ways to Enjoy the Beach

#15 Romance Share Your Precious Moments in a Natural Setting

The Marianas offer a perfect setting for weddings and vow renewals. Sugar King Park is the first modern municipal park in Saipan. Here you'll find Exchanging vows with your loved one #13 a statue of Haruji Matsue, the Japanese entrepreneur who built the first sugar on the beach, with the magnificent refinery on Saipan before World War II. Also in the park stands Saipan Katori ocean and breathtaking Marianas Shrine, founded in 1911,the site of the annual AutumnFestival. sunset as a backdrop, makes for Sugar King Park an occasion that is unforgettable. Learn about Sugar's Role in the You might also plan a surprise champagne dinner at a beachside History of The Marianas resort restaurant. 11 12 T Tinian inian

What should you expect on the island ofTinian? Some of the clearest waters in the world. Dense, natural #16 TagaBeach forests filled with some of the spiciest peppers in the world. Become Part of the Blazing Sky and Sea Warm-hearted people. And the sounds of the wind, waves, and birds, which have remained constant for thousands of years. Wherever you go on the island, #28 Old Japanese Air OperationsBuilding you will see many of the same images viewed through the eyes of the #17 BlowHole ancient Chamorros. On Tinian, time passes slowly and your patience is always rewarded.

#18Broadway

Tinian InternationalAirport

Tinian is just a five-kilometer hop from Saipan, a few minutes via plane. Livestock farming and agriculture are the island's main industries, as evidenced by the thousands of #20 Old San Jose Church BellTower cows and cattle pastured here. Tourism on

#19 House of Taga Tinian centers on ocean activities, leaving the This pristine beach was named after island's remote areas virtually untouched. the ancient Chamorro Chief Taga #16 TagaBeach Viewed from above, Tinian's shape is similar who was said to have carved latte to New York City's Manhattan Island. For stones for his home from this area. that reason, Tinian was given many street Archeologists point to the chiseled lime stone at Taga Beach to support names found in New York City, including this claim. Taga Beach is one of the Broadway, which runs much of the length of most beautiful beaches on Tinian. the island. But that's where the similarity Thanks to the extreme clarity of its waters, boats and swimmers may with New York ends. Tinian is rich in historic look as if they are floating in the blue sites that include the remains of its ancient sky. Here cliffs up to 10 meters high culture, as well as natural wonders and tower above turquoise-blue waters secluded beaches. For transportation, rental and a sea bottom of pure white sand. Coral reefs attract colorful tropical Area : Approximately 101.01 km2 cars are recommended for getting around fish and provide an ideal environment Population : 3,136 (as of 2010) this 20-kilometer-long, eight-kilometer- for snorkeling. In the early evening, Highest peak : Mt. Lasso (171 meters above sea level) Island color : Tinian Red wide island. Drive safely because there are the sky and ocean turn deep orange, no traffic lights. and the beach is cast in one of its many color moods. 13 14 T

#17 inian Blow Hole The Day’s Weather Decides the Height of the Spouting Water

Located in northeastern Tinian, the Blow Hole commands a coastal view that includes Saipan in the distance. As powerful waves pound the shore, seawater rushes through crevices in the rocks, pushing up a towering geyser of seawater and spray. Wind At San Jose Park near the Port of direction, wave intensity, and tides Tinian, ancient monolithic stone determine the height of the geyser, ruins mark the location of the house which can reach 10 meters. When of the Chamorro Chief Taga. Three the sun is behind you and conditions thousand years ago, twelve 15-foot- are right, a beautiful rainbow may tall pillars are thought be seen. Be careful of sharp rocks to have formed a foundation for and large waves when you approach the chief's house, but today only the blowhole, and please don't get one is left standing erect due to too close. past earthquakes. Similar stone monoliths are found on the islands of The Marianas, but none standing as tall as those on Tinian, which #19 are considered icons of Chamorro culture. How ancient Chamorro people were able to quarry and move House of Taga the giant stone pillars without any Mysterious Giant Stone Monoliths modern machines is amystery.

#18Broadway A Road Named for New York City's Manhattan Island #20 Old SanJose Church Bell Tower

A Bell Tower that Has Stood Sentry for 350 Years

In San Jose village, an iconic 20-meter- high bell tower stands in the garden of Broadway traverses nearly the entire San Jose Church, reminding visitors length of Tinian Island. Starting of the period of Spanish rule in the from Tinian International Airport, the 17th century. Visible from anywhere in 11-kilometer road leads to almost the village, the tower inclines slightly all of the island's landmarks and due to age and damage during World attractions including Blow Hole, Long War II, but local residents lovingly Beach, Hinode Shrine, and Hagoi repair it to preserve its original form. U.S. Air Force Base. With its gentle Even today, the bell tower serves a undulations, the road almost seems purpose. A speaker mounted at its top connected to the ocean. Cruising broadcasts public announcements, along Broadway at a leisurely pace in including news of weddings. San Jose your rental car, enjoying the tropical Church is the only Roman Catholic sun, is another way Tinian transports church on Tinian and still provides youto another place in time. religiousservicesforlocalresidents. 15 16 Rota Rota

Blanketed by primeval forests, Rota Island retains the traditional culture of the Chamorro people. Here people passing by greet you with a wave of their hand, emblematic of this being “The World’s Friendliest Island.”

#21 SenbonYashi A Quiet Walk in a Palm Forest

#25 TetetoBeach Rota International Airport

#23 Songsong VillageOverlook

#21 SenbonYashi #24 Bird Sanctuary

#28 Old Japanese Cannon

#22 RotaHole

Senbon Yashi, one of the major visitor attractions on Rota, is the site of 1,000 palm trees planted by local residents and the U.S. Rota, 136 kilometers south of Saipan, is the southernmost of the government after World War II. Northern Marianas. To get here, hop aboard a small plane for a Although the number of tress has 30-minute flight from Saipan International Airport. Visitors are been reduced to several hundred welcomed by crystal-clear waters that attract divers from around due to typhoon damage and other causes, the rows of tall, neatly lined the world, vistas of rich agricultural cropland, and the smiles palm trees are still impressive and of friendly residents. A day trip from Saipan is time enough to add to the tropical mood. The site is visit major attractions, but a longer stay permits you to fully easily accessed from Songsong village, and trekking there is a great Area : Approximately 85.38 km2 experience the island's slow pace and relaxed lifestyle. Drive on option. However, be on guard for Population : 2,527 (as of 2010) a trail surrounded by ancient forest. Swim at a secluded beach. Highest peak : Mt. Sabana (495 meters above sea level) falling coconuts. After enjoying the Island color : Rota Green Experiences in unspoiled locations such as these will awaken stunning contrast of blue sky and something almost forgotten inside you. green palms, visit nearby Tweksberry Beach and relax for abit. 17 18 #24 Rota #22 RotaHole BirdSanctuary An Underwater Universe, A Paradise for Seabirds Heaven for Divers on a Protected Bluff

Looking over a tropical jungle canopy from an observation deck, you discover a paradise for seabirds, many found no where else in the world. Some 40 kinds of birds— including the booby, white tern, and great frigate—are performing a spectacular aerial ballet in this small area. There is a pathway on the cliff for visitors who enjoy watching birds, which often come close enough to meet your gaze. Are you watching the birds, or are they watching you? Youdecide.

The exceptional clarity and visibility of the ocean around Rota is due to the low number of plankton. The water's magical shade of blue is called Rota Blue, which divers love for the feeling it imparts of floating untethered in space. Rota Hole— along with the Grotto in Saipan— is one of the world’s preeminent underwater caverns for diving. Here you swim through shafts of light #25 TetetoBeach that travel through the roof of the A Beach So Special You'll Want to cave and deep into the water, and rise to the surface enveloped in a Keep Its Location Secret giant pillar of light. Captivated by the experience, many divers return repeatedly to Rota Hole.

◎The best diving is from April to September, when sunlight enters directly from the top of the cave.

#23 Songsong Village Overlook

There's a Lot to Like about the Village with a Lovely View

At first glance, the village below looks like a miniature town. From the higher The white sand of this award-winning beach is as fine as powder. The waters elevation of Cross Point, you take in a full view of lovely Songsong village, change their shades of blue according to the whims of the sun. Located near including its fire station, church, and seaport. At the tip of the island sits Mt. the airport, Teteto Beach is so beautiful that local residents recommend it Taipingot, nicknamed "Wedding Cake Mountain" for its unique shape and above all other beaches on the island. Waves are blocked by an offshore reef, home to wild deer and other animals. The mountain is a special conservation which makes the beach at this lagoon perfect for families with small children, area and access is not permitted. However, Tonga Cave, located at the foot of a favorite holiday BBQ venue among local residents, and the ideal spot to fully Cross Point, is open to the public. The interior of the cave is 30 meters high appreciate the possibilities of apeaceful life on Rota. and about 50 meters long. 19 20 Mariana

The Marianas Islands

Each of the three islands of Saipan, Tinian, and Rotahas its own distinct character, which makes them different from one another. However, they do share some similarities, just like three siblings raised together. The amazing diversity of the people and spectacular natural resources add to

the charms of the The Marianas.

Saipan

Tinian

Rota

The Marianas are made up of 14 islands, three of which are most populated. Saipan, where the capital is located, is a slender island about 20 kilometers long and 10 kilometers wide. It is truly a paradise of the Pacific, with azure skies, white sand beaches, and turquoise blue waters. Tinian, just south of Saipan, has secluded beaches and visitor attractions that can be enjoyed on a day trip. Rota, known for its Rota Blue ocean, has ancient ruins as well as perfect beaches, so you can #26 FlameTree enjoy your time with us in whatever way pleases you most. When you come to The Marianas, prepare to beamazed. Bright Red Flowers Create a Lasting Impression

The Marianas : 14 islands including (North to South) Uracas, Maug, The beautiful bright red and orange flowers of the flame tree suggest the Asuncion, Agrigan, , , , , , sun. Designated as the national tree of The Marianas, flame trees are found Farrallon de Mendinilla, Saipan, Tinian, , Rota (Saipan, Tinian, and Rota are inhabited islands.) on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. The blazing flowers bloom for a relatively long period, and are best enjoyed between April and July, with their peak bloom in Area : Approximately 464 km2 National tree : Flame tree June. The sharp contrast of the bright red flowers blooming along the street Population : 53,883 (as of 2010) National flower : Plumeria beneath the bright blue sky presents a marvelous image that has come to Capital : Saipan symbolize The Marianas.

21 22 Mariana

The Marianas were fierce battlegrounds for American and Japanese forces during #28 World War II. At , thousands of Japanese civilians and soldiers, pushed

back by the American assault, leapt 80 meters to the waters below while shouting Islands WorldWar “banzai" (traditionally a battle cry). At , thousands more jumped to Ⅱ their deaths from atop this nearly 250-meter cliff in Marpi. Many visitors come to these sites annually to pray for the souls of those killed in the war and for peace. Sites At the Last Command Post of the Imperial Japanese Army, tanks, anti-aircraft The Legacy of the War guns, and other weapons are reminders of the horrific battles fought here. Other sites include an air operations building and headquarters of the Imperial Japanese Lives On Navy on Tinian, and gun batteries and a cave used as a field hospital on Rota.

Banzai Cliff, Saipan

#27 So Many Activities Await You in the Great Outdoors The Marianas are well known for some of the world's best diving spots, but there are plenty of other sports activities you can enjoy in the islands' mild climate. Jog along the Beach Road Pathway, feeling the sea breeze Sports in your face. Go biking. Play golf surrounded by some of the most spectacular scenery on earth. Join any of the numerous triathlons, marathons and other races hosted throughout the year. There's something for everyone. Pack a lunch and go trekking, snorkel with colorful fish, learn standup paddling, and much more.

The Last Command Post, Suicide Cliff, Saipan Saipan

Imperial Japanese Navy Air Imperial Japanese Army Operations Building, Tinian Gun Battery, Rota

23 24

Mariana Islands

❸ ❶ ❻ ❶ ❹

❺ ❷ ❼

❶SAIPAN BREWING craft beer sold by measure at a supermarket ❷KAMUTE CHIPS (purple sweet potato chips) and a deep-fried sweet called Guzuria are traditional foods of Rota ❸Saipan's distilled Coconut Vodka and Mariana Soju (distilled from purple sweet potato) ❹ Tinian pepper and Rota pepper, used daily by local residents ❺The world’s smallest and hottest fresh hot pepper ❻MARIANAS COFFEE, roasted and blended at the foot of Mt. Tapochau, Saipan ❼MARIANA OCEAN handmade soap in which the blessings of nature are condensed #29 Made in theMarianas Local Specialties of The Marianas

During your visit to The Marianas, don’t miss the opportunity to taste some of our most popular locally made products, including traditional Chamorro and Carolinian cuisine, hot peppers (loved by local people), craft beer, and distilled spirits. All were developed to boost awareness of local Marianas specialties.

Beef kelaguen, which is prepared by immersing beef in water and adding salt, pepper, onion and lemon juice, and fried parrotfish are just two examples of traditional Chamorro cuisine.

#30 NightLife Fun Continues into the Night in The Marianas

Opportunities for entertainment are abundant even at night in The Marianas. Soak up the local atmosphere at a club where islanders gather. Enjoy conversation accompanied by a sea breeze at an open-air bar by the beach. Visit a casino in Garapan,where you can play the slot machines and multiple table games, including roulette and blackjack. Traditional Chamorro and Carolinian dances are performed on stage at the local night market and special events. The dancers express the sun, moon, and natural wondersthroughtheirmovements,whichhavebeenhandeddownforgenerationstoperpetuatethecultureof TheMarianas.

A local food shop creates a sense of nostalgia. Empanada is a fried pie with a filling of ground rice and corned beef or chicken paste. The turnover is a baked pie with papaya filling.

25 26 TravelInformation Travel Essentials to Enjoy The Marianas ©MVA

IMMIGRATION CONTROL INFORMATION The Marianas have a subtropical marine climate. Starting from Rota, which is farthest south, the archipelago Visa Requirements and Immigration Inspection Fee consists of 14 islands. Three of these islands—Saipan, Tinian, Required Documents forEntry The U. S. Visa Waiver Program and Rota—are the centers of tourism and business. In 1978, ① Visitors under -CNMI Visa Waiver Program applies in the Commonwealth of the Form I-94 ・ 12 participating countries/geographic areas (Australia, Brunei, Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). In Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Nauru, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Form I-736 the islands became a self-governing commonwealth of the The Marianas addition, a special Guam-CNMI Visa Republic of Korea, Singapore, Taiwan and United Kingdom) Customs Declaration Form Waiver Program (GCVWP) became ・ Admission not to exceed 45 days ・ No ESTA currently required of America known as the Commonwealth effective November 28, 2009. All ② Visitors under Visa Waiver Program non-U. S. citizens need a valid ・ 36 participating countries/geographic areas, including Japan, of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). passport along with a return or other Singapore, and Republic of Korea. Customs Declaration Form outbound ticket, as well as required ・ Admission not to exceed 90 days ・ ESTA required documentation. An immigration http://www.esta.us/visa_waiver_countries.html inspection fee of US$7 is collected ③ Travelers who need to apply for a visa Customs Declaration Form when an air ticket isissued. For latest update, visit www.cbp.gov

BASIC INFORMATION TRANSPORTATION

Climate Medical Services Shuttle Bus Service Airport Pickup Service

The Marianas region has a subtropical marine climate with the On the island of Saipan, the Commonwealth Health Center (CHC) A free shuttle bus service, called DFS Express Bus, for north and A share-ride pick-up service from/to Saipan International Airport yearly average temperature of about 27 degrees Celsius (80 provides comprehensive medical services. Private clinics are also southbound routes is available from most hotels and DFS (T Galleria) to/from major hotels is available. The single fare for adults degrees Fahrenheit). The temperature and humidity remain stable available on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. However, all travelers who every 60 minutes from 10:05 (depart hotel) until 22:45 (depart DFS) (12 years and older) ranges from US$15-$30 and for children (2– throughout the year, and you can swim in the sea all year round. The must take medications regularly are advised to bring an adequate on Saipan (as of January 2017). 11 years) is US$7.50-$30. Children under 2 years ride for free. rainy season runs from July to November. Rainfall on these tropical supply. Please contact hotels or DFS for schedule updates. Reservations are recommended. Contact your hotel for more islands is usually called a squall and is typically intense and of short information. duration. Most of the time, it starts suddenly and stops after a short Note: The DFS Express Bus is for DFS shoppers and not for inter- hotel transportation. The routes and/or schedule are subject to period and breaks intosunshine. Electricity change without notice.

Time Difference 110v/60Hz Taxis Rent-a-Car The Marianas are in the Chamorro Standard Time (ChST) zone. ChST is 10 hours ahead of UTS/GMT, 15 hours ahead of US Eastern Tipping Taxis are available at Saipan International Airport , major hotels, If you are 21 years old or older and plan to stay 30 days or less, you Standard Time, one hour ahead of Japan and the Republic of Korea, and shopping centers. Taxis authorized by the government display a can drive in The Marianas with a valid driver’s license. To rent a car, and two hours ahead of China. Daylight savings time is not used. driver’s ID card with photograph. Please make sure that the taxi you need to present your driver’s license, passport, and a credit card In the Marianas, tipping is similar to the U.S. Generally, the average driver sets the meter before the taxi starts driving; it should read for a deposit. tip is 10% to 15% of the total charge at a restaurant or for taxi fare. $2.50. To take a taxi from the airport, go to the taxi booth or Airport On the islands of Tinian and Rota, a rental car is a convenient Currency Check your bill before you tip, as some restaurants include a service Police Office located by the arrival lobby to be directed to the next means of transportation, as there is no public transportation such gratuity in the total. When the bill does not include a tip, leave available taxi. as bus service or taxis. Rental car companies have offices at Tinian 10–15% of the total on thetable. International Airport and Rota International Airport. Advance Distance from airport to downtown : Approximately 4.5 kilometers The US Dollar is the common currency. Foreign currencies can be reservations are recommended, as rental vehicles are limited. Time required to a hotel in Garapan : Approximately 30 minutes exchanged at airports, banks, and hotels that offer foreign exchange Driving on the beach is prohibited bylaw. services. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and Reference taxi fare : ApproximatelyUS$30 visitor-oriented businesses. However, it is a good idea to carry a Safety and Security small amount of cash when shopping at small stores on the islands.

Downtown Saipan including Garapan and Susupe do not have any particular safety concerns, but as with any tourist destination walking Languages alone at night should be avoided. Valuables, including passports and large sums of cash, should be stored in a security boxatyourhotel. When using a rental car, never leave valuables such as a cameras, cash, The official languages are English, Chamorro, and Carolinian. and credit cards unattended in the car. Use pedestriancrosswalks.

27 28 GETTING TO THE MARIANAS

INFORMATION ON OTHER ACTIVITIES

Shopping and Dining

There are large shopping centers with global brand stores, sports stores, and surfing shops, among others. Smaller stores sell local Marianas products. Browsing a supermarket to look at local food and houseware might be a fun experience. Don’t miss an opportunity to taste Chamorro or Carolinian cuisine at local restaurants and street stalls. Many amazing moments await you out there as you begin to feel more athome in The Marianas.

©MVA Seattle

Spas and Beauty Treatment Salons SanFrancisco Korea The Marianas are a resort that can be called “spa Japan paradise.” A variety of establishments offering different The Marianas are easily accessible with flights LosAngeles 21:00 styles of spas and beauty treatments are available, aboard international airlines that servecountries 20:00 21:00 around the Pacific Rim. Direct flights are including Bali style, Ayurveda or Indian style, or even a rare HongKong Taiwan “coffee treatment.” As for massage, you can choose from available from Japan,South Korea, China, Hong 04:00 various techniques, including Chinese, Thai, Japanese Kong, and Guam. (Shiatsu), and Swedish methods. Couples can receive 20:00 Hawaii 22:00 treatment together. Many male visitors to the Marianas Philippines also enjoy a spa experience, particularly after playing a Saipan 02:00 round of golf. Rota Tinian 20:00 Guam ©Hyatt Regency Saipan

Cultural Experiences

The first people settled in The Marianas about 3,500–4,000 years ago, making the islands the earliest inhabited region in the Pacific Islands or Oceania. The Chamorro and Carolinians are the indigenous people: the former sailed the open ocean from Southeast Asia and settled The Marianas 3,500-4,000 years ago, while the latter arrived by crossing the sea by canoe from the Central Carolinian Islands south of Saipan in the 1800s during the period of Spanish rule. To symbolize coexistence of the two ethnic groups, the autonomous government’s flag features the Latte Stone from the Chamorro culture and the mwarmwar garland from the Carolinian culture. Even today, unique cultures are honored in various aspects of life, including through dance, crafts, canoe building, cuisine, and so forth. We invite you to experience Chamorro and Carolinian culture while you are staying in TheMarianas.

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