Saipan Pictures

Newest Pictures added to Saipan Pictures

2011-10-25T23:03:00.000-07:00

"WWII Cave Hunt" video added to: Caves.

Pictures added to: Ladder Beach.

WWII Tunnel Complex video added to: Caves.

Hand Grenade with pin added to: Caves.

Pictures added to: Bird Island.

'WWII Time Capsule' Video added to: Caves.

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Video added to: Map and Videos.

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New page added: Rota Island.

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New page added: Sherman Tanks.

Videos added to: Saipan Map.

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Videos added to: Caves.

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Monster Caterpillar added to: Strange Saipan.

Dance pictures added to: Garapan Street Market.

Please click the thumbnails on the right or the list below to explore other pages in Saipan Pictures.

Rota Island

2011-10-24T01:31:00.000-07:00

My wife and I took an exploring vacation to the beautiful island of Rota. Rota, like Saipan and Tinian, is part of the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas. Rota is approximately the same size as Saipan but with a fraction of the people. The population of Rota is now around 3,000 and shrinking. We took off from, and flew over the WWII airfields that changed the world.
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The "Swimming Hole" sure was a beautiful spot and looked so inviting. It is a large but not too deep hole surrounded by a lava rock reef to stop the big waves. The water is calm and warm with colorful small fish, perfect for the amateur snorkeler.

Caution: The "Bigfoot Burger" really is BIG and tastes great. It costs only $9 including lots of fries and was enough for my dinner and lunch the next day.

The "1930's Japanese Sugar Mill" is located near the port in the village of Songsong. In the 1930's until the Japanese military buildup of the islands began in the early 1940's, the Japanese had a successful sugarcane industry on the islands of Saipan, Tinian, and Rota and this is the only surviving sugar mill rubble from those three islands. The sugar mill shows the scars of WWII.
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Here is another Japanese pre-WWII sugar mill train we found alongside a dirt road near the village of Sinapalo.

The "Bird Sanctuary" is a must visit when in Rota. It has a long walkway right on the side of a 300 foot cliff with outstanding views of the ocean and cliffs below. You are looking down on the top of the jungle with large birds flying around below and some high flying birds right at eye level.

"Taga Cave" is located right alongside Songsong village. It is a large open cave with cement sidewalks and stairs. This cave would have ancient Chamorrow history as well as Japanese WWII history. In more recent times this cave has been used as a typhoon shelter. It didn't take me long to find many Japanese WWII tunnels around the outside of this cave.
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The ancient "Latte Stone Quarry" was amazing. At least 500 years ago the Chamorrow (indigenous peoples of the Mariana Islands) would carve these shapes out of rock. The rectangular stone was placed upright and the round rock was balanced on top of that. It is believed that the huts were then built on top of the latte stones. Rota has many latte stone village sites but this quarry would have been the largest. I see that the stones were braking as they were being removed, perhaps because the rocks were just too big to be used as latte stones. The quarry was then abandoned by the builders.
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Latte stones can be found everywhere in Rota. This latte stone village site was right next to our hotel.

The "Chamoru Ancestral Park" is a beautiful place to see more latte stones and ancient grinding stones.

This picture was taken from the "Songsong Overlook".

In the village of Songsong you can find this "Spanish Colonial Government House". This building dates back to pre-1914 and could even be a few hundred years old.

Rota was never invaded during WWII but the defending Japanese soldiers were prepared for battle. There are many "Japanese WWII Cannons" that can be seen today.
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The Japanese WWII cannon below has an interesting modern story. It is right alongside a narrow road and the crank to move the cannon still works. If someone forgets to leave the cannon all the way to the side, as it is in this photo, then cars passing by will drive into it and brake their windshields.

This is the "Largest Japanese Fortification" in the Marianas. It is in the cliffs overlooking the Japanese airstrip and was to be used to defend the airfield from the expected invasion. This fortification is a series of tunnels, bunkers, and pillboxes connected by a walkway dug into the cliff. The walkway is protected by a short cement wall which would have also protected infantry men and snipers.
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Right next to the Rota Airport parking lot is a nice collection of Japanese WWII airplane engines and anti aircraft guns.

Unfortunately Rota, like Saipan but to a larger degree, has been hit by the economic crunch. Once beautiful public swimming pools and large hotels and mansions now sit abandoned and forgotten. Rota is a jewel in waiting for better times. This abandoned swimming pool is now home for many colorful ocean fish that must have washed in during typhoons.

Rota offers a nice slow and peaceful lifestyle. We pulled over alongside the road just to watch the beautiful sunsets. It was better than TV.

Newest Pictures added to Saipan Pictures

2011-10-21T16:16:00.000-07:00

New page added: Rota Island.

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New page added: Sherman Tanks.

Videos added to: Saipan Map.

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Videos added to: Caves.

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Monster Caterpillar added to: Strange Saipan.

Dance pictures added to: Garapan Street Market.

Video added to: Map.

Shark pictures added to Bird Island.

WWII artillery video added to Naftan Peninsula.

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Hidden Grotto Video added to Obyan Beach.

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Pictures added to Then/Now.

Laser Tag Battle added to Map:

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Please click the thumbnails on the right or the list below to explore other pages in Saipan Pictures.

Sherman Tanks

2011-10-21T16:00:00.000-07:00

The first day of the Battle of Saipan in WWII thousands of Marines came to shore at this spot as well as 13 Sherman tanks. The tanks were dropped off at the reef and were suppose to drive through the water to the beach. Four of the tanks drove into a hole that was a little too deep and are still there nearly 70 years later.

This tank requires a 10 minute walk or swim.

The water was so calm, clear, and warm.

The turret of this tank was turned to the right pointing at a small peninsula of the beach. I wonder if it was firing as it drove or perhaps continued to fire after it got stuck.

Colorful coral has started growing outside the tank.

The fish were very friendly. They have become use to people having their lunch on the tank and sharing some with the fish.

There are fish living inside the tank as well.

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Newest Pictures added to Saipan Pictures

2011-04-16T22:55:00.000-07:00

Videos added to: Saipan Map.

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Videos added to: Caves.

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Monster Caterpillar added to: Strange Saipan.

Dance pictures added to: Garapan Street Market.

Video added to: Map.

Shark pictures added to Bird Island.

WWII artillery video added to Naftan Peninsula.

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Hidden Grotto Video added to Obyan Beach.

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Pictures added to Then/Now.

Laser Tag Battle added to Map:

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Poolside Show added to Map:

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Custom made shell added to: Strange Saipan.

WWII Japanese bomb bunker camo: Isley Airfield.

Pictures added to: Orchids.

Please click the thumbnails on the right or the list below to explore other pages in Saipan Pictures.

Pre-War Japanese Shrine

2011-04-16T22:24:00.000-07:00

A 1930's Japanese shrine in Saipan. This shrine was used by Japanese and Okinawan sugarcane farmers as a way increase a sense of militarism. Its name was Hachiman Jinja which means "God of War" and, ironically or appropriately, it was destroyed by American shelling during the Battle of Saipan in WWII.

This is the best surviving pre-war Japanese lantern.

There were two of these lion statues at the top of the lower stairs. Both were knocked off their pedestals during the battle. Since then one has been replaced, perhaps the other was destroyed.

This lantern survived the battle but not the test of time.

This was the main entrance to the shrine.

The main 'Torii' gate survived the battle but since has fallen and still lays at the top of the lower stairs.

The upper gate was destroyed and was replaced in the 1970's. This one will not survived much longer as it is infested with termites.

Inner sanctuary.

Over all, the Hachiman Jinja Shrine is the best preserved example of pre-war Japanese shrines in Saipan.

Artifacts found at the shrine.

This is an American Singer Sewing machine. There are two of them as well as the table with foot pedals.

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Newest Pictures added to Saipan Pictures

2010-07-05T04:35:00.000-07:00

New page added: Pre-War Japanese Shrine.

SAIPANBO added to: Strange Saipan.

Pond pictures added to: Lake Susupe.

Video added to Lake Susupe.

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Video added to Map.

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Video added to Caves.

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Dolphins For Sale: Strange Saipan.

A storm is coming: Banzai Cliff.

Bunker pictures added to: Harbor.

Picture added to: Invasion Beach.

Not so emergency room added to: Strange Saipan.

Windsurfing race added to: Managaha.

Hand grenades added to: Caves.

New page added: Strange Saipan.

WWII cave bullet added to Caves.

Red blanket of clouds added to Sunsets.

Ladder to darkness added to Kalabera Cave.

WWII Japanese writing added to Caves.

WWII Japanese tanks added to Last Command Post.

Please click the thumbnails on the right or the list below to explore other pages in Saipan Pictures.

Marpi Jungle

2010-07-05T04:08:00.000-07:00

I never know what I will find in the jungles of Saipan but I always find something. Marpi is a great place to boonie stomp and explore.

Live WWII mortar round.

There is a whole lot of jungle in Northern Saipan for me to explore. Pretty much any direction you search you will find WWII artifacts. That is Suicide Cliff in the distance of the below picture where perhaps 1,000 Japanese women and children jumped near the end of the Battle of Saipan. That picture was taken while holding on to the side of a tall steep mountain just inland from Bird Island.

A five foot monitor lizard. He was resting in my hiking path. I was within several feet from him before I even saw him. He took off running and I followed him to this tree.

This was a surprise. The most complete cow skeleton I've found.

A pre-war Japanese teapot in the jungle near Suicide Cliff.

There are thousands of these pre-WWII Japanese bottles in the jungles and caves laying right where they were dropped 67 years ago. This one says from right to left: "Kirin Beer High Quality".

There are also thousands of American WWII beer bottles on the jungle floor. This one was made one month prior to the Battle of Saipan. It would have been put on a supply ship in 1944 and followed the war over the Pacific. The American soldiers in the battle certainly never saw a beer but the hundred thousand American soldiers stationed here for two years after the battle were given a ration of six beers a week. They brought their rations into the hills and left the bottles right where they were drank, and they are still there!

A WWII soldier got a second chance this time. The bullet almost exited this hardwood tree and is still there 67 years later. The tree has since died though. This bullet was fired downhill from a Japanese fortified cave near the cliffs of Marpi.

My exploring buddy meets a baby coconut crab.

Me trying a bull's head on for size. This bull apparently fell from a high cliff nearby.

Smoke grenade.

Don't worry. This one was empty.

Hand grenades found in the jungle south of the Last Command Post.

One million tourists, mostly Japanese, pass by the below spot every year on a tour of historic WWII sites in Saipan. If they happen to look out their window right here they probably won't believe their eyes. A Japanese WWII soldier has been sitting here watching the cars go by for the past 66 years.
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WWII General Saito's Hideout:

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Newest Pictures added to Saipan Pictures

2010-05-08T23:59:00.000-07:00

Videos added to Marpi Jungle.

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Picture added to Marpi Jungle.

Pictures added to Suicide Cliff.

Video added to Caves.

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New page added: Caves.

Picture added to Mt. Tapachao.

Video added to Bonzai Cliff.

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Picture added to Orchids.

Video Added to Last Command Post.

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Picture added to Orchids & Flowers.

Pictures added to Harbor.

Please click the thumbnails on the right or the list below to explore other pages in Saipan Pictures.

Caves In Saipan

2010-05-08T23:48:00.001-07:00

Caves in Saipan have me fascinated. All caves were occupied and defended by the Japanese soldiers in WWII and their artifacts and even their bones are still there.

Japanese hand grenade. Watch out!

American hand grenades.

Still has the pin.

Ancient cave drawings.

People and turtles?

This cave drawing appears to be a map of the cave itself, but I don't know what those dots are.

Wire cutters.

Coconut crab.

This monitor lizard was protecting a cave entrance. I have been in this cave a few times before but never noticed this resident. I climbed down into the cave with my video camera rolling expecting to get a video of him running away. He didn't and I got this picture instead. You can watch the "Cave Lizard" video near the bottom of this page.

Cave moth or butterfly? He sure got lost.

WWII combat boot.

Other Japanese artifacts.

Last thoughts from a WWII Japanese soldier named Kozo found in a cave in Saipan. Decades ago a friend found some Japanese writing in a cave and he brought a Japanese translator to read it. He said that the translator was in tears as he read the last thoughts of the soldiers, moments before they pulled in pin. My cave partner and I tried to locate that same writing and found this instead.

The below bullet was shot into a cave during the Battle of Saipan in WWII and lodged itself into the cave wall where it still is today. The American military learned (the hard way) not to enter the caves in Saipan. Instead, grenades and flamethrowers were used. This area of Saipan has numerous caves with bullet marks on the cave walls but this is the only bullet we found still stuck in the wall.

Last meal for this Japanese soldier. One of the skeleton pictures above was found in this cave.

My exploring buddy Stewie stands watch over some WWII artifacts found in a cave on Mt. Tapachao. Caves in this area were not only occupied by Japanese soldiers but Japanese civilians and locals as well. When the American naval shelling of the town of Garapan started everyone ran to the hills with what they could carry. This looks like their best dishes. They lived in these caves for three weeks until the intense battle ended.

55 gallon drum probably used to catch rain water dripping from the ceiling of the cave.

My cave partner.

It's sad when you stop and think about it. The above picture was of a very stylish and expensive shoe before WWII. Its owner would have wore it with pride and when it came time to leave his house forever, this is what he decided to wear. He and his family and friends and other Japanese civilians were led in groups north from the town of Garapan in Saipan by Japanese soldiers to hide from the battle. This group found this cave and waited weeks for the swift victory that the Japanese had promised. By the time U.S. troops approached this part of Saipan, the battle was nearing its end. The last survivng Japanese general gave his final order and after a very bloody night the three week battle was over. Now this shoe is the only surviving evidence that this person ever existed.

Inside this cave near the Last Command Post are numerous WWII Japanese bottles, soles of shoes, and live mortar rounds.

Cave Drawings.

WWII Caves of Marpi (part 1).

WWII Caves of Marpi (part 2).

Coconut Crab in a Cave.

Cave Lizard.

WWII Japanese Suicide Cave.

WWII Cave Artifacts.

WWII Ordnance Cave (part 1).

WWII Ordnance Cave (part 2).

WWII Japanese Tunnel.

WWII Cave Tank.

The Dead Cave.

Deleted Clips From "The Dead Cave".

WWII Cave Time Capsule.

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WWII Tunnel Complex:

WWII Cave Hunt.

Newest Pictures added to Saipan Pictures

2010-01-01T00:01:00.001-08:00

Picture added to Mt. Tapachao.

Video added to Bonzai Cliff.

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Picture added to Orchids.

Video Added to Last Command Post.

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Picture added to Orchids & Flowers.

Pictures added to Harbor.

Videos added to Last Command Post.
Part 1

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Part 2

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Video added to Mt. Topachao.

Picture added to Lau Lau Bay.

Pictures added to Naftan Peninsula.

Picture added to Isley Field.

Picture added to Obyan Beach.

Pictures added to Agingan Bay.

Pictures added to Mt. Tapachao.

Please click the thumbnails on the right or the list below to explore other pages in Saipan Pictures.

Fireworks

2009-12-31T23:21:00.000-08:00

Rockets are launched, the skies light up, mortars explode, the ground shakes, the air fills with gunpowder and I'm not talking about the Battle of Saipan in WWII. This happens every New Years Eve in Saipan with a show that must dwarf all small towns in the States. This is not a local government event. Every forth house or so, in every neighborhood across the island, there is an arsenal of fireworks. I built a large bench on our roof a few years ago and my family and I sit there to watch the battle unfold.

Palm Tree Fireworks.

Brain Fireworks.

Squid Fireworks.

Spiral Fireworks.

Coming This Way! Fireworks.

Newest Pictures added to Saipan Pictures

2009-12-23T16:52:00.000-08:00

Video added to Mt. Topachao.

Video added to Garapan Street Market page.

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These three pictures were added to Naftan Peninsula page.

The below pictures were added to the Managaha Island page.

Please click the thumbnails on the right or the list below to explore other pages in Saipan Pictures.

Strange Saipan

2009-10-11T21:24:00.000-07:00

Isn't the center line suppose to stay in the center of the road? I don't like to complain but shouldn't that sign point to the right?

This sporty crab is living on the grounds of a resort in Saipan. At a resort it was a little hard for him to find a shell but easier to find a ping pong ball. The ingenious little crab custom made his own shell. It is light weight, aerodynamic, and the female crabs love the smooth shinny look. The dent on top gives him the rough tough rugged look.

276 Inches: Driving iron please.

Darn! The middle of the Post Office seemed like a good place to spit.

It just doesn't seem right.

The employees have clean hands and the management has poor letter recognition.

This is a Japanese WWII gun bunker on today's golf course. Now that's what I call a real golf course bunker. I wonder if you loose a stroke if your ball goes in the bunker?

This is me trying a bull's head on for size.

My son collects seashells by the seashore in Saipan.

Is it a bird? A plane? A flying squirrel? If I didn't film it then I wouldn't believe it.

You never know what the tide will bring in. I see it and I'm still not sure.

"What happened?"
"Where am I?"
"How did I get here?"
"I don't like this place!"
"Fins get me out of here!"
"Another bad hair day I'm having."
"Excuse me, do you have a glass of water?"

That's OK. We know what it use to say.

Darn! I really wanted to smoke near the unexploded bombs.

Vandals have stolen some of the 'Bad Butts'. I wonder what size butts they took?

CAUTION: A car-eating tree stump disguised as an Easter egg chicken.

His Santa Chicken Tree Stump outfit.

"ANGER HIGH AGE" I'm starting to understand this sign.

I must be the last passenger for this abandoned bus in the jungle.

Where am I now? Trying to get an idea from my 99 cent compass.

'Safety First' is always a distant thought in Saipan as can be seen by this sturdy railing on the edge of a 300 foot cliff.

As well as this sturdy bridge.

This is the main entrance to the emergency room in Saipan. Average wait time: 3 hours, unless someone is in line ahead of you. They keep the door locked at all times and the window is covered and the smaller sign says, "DO NOT KNOCK". The phone is there so you can call an ambulance while you wait.

The sign in the window says "DO NOT TOUCH" but I don't see how touching could make it worst.

All my son needs is a helmet, jump suit with stars and stripes and then climb in for take off.

SPIDER!!! BIG SPIDER moved into our kitchen and kicked the rest of us out.

Fish? What fiiii..... oh yea, you're right, those fish are colorful.

Lost Pet Guppie: Let me know if you find my pet, but don't look too hard and keep your hands, feet and head away from his mouth.

What!!! You agree to be responsible for any death you may suffer.

I think I see Gilligan at the wheel.

Saipan plumbing.

Stay focused.

Managaha Island is only this big.

I'm not really this ugly. This is how a fish sees us.

She easily gets tired when swimming but quickly found an alternative. Notice how she holds on.

Rush hour at the reef.

She was a natural at the doggie paddle.

My son takes after his father. All the little kids ran away crying at just a glance of him.

Saipanda is a rare creature native to and only found in Saipan. He is hard to capture with the camera. With a lot of patience I was able to photograph this dreadful animal as he terrorized the island.

The statues are embarrassed in Saipan.

Strange Fish.

This trout was caught near the nuclear reactor drainage ditch.

This is my exploring buddy "Stewie" also known as "Stewie the Explorer" when he was young. He is modeling his favorite shirt and diapers.

The kids painted our Maltese/poodle with pink food coloring.

How close is Saipan to the Bikini Atoll?

SAIPANBO. This was me in my younger years.

You can buy dolphins really cheap at this store and they will serve them anyway you like: dolphin steak, dolphin deep fried, dolphin fin soup...

While doing some yard work I sat on the grass for a well needed rest. My rest didn't last long when I noticed this monster caterpillar in full charge straight for me. I scooted back and he kept charging. I moved to the left and he changed course still heading straight for me. I moved to the right but he followed me. I didn't know if he was friendly or angry but with those spikes and bright colors I wasn't going to wait to find out.

The chicken limousine and chicken jeepneys of Saipan.

Room for one more passenger.

No thanks. I'll take the next one.

Which way did he go?

The chicken man took away my sister-in-law and my wife.

We became great friends after that.

Great Views

2009-05-09T20:22:00.000-07:00

Why do I love Saipan? If I had to sum it up in a word, my word would be "beautiful". Saipan is truly a beautiful island with a lot to offer. I have lived here since 1996 and still never tire of the scenery. Great views are everywhere, whether it is the beaches, mountains, or jungle and all are close to home. Even after all these years I still find, and enjoy learning about, new places in Saipan. The history of Saipan is as rich as its beauty and never-ending. That is my hobby and I would like the world to also enjoy Saipan's beauty and history. Although great views can be found everywhere in Saipan, click the picture above to see some views that I found amazing.

Thank you and keep Saipan beautiful!

Saipan Map

2009-05-09T20:09:00.000-07:00

Most people have never heard of Saipan. Here are some rough directions to give you an idea where it is:

Fly west from California for 5 hours. Change planes in Hawaii and continue west for another 7 hours or so. Turn right in Guam and head North for half an hour or more.

You wont be disappointed. Saipan is a beautiful island with a lot to offer. On this web site I welcome you to see my pictures taken around the 14 mile long by 5 mile wide island and decide for yourself.

I decided to make this web site when I tried to find pictures and short descriptions of various places in the world that my wife and I may want to vacation. All I could find were internet businesses trying to sell me something. There is nothing to buy on this site and I'm not trying to sell anything.

Click on a picture under the menu on the right to explore interesting places in Saipan.

Below are some of my miscellaneous videos that didn't seem to fit on any of the other pages.

The video below is about the Boonie Dogs of Saipan which are descendants of American WWII military dogs. In Saipan, the military did not need the big attack dogs but needed the sniffer dogs to find the Japanese hiding in the caves. Since WWII, the once heroic combat dogs mixed together and became what we now call Boonie Dogs. The Boonie Dogs seem to be a mix between Bloodhound, Labrador, Rottweiler, and German Shepard. Do you notice another breed mixed in these dogs? Today their population is out of control and they are literally starving to death on the streets.
WWII Boonie Dogs.

Poolside Show.

Laser Tag Battle.

Mouse Hunt.

1918 Banzai Weapon in Saipan. How?

WWII Banzai Trench.

Bone Collectors.

Stewie the Explorer.

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Isley Field

2008-07-20T02:04:00.000-07:00

Isley Field is one of the most complete WWII airports surviving today. This airport was originally called As Lito Field during the Japanese occupation and was among the first objectives for the U.S. Marines landing on Invasion Beach a mile to the west. Construction to repair the airfield began immediately with fierce fighting on all sides of the runway. The American soldiers used the existing buildings for the same purpose as the Japanese soldiers did the day before. 24 hour-a-day construction continued throughout the Battle of Saipan to add a second runway and increase the length of the runways to accommodate the American B-29 bombers.

One night, 500 heavily armed Japanese soldiers snuck through the front line at Nafutan Peninsula and blew up many parked American planes at Isley Field. The Japanese soldiers then withdrew to Mt. Nafutan where they stumbled upon a sleeping American field artillery unit. None of the 500 Japanese soldiers survived that encounter.

Isley Field not only helped in ending the Battle of Saipan but WWII as well. By 1945 an American military city grew from Isley Field to the Obyan Beach area. Tens of thousands of American soldiers lived there working in shifts around-the-clock loading B-29's for the constant bombing of Japan. Today the city is gone, swallowed by the jungle. Many of the roads are nothing more than hiking trails leading to cement foundations, the only remaining evidence of the city.

1945 aerial picture of the city from Isley Field to Obyan.

After the capture of As Lito Field the airport was briefly renamed Conroy Field and then renamed again to Isley Field in honor of the first American pilot to loose his life in the Battle of Saipan. He was shot down near the end of the runway. Its name changed a couple more times after WWII and is currently called the Saipan International Airport which is still used today.

Japanese WWII air raid shelter (bottom left) right next to the modern tower.

One of 120 B-29 hardstands.

The Japanese As Lito Field power plant.

This bunker was originally Japanese. The 2,000 pound bombs used for the Japanese attack on Guam were stored here. After the Battle of Saipan, American bombs were stored here for the attack on Japan.

The original camouflage is still visible.

Notice the track on the roof used to move the bombs in and out of the bunker.

Several of these Japanese bunkers survived the battle and were put to use by the American military. Notice the 1944 sign painted on the side: "ISLEY FIELD BASE COMMAND" and below that possibly added after WWII: "TYPHOON SHELTER". Today these bunkers are still being used as government offices.

Old Japanese Hospital

2008-07-05T02:17:00.000-07:00

The Old Japanese Hospital is directly across the street from Sugar King Park. It was used by the Japanese as a hospital until WW II. In the late 1990's it was completely restored and became the Northern Marianas Museum. The museum has a great selection of artifacts from the ancient Chamorro culture to WWII. It is also home for the treasure of artifacts recovered from the Spanish galleon, 'Concepcion' that sank in Agingan Bay in 1638.

Underground WWII bomb shelter.

Sand Castles

2008-07-05T02:04:00.000-07:00

Every year Saipan has Sand Castle building contests. Different schools around the island form teams to compete in the contests. Professional builders also fly in to make spectacular sculptures.

Changing LINKS

Obyan Beach

2008-07-05T01:58:00.000-07:00

Obyan (pronounced long O, long B, John) is another large beach that is a favorite for snorkelers, skin divers, swimmers, or beachcombers. As you enter the beach you will find a couple large Japanese WW II gun bunkers. Between the bunkers and just off the beach is an ancient Chamorro village site. Here you will find several latte stones. It is believed that they built their houses on top of these stones. You can walk further inland from the old house site and find a couple interesting small caves. A large paved parking lot with a security guard was recently added. The Obyan area also has nice hiking trails. A couple trails navigates up the cliff to Naftan Peninsula.

Another trail led me to this small hole in the ground.

It was a Japanese WWII exit tunnel which originates from this oceanside cave...

...on this beautiful remote beach.

More trails lead to other small beaches, WWII building foundations, and spectacular views.

Latte Stones from 1,000 years ago.

Large Japanese gun bunker.

Other side of the Japanese gun bunker.

Cave.

Cave.

Picture of Obyan taken from Naftan Peninsula.Obyan Beach with Naftan Peninsula in the background.

Bird.

Scuba divers.

Looking off the 100' high cliff line to Obyan Bay.

WWII artifacts found in the jungle and caves of Obyan.

Canteen cup.

Helmet.

Obyan Beach with the airport in the background.

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Micro Beach

2008-07-05T01:45:00.001-07:00

View of Managaha Island from Micro Beach.Micro Beach is perhaps the most popular beach in Saipan. There are many picnic tables, a playground, and a softball field. Wind surfers take advantage of the calm waves and the steady wind. The Northern part of the beach is the site of an ancient Carolinian village. You can also see inside WW II Japanese bunkers that line the beach.

Managaha Island.

Japanese machine gun bunker.

Inside the bunker.

Supply ship passing by Managaha Island.

WWII Dock.

Invasion Beach

2008-07-05T01:20:00.000-07:00

By looking at this lovely, peaceful Invasion Beach today you could never imagine what must have taken place in 1944. This is where the American forces landed wave after wave of troops at the start of the Battle of Saipan. Two thousand of the American casualties during the battle happened here, most from a machine gun on Agingan Point. This point is off to the left as you look toward the ocean. Each time I take a stroll on this beach I remember the soldiers who had to fight a full day just to get off the beach. The south side of this beach was once an ancient Chamorro village. My daughter found a large piece of 2,000+ year-old pottery which we donated to the museum.

Agingan Point.

A large WWII trailer.

Picture taken from Agingan Point.

What a difference 65 years makes.

Life just below the surface.

This underwater shell is walking.

Look closely at the sand, it tells a lot of history. Below you can see a piece of 1920's or 1930's Japanese pottery, World War II shrapnel and melted metals, and pieces of broken bottles that have been polished smooth from 65 years of ocean waves. Click the picture for a closer look.

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Largest Pacific Tank Battle:

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Garapan Street Market

2008-07-04T18:16:00.000-07:00

Every Thursday night this pedestrian street comes alive with entertainment, shopping and food. There is a stage with traditional and modern dancing, singing and various contests.

Saipanda.

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Garapan was the major town of Saipan during the Spanish times, German times, Japanese times, and still is today. This drive takes you through the heart of Garapan from American Memorial Park to the Old Japanese Jail.

2XTreme mixes martial arts and dance in a performance at the Garapan Street Market.

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Last Command Post

2008-07-04T17:59:00.000-07:00

Inside the bunker.

To the North of Saipan, across from the road heading to Banzai Cliff, is a half cave, half bunker where the last Japanese commanding officer in Saipan led his battle. You can climb the stairs recently added to go inside the Last Command Post or hike on the paved trail which leads around to the rear of the bunker. A large hole enters one side of the bunker and exits the other. This was caused by a direct hit from a round fired by a U.S. battleship off shore. If you line up those holes you see where the battleship fired from. There are some large Japanese guns artificially positioned around the Last Command Post. On the back side of the bunker are the high rock cliffs which is the base of Suicide Cliff. You can see the discolored holes in the side of the cliffs where rounds fired from battleships blew large pieces off the rock. The park-like grounds are beautiful with many Japanese and Korean peace memorials. My family and I often have our Sunday picnic there.

Japanese canon.Japanese tank.The bottom of Suicide Cliff.

View from the front of the bunker.

The bunker is in the side of the cliff.

Blast hole from offshore U.S. battleship.
Front door.

From outside the bast hole.

Video drive through Marpi passing by the Last Command Post and Japanese and Korean Peace Memorials.

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Walking around the Last Command Post.

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Suicide Cliff

2008-07-04T17:51:00.000-07:00

Suicide Cliff is 820 feet above sea level with most of that being a vertical drop to the rocks just behind the Last Command Post. It provides cool breezes and breathtaking views of the ocean and the hills of Northern Saipan. Suicide Cliff has a similar history as Banzai Cliff. The name came from the mass suicides of Japanese civilians at the end of the Battle of Saipan. Rather than surrender, Japanese families lined up on the cliff's edge from youngest to oldest. Each in turn gave the one in front a push.

Looking down to Banzai Cliff.

Looking down to Veteran's Cemetery.

Looking up from Veteran's Cemetery.Picture taken from a cliff in the jungle near Suicide Cliff.

A cactus full of names right on the edge.

Spotters keeping watch before the WWII ordnance detonation.

A great view of the WWII ordnance detonation. WWII bombs are still being found on Saipan. When found they are stored in caves in Marpi until there is enough for a nice size explosion. This is one of those detonations of 12,000 pieces of WWII ordnance, mostly mortars, projectiles, and hand grenades.

Picture taken from the road to Banzai Cliff.

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This video explores the top and base of the sister of Suicide Cliff.

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WWII ordnance detonation.

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Agingan Bay

2008-07-04T17:37:00.000-07:00

Right alongside a golf course, Agingan Bay is rich in Saipan history. A thousand years ago it was the site of a large ancient Chamorro village with palm-thatched huts built on latte stones. The village survived 500 years until the Spanish military landed on this beach in 1684 and changed the local culture forever.

Before the Spanish military arrived, the Spanish galleon Concepcion sank in 1638 at the point on the right side of the bay spewing its priceless treasure into the ocean. Some washed up on shore and pieces of its pottery can still be found today on Agingan Beach as well as Southern Invasion Beach.
Prior to WWII Agingan Bay was a Japanese farming village. A Shinto Shrine, stairs, and broken Japanese pottery is about all that remains from that time.

This beach, same as all beaches in Saipan, was heavily fortified during WWII. You can enter a large Japanese bunker and a smaller 20 mm gun bunker. Bullets from machine gun nests are on a smaller beach on the right side of the bay.

Today Agingan Bay is a beautiful area with beaches of many kinds, sandy, coral, and lava rock. I enjoy exploring this area and it's only one-tenth of a mile from my house.

Tinian Island can be seen across the bay.

WWII Bullets.

Lava rock beach.

20mm WWII Japanese gun bunker right on today's golf course.

This is another Japanese WWII bunker on the beach. This is one of three in Saipan that were built from German design plans.

In 1945 this golf course was a large U.S. military city.

Beach for two.

Agingan Bay from the plane.

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Country Club Beach

2008-07-04T17:31:00.001-07:00

Between Pau Pau Beach and Wing Beach is a small but nice beach that I call the Country Club Beach. All beaches in Saipan are public so feel free to explore any beach you like. This beach offers perfect conditions for the amateur snorkeler with calm waves, numerous friendly colorful small fish, and it has sandy sea floors so you can stand up and clear your mask. The snorkeling is perhaps the best I've seen for such a small area. About 20 feet from shore toward the north is a WW II torpedo that did not hit its target 65 years ago. Along the beach a little further north are a couple more torpedos that ran ashore.

Torpedos.

Memorial Park

2008-07-04T17:23:00.000-07:00

The American flag flies 24 hours a day at Memorial Park. It is surrounded by the flags of the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Coast Guard. Around the flag circle is the Court of Honor which contains 5,000 names of the American and Mariana people who died during the Battle of Saipan. Nearby is a bell tower which plays a selection of patriotic tunes. There is also an open 1,200-seat Amphitheater and a wetland where the endangered Nightingale Reed-Warbler lives.

Flag Circle.

Garapan hotels in the distance.

Amphitheater.

A surprising discovery was made when constructing the American Memorial Park visitor center's parking lot. A "Hot Spot" of Japanese WWII ordnance was exposed. The ordnance was in a trench 4 feet deep and at least 100 feet long, possibly extending much further than the parking lot. It was stacked on wood, soaked in diesel fuel, covered with sand, and lit on fire in a poor attempt to dispose of the ordnance. The result was that the Japanese ordnance was near perfectly preserved by the diesel fuel until rediscovered 60 years later. Even the markings on the bombs were legible.
That peak in the background is Mount Tapochao.

Wetland Area.

Japanese WWII Bunker pointing toward the Harbor.

Bell Tower.

Court of Honor.

Northern Mariana Islands Quarter Ceremony.

Look close and you will find a lot of this unusual sleeping grass at American Memorial Park.

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Pau Pau Beach

2008-07-04T17:16:00.000-07:00

Pau Pau pronounced "pow pow" is a long, sandy beach. There are many picnic pavilions and a playground. The North side of the beach has large lava rocks which surround many more small isolated beaches. A recent archeological dig on the South side of the beach uncovered artifacts and human bones from the ancient chamorro pre-latte times, perhaps 1,500 years old.

Japanese WWII bunker.

Rush hour at the reef.

She easily gets tired when swimming but quickly found an alternative.

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Saipan: Then - Now

2008-07-04T17:03:00.000-07:00

If you have a "Then" picture from Saipan and would like me to take a "Now" picture, please scan it and email it to me.

German Bell Tower off of Beach Rd., Garapan. Built in 1910 out of wood and rebuilt in cement in 1932 after an earthquake and typhoon. More.

Office at the Old Japanese Jail, Ghiyobw St. off of Middle Rd., Garapan. More.

Sugar train used to transport the sugarcane from the fields around Saipan to the Japanese Sugar Mill in Susupe. The engine can now be found at Sugar King Park, Garapan. More.

Buddist Temple used for cremation from 1938-1940. Located on Chichirica Ave. Garapan near Old Japanese Jail.

Invasion Beach or "Blue Beach" near south Beach Rd., San Antonio. More.

American Memorial Park, Garapan. More.

Micro Beach, Garapan was a large Carolinian village. The Carolinians sailed from the outer islands of Yap and settled on this spot. More.

Garapan was the major town of Saipan during the Spanish times, German times, Japanese times, and still is today. More.

WWII Japanese pill box, Micro Beach, Garapan. More.

The old Japanese Sugar Mill was bombed in the Battle of Saipan and is now the site of the beautiful Mt. Carmel Church on Beach Rd. in Susupe.

Mt. Carmel Church and the surrounding area was also the site of Camp Susupe. From late 1944-1947 the indigenous people were housed here until Saipan was made safe. Notice the smoke stack from the Japanese Sugar Mill still standing in the center of the 1946 picture.

Sugar Dock in Susupe was used by the Japanese prior to WWII to load exports onto ships. Today it is used for fishing. Notice the Sugar Mill burning in the background of the 1944 picture.

Tanapag Harbor was a very busy port with a large Naval base. None of that remains today.

Invasion Beach, U.S. troops coming to shore during low tide. More.

German Adminstration building built pre-WWI Garapan. Notice the original wood German Bell Tower still standing above the church roof. More.

Railroad tunnel East of San Vicente used to bring sugarcane from Eastern Saipan to the sugar mill on the West coast. More.

The Spanish Galleon Concepcion sank in 1638 at Agingan Bay spewing its priceless treasure into the ocean. The ship wreck was rediscovered in 1987. More.

An American fuel storage tank mysteriously exploded during the battle of Saipan in Tanapag Harbor taking with it an unknown amount of ammunition. More.

In the last days of the battle for Saipan a U.S. soldier spots enemy positions from the top of Suicide Cliff for the American tanks below. More.

Built in 1934, this lighthouse is one of the few Japanese Pacific Island lighthouses to survive W.W.II. More.

This is one of over a hundred B-29 hardstands from the newly built Isely Field. More.

This bunker was originally Japanese. The 2,000-pound bombs used for the Japanese attack on Guam were stored here. Notice the track on the roof used to move the bombs in and out of the bunker. After the Battle of Saipan, American bombs were stored here for the attack on Japan. More.
A destroyed 1930's Japanese shrine called 'God of War'. This shrine was used by Japanese and Okinawan sugarcane farmers as a way increase a sense of militarism.
More.

Obyan Beach is near Isley Field.

Naftan Peninsula.

More to come.

See more 'Then' pictures on my Saipan's History site.
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Sugar King Park

2008-07-04T16:53:00.001-07:00

Katori Jinja Shrine at Sugar King Park.

Sugar King Park has beautiful moss covered trees, picnic tables and Japanese shrines. One of the trains that carried the sugarcane around the island is permanently parked at the front of the park. You will also find a large statue of the Japanese sugar king himself. The statue is riddled with bullet holes from the Battle of Saipan in World War II. The park has the Katori Jinja shrine built in 1911, destroyed in 1944 and rebuilt in 1985. There is also a 20 minute nature trail winding through the forest and around a large hill.

Sugar King.

1930's Japanese sugarcane train.The 1930's Japanese Trade School Building at Sugar King Park was restored.

Managaha Island

2008-07-04T16:48:00.001-07:00

A short ferry ride will take you to Managaha Island. This is the small island that you can see from the Western coast of Saipan. The clean beach stretches all the way around the island. It only takes 20 minutes to walk around the island on the beach or you can take the nature trails through the center. The snorkeling is terrific at Managaha. There are also two large Japanese WWII cannons on the island.

Picture of Managaha Island taken from Mt. Tapochao.

The two WWII Japanese cannons on this beach are pointing toward the Saipan harbor. I'm not sure if they were used during the battle as they had no protection from the numerous U.S. battleships, cruisers, and destroyers in the harbor.

Inscription on a WWII Japanese cannon on Managaha island in Saipan.
Translation:
（Ⅲ）号拾四呉 KURE No.40(Ⅲ)
廠工軍海呉 KURE navy factory　　
径口　拾四　　 40 cal.
砲吋六 6 inch gun
年五拾参治明　year 1902
號八拾参百参第　 No.338
瓩０九六六量重　 6690 Kg

Transportation to the island.

The ferry arrives at the Managaha dock.

The below two pictures of Managaha Island were taken from Micro Beach.

Windsurfing race.

The large beach was once called the third best beach in the world.

Submarine.

View of Saipan from Managaha.

Chief Aghurubw was the Carolinian navigator.
The snorkeling is terrific at Managaha.

My son kept pointing at the coral saying eel, eel. I couldn't see anything so I got closer and closer until... zoom. He shot out at me in attack mode. Actually it was probably escape mode but in the first few seconds it was hard to tell the difference.

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Lau Lau Beach

2008-07-04T16:38:00.000-07:00

Lau Lau Bay has a hugh beach with interesting lava rock outcroppings dividing the beach into many parts. The waves are gentle and the water is warm and shallow. The road to Lau Lau starts in San Vicente and ends in Kagman. The road in both directions is rough and you should use a 4 wheel drive vehicle, although I have always made it (barely) without 4 wheel drive. The East side of Lau Lau Beach is popular with scuba divers.

Picture of Lau Lau Bay from the top of Mt. Tapochao.

This large stone was used for a thousand years to grind rice.

This bus has sat in the jungle for decades.

This sign is on the side of the bus. Before Saipan had Commonwealth status it was a Trust Territory as shown on this sign.

The entrance to a Japanese WWII bunker.

Inside the bunker.

WWII artifacts found in a small cave at Lau Lau.

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Video Part 1

Part 2

part 3

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Kalabera Cave

2008-07-04T16:30:00.000-07:00

Continuing on the dirt road beyond Bird Island overlook will take you to Kalabera Cave. This cave is of great historic value. Ancient Chamorros lived there. You can still see very faint drawings on the left side just inside the cave opening. The cave has a large opening and a high roof. It slopes downward and is usually slippery. Not too far inside is a very deep hole. I heard a story of a Japanese soldier skeleton, still in uniform, at the bottom of that hole. The Japanese soldiers used the cave as a field hospital during the Battle of Saipan. Stories are told of Japanese soldiers, nurses, doctors, and patients crowded around a single grenade to avoid being taken prisoners during the last days of the battle.

The cave is well hidden by the trees.

Looking down into the deep hole.

Want to go down to the heart of darkness? It looks so tempting but I will pass.

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Lake Susupe

2008-07-04T16:22:00.000-07:00

Lake Susupe is the only lake in Saipan. It is home to a few species of birds found only in the Marianas. One of the endangered birds, the Moorhen, has a Saipan population of 36. It is unknown what natural trees grew here because they were cleared in the 1930's to make room for sugar cane fields and the native fish died when the Talapia was introduced in the 1960's. Today, large Ironwood trees grow and, in some places, very thick 6 foot tall reeds. Even still, I had the feeling of being in the natural, unspoiled Saipan as I walked around part of the lake before encountering the thick reeds. There are also 17 little ponds around the lake. To my surprise, the ponds and even the lake are home to very large fancy-tail guppies.

Pond.

Video

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