Saipan Pictures: ancient chamorro

Old Japanese Hospital

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.

Inside the bunker.

This was originally the front of the hospital. Over the years the main road switched from this side of the hospital to the other side. Now this is the back side of the Old Japanese Hospital.

Obyan Beach

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.

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

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.