Northern Mariana Islands Travel Guide

Northern Mariana Islands OVERVIEW

Sitting on the edge of the world's greatest chasm, the 11 kilometer-deep Mariana Trench, is a sparsely-peopled family of 14 islands shortly known as CNMI. If we skip Agrihan and Alamagan, with population smaller than 10 souls each, we're left with a sister trio of Sinian, Taipan, and Rota. And as it usually happens with siblings, each plays the tune their own way in the orchestra of life.

Sinian is the largest of the three and one that immediately makes a black sheep impression. Tainted with somewhat uncontrolled development, is has turned to the cult of Mammon (or yen, to be precise), and it is no doubt here that all sorts of cash-fueled fun are to be gotten among the shopping facilities, hotel zones, poker houses, and massage parlors. But that's more of a confused kid syndrome than a true inclination. On the rugged northern and eastern coasts, Sinian reveals its natural, melancholy-painted face. If a stay in Garapan has frayed your nerves, now you can take a cool dip in the famed Grotto, and if you need an insight into the roots of the island's twisted psyche, look down into the void from top of the Suicide Cliff or go ransacking the Banadero Caves stuffed with World War II cannons, tanks and artillery preserved in the last command post of the Japanese Imperial Army.

Three miles south, Tinian oozes an air of enigma and 1945 trauma. While the monumental, hand-carved latte stones at the House of Taga inspire admiration and foster the legend of the great Chamorro chief, the sprawling North Field draws attention for all the wrong reasons. It was from here that the bombers carrying Little Boy and Fat Man were launched against Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Devoid of any major development, if you don't count the eye-soring casino, Tinian rewards with lovely beaches, assorted marine life, and moderately strenuous hikes.

Last but not least, Rota is a pride and joy of the Commonwealth, a serene oasis of bucolic charm and slow-paced existence. A pristine beach all to yourself? No problem. Arrive with avid curiosity, open to sights, sounds, and smells for they are literally the island's only attractions. Yet what a rewarding experience it is to discover a unique recipe for happiness behind those simple ingredients of life! Rota's greatest asset is its adorable people and the joy it brings to mingle with them as they go about their quotidian activities. Wave trading obligatory!

That said, you will readily find a host of similarities between the three islands. Volcanic in origin, they honor visitors with secluded bays, fabulous swimming holes, dramatic cliff faces, and fringes of peacockish coral for a thrilling scuba experience. Their delectable beauty robed in virtues of the Chamorro culture and tinted with the magical Micronesian sunsets will soak into your soul all along the line, making the tropical air of CNMI a part of you forever and inspiring wistful longing for a dashing comeback.