Alrighty, here's the second part from
Saipan.
Second World War saw some fierce battles take place in the Pacific and the Battle of Saipan was a very important turning point in the war. From here the United States B-29 Superfortresses could reach the Japan mainland, initiating the bombing raids of Japan. The nearby island of Tinian is also where the atom bombs dropped in Hiroshima and Nagasagi were flown out from.
Japan had some 30,000 soldiers stationed on the island and the troops fought to the last man, with only 921 soldiers getting captured. As defeat was upon them, the Japanese troops commenced the largest Banzai attack in the war with some 4,300 soldiers and armed civilians attacking the Americans with everything they got. Almost 2,000 Americans were killed in a 15-hour bloodbath with every single Japanese perishing in the attack.
At the same time Japanese civilians retreated to the Northern end of the island and fearing enemy capture, jump into the merciless ocean.
A nearby hill was a place for another mass suicide where it is estimated that up to one thousand Japanese civilians jumped off the cliff to their death.
Remnants of Japanese fortifications can be found all over the island.
While Saipan may not be the best beach destination in the Pacific, it is the location for a very famous diving hole that is fabled for its underwater blue light. We don't dive, so we didn't get to witness its magic.
The 474 metres tall Mount Tapochao is the tallest mountain on the island. The road up is not recommended for anything but proper 4x4 vehicles with good ground clearance. Stubborn as we were, we took a Toyota Corolla all the way up which many couldn't believe, as the road is super rough and steep at places.
The view from the top is worth the drive and the horrible mega casino is clearly visible.
On our last day we wanted pamper ourselves and check out the small Managaha Island just outside of the main island. It is a tourist island with beautiful sand beaches and gets really packed, so head out early.
Funny enough, the tourist hordes stay on the beaches next to the pier and if you venture few hundred metres across the island, you can find your own piece of paradise.
Oh man, life doesn't get much better than this.
After few hours on the small island we packed our car and drove once more around the island to kill some time ahead of out flight departing in the evening.
There you have it, our 2.5 days in Saipan. I have to say that the island surprised us with its interesting sights and history, and we liked it more than Guam. Our next destination would still top both, as one of the most beautiful places we have ever been to, so stay tuned!
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