Saipan, the largest of the Northern Mariana Islands, offers a rare combination of deep historical roots, island traditions, and dramatic landscapes. Located in the western Pacific, this U.S. territory was once the site of one of the most pivotal battles in the Pacific during World War II. Visitors today can explore the remains of bunkers, tanks, and hidden caves at sites like Suicide Cliff, Last Command Post, and the American Memorial Park.

Saipan's natural scenery ranges from white-sand beaches to jungle-covered cliffs. One of the island’s most photographed spots is the Grotto, a collapsed limestone cavern connected to the ocean by underwater tunnels. Divers and snorkelers come from around the world to swim in its clear, cobalt-blue waters, with sunlight cutting through from the sea above. For those staying on the surface, the short hike up to Bird Island Lookout offers views of sea cliffs and crashing waves, with a small offshore islet where seabirds nest.