Pacific Island Paradises

– 103 – www.paradises.com The Northern Marianas Islands are a tropical paradise offering magnificent beaches and crystal clear waters, as well as the lively bustle of night life, shopping, a world class casino, a wide range of restaurants, golf and a multitude of outdoor activities. A commonwealth of the United States, The Northern Mariana Islands consists of fourteen islands with a majority of the population residing on the Isles of Saipan, Tinian and Rota. The weather is comfortable all year round. Short, direct f lights to Saipan are available from Tokyo, Shanghai, Seoul, Beijing, Hong Kong, Manila, Guangzhou and Busan. Scheduled interisland f lights connecting Saipan to Rota, Tinian and Guam operate daily. Saipan The largest of the Northern Mariana Islands, Saipan boasts gentle beaches and a lovely lagoon on the western and southern coasts, a rugged and rocky eastern coast, a hilly interior and dramatic cliffs in the largely undeveloped north. Plunge into a variety of watersports including swimming, snorkelling, paddle boarding, kayaking, banana boat rides, parasailing, kiteboarding and windsurfing. Discover underwater wonders and hidden wrecks with a shore, boat, wreck, or cavern SCUBA dive. Managaha Island is a short boat ride away where the crystal waters of the lagoon offer award- winning snorkelling. The cavernous Grotto is rated as one of the top dive spots in the World. The CNMI Museum of History and Culture is a good starting point for first time visitors to grasp the expanse of this island's 4,000 year history. The American Memorial Park offers a look at the island's World War II history. Don't miss a stop at the 'Last Command Post' of the Japanese Imperial Army or the other historic and natural wonders of the Marpi area. Garapan is where many of the restaurants, bars, and shopping centres are located. Relax and rejuvenate mind, body and soul by indulging in one of the many top spas on the island. Golf, deep sea fishing and sporting events of all kinds abound, and Saipan boasts the only International Standards Casino operating in Micronesia and the fourth largest grossing casino in the World. Tinian Tinian is the closest island to the capital of Saipan, and is easily accessible by air via a 10 minute f light. History abounds on Tinian, from huge prehistoric stone monoliths called Taga Stones to the very runways and loading docks that put atom bombs aboard the Enola Gay to stop WWII. Tinian is all that and more with temple ruins in the Jungle and quaint, boutique hotels to accommodate your visit. Tinian also has many clean and beautiful white sand beaches. The pristine water, colourful marine life and N O R T H E R N M A R I A N A I S L A N D S — M i c r o n e s i a —

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