Northern Mariana Islands
The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands consists of islands in the Micronesia region of the Pacific Ocean, between Japan, the Philippines, and Palau. They offer a unique, unspoiled tropical paradise with magnificent sun drenched beaches with crystal clear blue waters as well as the lively bustle of an exciting nightlife, shopping, a wide range of ethnic restaurants and a multitude of outdoor activities.
The northern islands of the CNMI are mainly populated by Caroline Islanders, a Polynesian group with origins in Kiribati, while the southern islands are populated by Chamorros. Each year, a number of festivals celebrate Chamorro and Carolinian cultural traditions with song, dance, local crafts and food. Sample local delicacies like the apigigi, a local dessert made with coconut and wrapped in banana leaves, at the weekly Garapan Street Market. This lively market in downtown Saipan is also famous for its local arts and crafts.
The islands' dry season is from December to June and the rainy 144 www.paradisesonline.com
season from July to October. The typhoon, or hurricane, season lasts several months and starts in late August to early September.
On the three main islands of Saipan, Tinian and Rota, visitors revel in the spectacular scenery ranging from colourful underwater reef life to lush, bird-filled tropical jungles. There are many shipwrecks and tanks on the seabed off the coast of the islands that are testament to the fierce battles that took place in the area during WW2. These offer exciting diving opportunities.
You will never be left wondering what to do on the islands. In the evening, enjoy a dinner show with dancers and exciting music. Dinner is included and guests can participate in some of the performance. Dance the night away on a dinner cruise aboard a yacht with fine dining and live music or watch the sun set over the lagoon of Saipan on a romantic night out.
The more adventurous can explore the back roads and off road attractions in an open 4WD with a knowledgeable jungle guide
