Local Guide
Saipan
Welcome to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) - a tropical paradise in the north-western Pacific Ocean, just three to four hours away from Japan and South Korea. This destination is for anyone who prefers the relaxed lifestyle of an eco-friendly community such as Saipan in the Mariana Islands, and a balanced mixture of leisure, tourism, activities, cultural insights and a quick getaway from the urban life.
As the capital of the Mariana Islands, Saipan offers international travellers a range of white sand beaches and crystal clear blue waters, both common traits in the Pacific coastline, as well as the lively bustle of night life, shopping, various ethnic restaurants and a multitude of outdoor activities. One can find here and on the neighbour islands of Tinian and Rota, many cultural and historical attractions, recreational activities, world class golf courses, restaurants and shops. Those addicted to scuba diving will discover spectacular diving spots in Saipan, some unique and unseen anywhere else on the earth. Eco-tourism fans will fall in love with the evergreen bird-filled tropical jungles. For more information, click here.
Guam
Despite the island's relatively small size - over 200 square miles - Guam's strategic location in the Western Pacific has attracted the presence of several nations in its past. Guam and its Chamorro inhabitants have been administered for over 400 years by Spain, Japan and America. Ferdinand Magellan's landing on Guam in 1521 began Spain's reign which lasted until 1898, when America claimed the island as part of the prizes in the Spanish-American War. When Japanese invasion forces stormed Guam in Dec 8, 1941, Guam became the only populated territory in the U.S. to endure foreign occupation. On July 21, 1944, America recaptured Guam and reestablished the naval government. By the end of the 1940's President Harry Truman removed Guam from under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Navy to the Secretary of Interior.
In 1950, the U.S. Congress passed the Organic Act, giving Guamanians American citizenship and a civilian government. In 1962, President Kennedy lifted the Naval Clearing Act which opened Guam's ports to domestic and foreign visitors. In 1975 more than 100,000 evacuees from the fall of Vietnam were repatriated via Guam. In 1996, 6,600 Kurdish refugees who feared retaliation by Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein were housed on Guam.
The military presence in the past contributed to the island's economy as America's might is projected beyond CONUS {continental U.S.}. During the 1990's, the tourism industry overshadowed the military as the dominant economic juggernaut fueling the economies in the Marianas Islands of which Guam is the largest and Southernmost Island. For more information, click here.
