Mariana islands, Mariana islands - An archipelago in the western Pacific that separates the ocean from the Philippine Sea. They are located 3 hours from Japan (Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya) and 3.5 hours from Seoul. The islands are divided between two non-US territories: Guam and Northern Mariana Islands. The chain of islands stretches for 810 km, a total of 17 large islands, of which 4 islands are inhabited: Guam, Rota, Saipan, Tinian. To the east of the islands lies the world's deepest Mariana Trench up to 11,775 meters deep.
Mariana islands formed 25-50 million years ago. This is an archipelago of volcanic origin, located in the geological fault zone, where the Pacific plate goes under the Philippine. To the east of the islands is the Mariana Trench and the well-known Mariana Trench, with a depth of about 11 km. Marianas are washed by the Philippines Sea to the west, and the Pacific Ocean from the east.
Guam, the largest and most southern island of the Archipelago, is closest to the Mariana Trench - 300 km away.
Territory
The total land area of \u200b\u200bthe seventeen Mariana Islands is 998.44 km².
Guam Square - 541.3 km².
Population
Population - 176,000 (2008 census)
Indigenous people - chamorro make up only 37% of the population. Also, a significant number of immigrants from the Philippines (about 26%), representatives of Polynesian peoples (about 11.3%), immigrants from China, Japan and Korea, as well as about 25 thousand members of the US Army and Navy and their families live here.
The average life expectancy is 75.9 years for men, 82.2 years for women.
Capital
The administrative center is Hagatna. The population of 2.1 thousand people.
Time
It is 6 hours ahead of Moscow in the summer and 7 hours in the winter.
Currency
American dollar
Official language
Languages: English 38.3%, Chamorro 22.2%, Filipino 22.2%, Oceania 6.8%, Asian 7%, other languages \u200b\u200b3.5% (2000 census).
Literacy - 99%.
TOURS
Guam lives off tourism. More than 1 million tourists annually visit the island. The tourist infrastructure here is extremely developed: built by Hilton, Hyatt, Westin, Marriott, Sheraton, Holiday Inn, etc .; tour operators offer diving in a submarine, scuba diving, Micronesian dance shows, reef fishing and trolling, walks under water in an airtight helmet, boat trips to dolphins, etc., etc.
Climate
Tropical wet ocean monsoon. Average daily temperatures are around 27-35 ° all year round. The weather is determined by the rainy season (July - September) and winds (October - June). The tourist season is open year round.
Average sea water temperature: + 29 degrees.
Office hours
Banks are open from Mon-Sat 9.00 to 17.00
Shops are open from 09.00 to 19.00.
Some shops in the tourist area are open 24 hours (K-Mart).
Rental Cars
To rent a car, it is sufficient to have a Russian driver’s license (indicating the name in English / French) and a credit plastic card.
Right-hand traffic.
The maximum speed in the city is 25 miles / hour, outside the settlements - 35 miles / hour.
Transport
Aviation. Guam is an important transportation hub in the Micronesian region of the world. Continental Airlines connect remote islands (Palau, Truk, Yap) via Guam with the continent.
Bus network. Paid ($ 3 per person) buses run in the tourist area of \u200b\u200bGuam - Tumon.
Taxi. At each hotel you can always rent a taxi.
Mains voltage 110
110 V., 50-60 Hz., Sockets - American, three-pin.
Useful addresses and phone numbers
The only Russian-speaking land tour operator in Guam "GuamVoyage". Phone: 1 - 671 - 969 15 07
Embassy of the Russian Federation in San Francisco. Phone 1-1415- 928-6878
Visa
An American visa is required to visit the largest of the Mariana Islands. Moreover, a visa obtained by invitation from the Mariana Islands should be open in Mariana. Once opened, a visa can be used to travel to continental states.
The government of Guam is actively working to introduce a facilitated visa regime for Russians.
Customs regulations
Import and export of national and foreign currency is not limited. You can import in cash, traveler's checks and payment cards any amount. Only amounts over $ 10,000 are required to be declared.
. When importing gold, a declaration is required.
. Personal items are not subject to duty; meat and meat products, vegetables, fruits, seeds, flowers, as well as weapons and drugs are prohibited for import into the country.
. Fish of any kind (except for endangered species) and any fish products are allowed for import.
. The export of corals is prohibited.
Northern Mariana Islands often called the "Best of America's Secrets", implying a fairly untouched nature, an abundance of historical sites (especially related to the period of the "Battle of the Pacific" in World War II) and the easy accessibility of islands from both Southeast Asia and from America. Coral reefs, sea fishing, surfing, diving, parachuting, sea sports, golf and excellent conditions for passive relaxation attract more than 700 thousand tourists a year to these tiny islands.
Saipan- The largest island and administrative capital of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. White sandy beaches, quiet, emerald lagoons and a necklace of coral reefs frame most of the island’s west coast and offer a rich selection of sea sports. Constant weather (Saipan Island is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the holder of the most even weather in the world - regardless of the time of year the temperature on the island is on average +27 C.) and the sun all year round make the island a haven for sunbathers. Most hotels, shops, restaurants, bars and nightclubs are concentrated in the tourist center of the island, Garapan. Here you will find the world famous Hard Rock Café and the Duty Free shop next to local souvenir shops, car rental companies and other tourist amenities and attractions. The central part of the island is characterized by green jungle with exotic flora and fauna, and untouched nature. Saipan has witnessed some of the most intense battles of the Pacific War. The wreckage of aircraft, tanks and ships still lie on the surface of the earth, under water and in the jungle. Cliffs of Banzai Cliff, Suiside Cliff, and the Last Command Post are open to the public. From these historical sites in the north of the island, the most persistent travelers can continue their adventures by following the east coast of the island. Here they will find unique cliffs, limestone caves and trails in the jungle. From Mount Tapochao, a view of the whole of Saipan and the neighboring island of Tinian opens. In general, the recreation infrastructure is relatively poorly developed here and is oriented more toward lovers of an active lifestyle than to a spoiled “shop tourist”. Saipan is the most popular place of "historical tourism" among the citizens of the Japanese islands. The island itself has 23 km. in length and 8 km. wide.
Tinian Island - This sleepy island with a single village, only 4 km. south of Saipan, “happily” escaped the main influx of tourists and therefore serves as a good place for “escape from the benefits of civilization” if Saipan’s bustle seems too intrusive. It is hard to imagine that such a peaceful place could be involved in one of the most tragic events in history: Tinian became famous as the runway for Enola Gay, the plane that dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. San Jose, the main settlement of the island, is the territory of the ancient village of Chamorro. There are several good bathing spots on Tinian, including Kammer Beach in San Jose and Taga Beach south of the village, with turquoise waters and white sand.
Rota Island - lies halfway between Saipan and Guam, and only now it is beginning to “step out of the shadows” of large islands and develop the direction of ecological tourism, it is still a slowly developing place with a poor leisure infrastructure.
Guam island, Guam (English), Guahan (in the language of the Chamorro indigenous people) - the southernmost and largest island of the Mariana Islands archipelago in the Pacific Ocean. Located between the Philippines and the Hawaiian Islands. The population has American citizenship and enjoys all rights. Poetic nickname: “Where America's Day Begins,” Where America’s Day Begins. Guam is in the Eastern Hemisphere and the new calendar date starts there 14-15 hours earlier than in North America. If you believe the poetic image , Guam is the first among all US territories to celebrate a new day.
Tourism is one of the foundations of Guam’s economy. Up to 600 thousand tourists (85% from Japan) visit the island every year and spend up to $ 450 million on the island. Recently, for many residents of East Asia and North America, Guam has become one of the main tropical resorts. It has a highly developed tourist infrastructure, built a lot of luxury hotels, golf courses, dive clubs, restaurants and in general everything that accompanies the world's largest resorts.
The tourist center of Guam - Tumon Bay, is separated from the capital by almost only a strip of beach. This is essentially one long coastal road surrounded by hotels, clubs and restaurants. The bay itself is very shallow and it’s possible to get to the reef without swimming. Ypao Beach Park is located on the southwestern side of the bay, once there was an ancient village of the Chamorro people, and later - a leper colony and a criminal colony. Nowadays, it is a popular fiesta venue.
The Mariana Islands in the western Pacific attract travelers with the beauty of a tropical paradise. A chain of 15 tiny land areas is located north of the equator and borders the eastern part of the Philippine Sea. On the territory of the archipelago are two independent state entities. One of them is called the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands or simply the Northern Mariana Islands (SMO), the second is Guam.
Tropical paradise
The Mariana Islands - a warm climate, evergreen forests and picturesque lagoons. The archipelago is surrounded by fantastically beautiful and the bright underwater world promises exciting adventures. In this part of Micronesia, the summer is warm throughout the year, the atmosphere of warm hospitality and celebration reigns. Tourists enjoy snorkeling, diving, surfing on the islands. Many come to soak up the white sandy beaches. Hotels on large islands have a high level of service, there are golf clubs, gourmet restaurants.
Where is the archipelago, how to get there?
The Mariana Islands on the map stretch between parallels 12 and 21º; they form an arc along 145 ° E. w. with a total length of about 810 km. In the south, the archipelago borders with the Carolinsky, and in the north - with. In this territory, the time difference with Moscow is +6 hours. To travel to the Mariana Islands, citizens of Russia do not have to apply for a visa if the time of stay does not exceed 45 days. You can get to the archipelago by plane with one change in cities in the southeast of the mainland. An amount of 1200-1300 US dollars will be required for a flight with 1-2 transfers on the route "Moscow - Mariana Islands". Rest, prices in hotels depend on the city the tourist will choose. Between the islands of the archipelago runs air transport, ferry, boats and inflatable boats.
When is the best time to go? Climate and seasons
Tours to the Mariana Islands are organized year-round, because in all parts of the archipelago, summer lasts 12 months a year. The climate is due to the good location of the islands between the North Tropic and the equator. The tourist season is open year round, but travelers need to consider the differences between dry and wet periods. Temperature conditions during the year are not very diverse - +27 ... + 29 ° С (maximum +33 ° С). Precipitation is about 2000 mm / year. There is a dry period, its duration is 8 months - from December to July. Then comes the wet season, which lasts until November. The trade winds at this time bring an abundance of moisture from the ocean, the main amount of precipitation falls. In August-November, the likelihood of typhoons and storms is high. The water temperature on the beaches almost the whole year is +28 ... + 29 ° С, only in February and March it drops to +27 ° С. The most comfortable months to relax are December-March.
State structure and population
Northern Mariana Islands - a territory freely associated with the United States, has self-government. Citizens are considered nationals of the United States, but do not vote in national elections. The same rights have the population of the island of Guam (Mariana Islands). Other important tourist information about the states of the archipelago:
- administrative center QS - about. Saipan;
- the capital of Guam - the city of Hagatna;
- english is official, Chamorro Aboriginal and Caroline dialects are also used;
- catholicism is the dominant religion;
- uS dollar is a monetary unit.
Indigenous people have preserved their language and traditions related to land cultivation, hunting and fishing. Immigrants from other territories of Micronesia and the Caroline Islands support the cultural heritage of their ancestors in the form of national music, dance, crafts and needlework.
Chamorro Earth History
Presumably in the III millennium BC. e. from the territory of modern Indonesia, catamarans brought the first inhabitants of the Mariana Islands to the outskirts of the Philippine Sea. From these ancient mariners came the Chamorro people. The name was given to the archipelago by the Spaniards in honor of the actual head of Spain, Marianne of Austria. In 1565, Miguel Lopez de Legazpi attached the Mariana Islands to the possessions of the Spanish crown. Large-scale colonization began 100 years later and was associated with missionary activity. The population was converted to Christianity and taught to grow cereals and raise livestock.
At the end of the 19th century, Spain ceded Guam to the United States along with Puerto Rico and the Philippines, and sold the other Mariana Islands to Germany. Saipan has become a center for growing coconuts for Germans. Japan in 1914 seized control of the islands of the archipelago, held the territory before with the U.S. Navy and the US Army ground forces in 1944. From the airfield to about. Tinian climbed a plane that dropped an atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. At the same time, the UN recognized the US protectorate over Guam, and in 1947, the United States custody of the Northern Islands of the archipelago.
The amazing nature of the islands
The relatively young Mariana Islands on the map are a chain of land areas of volcanic and coral origin. They arose more than 25 million years ago. In the same part of the ocean is the deepest place in the oceans - the Mariana Trench with the Challenger Basin (over 11 km). The highest active volcano of the archipelago (965 m) is located on the northern island of Agrikhan. Soils, flora and fauna were formed under the influence of a warm humid climate, the proximity of the ocean. Also influenced by isolation from the mainland. The richness of nature of the large islands are:
- valleys covered with fertile lands;
- rainforests;
- sandy beaches gleaming in the sun.
- majestic cones of extinct volcanoes;
- picturesque underwater caves and grottoes.
Flora includes many species of thermophilic trees, shrubs of flowers. Banana, coconut, hibiscus and orchids grow here. Representatives of 40 species of birds, giant crabs and lizards, whose sizes reach 1 m, live on the islands. Among the lush tropical vegetation on about. Wild ungulates find refuge in the sarigan.
Islands Tourism
On about. Saipan is home to 90% of the Commonwealth population and most beach hotels are located. The picturesque islands of Tinian and Rota are populated, where many hiking trails are organized. Uninhabited parts of the archipelago are also popular due to the ability to reach them within one day and engage in water sports. Travelers head to the islets to watch the birds and dive to the coral reefs. There are golf courses in Saipan and excursions in the surrounding area are offered. Among the favorite entertainment of tourists include:
- sailing in boats with a transparent bottom;
- yacht cruises;
- windsurfing;
- jungle walks;
- mountain biking through the mountains and the jungle;
- air flights and skydiving over the lagoon of Saipan;
- attending courses at golf clubs.
Diving, snorkeling and fishing
The coastal waters of the archipelago are clean and transparent. Such conditions are favorable for various forms of living beings.
Dozens of species of intestinal organisms form coral reefs bordering the Mariana Islands. Photos of the underwater world do not leave indifferent any diver and snorkeller.
Often come across clown fish, tuna, barracuda, swordfish. Dolphins, whales and other sea creatures (octopuses, lobsters, sea turtles) are found in the waters of the ocean near the islands.
Archipelago Attractions
The abundance of natural conditions for an unforgettable vacation is complemented by a developed tourist infrastructure on large islands - Saipan, Tignan, Rota and Guam. Coral reef and Lau Lau Beach, popular with fans of water recreation, are located on the southeast coast of Fr. Saipan. Grotto is a natural cave with lakes up to 15 m deep and an underwater exit into the azure waters of the Pacific Ocean. In the Mariana Islands, prehistoric latte buildings are formed by two parallel rows of plates. Height is about 1.5 m, width - over 3.5 m, there are stone ceilings on top. Buildings with a length of 12 m could serve as a support for religious buildings or houses. On the island of Tinian is the most famous of these artifacts, called the "House of Tag". The eventful history of the Mariana Islands is reflected in museum displays and memorials.
8 mysteries of the Mariana Islands
| 10 things to do in Guam: | |
|
1) Visit the cultural and eco-adventure park "Lina La 2) Visit the largest stone of Lahti, from where a magnificent view of the Pacific Ocean opens. 3) Participate in a traditional Chummore carnival. 4) Visit Alupang island to enjoy a variety of water activities and ride a water bike. 5) Immerse yourself in the deepest Mariana Trench in the world. 6) Touch the relics of World War II. 7) Stroke the back of a coconut crab. 8) Take a ride on the guam buffalo "carabao" 9) Take a tour of the mysterious jungle of Guam. 10) Climb the highest hill in the world Lamlam. |
Sights of other islands
Tinian Island is known for sending planes from here that dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Therefore, the historical objects of the island are the bomb loading pits and the old North Field military airfield. But this, of course, is not limited to prominent places. There is also a Blow Hall geyser, a park on Taga Beach and a memorial house of the same name.
Helpful answer?
Visa to the Northern Mariana Islands
The Northern Mariana Islands are located in the western Pacific Ocean and are legally part of the United States. The islands have representative offices at all American embassies. For this reason, the presence of an American visa in the passport is automatically a pass to the islands. 
For citizens of Ukraine, Belarus and Russia, a visa is not needed if the purpose of the trip is tourism, and the stay on the territory of the islands will be no more than 30 days, taking into account the arrival and departure dates. If these terms are violated, a foreign tourist will have to pay a fine for each day in excess of 30 according to the established tariffs, and in the future, a customs violator may have difficulty obtaining a US visa. However, before going on vacation to the Northern Mariana Islands, a tourist will need to pre-issue an entry permit or Visitor Entry Permit. A tourist will need permission when passing through border control at the airport of the Northern Mariana Islands. You can get the document at the Department of Immigration of the Commonwealth of the Mariana Islands. The issuance of this permit is initiated by the receiving party (hotel or official organization on the islands), the organizer of a tourist trip or a tourist:
If a hotel or travel agency is involved in obtaining permission, the tourist must provide them with a scanned first page of their passport, purchased airline tickets, a completed application form and a statement of financial condition.
If permission is issued ...
What is interesting to see in the Mariana Islands?
O. Saipan, 23 km. in length and 8 km. in breadth - the largest among the Mariana Islands and is the administrative center of the Commonwealth. Saipan is striking in its beauty and attracts tourists with a warm sea and bright sunshine all year round. The center, Garan, is the most ...
Video from Mariana Islands
How to get to the Mariana Islands?
From Russia to about. Saipan can be reached by flight through Seoul, South Korea, or Tokyo, Japan. Of both states, there are daily flights to the Mariana Islands.
flight time: 3 hours fly from Japan (Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya),
4.5 hours fly from South Korea (Seoul, Busan),
5 hours fly from China to Shanghai (regular charters from Beijing and Guangzhou are also available)
vaccinations: No vaccinations are required to visit the Mariana Islands.
How to comfortably move around the Mariana Islands?
traffic: Movement - right-hand drive, left-hand drive cars. The rules of the road are the same as in Russia with a few exceptions, for example, in the red light you can turn right, letting cars from the opposite lane turn left.
Traffic and rules are very simple. There are no huge traffic jams like in big cities. Top speed is 35 miles per hour, on some large roads 40-45 miles per hour. For car rental, age restriction from 21 years and more.
Traffic Laws:
Fasten with seat belts (fine from $ 50.00)
Children under 4 must be fastened in child seats, from 4 years and older - with a car belt
When you stop (STOP) on a school bus, you must stop
It is forbidden to enter the oncoming lane
Parking in blue (with a sign for disabled people) is prohibited
The middle stripe (solid yellow or dotted on both sides) is allowed to be used only during a left or full U-turn, but only after a complete stop.
After sunset, you must turn on the dipped beam (18:30)
When the police stop the car, do not get out of the car. You must open a window.
Driving while intoxicated is strictly prohibited.
car rental: Car brands
Toyota, Ford, Nissan, KIA
Documents
It is enough to have Russian rights with you. You can pay by card or cash.
The car is rented out with a full tank and you need to return the car with a full tank. In case of violation of the contract, the amount for gasoline is withdrawn in triple size.
In some car rental offices, it is proposed to pay for gas in advance.
Insurance
Each car rental office offers several types of insurance.
Car insurance is optional. You can refuse insurance, but in this case you must leave your credit card information.
taxi: Taxis in Saipan can only be caught in hotel parking lots. Taxi services, albeit on the counter, are expensive.
buses: Saipan, Tinian and Rota do not have a public transport system. There is a free Duty Free bus from the store to the hotels and back.
hitch-hiking: You can hitchhike in the Mariana Islands, but this is not a common practice.
airports: Each island: Saipan, Rota and Tinian has international / local airports. The main airport of the Mariana Islands is the international airport on about. Saipan.
airlines: Asiana Airline (OZ)
Delta Airlines (DL)
Shanghai Airline (FM)
Continental Airline (CO)
Freedom Air (FRE)
railway: There are no railways in the Mariana Islands.
ports: The only international port is on Saipan, and three local ports are on the islands of Saipan, Tinian and Rota.
Where is the best place to stay when traveling around the Mariana Islands?
Climate in the Mariana Islands
The climate is tropical. O. Saipan is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the holder of the most constant round-the-clock year-round temperature in the world of +27 degrees C. The season for tourists in the Mariana Islands is open year-round.
There are 2 seasons - dry and wet. The wet season is 6 months from July to December. A special characteristic of the wet season is short rains during the day and heavy rains at night, which does not prevent tourists from enjoying the warm sea and the bright sun. The average air temperature during the wet season is +33 - +35 degrees Celsius and the average rainfall is 1800-2000 mm.
The dry season falls for 6 months from January to June. The weather this season is cool with a breeze and the air temperature drops to +27 degrees Celsius. The average water temperature is +25 degrees Celsius, rainfall is reduced to a minimum, droughts are possible.
Between July and November, tropical storms and typhoons are possible in the Pacific. Basically, they become infected in the Mariana Islands and go north, gaining strength already off the coasts of the Philippines, China, Taiwan, Korea or Japan.
National Mariana Islands Cuisine
The cuisine on the Mariana Islands is international. Initially, with the development of the textile and tourism industry on the islands, a multinational population has developed. The Chinese, Filipinos, Thais, Japanese, Koreans, Americans, Australians and other nationalities have influenced the diversity of island cuisine. Accordingly, the island has many restaurants and eateries to the liking of each of these nationalities.
Locals are very hospitable, and if you make friends in Saipan, you will be sure to invite you to offer local dishes such as red rice, meat or poultry grilled or in coconut milk, corn cakes, spicy chicken calaguen, apigigi (young coconut with starch flour, wrapped in a banana leaf), tropical fruits and many other dishes. You can enjoy local dishes at the hotel restaurants or at the local fair on Garapan on Thursdays.
Most popular restaurants:
Tony Romas restaurant is famous for ribs prepared according to traditional American recipes, and Capricciosa - Italian cuisine, are not far from the duty free shopping center. Delicious cuisine, fast service and convenient location and opening hours, made these restaurants very popular among Russian tourists.
The large guitar of the Hard Rock Cafe restaurant attracts the attention of every tourist. The restaurant itself is located on the second floor of the duty free shopping center. Homemade nachos, combined hamburgers, steaks, fried chicken, soups, salads and delicious desserts, all this can be tasted in the atmosphere of rock and roll relics and your favorite music.
Thai restaurant “Thai House” is a favorite place both for residents of Saipan and for tourists. Seafood delicacies, papaya salad, vegetable rolls and many other dishes will be served at the table with a smile and Thai goodwill.
In the only Indian restaurant “Test of India” on the islands, you can try the famous “Tandori Chicken” dish in Indian cuisine.
Many Korean, Chinese, and Japanese restaurants are scattered throughout Saipan. Hankukwan Restaurant specializes in traditional Korean cuisine for nabe (soups). Seafood, meat, mushrooms, vegetables or all at once can be added to the cooked spicy broth of your choice. The Tori Hide and American Sushi Bar Restaurant offers a variety of Japanese dishes, sashimi and sushi, including California-based rolls.
Tourist Safety in the Mariana Islands
History of the Mariana Islands
The first settlers migrated from Southeast Asia to the Marinsky Islands 1,500 BC. Ferdinand Magelan, a Portuguese explorer and navigator, discovered the Mariana Islands and mapped them in 1521, and in 1565 Spain declared the islands its territory and ...
Mariana Islands: souvenirs
Coconut products Bozogo mascot dolls Products from Bozobo tree seeds Decorations from shells and corals Traditional wood products Traditional bone products Wicker products from coconut palm leaves Traditional bisector products Pictures Medical products from Noni Noni ...
Mariana Islands: entertaining facts
The deepest trench in the world, the Mariana Trench, with a depth exceeding 11,000 meters, lies east of Saipan.
Guinness Book Records:
Temperature: in the Mariana Islands the most stable temperature in the world is +27 C.
In 2007, Marine Dive Magazine put up 18 categories - places around the world related to diving, to the vote of readers. After voting, 5 prestigious awards of the Mariana Islands were determined.
The first place was taken by the lagoon of Managaha Island as “The best place for snorkeling”
Fourth place was shared by Managaha for “Best Beach” and the islands of Saipan, Tinian and Rota for “Best Diving Region”
Rota was divided into fifth place for Teteto Beach as the Best Beach and Saipan, Tinian and Rota Islands as the Best Resort Zone.
Grotto Underwater Cave is considered the second most beautiful place in the world among diving experts. Skin Diver Magazine has included this place in the top ten best scuba diving sites.
For four consecutive years, the island of Managaha was awarded and received the title of “Best Place for Snorkelling” at the Tokyo International Fair.
Saipan - Treasure Island! The Saipan Museum of History and Culture has the world's largest collection of artifacts and treasures from Spanish galleons! In 1638, near the Cape Agingan in the Saipan Strait, not far from the PIC Hotel, the galley Nuestra Senora de la Conception crashed with a load of gold. Only a small part of the cargo was found by an underwater expedition in the 80s of the last century. Most of the treasures still remain at the bottom of the strait. The most expensive part of the treasure is in the museum and their duplicates can be seen in one of the halls: gold jewelry with inlaid diamonds and other precious stones, necklaces, chains, fine porcelain, etc.
On the island of Saipan lived the artist Daglas Rankin, who created a unique painting technique - banana painting. Instead of a brush, he used trimming a banana tree. He cut and wrapped leaves, cut stamps and rollers from the trunks. Then he created unique paintings with his unusual tools. Douglas Rankin died in 2007.