Mount Tapochau

Saipan's centre rises to Tapochau's 474 metres, and the summit - statue-crowned, breeze-swept - deals the island in one hand: the western lagoon's barrier-reef turquoise banding the coast, Garapan's strip below, Tinian across the channel, and the north's ridges rolling toward the capes. The rough road climbs most of the way (rental-car clauses notwithstanding, locals note), the hiking version earns it hotly, and Easter's sunrise service fills the top with the island's oldest new tradition. Clouds pass fast; the panorama between them is the Marianas' definitive. The summit gives a view of the whole island at once, which on Saipan means both coasts from the same spot.

History

Ferdinand Magellan reached the Mariana Islands in 1521, and in 1899 Germany bought the part of them that included Saipan. At 474 m the mountain is the highest point of the island and gives an unbroken view over all of it (Wikipedia, Mount Tapochau).

What's there

• The lagoon banding - barrier turquoise along the west.
• The channel view - Tinian across the water.
• The summit statue - the crowned viewpoint itself.
• The Easter sunrise - the island tradition at the top.

When to go

December to June for trade-wind clarity; mornings beat cloud. The road's ruts vary by rain - judge or walk.

Things to know

The 'road' tests vehicles and rental agreements - many walk the last stretch; shade is absent and the breeze deceptive.

Nearby

Garapan, the Grotto coast and Laulau Bay.

Key facts