The Mariana Archipelago is located in the very west of the Pacific Ocean, in the almost fabulous Micronesia. Wonderful nature and beach vacation American style with a touch of civilized exoticism - everything about the Mariana Archipelago: map, photos, weather and tours.
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The Mariana Archipelago is the offspring of American democracy. These islands have had bad luck with their owners all their lives. Now Spain will take them for itself, then Germany, then Japan. As a result, President George W. Bush, “beloved” by many US residents, united the Northern Mariana Islands with Guam, and the Mariana Archipelago thus became a “Stars and Stripes” territory.
Mariana islands- another place on earth that argues for the title of heaven. Once here, you understand that the best thing to do in the world is doing nothing. On one side of this archipelago - the Pacific Ocean, on the other - the Philippine Sea crept up. Here you can jump from island to island and quickly "sing" your summer.
Time difference to Moscow
7 o'clock
- with Kaliningrad
- with Samara
- with Yekaterinburg
- with Omsk
- with Krasnoyarsk
- with Irkutsk
- with Yakutsk
- with Vladivostok
- with Severo-Kurilsk
- with Kamchatka
How to get there
There are two important points on this archipelago - Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. There are no roundtrip direct flights from Russia. You can fly to Guam with a docking in Tokyo or Seoul, or take a charter through Manila. Everything about everything will take you about 16 hours.
You will spend about the same amount of time when flying to Saipan - via Shanghai, Tokyo or Seoul.
Find flights to the Mariana Archipelago
Visa
From October 1, 2019 for citizens of the Russian Federation to visit Mariana Archipelago a visa will require a visa, which must be issued in advance. In addition, do not forget about a medical policy for the entire duration of the trip.
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Hotels
In the Northern Mariana Islands the best hotels located in Saipan. There is a good selection of 3 and 4 star hotels. The cost of living is from $ 90 per night.
In Guam, the center of luxury hotels, shops and restaurants is located in Tumon Bay. International hotel chains operate here - Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott and many others. Most often, you can find luxury hotels near the bay, which take huge chunks of the cleanest beaches for themselves. Cheaper rooms are located a little inland.
Currency of the Mariana Archipelago
The country's monetary unit is the US Dollar (USD), in 1 dollar 100 cents. Current rate: 1 USD = 75.12 RUB.
Transport
In the Northern Mariana Islands, the most convenient form of transport is by plane. An irreplaceable means of transportation considering the remoteness of the islands. There is no railroad here, but public transport poorly developed. It is best to rent a car or use the tourist buses that stop outside the hotel, shops and restaurants.
Public transport is easier in Guam. There are 15 bus routes operating here. Buses run every day, except Sundays, at intervals of 30 minutes. True, the drivers will not go anywhere after 7 pm. The trip is worth a dollar. Day ticket - $ 3.
Also, open-top buses run around the island - they are best suited for excursions so that you can see and photograph the sights in detail.
Beaches
The archipelago has several beaches that attract the most tourists. One of the cleanest and most beautiful is Micro Beach. For snorkelers, Lao Lao Bay is perfect, and for fans of outdoor food, Ladare Beach is often the place to go for picnics. And Paupau Beach offers playgrounds for sports.
Basically, anyone can choose a beach to their liking. You don't have to go to the tourist-crowded territory - within a few minutes you will definitely find a secluded corner where no one will bother you. The archipelago has plenty of wild beaches. True, while swimming, it is worth taking into account the strength of the rolling waves, and also watch out for the coral rubble that scratches bare feet.
Cuisine and restaurants
The cuisine of the Mariana Archipelago is a whimsical fusion of traditions from many countries. This is not surprising given the history of the territory. Each owner left a mark on food.
The kitchen has incorporated recipes from China, France, Italy, USA and Japan. The cafes and restaurants serve traditional meat dishes with savory sauces - fried lamb and beef ribs. Chefs make simple poultry soups with corn, rice, potatoes and spinach. Coconut soup with vegetables and curry is popular, as well as broth with tomatoes and minced meat.
Naturally, not a single self-respecting institution can do without fish dishes: fish fried on charcoal, boiled, smoked or baked with all kinds of vegetables, fish is served with sauce, mussels, beans or ordinary noodles.
And on the archipelago, coconut wine tuba is made - this is a naturally fermented juice of a young coconut with a very specific taste.
Shopping and shops
The Mariana Archipelago is a whole heap of souvenirs that tourists are buying in tons. This is what vacationers most often take home: souvenirs from shells and coconuts, hats and bags made from tropical leaves, textiles and paintings, products from agate, coral and pearls.
Each store has its own opening hours, but none of them will open their doors on Sunday - they are resting. The exception is large shopping centers that do not want to lose profits.
The archipelago is home to a variety of duty-free shops selling world-class brands from Chanel and Louis Vuitton to Gucci and Rolex. Prices here are an order of magnitude lower than in the United States itself.
Payment in stores - US dollars or credit cards, however, cards may not be accepted on remote islands. There are commercial banks on the larger islands if you need to cash a check. When going to a small island, it is best to take some cash with you.
3 things to do in the Mariana Archipelago
- Mastering snorkeling is a type of swimming with fins and a snorkel. With such equipment, you can spend a lot of time in the ocean, studying underwater world... Snorkeling is a favorite pastime local residents... Both adults and children are engaged in it. You will also be taught.
- Visit the Micronesian Arts and Crafts Fair - an event held annually in Guam. Representatives of exotic states like Nauru, Kiribati and Belau flock here. The highlight of the program is the festival of dance and songs. The fair is attended by about 20 thousand people.
- Rescuing a Guam shepherdess is an endangered species of local bird, which is also called "ko-ko". In honor of her, the Ko-ko Road half marathon is held every year. People gather and run 20 kilometers, drawing attention to the problem of the bird's disappearance. You will have to run along the beaches and villages, so a beautiful landscape during the rescue action is guaranteed.
Entertainment and attractions of the Mariana Archipelago
Some of the most interesting attractions in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.
Chamorro street
This street is located in Guam. Here every evening locals gather, play, sing, dance, prepare delicious meals and sell souvenirs. Chamorro is the name of the island's aborigines. Their history, among other things, can be studied by the ancient stones of Latte - the columns on which the dwellings were built.
Fort Apugan
Fort Alugan is located near the capital of Guam. Here in 1944 there were battles between the armies of Japan and the United States. Hundreds of soldiers are buried in a large meadow, and the remains of a German cruiser and Japanese ships rest at the bottom of the sea. Divers like to go down here in search of interesting finds.
Diving
The Mariana Archipelago is a kind of staging post for divers who then go to Fiji, Yap, Truk, Palau. Guam has some good diving spots. For example, near the Alugan fort. Or the famous Kingdom of Black Coral is a large deep-sea reef with a steep wall extending 100 meters deep.
Trekking
For lovers hiking the best way to go is the Northern Mariana Islands. The main islands - Saipan, Tinian and Rota - are good for walking. One of the main trails is the Laderana Tangka Trail, which leads through the Marpee Commonwealth Forest.
Mariana Islands- A group of islands located in the western Pacific Ocean, in Micronesia. Includes 15 large islands (Guam, Rota, Saipan, Tinian, etc.).
The climate is tropical. The average temperature in January is + 23 + 26 ° С, in July - + 27 ° С. The islands are located in the zone of Pacific typhoons, which usually occur here from August to December. The wettest months are July-October, with the dry season from December to May. The precipitation is 1800-2100 mm.
History
Ferdinand Magellan bypassed South America and entered the Pacific Ocean. The most difficult part of the path lay before him. Although he did not know it, but he had to cross the largest ocean in the world at the widest point! In the winter of 1520-1521, in four months, he swam 11 thousand kilometers in open ocean... The supplies ran out and the team had to brew leather belts. Finally, Magellan's fleet reached the islands located about 1,900 kilometers south of Japan.
On the islands, Magellan replenished food supplies, but he was angered by the theft of the natives. Those, seeing the things of the Europeans, could not resist, so Magellan named the islands Ladrones, that is, the islands of the Thieves.
In 1667 a group of missionaries was sent to the same islands. They were directed by the Queen of Spain, who at the time was regent to her young son. Queen's name was Mariana; reaching the islands, the missionaries renamed them after the queen. Since then, the islands are called the Mariana Islands.
In 1898, after the Spanish-American War, Spain ceded to the United States the island on which Magellan had landed - Guam, the largest and southernmost island in the entire Mariana Archipelago. The following year, Spain sold the rest of the islands to Germany. After World War I, defeated Germany ceded its possessions to Japan, and after World War II, defeated Japan ceded the islands to the United States.
To the south of the Mariana Islands lies an archipelago of nearly a thousand tiny islets scattered across the vast Pacific Ocean. The Portuguese were the first to discover them, but in 1686 the islands were annexed to Spain by the Spanish navigator Francisco Lazeano. He named the islands Caroline in honor of Charles II of Spain. Charles II was the son of the very same Queen Mariana. He grew up, although he was mentally retarded. The Caroline Islands also went to Germany, then to Japan, and then to the United States.
Attractions of the Mariana Islands
Saipan island is part of the Mariana archipelago. In 1521, during the first travel around the world the island was discovered by Fernando Magellan. At first, the island belonged to the Spanish colonialists. Then, in the 19th century, the islands were ceded to Germany, which brought hired Japanese to Saipan for agricultural work. Soon the Japanese colonized the Pacific, including Saipan. Today Saipan is under the protectorate of the United States of America.
There are plenty of attractions on the island and its surroundings: Suisad cliff, Saint Lourdas, Banzai Cliff, Bird island, Last Command Post, calabera cave.
Saipan is the most visited island in the entire archipelago. The most interesting place in Saipan is
Grotto, a natural cave with underground lakes up to 15 meters deep. Grotto is a natural limestone cave with an underwater outlet into the sapphire waters of the Pacific Ocean. Three underwater tunnels link the cave to the open sea. The cave looks like the gaping mouth of a large whale. The Grotto underwater cave in the north of Saipan has been declared the second most beautiful place in the world by scuba diving experts.
Banzai Cliff is located at the top of Mount Marpi in the north of Saipan. From a height of 249 m. Above sea level, an amazing view of the plateau at the foot and the ocean opens from the cliff. At the end of the Battle of Saipan, in order not to be captured by the Americans, Japanese soldiers and the local Japanese population committed mass suicide here. People, jumping on the rocks into the boiling sea, shouted "Banzai", giving their last respects to the emperor and imperial Japan. Today, a Buddhist statue and a memorial have been erected on this site in memory of the victims.
Top of Mount Tapochao- the highest point of the island. Its height is 473 meters above sea level. The mountain occupies a dominant position in the center of the island. A circular panorama opens from Tapochao. From here you can see the whole island at once and be imbued with its beauty. A statue of Jesus Christ is erected at the top, looking down at the island. The top of the mountain is a great shooting point for photographers.
Chamoli village located in the area of the Garapan shopping center. Built according to the rules of the ancient Chamorra and Caroline villages, this village introduces tourists to local life and arts. Guests can try peeling coconuts, painting with banana stamps, making coconut oil and local sweets, making their own Saipan beads, and weaving a tropical wreath, hat or basket. For men, there is also something to do here - hew a real canoe and even try it in the lagoon of the island. Here you can also watch a Chamolin dance show, enjoy a barbecue and play traditional local games on the beach.
Bird Island got its name from the seabirds that nest here. The observation deck of this nature reserve offers a charming view of a small bay with sandy beach, home to the white swallow, kingfisher and sea turtles.
American Memorial Park was opened in 1994 in honor of the 3,000 American soldiers who died in the battles for Saipan and Tinian during the Second World War. But this is not only a memorial complex. The park has also become a venue for island festivals and active rest... Here you can go swimming, surfing, softball, jogging and tennis.
Saipan Botanical Garden covers an area of 30,000 m 2. It displays about 2,000 species of tropical plants - from fruits to rare exotic flowers. Here, while visiting, you can taste coconut, papaya, mango, avocado, guava, star apple, citrus fruits. Flower lovers will be inspired by the plants and trees that bloom all year round. One of the garden attractions are green iguanas and tropical lizards.
Sanctuary of Our Lady... Legend claims that this place was revealed to a German priest in a divine vision even during the Spanish rule. Later, Christians who came here to pray, erected a statue of the Mother of God. Next to the altar under open air there is the only spring in Saipan fresh water called "the holy water of the Mother of God". The indigenous people believe in the miraculous healing properties of the water from this spring. During the Second World War, this place was the only one that escaped the bombing.
Mariana Islands cuisine
The cuisine of the Mariana Islands combines French, Italian, Japanese, Chinese and Thai culinary traditions.
The favorite drink of the locals is coconut wine. " tuba".
Among the national dishes it is worth noting: all kinds of flat cakes; fried bananas; "lemai" - small slices of breadfruit, fried in oil; all kinds of legumes; various salads; pies (options with shellfish and shrimps are especially good); pancakes stuffed with meat and seafood; rolls.
The hallmark of the cuisine of the Mariana Islands are sauces and condiments that can change the taste of any product beyond recognition.
Sauce " kelagen"- a mixture of well-chopped coconut with vinegar, palm oil, various spices and other ingredients. Meat with this sauce is baked, stewed, fried on coals or barbecued.
Many local dishes are not complete without sauce " finadeni"- a mixture of soy sauce, green onions, lemon juice and red pepper. This sauce is especially good in combination with soups and rice. In it, chefs marinate beef, poultry and pork, which are then fried over the fire.
Simple but very hearty soups deserve special attention: "sutang-hu" - a hearty soup made from poultry and rice; "atolin-maize" - thick soup; "chalakilis" is a soup made from poultry, onions, cloves, rice and coconut milk.
As for meat dishes, they are quite traditional, and appetizing sauces give them a local flavor. Popular dishes include: fried beef or lamb ribs; " haole"- fried beef; baked chicken; venison with sauce; pork chops with young taro leaves and many other colorful dishes.
There is a lot of different seafood on the local table. Be sure to try dishes such as: "la jo" - mussels with beans; white fish in vinegar; capricorn fish; the favorite dish of the islanders "a la chamorro" is spicy fish; pies with oysters and shrimps; shark fins.
Mariana islands, or more precisely - the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI - Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands)- a small island state in Micronesia, in the western part Quiet ocean. The ridge consists of 15 islands of volcanic origin, the largest of which Saipan, Tignan and Company... However, only 14 islands belong to the Commonwealth, and the fifteenth is an island Guam, the largest and most southerly of Marian islands is considered a separate territory belonging to USA, which they received as a war trophy back in 1898. The islands form two chains - North and South, stretching in the ocean for almost 650 km.
South Commonwealth Marian islands bordered by Caroline the islands that are under guardianship and lie 1100 km from the island Company, to the east - Marshalls islands, in the west -, to the north and northwest is located. To the east of the islands is perhaps the most important local geographical attraction, familiar to everyone from school geography lessons - Mariana Trench, with a depth of 11,775 meters.
Saipan- the main island of the state, located approximately 2660 km east of Manila; 2730 km north of Porta Moresby (Papua New Guinea), 5980 km west of Honolulu (Hawaiian Islands, USA) and approximately 80 km northeast of the island Guam (USA)... There are no cities on the islands in their usual sense, and even inhabited territories the language does not dare to call urbanized. Even the island Saipan, with administrative centers Susupe and Goropan occupy an area of only 120 sq. km.
Tourists are dominated by the ubiquitous and demanding Japanese and Koreans. They already know a lot about quality service. They come here in tens of thousands every month, especially during the days of Japanese Golden of the week or at New Year ... This is explained by the fact that from Tokyo or from Seoul before Saipan fly about three and a half hours. And the state language here, it seems, is English, and the monetary unit is the dollar USA, but still, at times, the impression that these islands are almost Japanese or Korean does not leave - this is how the presence here is felt Asian tourists... There are many restaurants with Japanese names, Japanese yen and Korean won are readily accepted for payment, and hotel staff are happy to answer in both Korean and Japanese.
Most recently the newspaper "Saipan tribune" wrote about how a Japanese doctor named Hiroyuki Maida, for ten years in a row coming to Saipan from Tokyo, arrived on the island for the jubilee hundredth time. To the question: "Why?" - he laughs and replies that on his very first visit here he fell in love with Saipan and now he likes it here as much as he did ten years ago.
Tourists from Of Russia here in the overwhelming minority, although they appear here, perhaps more often than other Europeans. And they start to like it here too. And each has its own reasons. Diving enthusiasts, for example, can be seduced by the beauty Grotto- a natural cave with underground lakes up to 15 meters deep and tunnels to open sea... Here you can also dive to the crash sites of WWII aircraft in the harbor. Tanapag, to caves and breeding sites of conger eels in the area Obyan Beach as well as the huge coral massifs off the coast in the area. But for snorkeling the best place on Saipan- Island Managaha, on Tignane- Beach Tachona and on Company - Corell Gardens, coral gardens in the bay Sasanaya... If you have never dived at all, then on Saipan Russian dive guides will teach you everything you need.
The same tourists who are far from diving, masks, snorkels and scuba diving, on Marian islands will also be very good. it perfect place for both relaxed and active recreation. There are a huge number of cycling and hiking trails... On Saipan main route - trail Laderana Tangka through the forest Marpee Commonwalt... There is a wonderful route along the banks Kammer and Taga south of San Jose on Tignane.
Other recreational activities include windsurfing, which is extremely popular here (the best place is the beach Micro on Saipan), tennis, golf and short snorkeling excursions in the lagoon between Saipan and the island Managaha where you can see at the bottom of the sea, in addition to its many inhabitants, traces of wrecks of Japanese ships or American bombers "Superfortress" B-29... Be sure to bring your driver's license with you for scenic road trips anywhere in the island.
A beach holiday here is a real pleasure. One of the favorite places for tourists is the island Managaha, which is half an hour sailing on a boat from Saipan(round trip ticket 50USD). It is best to spend the whole day here. The island is small, quiet and cozy. The whole beach is clean white sand, no algae and shells. You can rent sun loungers and a mask with a snorkel (15USD) and swim, look at the underwater world ... There is a huge number of various inhabitants of the seabed, of all shapes and colors, and completely fearless - many of them can be easily touched with your hands, and if you offer if they have any delicacy, they will be happy to eat from your hands ... And when you get hungry yourself, numerous restaurants located in the shade of palm trees will offer you dishes for every taste.
Local population - chamorro... They are smiling, welcoming and friendly. They smile not because it is necessary to do so out of courtesy, but simply because a smile reflects their state of mind. The characteristic features of local etiquette include an almost Japanese unwillingness to refuse a guest or the fear of upsetting him with his refusal. Therefore, situations of complete misunderstanding are not uncommon, since a local resident can easily give the advice that, in his opinion, will not upset the tourist, and not at all the one that corresponds to reality. At the same time, a certain Asian "obsequiousness" is striking, which, however, does not go beyond the framework of the usual respect for the tourist. And at the same time, in some regions, especially on the outer islands, the influence of the old traditions of the indigenous inhabitants of the islands is noticeable, with numerous taboos and ceremonies. In most places visited by tourists, the orders are quite European, and you can not be afraid of any difficulties in communicating with the locals.
Nature and Climate
If you ask a local resident about which Saipan there is a weather, then you will not hear many long-term explanations. The weather all year round is either good or very good. Very good often. That is, it is when it is warm, regardless of the season, + 27 + 30 degrees in the shade. Clear sky, blue-blue ocean and water temperature +26 degrees. A good weather differs from very good in that it is only a couple of degrees lower.
It is worth noting that sometimes typhoons that originated in the vastness fly into the islands. Quiet ocean. But even these typhoons did not prevent Saipan a worthy place in Guinness book of records for the most stable weather and temperature in the world.
The sun is very hot here and the level of solar radiation is very high, therefore it is recommended to wear sunglasses, hats and light protective clothing, which should not be discarded when swimming, especially in the first days after arrival - a thin layer of water does not protect from ultraviolet radiation at all.
Do not underestimate the danger of tidal currents - when passing through cracks and narrow reefs, they form quite powerful eddy currents that can seriously impede navigation. For unaccustomed bathers, you should be careful in the ocean surf, because even a slight excitement with a force of up to two points generates intense recoil waves that can greatly complicate going ashore.
Many shores, covered with rubble and volcanic rocks, are quite difficult to get around and require sturdy shoes. Also, special requirements for shoes and clothing are imposed when visiting caves, in which ideally smooth areas of rocks are periodically replaced by characteristic limestone "brushes" with rather sharp edges.
Currency exchange and Banks
The state currency is the US Dollar (USD). The exchange rate fluctuates in line with changes in the financial market.
One US dollar contains 100 cents. In circulation there are banknotes in denominations of 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 dollars, as well as coins in denominations of 1 dollar, half a dollar (50 cents, half dollar) and a quarter dollar (25 cents, quarter) and 5 and 1 cent.
Japanese yen and Korean won are accepted almost everywhere.
Traveller's checks in dollars are accepted everywhere. USA, and it is absolutely not necessary to visit a bank branch, since most hotels, restaurants and large stores cash them on the spot. If during the trip you are going to visit small islands, we recommend that you still stock up on the necessary amount of cash in advance.
Bank branches are open from Monday to Thursday, from 10.00 to 15.00, on Fridays - from 10.00 to 18.00. Some bank offices in the outer islands may operate on their own schedule.
ATMs and Credit Cards
All major international credit cards of popular payment systems are accepted everywhere: VISA, Master Card, Diners Club, American Express... On remote islands, one may encounter problems when trying to pay for something with a plastic card, because often small private shops simply do not accept card payments. Most hotels, restaurants, car rental agencies and diving centers on Saipan, Tinyane and Company accept plastic cards for payment. ATMs can be found in bank branches and large shopping centers.
VAT and Tax-Free
When paying for services at hotels, a hotel tax of 10% will be charged. There are no other commercial taxes, including VAT.
Customs and Passport Control
The import and export of national (USD) or any other foreign currency in cash, as well as checks, including travel, debt and securities, is allowed. Imported cash in excess of the equivalent of USD 10,000 is subject to mandatory declaration. Items made of gold and precious stones are subject to mandatory declaration.
Prohibited import to Mariana islands of drugs, stimulants, psychotropic substances, anabolic steroids and growth hormones, amphitamines, erythropoietin, barbiturates, hallucinogens and some other medicines.
The carriage of weapons is strictly regulated: firearms, pneumatic, cold and sporting weapons (including nunchucks, bows and crossbows, slingshots, switch knives and folding knives), as well as ammunition and parts of weapons, for which appropriate certificates and licenses issued by the office of the General prosecutor CNMI.
Perishable products, mango fruits from the Philippines, meat and meat products, except for those made in the mainland, are prohibited for import into the country. USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, on Hawaii and Guam, instant meat noodles and other "dry" foods.
Import of the following goods is allowed duty-free:
- no more than 600 cigarettes manufactured in USA marked Surgeon General "s Warning, or, no more than 200 cigarettes manufactured in other countries;
- up to 450 grams of cigars;
- up to 1 liter of strong alcoholic beverages (for persons over 21 years old);
- up to 1 liter of weak alcoholic beverages (for persons over 21 years old);
- up to 2 ounces (56 ml.) of perfume;
If the specified norms are exceeded, the owner of alcohol must pay a duty for each fluid ounce in the amount of: 5 cents - for beer and wine, 3 cents - for spirits. Commercial items are not exempt from taxes and duties as they are not considered everyday items.
You should pack flammable items, aerosols, hair spray, gas for lighters, sharp-edged items in your baggage, as they will not be allowed on the plane as carry-on baggage.
Transportation of animals
With the rules for transporting pets and registration travel documents we recommend that you familiarize yourself with them in advance when booking and purchasing air tickets. Please note that the weight of the animal and the container for its transportation is not included in the free baggage allowance and is paid exclusively as excess cargo. Only guide dogs accompanying their owners on the flight are transported free of charge.
Time
On Marian the islands do not change the time to winter and summer. It always remains in one unchanged time zone and is + 10 hours to the time Greenwich.
Hourly difference between Moscow and Saipan is + 7 hours.
Visas and Consular Information
From October 3, 2019, visa-free entry to the Mariana Islands has been canceled for citizens of the Russian Federation. To visit Saipan or Guam, Russians need to have an American B1 or B2 visa, which entitles them to multiple entries into the United States within 180 days. A visa must be obtained in advance at the US Embassy in the territory Russian Federation.
An important condition for entering the Mariana Islands is the presence of a biometric foreign passport (i.e. valid for 10 years).
Opening hours of institutions, shops and museums
Regular business hours for retailers are Monday through Friday, 08:00 to 12:00 and 13:30 to 17:00, and on Saturdays from 08:00 to 13:00. Many private shops operate on their own schedule and are often closed on Sundays, however, most major department stores and duty-free shops Saipan open all week.
Bank branches are open from Monday to Thursday, from 10:00 to 15:00, on Fridays - from 10:00 to 18:00. Some bank offices in the outer islands may operate on their own schedule.
Transport
The remoteness of the islands from each other made the plane the most convenient means of transportation. Railways no at all. There is no public transport apart from taxis. The most acceptable way to get to know Saipan is a rented car.
Aircraft
Almost all tourists arrive at Mariana islands by plane. Basic and most major airports located upon Saipan and Guam... Airplanes from countries arrive at this airport every day. Asia and North America
... Flights are operated by airlines Japan Airlines, Continental Micronesia, Northwest Airlines and Asiana airlines.
Direct flights to Mariana islands from Moscow and other cities Of Russia does not exist. Shortest route to Northern Mariana islands for tourists from Of Russia passes through countries South-East Asia ... Usually tourists from the Russian Federation go to Saipan or Guam with transit stops in Tokyo, Hong Kong or Seoul.
Domestic flights between the islands are carried out by local airlines. The plane is the most convenient means of transportation on the islands. Several domestic flights operate daily between Saipan, Rota and Tignan.
Buses
The islands do not have a developed bus system, however, there are several routes connecting the main cities. But you can easily find a taxi at the airport and in the city, in parking lots near hotels. A number of hotels organize regular bus routes to large shopping centers and the airport.
Car rental
The best way to travel around the islands is by car.
Renting a car will not be difficult for you. There are many car rental agencies on the island. It is best to take a car from already well-known and reputable companies. Hertz or Avis... All rights are valid on the island and no security deposit is required. The rental price depends on its term and, of course, on the class of the car. Gasoline costs 1.9USD per gallon (4 liters).
Before getting behind the wheel, be sure to familiarize yourself with the peculiarities of the traffic rules adopted on the island.
Dialing codes
To call Mariana islands, you need to dial the code:
8 - 10 - 1 - 670 - "island code" - "subscriber number"
Subscribers on all islands have seven-digit numbers, where the first three digits of the number designate a specific island, and the rest are the subscriber's number.
Telephone system Marian the islands are modern and combined with communications USA... International telephone communication is available from any public telephone, from most hotels and restaurants.
Pay phones
You can find pay phones everywhere. All of them work with telephone cards, which are sold at post offices, newspaper and tobacco kiosks. You can make local, long-distance and international calls from any pay phone. You will be able to purchase cards T&E Long Distance and PTI Long Distance in denominations of 5 and 10 USD. All local calls cost, depending on the place of the call, from 25 to 35 cents, from the hotel room - 50-75 cents per minute. Some phones accept cards AT&T and credit cards.
cellular
Cellular communication covers almost all the southern islands and part of the northern ones. Roaming with local networks PTI Pacifica Inc(GSM 850 standard) and Wave Runner LLC Mariana Islands(i CAN GSM, GSM 1900) is available to subscribers of the largest Russian cellular companies through the networks of other operators in the region.
Internet
Internet services on site Marian The islands are relatively poorly formed, but recently certain efforts have been made to develop them. Internet cafes are few and far between, mostly focused on Saipan, however, almost all large hotels and business centers have their own access points, including those equipped with equipment Wi-Fi.
Representative offices of the Russian Federation
Within the territory of Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands diplomatic, trade and other missions Russian Federation no.
Electricity
On Marian the islands everywhere, the voltage in the network is 220-240V, with a current frequency of 50Hz. Plugs and sockets are class A, that is, those that are widely used in Northern and Central America and in. The plug has two parallel blades. In the Japanese version, the contacts are the same length. In American, one is slightly longer than the other. Devices with a Japanese plug can be used in US outlets, but not vice versa.
Tips
Tipping is accepted, but not required and usually amounts to no more than 10-15% of the value of the bill. Mandatory tip -1 USD, given only to hotel employees when bringing luggage and dancers in strip clubs. When paying for rooms directly at the hotel, a hotel tax of 10% will be charged. There are no commercial taxes. Bargaining is not accepted.
Additional Information
The Mariana Islands has an imperial system of weights and measures.
Personal safety
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands considered a safe country to visit. The crime rate is low, and the situation with personal safety is quite calm. There is petty theft, currency fraud and other offenses, without, however, outgrowing the usual local sizes of the islands. When visiting the country, it is recommended to be guided by common sense - you should not leave valuables and documents unattended, it is not recommended to deliberately demonstrate your wealth or visit certain areas alone and at night, especially in the Philippine quarters.
Health and Medicine
No vaccinations are required to cross the country's border. Vaccinations against hepatitis B and tropical fever are recommended when visiting remote islands.
All drinking water on the islands comes from natural sources or by collecting rainwater and within settlements is practically safe for consumption. However, it is recommended that you only use boiled or bottled water for drinking, brushing your teeth or making ice, especially during the first week of your stay. Milk and dairy products are usually pasteurized and safe to consume. Meat, seafood and fish are considered safe, but it is still recommended to use them only after preliminary heat treatment, preferably hot. Vegetables must be thoroughly washed and pre-processed, and fruits must be peeled.
Medical service at Marian the islands are quite high quality, but relatively expensive. On Saipan, Tinyane and Company there are quite modern clinics, with qualified personnel and good equipment to provide most of the medical services. An ambulance is provided free of charge, for other cases of contacting a doctor, you will need to pay on the spot. Cash is preferred, but some clinics work with credit cards... In case of serious medical problems, patients are transferred to clinics Hawaiian islands or Of Japan.
Dangerous plants and animals
There are no dangerous animals on the territory of the islands. However, there are many poisonous or rather aggressive sea creatures in the surrounding waters, therefore, when swimming and diving under water, you should pay special attention to the bottom and the water column. The dorsal spines of many bottom-dwelling fish are poisonous, and the needles sea urchins and the sharp edges of coral massifs leave harmless, but rather painful and long-lasting wounds. It is recommended that in all cases of diving in unfamiliar places, the advice of local residents or diving instructors is recommended.
Morals
When photographing local residents, you should always ask their permission in advance.
It is taken by the hand to greet and say goodbye.
The attitude to clothes is quite democratic. On official occasions, you are supposed to have strict evening clothes - light trousers or a long skirt and a strict shirt with a medium-length sleeve will be enough, and in the evenings a light sweater will be useful. V Everyday life a light dress and even jeans can be dispensed with, although jeans are not the best choice in hot local climates. The most suitable leisure wear is a T-shirt and shorts. Beach suits outside the coastline are not recommended, bikinis that are too open can also cause disapproval.
Commonwealth of Nothern Mariana Islands, a state in Micronesia - the western part of the Pacific Ocean, occupies most of the islands of the Mariana Archipelago (14 out of 15 islands. The 15th island of the chain is Guam, an overseas territory of the United States).
The islands form two chains - north and south, stretching almost strictly from north to south for 736 km (460 miles). Most of the islands in the northern chain are volcanic cones (height up to 965 m), towering above the water, some of which are still active. Southern chain - coral and volcanic islands. The largest islands are Saipan (120 sq. Km), Tinian and Rota, the smallest is Farallon de Medinilla, with an area of about 0.5 sq. Km. km.
The northernmost (uninhabited) island of the archipelago, Moug, was ranked # 1 by National Geographic magazine as “Best Wildlife Destination”.
The Mariana Islands mark the dividing line between the Pacific Ocean and the Philippine Sea. To the east of the archipelago lies the Mariana Trench, whose depth reaches 11,775 m.
The total area of the Northern Mariana Islands is 480 sq. km.
Administrative center - Saipan island
Time: Time, relative to Moscow: ahead of Moscow by 6 hours in summer and 7 hours in winter.
Nature: Most of the islands in the northern chain are actually volcanic cones (up to 965 m high) towering above the water, some of which are still active. Southern chain - coral and volcanic islands. The largest islands are Saipan (120 sq. Km), Tinian and Rota, the smallest is Farallon de Medinilla, with an area of less than half a square kilometer. The Mariana Islands mark the dividing line between the Pacific Ocean and the Philippine Sea. To the east of the chain of islands lies the world's deepest Mariana Trench, up to 11,775 meters deep.
Climate: Tropical, trade wind. Typhoons are frequent and tend to pass over the islands between August and December. Precipitation is 1800-2000 mm. per year, the rainy season is from July to October. The best time to visit the Northern Mariana Islands - during the dry months from December to March.
Political system: The head of state and executive branch is the governor, elected by the population. The Legislative Assembly consists of two chambers: the Senate (9 members) and the House of Representatives (18 members), which are re-elected every two years.
Population: Population about 45.4 thousand people (1993), mainly Micronesian-Chamorro, as well as people from Caroline Islands and the Philippines.
Language: English (official), Chamorro and Caroline dialects are also widely used, Japanese and Korean are spoken in most hotels and some shops.
Religion: Roman Catholic Christianity, local religions and cults.
Economy: The basis of the economy of the Northern Mariana Islands is foreign tourism (233.3 thousand tourists in 1988, mainly from Japan) and Agriculture... Heat-resistant cereals are grown on the islands, coconut trees, sugarcane, breadfruit, coffee, bananas, tomatoes, cotton, citrus fruits; cattle, pigs, goats are bred; catch and process fish (mainly tuna). There are deposits of phosphorites, sulfur, iron and manganese ores. The exports of the islands are agricultural products.
The main foreign trade partners are Japan and the USA.
Currency: U.S. dollar.
Main attractions: The Northern Mariana Islands are often called the "Best of America's Best Mysteries", meaning quite unspoiled nature, an abundance of historical sites (especially associated with the period of the "Battle of the Pacific" in World War II) and the easy accessibility of the islands both from the territory of Southeast Asia and from America. Coral reefs, sea fishing, surfing and excellent conditions for passive recreation attract more than 240 thousand tourists a year to these tiny islands.
For some guests, Saipan Island can turn into a nightmare when vacationing on a tour, as it is literally overcrowded with tourists from Japan, moving "organized columns" and constantly clicking the shutters of their cameras, the recreation infrastructure is relatively poorly developed here and is more focused on lovers of an active lifestyle. more than the spoiled "shopping tourist", but the island is still renowned for its charm - turquoise waters, white sands and excellent conditions for diving, swimming, snorkeling and hiking are still abundant here. Saipan is the most popular place"historical tourism" among citizens Japanese islands... In the recent past, this has allowed the island to achieve the fastest growth rates in Micronesia in terms of tourism and population growth, with the construction of new golf courses and numerous resorts that have sprung up around the island at a rapid pace. Tourists and foreign workers now outnumber the indigenous population, and the island has lost many of its Micronesian character. However, Saipan still has everything that attracts tourists here - the beautiful coastline in the western and southern coasts, many scenic spots on the rugged and rocky east coast, rolling hinterland and majestic cliffs on the north coast. The island itself has 23 km. in length and 8 km. wide.
Garapan, the most Big city in the Commonwealth of Nations of the Northern Mariana Islands, is the fastest growing city in the region. Almost destroyed during the battles of the Second World War and resettled in the 1960s, Garapan is now completely restored and all built up with sushi bars, karaoke clubs and other establishments that are clearly aimed at tourists from Japan. The white sands and turquoise waters of the city beach Mikro are considered the finest on the islands. To the north of the beach, the American Memorial Park stretches along the coast, which protects habitats for forest and wading birds, and also serves as a favorite place for picnics and commemorative events dedicated to the memory of American soldiers who died in the US invasions of Saipan and Tinian. It also houses the Museum of the Second World War with an exposition of weapons, uniforms, ammunition, photographs and other military attributes of that time. Tinian is a sleepy island with a single village, just 2 km away. south of Saipan, "happily" has escaped the main influx of tourists and therefore serves as a good place to "get away from the blessings of civilization" if the bustle of Saipan seems too intrusive. It is difficult 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 the "Enola Gay" - the plane that dropped atomic bombs to Hiroshima and Nagasaki. San Jose, main locality the island is the territory of the ancient village of Chamorro. Those early settlers created the best objects that today, in the main, attract guests here. The main attraction of San Jose is the House of Taga, which served as a place of great gatherings and the seat of Taga the Great, the legendary king of the ancient state of Chamorro.
There are several good places for swimming, including Kammer Beach in San Jose and Taga Beach south of the village, with turquoise waters and white sand. Chulu Beach on the northwestern coast of Tinian, is the site of fierce battles during World War II, where American troops landed on the island, so massive archaeological excavations... Rota Island lies halfway between Saipan and Guam, and is only now beginning to emerge from the shadows. large islands, it is still a slowly developing place with poor recreation infrastructure. The main village, Songsong, still dispenses with traffic lights or shopping malls. Located on southwest coast Rota, Songsong stretches along a narrow peninsula, which only rises at the tip to the foot of Taipingo Mountain (210 m.). The village is literally "saturated" with various stones, which serve to strengthen the foundations of houses and to mark "streets" and as berths and fences. The local Franciscan Church of Borja is proud of its centenary bell. You can travel from Songsong on foot or by jeep to the northeast, where the island's shores are particularly scenic, or visit the white coral sands of Twixberry Beach or climb to the summit of Mount Taipingo for superb views of the village, harbor and Sasanaya Bay. The Northern Mariana Islands are an excellent destination for an active holiday. On Saipan, the most interesting place is the Grotto (Grotto), a natural cave with underground lakes up to 15 meters deep and tunnels to the open sea. You can dive to WWII plane crashes at Tanapag Harbor, caves and sea eel breeding grounds in Obyan Beach, and huge coral massifs a short distance offshore at the Saipan Grand Hotel. The best snorkeling spots in Saipan are Managaha Island, Tiniana is Tachona Beach, and Rota is Corell Gardens in Sasanaya Bay. All three islands have good conditions for hiking. On Saipan, the main route is the Laderan Tangka Trail through the Marpi Commonwalt Forest. There is a beautiful route along the Kammer and Taga banks south of San Jose on Tinian. Other recreational activities include windsurfing, which is extremely popular here (the best place is Mikro Beach on Saipan), tennis, golf and short underwater excursions in the lagoon between Saipan and the Managaha Islands, where you can see traces of Japanese wrecks at the bottom of the sea, in addition to its many inhabitants. ships or American "Superfortresses" B-29. Most of the villages hold annual celebrations in honor of their patron saint, which are the biggest events of the year. Rota and Tinian have one such "festival" each, while Saipan has six: in San Vicente in early April, in San Antonio in mid-June, in Mount Carmel Cathedral in Chalan Canoa in mid-July, in San Rock in mid-August, in Tanapag at the beginning of October and in Coblerville at the end of October. The Tinian Festival takes place during the last weekend in April or the first weekend in May in honor of Saint José, the patron saint of the island. The largest and most popular holiday in the Northern Mariana Islands, however, is the Rota festival on the first or second weekend in October. The celebrations hosted by the Franciscan Church of Borgia include a chic banquet featuring only traditional Chamorro food and drinks, religious processions, music and dance festivals.
Most of the events and festivals are still held in Saipan. Popular events include the half marathon and the 10 km offshore race at the end of January. Kintetsu Buffaloes, a professional baseball team from Japan, holds training camps and competitions here in the spring, training and playing with local teams (and at a fairly serious level) during the first two weeks of February. The Annual Open Micronesian Regatta and Saipan Lagoon Regatta - an international windsurfing competition, like the Hobie Cat competition, is held in the Micro Beach area in mid-February. World-class athletes swim, bike and run nearly 80 kilometers during the Tagamansky Triathlon held in mid-May. The week-long Liberation Day Festival celebrates the liberation of the islands on July 4, US Independence Day. The festivities include pageants, a beauty pageant, a full night of entertainment, sports games and numerous banquets. The fishing tournament takes place in August, during the marlin stroke season. Each island also hosts a different fishing competition, Rota is Labor Day for the weekend in early September and Tinian is the Fishing Prize in early November.
Historical overview: Since the 17th century, the Mariana Islands have been a Spanish colony. In 1898, Spain sold the islands to Germany. In 1914, Japan captured the Mariana Islands, and in 1945 the Americans came here. After World War II, the Mariana Islands were part of Micronesia, a US-ruled territory. In the 1970s, Micronesia was divided into four political and administrative units. One of these units was the Mariana Islands without its southern part (the Guam Islands). In 1975, the islanders voted for the status of a "freely annexed" territory to the United States. In 1976, an agreement was signed on the free association of the Northern Mariana Islands with the United States. On November 3, 1986, this agreement entered into force, which meant the emergence of a new state - the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
National domain:.MP
Entry rules: All visitors need visas valid for up to three months and proof of non-immigration intent. To obtain a visa, you must provide two completed application forms, two photographs, a passport valid for at least 6 months, as well as proof of the absence of immigration intentions (a certificate of salary from work, a certificate of real estate, etc.). Formally, you do not need an invitation to obtain a visa. The consular fee is $ 45, in addition, you need to pay the cost of the visa ($ 20 - one-time). The processing time - from a couple of days ("express") to one and a half months - depends on the documents provided and the appointment of the interview. The visa received does not guarantee entry into the United States and the Mariana Islands. Russian citizens are registered when passing passport control... The immigration authorities at the first point of entry into the country put down in the coupon insert the appropriate notes about the date of entry, the permitted period of stay in the country, the date of departure and the category of visa.
Customs regulations: Import and export of national and foreign currency is not limited. Any amount can be imported in cash, traveller's checks and payment cards. Only amounts over $ 10,000 are required to declare. When importing gold, a declaration is required. Items for personal use are not subject to duty, perishable food, weapons, drugs are prohibited for import into the country.
Citizens of Russia, Ukraine and Belarus need a visa to travel to the Northern Mariana Islands in 2020. Visa-free travel to the Northern Mariana Islands, as well as Guam and Saipan, was canceled on October 3, 2019.
The Mariana Trench and Everest are the names most people remember from their school geography course. The first is the deepest point on the planet, the second is the most high mountain... Height and depth are measured from ocean level. In absolute terms, the most deep depression overtakes the highest peak by a significant margin.
The Mariana Trench on the world map should be looked for in the Pacific Ocean northeast of the Philippine archipelago (southeast of the Japanese Islands), it is a semicircular trench with a length of about 1,500 km, its convex part directed to the east. The deepest point of the trench is called the "Challenger Abyss" and has a depth of 10,994 meters.
The Mariana Trench is named after the adjacent Mariana Islands, which stretch along the western part of the trench. The island of Guam, the closest to the Challenger Abyss, is located 340 km northeast of it. Coordinates deepest point World Ocean: 11 ° 22'23.9 ″ N, 142 ° 35'30.1 ″ E.
The trench is located at the junction of two tectonic plates, and its relief is a relatively flat strip of the bottom no wider than 5 km between two steep slopes. In some places along its length, the bottom has a stepped structure and mountain ranges. The water pressure at the lowest point is approximately 108 MPa, which is 1,072 times higher than normal atmospheric pressure.
For the first time the depression was discovered by the English sailing-steam corvette "Challenger" during the world's first complex oceanographic expedition in 1875. The depth was then determined twice with the results of 8 367 m and 8 184 m, which made it possible to call this depression the deepest on the planet. In 1951, the British research vessel Challenger II conducted ocean research in these places.
The echo sounder recorded a depth of 10 899 m. This point was given the name of the ship. Over the next years, new measurements were carried out, the depth was corrected several times in both directions, the last value of 10,994 m was recorded in 2011.
The difficulty of measuring the depth of such scales with an echo sounder is the dependence of the speed of sound waves in water, on its properties (density, temperature, chemical composition, impurities). These properties are different depending on the depth. To obtain accurate values, it is necessary to take water samples from different depths, analyze them and take the data into account in subsequent measurements.
For the first time, the Trieste bathyscaphe with two researchers on board (US Navy Lieutenant Don Walsh and Swiss oceanographer Jacques Picard) sank to the bottom of the depression (10,915 m) in 1960. Then several times autonomous dives were made by unmanned vehicles, and the Japanese Kaiko probe in 1995 took the first soil samples from a depth of 10,911 m.
In 2012, famous director James Cameron dived to the bottom for the first time in history, staying there for a total of 6 hours. Subsequently, a 3D film about the history of this dive was released under the title "Challenge to the Abyss". It is worth mentioning that famous traveler Fedor Konyukhov in 2020 also announced his intention to dive to the bottom of this depression.
Fauna of the Mariana Trench
Sunlight cannot penetrate to a depth of over 1000 m, eternal darkness reigns there. Together with colossal pressure, this makes living conditions in the depths extremely difficult. Nevertheless, the Mariana Trench is inhabited. The bottom is covered with silt, which, as shown by the first samples taken, is saturated with shell organisms; here they also found huge armored amoebas (up to 10 cm in diameter).
In addition to the simplest barophilic bacteria, crayfish, gastropods, sea cucumbers, fish live here. Even during the first visual observations from the Trieste bathyscaphe, small fish resembling a flounder were seen. The specificity of the conditions makes the appearance of many local fish amazing: they have huge teeth, eyes rotating in different directions (or their absence), instead of fins there are sharp spines.
There are also unidentified worms up to 2 m long. There are no algae at such depths, and the food for the protozoa is the remains falling to the bottom (detritus). Recent studies have shown that the bodies of local small crustaceans contain many heavy metals, which are extremely toxic to ordinary living cells.
Overall fauna Mariana Trench poorly studied, many scientists believe that species long extinct on Earth can be found there.
For example, teeth of a giant shark - megalodon were recently found. It is believed that these monsters, weighing up to 100 tons, became extinct about 2 million years ago, while the age of the teeth found is from 11 to 24 thousand years.
Research was constantly accompanied by various mysterious stories: vague huge shadows resembling dragons appear on the monitors, a loud metallic grinding is heard, and once, according to the team of the German deep-sea vehicle "Highfish", on the monitor of the infrared camera they saw a creature gripping its teeth in a bathyscaphe, it had to be frightened off with an electric discharge.
Large islands there are 15, there are also several small rocks and reefs. The population is about 215,000 people. The nationality of the indigenous people is Chamorro, and their language is also called. It is believed that the Chamorro are descendants of the ancient settlers from the Philippines. Currently, there are practically no true representatives of this people, all who call themselves Chamorro are mestizos.
Determining the nationality of the Mariana Islands is not as easy as it might seem. The southernmost island, Guam, has an independent status, it is an unincorporated organized territory of the United States, that is, the island is not included in the United States, but its territory is considered American, and the islanders (more than 180,000 people) have US citizenship. The capital is the city of Hagatna, located on west bank.
The Northern Mariana Islands constitute a separate administrative entity - the Commonwealth, the state status is completely similar to Guam (freely associated with the United States). The main island is Saipan, the capital is called the same.
The first Europeans to discover these lands were members of Magellan's crew, who dropped anchor here in 1521. The meeting with the natives ended with the loss of the ship's boat. Frustrated Magellan gave the archipelago the name "Island of Thieves" (de los Ladrones, Ladronsky), which existed until the beginning of the twentieth century.
The islands were immediately declared the property of Spain. A few decades later, colonialists began to come here. As so often, the missionaries arrived first. They gave the territories modern name in honor of the Spanish Queen Marianne, since then the Mariana Islands on the map are called that way. Colonization did not go smoothly. As a result of armed clashes and prolonged repression indigenous population 200 years after visiting Magellan, it decreased 30 times.
In 1899, the Northern Mariana Islands were sold to Germany, and at the beginning of the First World War, the entire archipelago was occupied by Japan. In 1944, US troops landed on the island of Saipan, long bloody battles began with numerous casualties, only local residents killed about 40,000 people.
The Americans equipped a military base on the island of Tinian, from which bombers took off, dropping atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. After the end of the war, the archipelago was under the control of the UN for some time, and in 1947 it was transferred to the custody of the United States.
US citizens do not need a visa to visit the Mariana Islands, and the presence of an American visa in their passport serves as a pass to these territories for citizens of other countries.
The monetary currency is the US dollar.
