Trip to Saipan
Tue Aug 14, 2012 12:52 pm
As a relative of a B-29 crew member who operated from Saipan, I have some time off from my airline (about 2 weeks) and would like to go there. Has anyone been there and can give advice and tips? I'd like to see the airport and the hardstands (apparently the one for my relative is still there) and some other B-29 sites. Even thinking about taking a trip to Tinian.
Re: Trip to Saipan
Tue Aug 14, 2012 2:08 pm
I was on Tinian in 2010 - awesome trip!! The only thing that comes to mind is that you cannot drink unbottled water on Saipan. The hotels even have big placards by the sinks that say not to drink the water. We stayed at a place near the airport - it was low key and nice. I know there are much nicer places on the North end but for the $$ this worked great.
You can see several of the Japanese bunkers and so forth on the airport but Iam notsure how easy it is to actually go visit them - the airport is still an active international airport with TSA and all
I'll see if I still have the tour guide service # we used on Saipan. The guys name was Richard and he was great. Be sure to hit the Hard Rock Cafe!
North Field on Tinian however is a whole different story. You can rent a moped or car and spend weeks roaming through the jungle where the "busiest airport in the world" once was. There are several monuments, you can visit the old ruined Japanese facilities, the atomic bomb pits and the foundations of the bomb assembly buildings. I recommend trying to geta hold of Don Farrell on Tinian - he is the resident expert on the history of the island (as well as most of the Marianas). I stayed at the Tinian Dynasty Hotel/Casino and it was nice - kind of like finding Ceaser's Palace on an island - and mostly empty at that! The other one I can recommend is Flemings Motel - it is a great little place for a good price and they have an awesome cafe attached that is AWESOME. If you go, tell Deb Fleming "hi" from me.
Tom P.
You can see several of the Japanese bunkers and so forth on the airport but Iam notsure how easy it is to actually go visit them - the airport is still an active international airport with TSA and all
I'll see if I still have the tour guide service # we used on Saipan. The guys name was Richard and he was great. Be sure to hit the Hard Rock Cafe!North Field on Tinian however is a whole different story. You can rent a moped or car and spend weeks roaming through the jungle where the "busiest airport in the world" once was. There are several monuments, you can visit the old ruined Japanese facilities, the atomic bomb pits and the foundations of the bomb assembly buildings. I recommend trying to geta hold of Don Farrell on Tinian - he is the resident expert on the history of the island (as well as most of the Marianas). I stayed at the Tinian Dynasty Hotel/Casino and it was nice - kind of like finding Ceaser's Palace on an island - and mostly empty at that! The other one I can recommend is Flemings Motel - it is a great little place for a good price and they have an awesome cafe attached that is AWESOME. If you go, tell Deb Fleming "hi" from me.
Tom P.
Re: Trip to Saipan
Tue Aug 14, 2012 5:18 pm
The north end of Saipan is interesting (i.e. Marpi Point) as that is the location of the famous suicide point. Also, interesting caves below Mt. Marpi. Marpi Point was once a navy fighter strip. All gone now... as well as Kagman Fighter strip (east side) now housing and a golf course.
In Saipan harbor there is a small island called "Managaha" which is a day use place for diving and snorkeling. I understand that just off the island ( lagoon side) is a fairly intact PB2Y Coronado. How deep? I saw it mentioned in a Lonley Planet book. Unconfirmed however.
You may wish to pull up earth.google to give you a good overview of both Saipan and Tinian.
In Saipan harbor there is a small island called "Managaha" which is a day use place for diving and snorkeling. I understand that just off the island ( lagoon side) is a fairly intact PB2Y Coronado. How deep? I saw it mentioned in a Lonley Planet book. Unconfirmed however.
You may wish to pull up earth.google to give you a good overview of both Saipan and Tinian.