Forbidden Island

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About This Place

Offshore islet off the Kagman Peninsula, east coast; a no-take marine sanctuary (est. April 2001). An unofficial, unmaintained ~500 m trail from the Forbidden Island Overlook descends steeply to the beach and a hidden cave/tide pool; low tide is safest; most visitors go with a guide and need 4WD to reach the trailhead. Experienced hikers/swimmers only — the trail is steep and potentially hazardous.

Record updated: 11/9/2026 · Current access not independently verified

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Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands

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Bird Island & Bird Island Lookout

Limestone islet in a bay on the northeast coast; a seabird nesting sanctuary and marine sanctuary (fishing strictly prohibited). The island itself is viewed, not landed on — best from the mainland Bird Island Lookout (fixed binoculars); a short trail descends to Bird Island Beach (rock pools, snorkeling on calm days; don't disturb the birds). Part of the Bird Island Wildlife Conservation Area (est. 1998). Construction at the lookout through summer 2027.

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Mt. Tapochau

Saipan's highest point, 1,554 ft (474 m), in the island's center. Summit reachable by a rough, unpaved road (drive-up + short walk; sedans may struggle); 360° views over all of Saipan, to Tinian and on clear days Rota; white Jesus statue at the summit; WWII Japanese observation post. Free.

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Banzai Cliff (Puntan Sabaneta)

~30 m sea cliff at Marpi (northern tip), where hundreds of Japanese/Okinawan civilians jumped in July 1944; memorials from Japan, Okinawa and Korea; Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko visited in 2005.