Saipan is the largest island of a chain of 15 tropical islands belonging to the Marianas archipelago in the United States Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The western side of the island is lined with sandy beaches and an offshore coral reef which creates a large lagoon. The eastern shore is composed primarily of rugged rocky cliffs and a reef. Its highest point is a limestone covered mountain called Mount Tapochau. Held by the Japanese during World War 2, Saipan today is a modern, clean and thriving community comprising several villages that are more like small towns. There are remnants and remembrances of the war all over the island. Visit the last command post of the Japanese Imperial army with its mounted cannon, tanks and other relics. Also visit Suicide Cliff where hundreds of Japanese jumped to their deaths, and Bonzai Cliff with its spectacular views. Divers will delight in the sunken wrecks from World War 2 nestled in the expanse of lagoon waters. The Blue Grotto is an ocean cave where the sun shines through an underwater wall and lights up the sea.