Mt. Tapochau

Mount Tapochau is the highest point on the island of Saipan in the Northern Mariana Islands, at 474 m (1554 ft). It has historical and religious significance here in CNMI because it offers a panoramic view of Saipan Island and serenity.

Japanese spotters positioned on this mountain helps direct cannon fire to the advancing American forces during WWII.

On Holy Friday, Catholic devotees walked half-a-mile distance from Capital Hill to the top to offer prayers or as a vow either to obtain a divine favor or as an act of thanksgiving for answered prayers.

I promised to my son that I will take him around the island but we chose to go to Mt. Tapochau instead. The road going up was bad due to rain but bad as it is, we went ahead amidst bumping and shaking 30 minutes ride.

The reward was great, watching the sunset from the top was the prize for ardous ascent to Mount Tapochau.