Places In Saipan: Mt. Marpi (Suicide Cliff)

Basic Information

• Name: Mt. Marpi
• Where: Saipan, USA
• Elevation: 833 feet
• Cost: Free
• Hours: Always Open
• More Information: Wikipedia

Narrative

After visiting Banzai Cliff in northern Saipan, I next made the drive to the top of the 833 foot Mt. Marpi:

This mountain is more popularly known as “Suicide Cliff” due to its tragic World War II past where many Japanese soldiers and civilians jumped to their deaths rather than surrender to US forces at the conclusion of the World War II Battle of Saipan.

The drive to Suicide Cliff was really nice due to the impressive views of the cliff that can be seen from the road:

After driving below the cliffs the road begins to slowly ascend up the side of the mountain where some more nice views of Mt. Marpi can be seen:

As I drove up the road something I was surprised to see was how much cattle was grazing in northern Saipan:

After ascending up the eastern slope of the mountain the road then ascends the backside of the mountain towards its summit.  It is from here that some great views of some of the other jagged cliffs in northern Saipan can be seen:

Here is a closer look at one of the cliffs that had a big satellite antenna on it:

Just before driving up to the summit there is a look out that provides a spectacular view of the coastline leading towards the resort village of Garapan visible in the distance:

I also had a view in the far distance of the highest mountain on the island, the 1,554 foot Mt. Tapochau:

Here is a panorama I took of the view from this lookout:

After taking in those views I then drove up to the summit of Mt. Marpi:

I parked my car and before walking over to the cliff’s edge I stopped to take a look at the various memorials constructed to the Japanese as well as Korean laborers and soldiers who committed suicide at this cliff:

After walking to the cliff’s edge I couldn’t help, but picture the people throwing themselves off this cliff; it must have been terrifying:

It was kind of bittersweet to be taking in such beautiful views from a place with such a tragic past.  From the view point the relatively flat land below the cliff known as Marpi Point could be seen to include the Saipan Veteran’s Cemetery (left) and Banzai Cliff (right):

Here is a closer look at Banzai Cliff which was easily recognizable due to all of its memorials:

Scanning further to the right of Banzai Cliff, all I saw was more farmland and jungle:

What cannot be seen today is the fact that underneath that jungle during World War II was an airstrip used by the Japanese.  Here is a panorama picture of the view looking towards where the airstrip would have been located:

Looking the east I could see the island’s garbage dump a large mesa that rose above it:

Here is a panorama of the view from Suicide Cliff looking towards the east where the garbage dump is located:

Conclusion

Taking in the views from Mt. Marpi should be part of any visit to Saipan.  Before visiting Mt. Marpi it is well worth stopping to see the Korean Peace Memorial, the Okinawa Peace Memorial, the Monument to the War Dead in the Mid-Pacific, the Last Command Post and Banzai Cliff as well.  Visiting all these sites gives visitors a good appreciation of the natural beauty as well as the tragic World War II history of northern Saipan.