Located southeast of Saipan, Forbidden Island is a semi-isolated island. At high tide, Forbidden Island is separated from Saipan, but at low tide, they remain partially connected. Due to its unique location, Forbidden Island is rarely visited by humans, and its beaches are covered with washed-up shells and corals. It is also a bird sanctuary and a sea turtle breeding ground. Every April and May, the island is covered in beautiful wildflowers.
Attractions Location: Northern Mariana Islands
Opening hours:  
All day (Monday to Sunday, January 1st - December 31st) 
Official phone number:  Ticketing Inquiry
+1-670-3238735
Time reference: 1-3 hours
Discover the natural beauty of Forbidden Island, a stunning sea stack off Saipan’s coast known for snorkeling, hiking, and scenic views. This day is perfect for outdoor lovers wanting to experience pristine nature.
Transport: Taxi or rental car recommended; no public transit available to Forbidden Island. Hiking involved.
Accommodation/Food: Stay in Garapan area (Saipan’s main tourist hub) with options like Hyatt Regency Saipan or Aqua Resort Club Saipan. Try local Chamorro cuisine at restaurants such as Oleai Beach Bar & Grill.
Souvenirs: Local handicrafts, Chamorro woven baskets, seashell jewelry, and postcards featuring Forbidden Island views.
Combine your Forbidden Island visit with exploring Saipan’s cultural and natural landmarks.
Transport: Taxi or rental car is best for getting around Saipan; no public bus system.
Accommodation/Food: Stay in Garapan. Sample fresh seafood and local BBQ.
Souvenirs: WWII memorabilia, Chamorro arts, and local snacks like coconut candy.
Explore Forbidden Island and more of Saipan’s cultural sites, beaches, and markets for a well-rounded experience.
Transport: Taxi and boat transfer for Managaha Island.
Accommodation/Food: Stay in Garapan area. Try local island fare and tropical fruit juices.
Souvenirs: Handmade jewelry, woven hats, and island-themed art.
Enjoy a mix of outdoor adventure, history, and relaxation with this 4-day plan centered around Forbidden Island.
Transport: Taxi or rental car recommended for flexibility.
Accommodation/Food: Stay in Garapan. Try fusion Pacific Rim cuisine.
Souvenirs: WWII relic replicas, nature photography prints, and local snacks.
Expand your Saipan visit with additional island tours and cultural exploration.
Transport: Ferry to Tinian, taxis or tour vans on Tinian.
Accommodation/Food: Continue staying in Garapan. Sample island-style grilled fish and taro-based dishes.
Souvenirs: Tinian island crafts, woven bags, and local honey.
Spend nearly a week exploring Saipan, Forbidden Island, and nearby islands for a rich island-hopping experience.
Transport: Flights or ferries to Rota; local taxis on islands.
Accommodation/Food: Garapan in Saipan or local guesthouses on Rota. Try island specialties like coconut crab dishes.
Souvenirs: Unique island crafts, traditional clothing, and shell jewelry.
Immerse yourself in the full Northern Mariana Islands experience—nature, culture, history, and relaxation centered around Forbidden Island.
Transport: Taxi or rental car on Saipan; cruise operator pickup.
Accommodation/Food: Final night at upscale resort like Hyatt Regency or local boutique hotels. Indulge in fresh seafood and tropical cocktails.
Souvenirs: Final chance for Chamorro arts, island shell necklaces, and local culinary products like banana ketchup.

Located southeast of Saipan, Forbidden Island is a semi-isolated island. At high tide, Forbidden Island is separated from Saipan, but at low tide, they remain partially connected. Due to its unique location, Forbidden Island is rarely visited by humans, and its beaches are covered with washed-up shells and corals. It is also a bird sanctuary and a sea turtle breeding ground. Every April and May, the island is covered in beautiful wildflowers. 

Forbidden Beach: It's said that in ancient times, whenever it didn't rain for a while, the indigenous people would select a suitable strong man, bring him to Forbidden Island, chop off his head, and throw it into the sea as a sacrifice to the gods, praying for rain. It's actually a semi-island, separated from Saipan at high tide, but you can only see it from a distance, as the access is very difficult.

Forbidden Island is a small island separated from the main island. Legend has it that during droughts, the natives would select suitable strong men, bring them to the island, chop off their heads, and throw them into the sea as a sacrifice to the gods, praying for rain. Sacrificial culture is always bloody. It was very windy that day, so after a short tour, I got back in the car. I felt that the southern attractions were slightly inferior to the northern ones.

From a distance, the Forbidden Island is beautiful, but not particularly stunning. Instead, the legends surrounding it add a touch of mystery to the island.

Forbidden Island is a semi-isolated island. When the tide is high, Forbidden Island is separated from Saipan Island, but when the tide is low, they are still partially connected. 
The tour guide said that a Korean couple tried to land on the island, but were thrown into the water by the waves and both died. 

Enjoy the beautiful scenery. Because Typhoon Yutu is coming, all offshore projects have been cancelled, so there are a lot of people coming here.

My heart leaped with excitement at the thought of snorkeling and seeing even more fish than on Gunkanjima. The path was narrow and steep. The grassy areas felt like a jungle adventure, while the steeper ones felt like rock climbing! Luckily, the Saipan jungle is mostly populated by lizards, with no snakes or other aggressive creatures, which would have been quite dangerous. The area surrounded by three rocks in the sea must be the legendary natural snorkeling pool. However, it was getting dark, and Big XX and I were barely swimmers, so after much hesitation, we decided not to go. It was another regret! I must make up for it in my lifetime! A reminder to anyone thinking about hiking the Forbidden Island: plan at least half a day!

There is a road leading to the island in the southern jungle adventure, but the local guide said it was not safe, so we did not go down to the island.

Forbidden Island I don't know why it's called this name, but it's really beautiful, the sea water is dark blue, but it's too small, it's worth going. Stay for 15 minutes

Reaching Forbidden Island requires a winding mountain road. Most tour groups only take a car to the mountaintop viewing platform to see the island from a distance. Because reaching Forbidden Island requires descending the mountain, the path down is extremely dangerous and difficult, almost nonexistent. We simply followed the trails of previous travelers, and we practically used our hands and feet to ascend and descend. This was the most dangerous attraction we encountered. Once again, I have to complain about Saipan's construction and the extremely backward, almost nonexistent, scenic facilities. 
However, I have to say that the scenery of Forbidden Island is one of the most spectacular on Saipan. For those with good physical strength, please prepare a pair of comfortable and grippy sneakers, as well as water and food. The climb up and down the mountain takes about 1.5 hours, and the journey is very exciting... 
On the way down the mountain, you will encounter several platforms. Of course, these platforms are very primitive and naturally have no protective measures such as railings. If you are not careful, you will lose your footing and regret it forever. This is very consistent with the primitive temperament of Saipan... 
The Forbidden Island beach, perhaps due to its underdeveloped facilities and treacherous mountain access, is rarely visited. It retains its pristine beauty, with coral and shells scattered across the ground, tropical plants swarming along the ridges, and reefs riddled with holes from seawater erosion. There seems to be little evidence of human presence here, and a careful observer might even spot adorable hermit crabs. 

The sea here is very blue, the wind is strong but not too sunny, and it is very comfortable.

The scenery is super beautiful, but the wind is also very strong. If I were to take pictures while leaning on the railing, I would be blown away.

It's similar to Bird Island, but because it's on the south side, there are fewer people. The scenery is still amazing. 

The scenery is beautiful and challenging. The guide took us to a cave that few people know about, which was amazing.

The scenery is nice, but you have to drive there yourself. But the northern highway is really nice.

Overall four stars—not suitable for the elderly or children, as it's difficult to get down. It might be dangerous for young people to go down. It's basically a standard "tourist attraction," with convenient parking and photo opportunities. The scenery is truly beautiful, so just enjoy the view. It's very sunny on a sunny day. There are a few trees and a public facility nearby, so I wouldn't want to walk over to take a closer look. Haha, I went there twice, both on sunny days, and it was just too hot. Looking at the ocean was easier on the eyes. There's no vegetation in the parking area or the viewing area for photos. It's dazzling. Overall, it's embarrassing. If you come to Saipan and don't visit this place, you'll feel like you've missed out on an important attraction. Since you're here, you can only risk going down there besides taking photos. I heard it's recently banned.

On my second trip to Saipan, I chose Forbidden Island. It's a great place for snorkeling, with few crowds and plenty of small fish. It's a bit strenuous, though. You have to hike downhill to get there and uphill to get back. But it's definitely worth it. I saw some foreigners hiking along the way. I recommend finding a local guide, as the mountain trails can be challenging and can be dangerous if you're unfamiliar with the terrain.

It's a super beautiful place, the photos can't capture it, it's definitely worth going, there are also snorkeling tickets sold here online, it feels so exciting~

Putting aside the crowded Gunkanjima and Blue Hole, I actually prefer places with fewer people and pure scenery, because this place is not well developed, and you have to climb a mountain to get to the beach, which feels like walking through a jungle. I didn't feel tired when I went to the beach, but I was almost exhausted when going back and forth to the hotel. The beauty of this place lies in its quietness, few people, and clear water. There is a pool where you can swim and snorkel when you arrive at your destination. As a "landlubber" who has been to islands many times, this is the first time in my life that I snorkeled without a life jacket. Because we were the only group of people there, it was easy to see each other and take care of each other, so I made a bold attempt. It turns out that you can float in the sea without a life jacket even if you can't swim, provided that you overcome your fear.

Generally, you just view it from a distance and enjoy the scenery. There is nothing special about it.

Haha, what I took is the same as the picture, on the southern line, standing outside the railing to see the panoramic view is spectacular, the sea in Saipan is super blue

It's a great place, but be careful if you're driving a sports car. The road is very hilly and not very easy to drive. It's best to drive an SUV.

If possible, you should go down to take pictures. It should be quite domineering. It's a very beautiful spot.

The Forbidden Island is the place that has the most profound impression on me of the sea. Standing on a high place, I can see the boundless and deep blue, which is so magnificent that the whole screen cannot contain the beautiful scenery. When I see the Forbidden Island, I feel how insignificant I am. It makes me want to see a different world. The Forbidden Island ranks first in my heart (I personally like spectacular things).

It was raining heavily when we went to the Forbidden Island, so we quickly got off the car to take a look. The Forbidden Island is not easy to get to, and the road is bumpy. Legend has it that when it didn't rain for a long time, the Chamorro people would bring suitable strong men to the Forbidden Island, chop off his head and throw it into the sea as a sacrifice, praying for rain. It sounds a bit scary, but putting aside the scary legend, the Forbidden Island is very beautiful when viewed from a distance on a sunny day on the cliff. 

It's an undeveloped place with no human culture. If you go there, take the small path over the mountain. And you can't climb the mountain, you can only snorkel below

Legend has it that in the past, when it didn't rain for a long time, the Chamorro people would bring suitable strong men to the Forbidden Island, chop off their heads and throw them into the sea as a sacrifice, praying for rain. It sounds a bit scary, but putting aside the scary legend, the Forbidden Island is very beautiful from a distance on the cliff. It's a pity that I couldn't take good photos. Because it was windy and about to rain when I arrived at the Forbidden Island, I quickly took a photo at the edge of the cliff and left. Standing on the roof of the car to take pictures felt like I was about to be blown away 

The scenery is nice, but the road conditions here are very bad and the road is very bumpy. 

Forbidden Island is a natural private swimming pool. Legend has it that in the past, indigenous people prayed for rain, often killing people to do so, hence the name. Forbidden Island is a semi-island, requiring a 30-minute hike up a narrow, nearly 70-degree slope. As a result, it's sparsely populated and much more private than the bustling Gunkanjima. I spent the entire afternoon there, and only three Japanese people visited, giving me the opportunity to snorkel all to myself.

When the tide is high, Forbidden Island is separated from Saipan, but at low tide, they are still partially connected. Due to the special geographical location of Forbidden Island, there are very few traces of humans on the island, and the beach is covered with various shells and corals washed up by the sea.

Forbidden Island is a semi-isolated island. It is separated from Saipan Island at high tide, but partially connected to it at low tide.

The Forbidden Island is relatively small. When viewed from a high point, it looks like the island has been "beheaded". Hence the name.

If you want to appreciate the cliffs of the Forbidden Island up close, you have to park your car on the side of the road and walk down a long mountain road to reach the beach. If you are not in good physical condition, you can walk down for a few minutes and see the whole picture of the Forbidden Island on the mountain road. After all, climbing the mountain road in the scorching heat is still very hard. 

It is a semi-isolated island, separated from Saipan at high tide and partially connected at low tide. Legend has it that in ancient times, whenever it didn't rain for a while, the indigenous people would select a suitable strong man, bring him to Forbidden Island, chop off his head, and throw it into the sea as a sacrifice to the gods, praying for rain.

Located southeast of Saipan, Forbidden Island is a semi-isolated island. At high tide, it's separated from Saipan, but partially connected at low tide. Legend has it that during the dry season, when the island was short of water, a native priest would select a prisoner from among the island's prisoners and behead him on the plains of Forbidden Island as a sacrifice to the gods, praying for good weather and good harvests.

Forbidden Island was once a place for ritual beheadings. Because Saipan lacked fresh water, people were killed as sacrifices. Fortunately, missionaries later discovered Our Lady's Cave, which provided fresh water, and no more innocent people were tragically killed. You can walk there at low tide, which is a wonderful experience. Some people also snorkel nearby, but be sure to exercise caution.

The scenery is really nice. The water of the Pacific Ocean is bluer than that of the Philippine Sea. I regret not signing up for the Forbidden Island hiking project.

There are historical sites on the island, and some people choose to go hiking, but we didn’t. 

The terrain is dangerous and is a good place for murder and arson. It is recommended not to go down. After all, you are here for tourism, not for adventure... Safety first...

Forbidden Island is located in the southeast of Saipan. It is a semi-isolated island. When the tide is high, Forbidden Island is separated from Saipan Island. When the tide is low, the two islands are partially connected. 
        There's an observation deck on the hill near Forbidden Island, which you can drive up to and see the entire island. If you're feeling adventurous, there's a small trail leading to Forbidden Island. While the scenery is beautiful, the path is quite difficult. The descent from the top of the mountain to the seaside takes about 40 minutes, and the return hike is even more challenging. If you're considering this, it's best to have a local guide. 
        Special Notes: 1. Due to the Forbidden Island's unique location, it's less visited. We recommend contacting a local travel agency and hiring a professional guide. 2. Accessing Forbidden Island requires a challenging jungle hike. Wear non-slip hiking shoes, take insect repellent measures, and bring Band-Aids to prevent slippery conditions. 3. Bring a pair of buckled sandals for walking around Forbidden Island; flip-flops can easily wash away. 4. The area surrounding Forbidden Island is rocky, so be extra careful to avoid slipping. 5. Wear your swimsuit in advance. 6. Bring some bottled drinking water and some food to eat on the island. 

It is a semi-isolated island, separated from Saipan at high tide and connected to it at low tide. Legend has it that during the dry season, when the island was short of water, the indigenous priests would select one of the prisoners on the island and behead him on the plains of Forbidden Island as a sacrifice to the gods, praying for good weather and good harvests. 
    The road to the Forbidden Island Observation Deck is difficult to navigate, and our SUV couldn't reach it. We drove to the end of the concrete road, parked on the side of the road, and then walked up. The ascent took us about 20 minutes each way, and our elderly companion, who was also able to walk, was able to reach the site in 25 minutes. 
      The winds at the observation deck are quite strong, so be careful when taking photos. Saipan also offers a hiking tour to Forbidden Island (click ***0ZAx for more information). It's said it takes about an hour to get down to Forbidden Island from the observation deck, and there's a natural pool below for swimming and snorkeling. Since we were snorkeling almost every day, we decided not to go down. 

The mountain road leading to the Forbidden Island was extremely bumpy. I finally got up there but before I could take any pictures it started to rain heavily, which was a bit disappointing. I think the scenery here is a bit ordinary compared to other attractions.

Now many local guides have a project that is to hike through the wild forest on the Forbidden Island. 
I've seen photos of the Forbidden Island right before my eyes. 
Have to sigh 
The spirit of adventure and the unparalleled beauty are directly proportional here 
A more beautiful panoramic view than the observation deck 
And you can clearly see the reef under the fluorescent blue 
I don't know how high this is. 
It feels so clear that you can even see the fish swimming among the reefs. 

A must-see for tourists in southern Taiwan. We gazed at it from atop the surrounding peaks, impressed by the lush vegetation. Our guide, Su, even mentioned it as a great spot for snorkeling. Once a place where indigenous people performed rituals to pray for rain, it's now deserted. Some tourists venture down the mountain, but the path is difficult, so be careful. The wind was quite strong where we viewed the view, a testament to the power of the Pacific Ocean.

The sea is vast, the sky is high, the waves are beautiful, and the wind is blowing

It's a really beautiful place. Every place in Saipan has a beautiful name and a beautiful legend. 

The Forbidden Island is worth seeing, it is quite magnificent and everyone who has seen it says it is good! 

The scenery is nice and suitable for taking photos. If you drive there yourself, you have to rent an off-road vehicle.

To be honest, the scenery here is really great. Although it is a steep road to the highest point, it is really beautiful and cool to look down from below.

Forbidden Island, I don't know how it got its name, but it is still very beautiful. It is said that there will be lovebirds here in season.

Very unique... Suitable for adventurous friends to play... 

There's nothing much to see on Forbidden Island if you just look at it from a distance. 

The Forbidden Island was so beautiful that we only viewed it from a distance.

The seaside scenery is very beautiful and it is worth a visit.

It's a very beautiful island. It's the most beautiful place to take photos.

The deep blue sea is so beautiful that it makes people intoxicated and has a solemn and solemn feeling.

Beautiful. A bit crowded and dangerous. This is probably the most historic place on the island.

One of the most beautiful scenery in Saipan, you must go and see it.

The majesty of the Marianas was once only found in geography books, but now it is also in my photos.

It was a place where people prayed for rain in ancient times. I heard that Forbidden Island is a good place for snorkeling and there are many fish, but you have to hike down there for about half an hour, and the path is not easy to walk on, and the tide is strong, so it is quite dangerous!

It's very beautiful. Passing by the Violet Church, the road is not easy to walk on and there are few people.

The dreamlike blue sea, coupled with the steep cliffs and creepy legends, is definitely worth a visit!

It's a great place to visit. Just be sure to wear sneakers for the long hike, as the mountain path is quite difficult to walk on, so be careful! There's a naturally formed swimming pool down there where you can snorkel, and there are plenty of fish! It's a worthwhile place to visit! 

Although it is a bit far, it is definitely worth a visit. It can be said to be the most beautiful scenery in Saipan.

Located southeast of Saipan, Forbidden Island is a semi-isolated island. At high tide, it's separated from Saipan, but at low tide, it's partially connected. Due to its unique location, Forbidden Island is rarely visited by humans, and its beaches are covered with washed-up shells and corals. It's also a bird sanctuary and a sea turtle breeding ground. Every April and May, the island is covered in beautiful wildflowers.

During Spanish rule, people beheaded people to pray for rain. We took a mountain path to a vantage point for a bird's-eye view. It used to be accessible at low tide, but it's no longer permitted. A word of caution to anyone planning to visit: always follow a good guide, watch your step, and don't take risks just to get the best photos! There have been more than one accidents here!

This was the second day we arrived, and we were there with the company. Well, we finally arrived in a huge group of 12 FJs. As soon as we got out and took a picture, it started raining! It was pouring! We had no choice but to head back to the car for shelter. We waited for a while, but the rain didn't stop, so we had to leave. When we returned on the third day, when we rented a car, we couldn't find it anymore.

After winding our way through the bumpy, winding road, we parked and climbed through the grass to the observation deck. It was much smaller than I'd imagined. Forbidden Island is a semi-island island, separated from Saipan at high tide but still partially connected at low tide. Legend has it that during the dry season, when the island ran low on water, a native priest would select a prisoner from among the island's prisoners and behead him on the plains of Forbidden Island as a sacrifice to the gods, praying for good weather and good harvests. The area is sparsely populated, and locals generally avoid it. Today, the impending dark clouds added a certain heaviness to the place. The "forbidden" on Forbidden Island means harming any wildlife or plants is prohibited. Swimming, feeding fish, crabbing, or fishing are prohibited here. While access is not prohibited, it requires climbing a difficult hillside and then crossing a natural rock pile on the shore to reach the island. On a sunny day, the sea is a brilliant blue, with beautiful natural pools perfect for snorkeling. For a truly breathtaking view, be prepared for adventure! ”

The same difficult road can be found on Google Maps.

If you have the chance, you must go hiking on the Forbidden Island. This is a regret left intentionally.

The history here is so bloody, but the scenery here is really beautiful

It is said that this is the highest point in Saipan. Standing here, looking at the sea and sky, you can probably imagine that the earth is round. Needless to say, the scenery is beautiful, and I love the feeling of looking down.

The wind was so strong on the shore that I was almost blown off. The scenery was beautiful.

Standing on it and looking at the blue sea, I was shocked. Looking at the big reef and listening to the guide's introduction, I seemed to imagine the bloody sacrifice at that time.
The road here will make you doubt whether you have taken the wrong road.
Because it’s not a road at all.
There is no road at all.
A remote mountain road that is difficult for thieves to drive on.
but!!!
When you finally reach the top platform, park your car, and walk towards the railing, the Forbidden Island that gradually appears before your eyes will surely amaze you! ! ! !
I never imagined there would be such a spectacular natural landscape!!! Words and photos cannot describe it, you can only feel it in person!!!
PS:
Although snorkeling here is very famous, the way down is very dangerous and the water below is also very dangerous. Non-professionals please be extra careful and it is best not to come here. Anyway, you are not a professional so it doesn’t matter if you find an ordinary safe place.
For more details, you can check out my Saipan travel notes, which include video recommendations ~ "Saipan!!! Saipan!!! You asked me how daring I was, skydiving on Saipan - a five-day private tour of Saipan is enough~" http://www.mafengwo.cn/i/19232374.html