Mount Tapochau

Mount Tapochao, at 473 meters above sea level, is the highest point on Saipan, offering a 360-degree view of the island and the massive statue of Christ. Since it's right next to the Mariana Trench, the deepest point in the world, it's considered the "world's highest peak."

Attractions Location: Tapochao, Saipan 96950 Northern Mariana Islands

Opening hours:
All day (Monday to Sunday, January 1st - December 31st)

Time reference: 1-3 hours


Recommended itinerary for Mount Tapochau tours

1-Day Itinerary

Perfect for a day trip—from your hotel in Saipan to Mount Tapochau and a couple nearby highlights.

  • Morning: From central Garapan or Susupe, drive or taxi (~30 min via Middle Road to San Vicente then uphill) to the base of Mount Tapochau. Then climb concrete steps (~1 h round-trip) to the summit for panoramic views of Saipan, Tinian, Rota.
  • Late morning: Return downhill ~30 min by vehicle; continue to American Memorial Park in Garapan (~15 min drive) for a walk and WWII site exhibits (~1 h).
  • Afternoon: Lunch in Garapan district; optional visit Micro Beach (~5 min drive) for rest (~45 min).
  • Return to hotel late afternoon.

Accommodation & food: Stay in Garapan—options like Crowne Plaza or local beachfront resorts. Lunch: beachfront café in Garapan. Dinner: Chamorro-style seafood grill.

Souvenirs: At Tapochau summit: postcards and mineral-themed gifts; At Memorial Park visitor kiosk: WWII books, themed patches; local boutiques: Chamorro crafts, shell necklaces, t-shirts.


2-Day Itinerary

Combine Mount Tapochau with cultural and beach attractions over two days.

  • Day 1: Hotel to Tapochau as above (~1 h activity). Afternoon: stop at San Vicente village for local snacks or fruit farm visit (~30 min). Continue to Ladder Beach or Forbidden Island (~20 min drive), explore at low tide (~1 h).
  • Day 2: Morning: Visit The Grotto underwater cavern (~15 min drive from Garapan), snorkel or view (~1 h). Then head to Latte Stones Park and NMI Museum of History & Culture (~10 min Garapan) (~1.5 h). Afternoon relax at Managaha Island: ferry from Song Song Wharf (~10 min ride), beach time (~2 h), return by late afternoon.

Accommodation & food: Stay in Garapan. Day 1 dinner at island-style BBQ near beaches. Day 2 lunch at museum café or beach picnic; dinner at upscale resort restaurant.

Souvenirs: Tapochau: view-deck postcards; Grotto: dive shop sells coral-patterned souvenirs; museum store: history books, model latte stones; Managaha: beach-themed shells, island handicrafts.


3-Day Itinerary

Solid mix of nature, WWII history and local cultural attractions.

  • Day 1 & 2: Follow 2-day itinerary.
  • Day 3: Morning revisit Mount Tapochau for sunrise (~1 h). Then drive (~20 min) to Garapan Heritage Trail for a self-guided walking tour of WWII and cultural landmarks (~2 h). Afternoon optional trip to Old Japanese Jail and Bird Island Sanctuary viewpoint (~30 min drive) (~1 h).

Accommodation & food: Continue lodging in Garapan. Breakfast near hotel. Lunch café along Heritage Trail or in Garapan. Dinner try local Chamorro buffet.

Souvenirs: Heritage Trail spots offer multilingual guidebooks, maps; Bird Island visitor shop: bird-theme postcards; Old jail gift: wartime memorabilia, booklets.


4-Day Itinerary

Add jungle trails and southern vistas to deepen your island exploration.

  • Days 1–3: As above.
  • Day 4: Morning drive (~30 min) to Santa Lourdes Shrine and local Aboriginal Farm (~1 h including farm produce tasting). Then continue by car (~15 min) to Tank Beach and Magicienne Bay for scenic views and a swim (~1 h).

Accommodation & food: Consider one night at Susupe or Lao Lao Bay for variety, otherwise central Garapan. Lunch at farm café; dinner at bay-front seafood restaurant.

Souvenirs: Shrine area: prayer cards, religious medals; Farm: tropical fruit products, homemade jams; beach shops: shell art, beach towels.


5-Day Itinerary

Explore more of Saipan’s war-history sites and nature reserves around the Tapochau axis.

  • Days 1–4: Follow above itineraries.
  • Day 5: Drive (~25 min) to Last Command Post WWII site, then Suicide Cliff/Banzai Cliff viewpoints (~1 h total). After lunch in Kagman, optional visit to Saipan Botanical Garden (~20 min) (~1 h).

Accommodation & food: Continue in Garapan or Kagman if preferred. Lunch Kagman village. Dinner at local Chamorro family restaurant.

Souvenirs: WWII spots: historical booklets, memorial pins; botanical garden: plant-themed postcards, local seed packets; Kagman shops: Chamorro crafts.


6-Day Itinerary

Include island-wide views, diving, and aerial perspective along with Tapochau.

  • Days 1–5: Same as before.
  • Day 6: Morning scenic WACO bi-plane flight (~20 min) from Saipan airfield to view Tapochau, Managaha Island and coastline (~2 h including transit). Afternoon rest or revisit favorite beach or mountaintop.

Accommodation & food: Stay Garapan. Lunch at airfield café or beach spot. Dinner at resort fine-dining or island barbecue.

Souvenirs: Plane tour provider: flight video or photo service, pilot-caps; at beaches: custom postcards; Tapochau: mineral-themed keepsakes.


7-Day Itinerary

A full week immersing in Saipan with Mount Tapochau as the central experience combined with beach, history, culture, and unique transport.

  • Days 1–6: As above.
  • Day 7: Morning revisit Tapochau for sunset or early view (~1 h). Then spend midday shopping in Garapan, stroll waterfront, optional spa or golf at Lao Lao Bay Resort (~30 min). Final dinner seaside.

Accommodation & food: Mix nights between Garapan, Lao Lao Bay resort or Susupe for variety. Meals: blend local island flavors and resort-style dining.

Souvenirs: Resort shops: beachwear, resort branded items; Garapan markets: Chamorro crafts, sea-glass jewelry; Tapochau: final panoramic prints, pins, guidebooks.


User Reviews

By huihua_po |

The highest point on Saipan Island, from here you can overlook Saipan Island in 360 degrees

By Little Cloud Lord Jray |

You can see the panoramic view of Saipan Island, which is the highest peak in the world in some ways.

By Taotao Sunflower |

Be sure to go to the highest peak to overlook the entire Saipan, it is magnificent.

By Dan9292 |

The highest peak, with a good view, you can see the entire Saipan Island

By Yang Mia~ |

A must-see attraction, the scenery is average, but you can overlook the entire island.

By Qin Dawo |

360° without dead angles, you can see the whole picture of Saipan, which is still very spectacular. The tour guide also explained how the US military captured Saipan at that time. A small island in the distance should be a US military base

By It's late, ah! It's late? |

It is so beautiful that it is incoherent. It is the highest peak and the whole Saipan.

By felicity_H |

This is the highest peak on Saipan, and the Mariana Trench is right below! You should definitely go on a clear day to get a panoramic view of Saipan, even down to Gunkanjima! It was foggy and rainy when I went, so I didn't get to see the whole thing, but it was a truly unique experience!

By LAVIE Panpan |

From here you can overlook the panoramic view of Saipan Island. The facilities are still dilapidated and the stairs are broken.

At least we don’t have to go through the thrilling experience of the Forbidden Island again, and we also got our favorite photo here.

By Little Land Crashing |

The wind on the mountain is too strong. If it doesn't rain, you can see the whole colorful beach.

By Mo Dawei |

Standing on Mount Tapachu is like standing at the highest point in the world in a sense.

By Yuzi Yuyuzi |

The highest peak in the Mariana Islands is also considered the highest peak in the world, as the Mariana Trench extends east of it. From the top of the mountain, you can overlook the entire Saipan and see the colorful coast of Saipan, which is really beautiful.

By A red bean reminds me of the South. |

Saipan's highest point offers a 360-degree view of Saipan and the giant statue of Jesus. Located right next to the Mariana Trench, the deepest point in the world, it's considered the "highest peak in the world" and is said to be the closest place to heaven.

The scenery is quite beautiful, and the deep blue sea can be seen from afar.

By crius |

This is probably the highest place according to sea level. As it was almost evening and the weather was getting a bit dark, we simply took a photo and left because we were afraid of rain. There is a statue of Jesus on the highest peak. It is said that the indigenous people hold a ceremony every year. I didn’t hear the details of it.

By Rolling Rita |

I've only been there once, driving in an SUV. The last 20 meters were incredibly steep. Visibility was poor, so I couldn't see much. It depends on the person, but I personally wouldn't recommend it. It was a bit tasteless.

By Happy Lin |

The scenery is very good. There were not many people there at that time. You can see far from the high place.

By cherry_Minyo |

It is said that the locals think that if the depth below sea level is taken into account, it is higher than Mount Everest, so the locals call it the highest peak.

You can see the panoramic view of Saipan, but the weather was not very good when we went there, and it fogged up in a short while.

By Lifting_Xiaomi Su |

It is said to be the highest peak in the world! At its foot lies the Mariana Trench, the world's deepest trench at 10,914 meters, the deepest known to mankind.

By lindsayfun |

The scenery is incredible, with views of the Northern Mariana Islands and the small island of Saipan. On a clear night, you can even go up there to see the stars. It's not very crowded at night. It was cloudy the night we went, which was a bit disappointing.



Remember to apply sunscreen. I didn’t apply sunscreen on the first day I arrived, and my nose became like a sausage nose in the next few days.

By Wen |

Standing on the highest peak in the world, you can see the entire Saipan Island and even Tinian Island from a distance. It is recommended to bring a telescope.

By T Total |

Because it has the title of the highest peak in the world and the Mariana Trench is right at its feet, it is a must-see attraction.

By ly422celine |

Standing on it and looking down, the sea is really beautiful.

By Zero degrees |

The sunset at the top of the mountain is so beautiful, I highly recommend it.

By Big Stupid and Little Fatty |

A must-see place~You can get a bird's eye view of the entire Saipan~Remember to rent an off-road vehicle to get there~The road is a bit rugged~

By jazzyG |

Standing high and seeing far, for a panoramic view of Saipan, Mount Tapacho, Saipan's highest peak, at 473 meters, is the highest point in the island. Because it sits right next to the Mariana Trench, the deepest point in the world, it's also known as the "world's highest peak." From here, you can not only enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Saipan, but also see Rota and Tinian in the distance.

By Alex |

At 473 meters, Mount Tapacho is not only Saipan's highest peak, but also the world's highest! Mount Tapacho sits directly on the Mariana Trench, Earth's deepest known ocean trench, at 11,034 meters. So, while Tapacho is only 473 meters high, the depth of the Mariana Trench alone makes it the world's highest peak. To reach the summit of Tapacho by car, remember you must have a 4WD or SUV; sports cars and private cars are not permitted. The dirt road leading up isn't difficult, but it's bumpy and requires careful driving. The lanes are narrow, so remember to beep before turning. From the summit, you'll enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Saipan, making it a truly worthwhile attraction.

By Boring |

Mount Tapacho, also known as the highest peak, is the world's highest peak. The Mariana Trench is the deepest in the world, and Mount Tapacho, located next to it, is the highest mountain on the island. By the time we reached the summit, the sun was almost setting. We didn't get to see the panoramic view of Saipan with its azure sea and blue sky that we had hoped for, but we did get to see the picturesque scenery of Saipan at sunset, reminiscent of the Wizard of Oz. It was a truly unique discovery of beauty from a different perspective.

By Jenny Jenny |

From the top of the mountain, you can see the Pacific Ocean and the Philippine Sea, as well as Guam in the distance.

By See through everything |

This is the highest point of Saipan. The city center is in the distance. You can see the whole Saipan from the highest point.

By Fireworks |

Mount Tapochao is Saipan's highest peak, standing 474 meters above sea level, located in the center of the island. From the summit, visitors can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Saipan, including the international airport, Gunkanjima Island, and Suicide Cliff. The observation deck at the summit is surrounded by a fence, with a large statue of Jesus standing on one side and historical images and information about the Battle of Saipan on the other. Driving up the mountain is best done in an off-road vehicle, as the winding road is gravel and has a slight slope.

By necklace |

The view from the highest peak is really nice. It is very cool after going up. The beauty of the real scenery cannot be captured by a mobile phone. It is worth going up to take a look!

By IIIIvy🌵 |

You must drive yourself! Drive yourself! Drive yourself! Go to the top of the mountain, the process is very cool

By zsj |

Mount Tapochau, also the world's highest peak, is so called because it is home to the world's deepest ocean trench, the Mariana Trench. From its summit, you can overlook the entire southern part of Saipan. Unfortunately, it was cloudy when we visited, so the distant scenery wasn't very clear.

By ゴドメス |

Mount Tapachu is 473 meters above sea level. Although it's not very high, it's right next to the Mariana Trench, the world's deepest ocean. Even the Himalayas couldn't fill it up, so the locals call it the highest peak in the world! From the top, you can see Gunkanjima in the distance.

By Sister Xia |

Mount Tapacho is 473 meters above sea level and is the highest point on Saipan. From here you can overlook Saipan in 360 degrees.

By One carat diamond ring |

Very good attractions. A very satisfying trip. I like the quiet and slow life here. I eat and see the scenery every day, take selfies, see the humanities, and dive. Love life and love Saipan.

By Xin Ming |

The road to the highest peak is very rugged, but this attraction is worth a visit. Standing at the highest peak is like standing at the highest point of the world.

By Light at your fingertips |

Mount Tapacho is 473 meters above sea level and is the highest point in Saipan. Standing here you can see the panoramic view of Saipan.

It is really beautiful on a sunny day. The deep and light blue are all visible. You can see Tianning Island and Forbidden Island across the sea.

There is also a statue of Jesus overlooking the entire Saipan Island, which makes people feel very peaceful.

That kind of beauty is hard to describe in words and hard to record in pictures.

This is probably the meaning of travel. Only by experiencing it yourself can you know how beautiful the scenery is during the journey.



The road up the mountain is very rugged and bumpy. When I rented a car on the first day, the owner of the car dealership specifically emphasized that we must not go up the mountain.

On the way here we realized that if we were to drive a sports car, we would definitely get stuck on the road. This is definitely a big test of our driving skills.

By @bingo@gg |

Known as the highest peak in the world, you can see most of the attractions in Saipan. Here you can close your eyes and feel the changing weather, as if you are at the feet of God.

By Southern Mu Mu |

Saipan's highest peak offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the entire island. While only 473 meters above sea level, its proximity to the world's deepest Mariana Trench (which still leaves more than 2,000 meters to spare if you factor in the entire Himalayas) means it's also, in a sense, the "world's highest peak."

Standing on the highest peak, Saipan faces the Pacific Ocean to the east and the Philippine Sea to the west. Nearby, you can see Gunkanjima Island, and in the distance, you can see the deep blue waters of the Mariana Trench. Atop the mountain, a statue of Jesus appears to overlook the entire island.

By Cat who loves traveling |

Standing on the top of the mountain, you can see most of Saipan Island. The scenery is superb!

By missdeng |

It's the highest point on Saipan, just over 400 meters above sea level. However, because it's nestled against the Mariana Trench—even if Mount Everest, the world's tallest mountain, were placed at its base, its summit wouldn't even break the surface. This makes it, by comparison, the "world's highest peak." It's said that standing here offers a 360-degree panoramic view of Saipan and the Pacific Ocean. However, due to thick fog, the view remained the same throughout our 360-degree rotation, nearly making us faint at the summit. Be warned, it can be quite windy, so it can get a bit chilly. Bring a long-sleeved windbreaker.

By Cindysunnn |

Mount Tapacho, at 473 meters, is Saipan's highest point. From here, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the island and the massive statue of Christ the Redeemer. (We ran into a tour group again, so we just took in the view, posed for a few times, and then left. People kept taking photos with Christ, so I'll skip that for now—let's use our imagination.) Since it's right next to the Mariana Trench, the deepest point in the world, this place can be called the "world's highest peak."

From here you can overlook the entire Saipan Island and Tinian Island, and the seven-colored sea surface is unobstructed. You can also see the warships patrolling the Pacific Ocean from afar.

By oskarcalla |

The road up the mountain is not easy! You need an off-road vehicle to go up. The scenery at the top of the mountain is really unique. If the weather is good, you can see the vague outlines of Tinian Island and Rota Island, and you can have a panoramic view of the entire island of Saipan. It is a mountain breeze and a sea breeze, so be careful with your hat.

By Saipan contact: Xue Dao: 16702853139 |

Ladies, which tour guide took you to the Saipan jungle?

By JiaJia Zhang Xiaojia |

Look at the scenery on the top of the mountain, it’s so refreshing!

By Free and Easy |

Overlooking the entire island, it is easy to follow the route given by the car rental company. Do not follow the navigation or take the small road by yourself

By HL |

The highest peak in the world, standing on it you can enjoy the beautiful scenery.

By chxyfish |

Mount Tapacho is the peak of Saipan. It is very pleasant to drive there and hike the mountain road. If the weather is good, you can see the whole island. However, it is often cloudy and rainy at the top of the mountain.

By angela_cw |

Mount Tapacho offers a panoramic view of Saipan and the giant statue of Christ the Redeemer. Next to it lies the Mariana Trench, the deepest point in the world, making it, in a sense, the "world's highest peak."

By Xifenger233 |

Overlooking the entire Saipan Island, it is refreshing and pleasant. Be sure to find a local car to charter to go up the mountain~

By Pig Girl GMY |

The commanding height of the entire Saipan Island, looking down from the mountain, you can see the distant Battleship Island and the natural coral protection belt formed by the Mariana Trench on Saipan Island, which is very beautiful.

By |

Mount Tapacho, the so-called highest peak in Saipan, offers a panoramic view of Saipan Island and is a great choice.

By Dugu Xiaoxiaopei |

It should be very beautiful, but the weather was not good and we didn’t see anything.

By fayjing |

The highest peak is only 473 meters high, but considering the Mariana Trench's depth of 10,914 meters, it is undoubtedly the highest peak.

By Heavy snow |

Great, the sea trench, the wind was so strong that I almost ran away, the clouds were a bit thick, and I could see all of Saipan.

By Kidult |

Roof of the World, haha. I always want to do something here, definitely not to have a fight.

By Potato balls |

The Jesus statue, when I went there it happened to be a forest fire...

By Egg_Lost |

On one side is the Philippine Sea, on the other side is the Pacific Ocean, different waters, different colors of blue.

By Usage style |

From here you can have a 360-degree view of Saipan Island. The view is great and you can see the airport runway, American warships and the Battleship Island. . . Because it is next to the Mariana Trench, the deepest in the world, it is called the highest peak in the world by the locals.

By Rough Silver Old Four |

The road is too hard to find and too bumpy, but it's nice to be able to see the overview of the entire island.

By Steady happiness |

Mount Tapacho—the highest peak, at 473 meters above sea level—may not be so high, but the Mariana Trench, the world's deepest, is right next to it, earning it the nickname "The World's Highest Peak" by the locals! Climbing to the summit offers breathtaking views, including the stunning Seven-Colored Sea, a beauty impossible to capture in a camera. The drive to the summit was incredibly bumpy, and the road conditions were so bad that we barely even straightened our backs. We swayed and laughed along with our guide, seemingly drunk, along the way. If you're driving, don't go in your fancy sports car! Off-roading is essential, and it's a real test of your driving skills. The beauty of this place can't be captured in photos or written about it; you have to see it for yourself!

By caren |

Standing here, you can see the unobstructed view of Saipan, which is very beautiful. The coastline is even more beautiful, but it is very sunny.

By MissEven |

I don’t know if it’s because of the weather, but my wife wasn’t very satisfied (I quite liked it). . . .

By SYRAH has emotions |

Worth a visit, the scenery is very good, overlooking Saipan

By Bitter Coffee~~The Other Shore |

Mount Tapacho is 473 meters above sea level and is the highest point on Saipan Island. From here you can overlook the island in 360 degrees. Since it is next to the Mariana Trench, the deepest in the world, it can be said to be the "highest peak in the world" in a sense.

By hellochanbb |

When I went there, it was cloudy and drizzling, but it gave me a different view and mood.

The grayness of the photo has a different flavor compared to the sunshine.

Standing at the highest peak, you can feel the wind force at that time, which was like a typhoon or hurricane, and there was a hint of chill.

By Lingzi |

I think this is the most beautiful scenery in Saipan. The blue seven-color sea in the distance, the rustling of the grass in the wind, and the clouds that are within reach in the sky, everything is so beautiful.

By Alary |

Climb the highest peak in the world and see the blue of Saipan

By Candy |

The scenery at the top of Mount Tapachu is amazing, and the scenery down the mountain is even more beautiful.

By Joey_Cod Burger |

In fact, this is probably the highest point in Saipan. There are many activities and attractions to participate in and visit. Overall, it is very good.

By Light Wings |

Standing on the Pacific Ocean, overlooking the whole Saipan! ! ! !

By Little Shuke |

This is truly the most recommended place to visit. When you reach the top and look out over Saipan, it's incredibly beautiful. It's truly indescribable how beautiful nature is. It'll leave you breathless and you'll never want to leave. Feeling the breeze, gazing at the sea, gazing at the islands, you'll never want to leave.

By Get Grass |

The weather was bad on the day I went there, there were a lot of mosquitoes, and I could overlook the whole island.

By Xier Nest |

The wind is very strong at the top of the peak, and you can overlook the panoramic view of Saipan Island, as well as some World War II memorial signboards.