Saipan

There are ranking criteria for tropical getaway islands. To be top-notch, such an island must have a “coral lagoon.” The surrounding waters must be calm, almost like a lake, due to the formation of a coral reef. The coral reef protects the island against rough waves, and the beauty of colorful fishes swimming in the lagoons is breathtaking.

The second qualification is a mountainous area. If you have a volcanic island, things are looking good. The reason is simple: mountains create lush forests and act like a reservoir for fresh water, therefore creating a perfect environment for human habitation. Mountains, combined with lagoons, make up a surreal view.

The consummate island that satisfies the above is Tahiti. Its official title is the “French Territory of Polynesia.” It is a Polynesian island that is spread out over large bodies of Southern Pacific waters. But for us Koreans, the distance is not a little staggering. From Tokyo, Japan, it takes 11.5 hours to reach Tahiti by air.

Any closer locales? The answer is Saipan. The scenery isn’t quite as picturesque as Tahiti, but it fulfills the above qualifications. It is a volcanic island with a great lagoon.

But some people just don’t see the value of Saipan. They look to other places, further off into the horizon. Saipan is just too close for them, too well-known.

Nearby Managaha Island is like Tahiti’s identical twin. You can snorkel with the tropical fishes at this coral reef island that has perfectly preserved nature.

Tahiti has almost no man-made facilities, except for lodgings. Saipan, on the other hand, has the most state-of-the-art water parks around every corner.

Club resort PIC Saipan where you can stay with clubmates and the recently opened Saipan World Resort are resort hotels that are equipped with the latest recreation sports and water park facilities. Both hotels are wedged in between strips of beaches where the reef has turned to white sands. Here, you can enjoy lagoons, beaches, and the newest water parks available.

Tinian and Rota are also neighbors of Saipan. By a light plane, Tinian is a five-minute flight, and Rota is a 35-minute distance by propeller jet. If you have a thirst for primitive nature without the lights from resort towns, these two islands are ideal.

With the exception of a casino hotel, Tinian has an untainted coastline. A geyser that spouts with every gigantic wave, starfishes that dot the beach, and an airbase that loaded the first atomic bomb on its way to Hiroshima can all be seen.

Rota is a beautiful island that is a time capsule of Saipan. There are pool-like “swimming holes” made from boulders and reefs and 1,000 palm trees that line the white sandy beaches, making this place truly heaven on Earth. Rota Resort and Country Club are the major tourist attractions, with a green golf course projecting out into the sea.

Seung-Ha Cho summer@donga.com