THERE is no other spot on Saipan that
provides a spectacular view of the sun rising each morning and setting
each night than the peak of Mt. Tapochao, situated at 1,535 feet above
sea level.
Time
and again, we see wonderful photos posted online portraying sunsets
and sunrises taken on Mt. Tapochao, but getting up there to capture
these wonders requires a four-wheel drive or an all-terrain vehicle,
stamina and endurance if you want to walk, guts for the not-so-daring
and those who are afraid of heights, warm clothing to ward off the cold
if you want to capture the sunset or explore the place at night, and
effort and commitment to get up real early to see the sunrise.
This may sound too challenging, but when
you get to the top, your efforts will be worth it. Mt. Tapochao is the
only spot on Saipan that offers an exhilarating, spectacular 360-degree
panoramic view of the whole island.
A few yards away from the cross are
markers narrating how Mt. Tapochao used to be the spot where the
Japanese troops fired at American forces during the war.
Today is not just another regular day on
Tapochao as hundreds of Roman Catholic devotees make the annual trek to
the top of Saipan’s highest spot in observance of Good Friday.
Not everybody who joins the annual trek
is a devotee. Some are just curious observers, or friends and family
members who tag along. Others go up there to represent different
organizations and distribute food and drinks to the “pilgrims.”
Take time out of your daily routine to
take a whiff of fresh and cool mountain air as you make the trek to Mt.
Tapochao today for whatever reason. It could be for religious or just to
enjoy nature. And oh, a spectacular sunrise — hopefully if it doesn’t
rain.
