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Mañagaha reopens
One of the most popular destinations of the CNMI, Mañagaha Island, has reopened to the public over the weekend, Japanese company Tasi Tours announced yesterday.
Tasi Tours president Masato Tezuka told Saipan Tribune in an interview yesterday that the company would be re-opening Managaha to the public as a “place of recreation.”
Mañagaha, a small islet within the Saipan lagoon on the west side of Saipan island, is rated as the CNMI’s No. 1 attraction, with over 70 percent of visitors visiting it.
“It is a rare opportunity to enjoy the island without crowds and to take a brief vacation from the stress of the recent super typhoon,” the company noted in a statement.
Due to the lack of tourists, concession stands on Mañagaha Island would be unavailable, along with its marine sports operations, gift shop, or food and beverage stalls. For those interested, four barbecue pits would be available on the island on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The company said it would be providing its beach chairs and parasols for free to the public, and rental gear will be offered at half-price. Snorkel sets may be rented all day for $7 apiece.
Limited transportation to the island would start Thursday, Nov. 15, 2018. The boats would depart from the submarine dock at Pacific Subsea in Lower Base at 8:30am while return trips will depart Managaha at noon and 3:30pm.
The company noted that the public could avail of transportation service to Managaha that is free of charge to residents. Ferries operate every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, starting Nov. 15, 2018.
CNMI residents interested in reserving a slot on the ferry to Mañagaha must provide proof of residency such as a valid photo ID, which includes a CNMI driver’s license, a mayor’s ID, or a student ID.
Nonresidents, including typhoon responders, militarymen, and other voluntary aid personnel, could avail of a “discounted rate” of $10 for boat transportation to the island and could also avail of a $5 bus pickup from hotels.
For more information and for reservations, the company may be contacted at 234-7148.
