World Resort reopens Wave Jungle, Buffet World

Saipan World Resort sales and marketing manager Mike Babauta and waterpark lifeguard senior supervisor Jomar Danas welcome the community to the Wave Jungle and The Buffet World starting this weekend. (Bea Cabrera)

Beginning this weekend, Saipan World Resort is bringing back the perfect getaway for family and friends as they reopen the Wave Jungle waterpark and The Buffet World that are guaranteed to make your weekends active, fun, and memorable. After six months of hiatus due to COVID-19 concerns, World Resort is ready for guests of all ages.

World Resort Sales and Marketing manager Mike Babauta said that they’ve been waiting to reopen the facilities, but wanted to first know if people wanted it. “There is definitely a demand from the community… We did a poll on our Facebook page asking people if they wanted us to open the waterpark and if they did, we asked them to like and share and the response surprised us,” he said.

“In less than 30 minutes, we had 100 shares and in less than hour, we had 200 shares. The overwhelming response helped management and our team to decide ‘hey, let’s do it!’ We have been thinking of opening early but we wanted to make sure that the demand is there and if we can do it in terms of safety for both staff and guests,” he added.

Safety was the driving factor for Babauta and his team and they did everything by the book. “After a series of management meetings, our general manager called it saying let’s open but prioritize safety first…We went through inspections, worked with the Governor’s COVID-19 Task Force, Department of Public Works, and Department of Commerce… our staff and lifeguards underwent training so the water ark is up to par with the standards,” he said.

“If people wanted to go to the Wave Jungle they will have to go through the entrance that will directly lead them to the waterpark… if people are going to The Buffet World, they will go through the lobby. In both entrances, we have security to take body temperature, log in your name and number. Guests will be required to write their actual name and we may even ask for an identification card to verify and if they don’t want to give the real name, we may have to deny them entrance and that is our protocol,” he added.

Waterpark lifeguard senior supervisor Jomar Danas echoes the safety measures in place at the waterpark. “We based our protocols from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention which mostly requires social distancing and personal hygiene… There is no age limit at the waterpark as the requirement is 17 years old and below must be accompanied by an adult,” he said.

“Due to limited capacity, we set a cap of 250 people for safety reasons… We have cottages or cabanas for rent and island parasols with three chairs. Due to social distancing standards, everything is set 6 feet apart… We are stoked that we are reopening and we are looking forward to seeing everyone again,” he added

“We might be strict that people not in the same group are interacting. We may have to break that for everyone’s safety. Social distancing is enforced in and out of the pool,” said Danas.

As for the buffet, Babauta said that they are doing things differently. “To meet the health and safety protocols, we have changed the way our buffet style goes as there are only a few where guests can access stations like for salad and soup. As you enter, we will direct you to the table and as you go get your salad and soup, our team will set the plates and the food that chef prepared that day.”

“We have a team in charge of going around with trollies who can give you a refill on the food you like. This way, we eliminate the long lines and it is easier for guests to eat and never leave their table… We haven’t done this concept but we are excited to make it convenient for guests” he added.

As for opening other amenities in the hotel, Babauta said that they are doing it in phases. “We opened Oasis, it was doing good but we closed it yesterday (Sept. 30) and we now want to focus on something bigger—the waterpark and restaurant. The next phase maybe doing banquets and private functions and from there we might go open the rooms all of which will depend what the market is looking for.”

Wave Jungle is open Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 5pm. Its $24 for adults and $17 for children. The Buffet World is open Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 2pm. Its $22 for adults and $11 for children. If you want a Wave Jungle and The Buffet World package it will only cost $34 for adults and $22 for children. For snacks and beverages, The Sunset Beach Bar is open Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 5pm.

Reservation is encouraged. For more information, call 234-5900 or go to World Resort’s Facebook page.