Rolling ‘round rugged, rustic Rota

ROTA—The charm of this “Friendly Island” rests in its rugged and rustic character—and most notably, of course, its remarkably receptive residents.

While one might say that these characteristics are found on all the frequented islands in the Northern Marianas, Rota’s almost untouched, serene splendor, and its genuinely kind people separates it from urban Saipan and military heavy Tinian.

Before one even books a flight to this unassuming paradise of a place in the southernmost area of the CNMI, he or she would already hear of tales about how friendly the Rotanese are which really says something about the depths of their warm-heartedness.

Whether driving or walking, passing by someone on Rota means you need to wave to say hello or acknowledge their presence as if you’ve known them a long time.

While there are different stories on the origin of the “waving gesture,” one Rotanese simply explains that the practice was one that has been instilled in them growing up on their island, probably along with learning how to respect elders and protect their island.

Everyone knows everyone here, they said, as the island only has some 3,000 people living in it today.

The waving gesture has become a way of life, so much so that wherever the Rotanese people go, they take it with them, leaving people of other islands or foreign places baffled as to why such a person waived at them.

It has become a custom, and an identity to the island that Rota has been dubbed the “Friendly Island.”

Recently, the local government even passed a resolution to declare a day of waving.

Rugged and rustic
Next to the people, the various natural and historical sites of course are a wonder on Rota.

Perhaps among the most frequented here is the Rota Latte Stone Quarry and the Swimming Hole.

The Quarry is among the 10 areas on Rota listed in the National Register of Historic Places out of the total 37 listed places in the CNMI.

It is also known as the As Nieves quarry where the largest abandoned latte or Taga stones were unearthed in the Marianas, which are believed to be used as housing foundations of the ancient Chamorros, were found.

Other areas listed for Rota under the National Registry are the Chudang Palii Japanese World War II Defensive Complex, Chugai’ Pictograph Site, Commissioner’s Office, Dugi Archeological Site, Japanese Coastal Defense Gun, Japanese Hospital, Mochong, Nanyo Kohatsu Kabushiki Kaisha Sugar Mill, and the Rectory.

The Swimming Hole is a gorgeous natural pool located along the reef line. Magnificent rock formations surround the pool where open ocean water comes in but it is safe to swim in there provided that waves are not too high and strong. It is near the Rota Resort and Country Club on the northwestern side of the island, but another way in would be from the main road going through a gravel road which passes by the now closed Rota Coconut Village, which is eerie but is still a pretty property.

Rota’s beaches or coasts, unlike most on Saipan and Tinian, are near the reef line making them rocky and rough. The reefs stick out forming smaller and shallow pools. It may not be the perfect white-powdery beaches most people long for, but it shows Rota’s unique character.

Another famous spot on Rota is the Wedding Cake Mountain or Mt. Tapingot whose cake-like form can be best viewed along the Sasanhaya Bay on the eastern side where the almost perfectly intact Japanese Coastal Defense Gun can be found or at the Songsong Village Overlook, where the Rotanese go during Holy Friday like the Saipanese goes to Mt. Tapochao.

Two days on the island is not enough to see all other sites such as the Sagua’gaga Seabird Sanctuary, the Taisacana’s Botanical & Nature Trail, Tonga Cave, Tweksberry Park, and the Rota Zoo.

There are also local delicacies to be enjoyed such as the ayuyu (coconut crab) or deer which to be able to try means you have to be invited by one of the locals in their houses. However, of course, one would never forget buying at least a sack of Rota’s famous sweet potatoes to bring on the flight home.

Rota indeed is a raw beauty, and the people there recognize the treasure that they have by taking good care of it. Unlike other frequented tourists sites, I haven’t seen a piece of trash on the sites on Rota and the local government is promoting eco-tourism than any other type of industry or development on island.

While not everyone who visits Rota may be as enchanted by her beauty to stay, Rota’s charm especially the warmth of its people, is one that will cherish and will be etched forever in memory.