Forbidden Island
Forbidden Island
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
89 reviews
Excellent
64
Very good
18
Average
5
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Nicolas P
Saipan, Mariana Islands8 contributions
Jan 2015 • Couples
Superb place to go with an experienced island guide. DO NOT attempt to go there alone or un-assisted.
Dislike that many people have drown and died here by huge waves that sometimes can kill.....
Dislike that many people have drown and died here by huge waves that sometimes can kill.....
Written February 17, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jack B
Denver, CO27 contributions
May 2018 • Solo
Make sure to allow at least three hours or more. Bring your snorkel lots of small safe pools like your own private aquarium with colorful fish and warm water. I went around 2pm and we saw only one other couple. It is a half hour hike so you need tennis shoes and you should also bring water shoes. Some steep spots on the climb and a rope is there to help you. You should be in somewhat good shape. Do NOT try to cross over to the island unless you have been told by a reliable source that it is the right time of year (summer I think).
Written May 19, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rodney R
Orem, UT37 contributions
Nov 2017 • Couples
The hike is less than a mile. Don't forget to take advantage of the awesome views while making the hike. I wouldn't suggest trying to get all the way to the island, but there are some great views, and a nice swimming hole. There is a fairly well hidden cave with an outlet to the ocean. In that cave, you can swim across a small pool (15-20 ft wide) to an amazing view of the ocean, and a table with crashing waves. For me, the cave was the most enjoyable part of the hike.
Written January 2, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Niki
1 contribution
Nov 2019 • Family
This happened to us a couple of times on our trip. GPS tried to take us on a dirt road that is meant for a vehicle with much more clearance than the small rental car we had. If you want to go to forbidden island or many other places here in saipan, I suggest you rent an SUV or small truck. They are not necessarily wild 4x4 trails but you will do damage to a car and could get stuck in the rainy season. We did not make it to forbidden island as we did not want to risk it and it took time away we could have been doing something else. Just wanted to give people a heads up.
Written November 29, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dean R
28 contributions
Jun 2017 • Friends
OK, I live on Saipan, and I hate to see too many of you at "Forbidden Island". But it is truly special!
A short but tricky hike down the cliff, with great views on the way. Once there you might find the perfect cave with a pool inside. You may have to search if you go without a guide. Check it out for a while before entering. Depending on the wave action it can be quite dangerous.
Between the mainland and "Forbidden Island" are fantastic snorkeling pools. And then you can also climb to the top of Forbidden Island with the help of ropes already in place.
This is a unique paradise with great, but dangerous, wave action and currents. It is not a hike for everyone. Numerous lives have been lost here and why it is called Forbidden Island. Use caution and enjoy. You will not forget this day.
A short but tricky hike down the cliff, with great views on the way. Once there you might find the perfect cave with a pool inside. You may have to search if you go without a guide. Check it out for a while before entering. Depending on the wave action it can be quite dangerous.
Between the mainland and "Forbidden Island" are fantastic snorkeling pools. And then you can also climb to the top of Forbidden Island with the help of ropes already in place.
This is a unique paradise with great, but dangerous, wave action and currents. It is not a hike for everyone. Numerous lives have been lost here and why it is called Forbidden Island. Use caution and enjoy. You will not forget this day.
Written July 11, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leialoha86
Arlington, VA49 contributions
Dec 2016 • Friends
This is a beautiful spot away from all the tourist. The road leading to the trail head requires four wheel drive. It's a quick hike down, less than 2 miles. The hike back up was difficult, a little steep. Make sure you wear sturdy shoes will good traction. There is a small area to snorkel in but beware of the strong current.
This was a great place to visit, we were the only people in the area.
This was a great place to visit, we were the only people in the area.
Written December 24, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LuckyisXFX
Seattle, WA268 contributions
Nov 2016 • Couples
We visit this place in the afternoon on our first day in Saipan. The road leading to the Forbidden Island was unpaid, so be prepared for a bumpy ride. The trail entrance was not obvious. We only discovered it because several cars were parked around. The hike took about 1.5 hours one way, and it was a tough one! Make sure you have good shoes and bring hats and lots of water with you. I had not prepared for such a tough hike and wore flip flops... It was definitely worth the effort. I just wish this place stay pristine forever!
Written December 4, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janice F
Westland, MI9 contributions
Oct 2016 • Couples
Whew, this one was hard! Incredible hike!! Going downhill was fine, the hike UP the island was hard, and the hike back up the mountain was hard. But INCREDIBLE snorkeling pool at the bottom and Hidden Cave was really neat to see there too! So glad we did this but more challenging than I expected!
Written October 31, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TWK435
Salt Lake45 contributions
Jun 2016
Finding the trailhead can be p RT phlegmatic but once discovered the hike down is really not that difficult. You will pass right by an old WWII Japanese foundation, likely never completed, then farther down you pass right by a Japanese "pill box" on the cliff overlooking the beach. Local legends tell of deaths down thersoe nearly no locals ever visit. I have been there twice, one we were alone the entire time and the second time 1 tourist could arrived right as we were leaving. I did not snorkel in the ocean because of strong currents but did in the most beautiful tidal pool I have ever seen, deep, clear and full of tropical fish. I recommend a visit here off the regular tourist itinerary.
Written June 10, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janet K
tokyo44 contributions
Aug 2015
Had a fun time, the trek down can be very slippy so good shoes are necessary. We had a lovely swim in the rock pool and saw lots of fish. Nowhere to change clothes but we just used towels and it was so hot that we soon dried off. Didn't go to the cave...we preferred to swim but next time we will take a look. Hike back up is a bit tough in the heat. Not suitable for people who aren't fit. Really enjoyed it!
Written August 31, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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