Rota Voyage Tips and guide

Rota is one of the Northern Mariana Islands.

• Songsong - The main village on the island.
• Sinapalo - A small village next to the airport.

Rota has 3 daily flights from Saipan and 1 daily flight from Guam on Star Marianas Air, as well as one daily flight from both Saipan and Guam on MACS (Micronesian Air Connection Services).

Chartering a plane is possible from both Star Marianas and MACS.

Car rentals are available. The Budget counter at the airport has reportedly closed down, leaving Islander Rent-A-Car the only company operating there. It is considered polite in Rota to wave (simply raising your hand on the steering wheel will do) at all cars when driving.

The "highway" 100 from Sinapalo to Songsong via the southern part of the island may look promising on Google Maps -- in reality, for the majority of the length it is a narrow path mostly used by local farmers. Don't take your rental car on this route unless it's a 4x4.

Rota has ancient quarries where the original latte stones were dug out.

Scuba. Rota is known for its excellent underwater visibility, especially in the dry season.

Tokyo En. serves good Japanese food in an authentic atmosphere, and is a mainstay among the island's mostly Japanese tourists. 

As Paris serves a decent breakfast, flat beer, and a lackluster lunch/dinner menu.

Small hotels and guesthouses are the mainstay of Rota's tourist economy.

Rota is a safe destination, comparable to Saipan.

The island has 3G and 4G (mostly in Songsong and Sinapalo) connectivity through Docomo Pacific and IT&E.

There is a post office in Songsong.

• Saipan and Guam are a short flight away -- and the only two places you can go without chartering a plane.