Kalabera Cave, Underground cave in Kalabera, Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands.
Kalabera Cave is a limestone cavern on Saipan featuring a spacious entrance chamber approximately 60 feet high and multiple passages that branch deeper underground. Several interconnected tunnels connect these spaces and create a network of natural formations throughout the site.
This cave served as a field hospital and refuge during World War II in 1944 when fighting engulfed Saipan. Thousands of civilians and military personnel found shelter within its chambers during the intense battle.
The cave walls display ancient rock carvings that show headless human figures, reflecting the artistic traditions of the Chamorro people. These carvings reveal the spiritual and creative practices that shaped local life long ago.
Visitors should wear sturdy shoes to navigate safely across the uneven floor inside the cavern. Bring a flashlight or headlamp since the interior is dark and natural light does not reach the deeper passages.
Archaeological excavations near the entrance have revealed wartime objects, personal belongings, and human remains buried deep below the surface for decades. These discoveries provide moving evidence of the hardship experienced by those who sought shelter inside.
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