Guam is an exquisite island within the Western Pacific that has all the pieces you can need from a fantastic trip: gorgeous seashores, pretty climate, fascinating historical past, and warmhearted folks. However, this former Spanish colony typically will get overshadowed by extra well-known seaside locations similar to Hawaii and Florida. But with their current Air V&V (trip and vaccination) program launch, Guam is rapidly climbing to the highest of must-visit lists in all places. If that is your first time touring to Guam, don’t fear–now we have you coated with all the knowledge you want. Keep studying to seek out out about visa necessities and enjoyable actions for guests, so to benefit from your journey.
All about Guam
Location and geography
Guam is a paltry 549 sq. kilometers (212 sq. miles) in comparison with different landmasses. To offer you some perspective, Rhode Island is 5 instances greater than Guam, and RI has the smallest US state by landmass.
This island chain is located within the Western North Pacific Ocean close to Manila and Hawaii– about 2,500 kilometers (1,550 miles) from every respectively. Location-wise, Japan and the Philippines are closest to Guam time-wise; each are solely 4 hours away by aircraft.
History
Though it’s fairly small, the island has an extended and complex historical past that begins at 2000 BC. Before it was managed by the US, Austronesians – now known as Chamorro folks – who initially got here from Southeast Asia populated Guam.
Ferdinand Magellan was the primary European to go to Guam in 1521, however Spain didn’t colonize it till 1668. The United States took over Guam throughout the Spanish-American War in 1898 after which Japan occupied it briefly throughout World War II. However, they have been rapidly defeated by the Americans in 1944.
Language and tradition
Most of the folks in Guam are bilingual, talking each Chamorro and English. However, a number of the older era who lived by means of World War II and Japan’s occupation additionally know Japanese. Chamorro language is Austronesian just like different languages spoken all through Southeast Asia. It has been influenced by Spanish, English, and even Japanese all through its historical past.
The phrase “good morning” in Spanish is similar to the Chamorro model, which is “buenas dias.” While you’re on the island, you may additionally hear different phrases that sound Spanish however have a unique which means.
The Chamorro folks
The Chamorro folks within the Mariana Islands, together with Guam, have an extended historical past stretching again 1000’s of years. They migrated from Southeast Asia and have been recognized for his or her abilities as seafarers. Early Chamorro society was divided into two castes: a decrease caste and the next caste. The latter was additionally additional divided into an upper-middle class and a ruling class.
The Chamorro folks had a caste system and ladies led clans spiritually. Most Chamorro households nonetheless have matrilineal practices at the moment, with the mom as head of family.
Best locations to remain
The prime cities to journey and keep in
Tumon
The vibrant district of Tumon is the beating coronary heart of Guam’s tourism trade, making it a must-visit for any traveler. You’ll discover loads of inns and trip leases on this space, in addition to consultants who might help plan your actions—together with excursions to close by seashores like Tumon Beach, Ypao Beach or Gun Beach. Or spend a day exploring native eating places serving scrumptious Guamanian meals, procuring at distinctive shops or visiting historic relics from World War II. luxurious oceanfront villa If you determine to remain on this hotspot , you’ll want to e-book a sublime room or suite at Dusit Thani Guam Resort .
Tamuning
The village of Tamuning additionally encompasses the vacationer hub of Tumon, so that you’ll have a lot to maintain you busy. Visit family-friendly points of interest similar to UnderneathWater World and Tarza Water Park, buy groceries at Guam Premier Outlets, or spend a day absorbing the solar on one of many seashores on Tumon Bay. If you’d somewhat keep on dry land, catch sundown at Puntan Dos Amantes (Two Lovers Point). Book an air-conditioned queen room at Days Inn by Wyndham Guam-Tamuning for a superbly snug keep close to Ypao Beach.
Best issues to do in Guam
Attractions to go to
There are loads of actions to do in Guam if you happen to get bored with the seaside. For nature lovers, there’s Puntan Dos Amantes in Tamuning, Talofofo Falls in Injaran, or Mount Lamlam peak close to Agat village.
If you need to find out about Guam’s historical past and tradition, Hagåtña has the Guam Museum and Latte Stone Memorial Park. Umatac is house to Fort Nuestra Señora de la Soledad ,and Asan homes War within the Pacific National Historical Park .
Kids and adults each agree that Fish Eye Marine Park in Piti, Tarza Water Park, and Tagada Amusement Park in Tamuning are a number of the finest locations to go to.
Top actions and experiences
Guam is teeming with attractive seashores, so if you happen to’re planning a visit there, be sure that to provide your self sufficient time to benefit from the water! Parasailing, snorkeling, jet snowboarding, kayaking, diving and extra are all in style vacationer actions centered in Tamuning. Visitors can attempt one thing new likesnuba – shallow water diving with an air line- or go on basic excursionslike banana boat rides. There’s really one thing for everybody in relation to having fun with the waves in Guam!
Besides enjoying within the water and basking on the seaside, take a look at historic websites such because the latte stones in Latte Stone Memorial Park, Plaza de Espana, or Fort Santa Agueda. For nature lovers, there are numerous mountain climbing trails that result in waterfalls similar to Tarzan Falls and Sigua Falls. And don’t neglect to buy earlier than you permit! If you will have additional area in your baggage, go to Tumon Sands Plaza, Guam Premier Outlets, or Micronesia Mall.