Top 10 Things to Do in Guam (For a 3-Day Itinerary or More)

Guam is a small tropical island vacation spot in Micronesia that’s arguably overshadowed by its in style ‘neighbors’ equivalent to that of Hawaii or Indonesia — however what a whole lot of vacationers don’t know is that it’s the closest U.S. soil to Asia and that it’s undoubtedly a hidden gem of types. (Things to Do in Guam)

From its pristine sandy seashores to its wealthy Chamorro historical past, this US territory gives an array of actions, points of interest, and cuisines that may cater to simply about any sort of traveler. In reality, I’ve been to this magical island two occasions now and I nonetheless can’t get sufficient of it!

If you’re from Asia, a direct flight to Guam can solely final for less than 3.5 hours; as such, it’s an simply accessible getaway.

A variety of Japanese and Koreans really regard Guam as a high favourite once they’re on the lookout for a tropical escape, and it’s simple to see why as a result of Guam is actually a treasure trove of quite a few island actions. Rest assured, the throng of vacationers right here is just not too overwhelming, so you’ll typically end up having fun with an entire stretch of seashore all for your self — which is, naturally, an incredible factor!

Spanning about 549 sq. km, it is usually a pleasure to drive by means of the island as you are taking it simple to go to numerous key spots. If you ask me, that is my high favourite must-do when on the island.

Overall, it may appear daunting at first to plan the proper Guam itinerary however fret not! With the assistance of this publish that’s based mostly on my experiences, you possibly can simply slim down the highest issues to do in Guam in order that regardless of for those who’re planning to go to for just a few days (or extra), you’ll be profiting from your journey!

» Quick Travel Planning

Top Things to Do in Guam

1. Go beach-hopping everywhere in the island

As an island that’s blessed with a year-round tropical local weather and lengthy coastlines, Guam is a paradise for seashore lovers! Let me allow you to take out the guesswork from determining the highest locations to see by testing the checklist beneath:

TIP: A majority of the jap seashores are perfect for swimming resulting from its calm and shallow waters which are brought on by outer reefs that break the surf. (In distinction, excercise warning when exploring past the reef as a result of it may be treacherous resulting from riptides and such).

• ★ Tumon Beach: This is arguably essentially the most well-known seashore in Guam and arguably essentially the most iconic too! After all, it’s situated proper in the principle downtown space of Tumon which is the middle of the island. The better part? It has shallow waters so it’s typically idyllic for snorkeling and swimming — even for individuals who can’t swim! It can also be lined by the island’s greatest luxurious resorts, however don’t let this reality forestall you from exploring the entire of the seashore; in any case, it’s a public seashore so you might be free to discover nearly wherever.
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• Gun Beach: Located simply north of Tumon Beach, it is a good spot that’s tranquil and scenic. If you’re up for a hike, there may be even a well-marked cliff path on the northern finish of the seashore. Otherwise, take out your snorkeling gear and discover the close by reef (when you’ve got a scuba diving license, that is additionally an awesome spot to discover!). And as soon as the solar units, it is a good spot to remain in for grand views (if not, you may also view it from the close by Two Lovers Point).
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• Gab Gab Beach: This is a wonderful stretch of sand that’s lined with tall palm timber; sadly, except you understand somebody who has a navy ID, it’s inconceivable to enter on condition that it’s situated inside a navy base. It’s a bummer, I do know! But it helps to say it right here simply in case you would possibly know somebody in Guam who can grant you entry.
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• Family Beach: [link] A pleasant stretch of seashore discovered inside Apra Harbor which can also be nice for swimming (simply be careful for some scuba divers!).
  • On your method right here, don’t neglect to drop by Emerald Valley which is a wonderful waterway with turquoise-clear waters! You’ll discover a whole lot of fish right here in addition to water snakes and sea urchins. It’s not splendid for swimming however the view is superb.
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• Shark’s Cove Beach: If you’re up for a brief hike (lower than 1km), this secluded seashore is famed for snorkeling — don’t fear, there aren’t any sharks right here! So pack your protecting water sneakers and head to the trailhead that begins on the northern tip of Tagachang Beach.
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• Taga‘chang Beach: As remote as Shark’s Cove, this seashore that’s towered by 2 cliffs could be a good respite from the crowds for those who’re up for it!
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• Mushroom Rock Hila’an Beach: Past Tanguisson Beach is Hila’an which is a protracted stretch of white sandy seashore that’s coupled with some distinctive mushroom rock formations!
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• Ypao Beach: If you need an alternative choice to the bustling higher a part of Tumon Beach, simply head on over to its different finish which is that this Ypao Beach. If you’re fortunate, you would possibly spot a neighborhood music competition or a neighborhood village celebration that’s being held within the close by Ypao Beach Park. That being stated, it is a great spot to go to if you wish to maintain a picnic with household or buddies given the pavilions with tables which are discovered everywhere in the park.

2. Rent a automotive, drive together with your high down, and go to some sights exterior of town

Guam is an absolute pleasure to discover in a rental automotive! It provides you the liberty to decide on your individual route, and it is usually the best option to navigate your self by means of all the island’s points of interest.

To date, there are a variety of dependable rental automotive corporations which you can select from however I extremely suggest Hertz! I acquired my automotive rental from them and the method from pick-up to drop-off was completely hassle-free.

TIP: If you’ve got the price range, I recommend getting a convertible automotive to benefit from the cool breeze in addition to to maximise the beautiful sceneries throughout your drives!

To jumpstart your journey for the highest issues to do in Guam, you possibly can try the next points of interest:

CENTRAL TOUR

• Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica: A stunning Roman Catholic cathedral that was constructed on the island’s first Catholic church that was in-built 1669. Today, it enshrines the picture of Santa Marian Kamalen, the Patroness of Guam.
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• Governor’s Complex: The Governor Ricardo J. Bordallo Complex, often known as Adelup Point, gives nice coastal views and another buildings such because the Latte of Freedom (meant to embody the power of CHamoru tradition with the form of the latte stone) and Lone Sailor Statue (a commemoration of the function of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard in Operation New Life).
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• Fort Apugan (Santa Agueda): This is the one surviving Spanish fort in Hagåtña and it offers commanding views of the Philippine Sea and different northern cliff traces.
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• Latte Stone Park: Officially known as the Senator Angel Leon Guerrero Santos Latte Stone Memorial Park, it is a park that’s greatest recognized for its set of eight historic latte stones.
  • Latte stone or latte is a uniquely-shaped pillar that was used as constructing assist by the traditional Chamorro individuals. Nowadays, this latte stone is seen as an iconic signal of Chamorro’s id.
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• Plaza De Espana: This was the placement of the Governors Palace throughout Guam’s lengthy interval of Spanish occupation, and it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places because of the 3 buildings that may nonetheless be seen in its expanse: the 3-arch gate (Arsenal), the azotea, and the Chocolate House.
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• Guam Museum: If you desire a style of Guam’s historical past, that is one of the best place to go to and it’s discovered good in entrance of the Plaza De Espana.

NORTH TOUR

• ★ Ritidian Point: As the northernmost level of the island, it’s a part of the 1,203-acre Guam National Wildlife Refuge. Though you possibly can’t precisely swim right here (resulting from robust currents) you possibly can nonetheless benefit from the white seashore in addition to its well-maintained trails: Nature (1.25 miles), .75 Latte Loop (.75 miles), and Ritidian Caves (.5 miles). You can do the hike by your self however I might recommend giving the Guam National Wildlife Refuge (671-355-5096) a name forward of time to schedule a guided tour with the intention to benefit from the expertise.
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• Mangilao Golf Club: Located on the east of Guam, this course needs to be excessive up in your high issues to do in Guam particularly in case you are a golfer! After all, the Mangilao Golf Club ranks among the many high 100 programs on the earth and it has been designed by grasp Robin Nelson.
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• Pagat Cave and Point: The path to the cave is properly marked by pink ties across the timber and although it’s brief, it helps to notice that it will probably get pretty steep. Nevertheless, you’ll be rewarded with a cool swim in a pool of pure contemporary water contained in the cave. Don’t neglect to climb to the opposite facet of the cave the place you’ll discover the scenic Pagat Point which opens up a view of the ocean and surrounding rocky coast.
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• Ague Cove: Found within the village of Dededo, Ague Cove is a hidden gem that’s definitely worth the hike when you’ve got the time! However, as it’s situated on personal property, it’s a should to contact the proprietor beforehand who’s Mr. Jesus Pangelinan ((671) 477-9269). It additionally helps to notice that it’s essential to train warning always whereas going by means of the path as it may be steep and rocky.

SOUTH TOUR

• Fort Nuestra Señora de la Soledad: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, that is the fourth of 4 Spanish fortifications that protected the bay in Umatac. Nowadays, it has been made right into a park and you’ll find a number of cannons right here in addition to a preserved bunker.
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• Sella Bay Trail: This is a moderately-challenging hike that takes you Sella Bay after an hour-long hike. You’ll be rewarded with scenic overlooking views and a picturesque bay as you undergo lush greenery.
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• Talofofo Falls Resort Park: For a small entrance charge, you possibly can take pleasure in considered one of Guam’s hottest waterfalls the place you may also take pleasure in a spread of different actions equivalent to using a cable automotive, visiting a historic museum, and plenty of others!
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• Talofofo Caves: Famous for showcasing remnants of the indigenous Chamorro as evidenced by petroglyphs and work on the partitions, I recommend exploring these caves with a information.
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• Tarzan Waterfalls: Yet one other must-see waterfall on the island and it may be simply reached with only a brief hike. Make certain to pack your swimsuit with the intention to take pleasure in a swim after the stroll!
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• Valley of the Latte Adventure Park: If you wish to mix journey with training, this journey park is a should in your Guam itinerary! Other than a number of reveals of Chamorro historical past, you’ll additionally get to take pleasure in various thrilling actions equivalent to an Adventure River Cruise (Guam’s solely inland boat tour), a Kayak Adventure Tour, carabao rides, and plenty of others.
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• ★ Inarajan Pools: A preferred spot for each locals and vacationers, you’ll completely love the pure system of swimming holes discovered on the shore. You’ll even discover a tall diving platform in addition to a number of different picnic facilities to benefit from your drive-by.
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• Waterfall Valley: This is a superb newbie’s hike that leads you to five stunning waterfalls that vary from 8 toes as much as 25 toes. If you ask me, it’s good for households who would love a jungle journey that’s mixed with a number of dips in freshwater swimming pools.
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• Cetti Bay Overlook: Cetti Bay is a geological delight on condition that it’s an space the place you’ll find a sequence of a thousand foothills which are part of Guam’s Territorial Seashore Park. It’s a simple drive to this viewing spot to the south of Guam.

3. Visit the remark deck at Two Lovers Point

If you ask me, Two Lovers Point (Puntan Dos Amantes) would possibly simply be the topmost recognized vacationer attraction on the island; plus, as one of many 4 National Natural Landmarks of Guam, it’s undoubtedly one of many high issues to do in Guam!

This is a brief drive from Tumon Beach and for a small entrance charge of solely $3, you possibly can entry the 368 feet-high remark deck that grants you an incredible view of the coast and its turquoise waters. The website additionally features a present store, the Two Lovers statue, and a sister bell that’s linked with different “Lovers Points” in locations equivalent to these in Japan.

The story behind this attraction, nonetheless, is a timeless but bittersweet story of everlasting love. As legend has it, through the Spanish period, there lived a rich household and their oldest daughter was organized to be married to a Spanish captain — naturally, she was distraught and so she ran away. She then met a younger man from a humble Chamorro household and the 2 fell in love instantly. Upon studying of their relationship, the daddy demanded that she marries the Spanish captain; collectively together with a number of Spanish troopers, they pursued the 2 lovers up till they reached the excessive cliff above Tumon Bay. With nowhere else to go, the lovers tied their lengthy black hair collectively in a single knot and leaped over the steep cliff and into the roaring waters, without end intertwined in life and in demise.

OPERATIONAL HOURS: 7AM to 7PM

4. Indulge in a meals journey spree and store for souvenirs

As the island’s #1 present, the Taotao Tasi present is certainly one of many high issues to do in Guam!

Since 2015, this beachfront 150-foot stage has been backdropped by essentially the most beautiful sundown views whereas stunning performers and fireplace dancers entertain audiences from everywhere in the world. With designers and producers (a few of which have labored with the well-known Cirque du Soleil), you’ll be taken by means of an exhilarating present as you study the island’s treasured previous in tune, dance, and storytelling.

The icing on the cake? The entrance charge comes with a scrumptious buffet BBQ banquet! For cocktails, go and provides their Corona-Rita and TaoTao Maolek a attempt.

TIP: For one of the best charges, e book on-line right this moment!

6. See wealthy and colourful marine life

In case you don’t know, Guam can also be famed for having a number of the greatest snorkeling and scuba diving spots on the earth! So if I had been you, you shouldn’t miss the chance to discover the island’s underwater scene.

• Snorkeling/Scuba Diving
  • For snorkeling, you possibly can take your choose from any of the seashores that I’ve listed above below #1 for the highest issues to do in Guam.
  • For scuba diving, you possibly can try this checklist. Apra Harbor can also be a standard favourite for those who’re fascinated by exploring historic shipwrecks from the 2 world wars.
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• Dolphin Watching: Try your luck and spot some spinner dolphins! You can avail of this tour from locations such because the Guam Bikini Island Club.
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• SeaTREK Experience: Ever wished to expertise strolling on an ocean ground? In this institution, you possibly can! It’s mainly a helmet-diving exercise that’s good for anybody since you don’t want any swimming or diving expertise. To save your spot, it’s greatest to e book on-line.
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• Underwater World Guam: At the Guam Aquarium Complex, you’ll have the ability to stroll by means of a see-through tunnel that’s 7 toes extensive and seven toes tall, permitting you to get a better have a look at totally different underwater species. To save your spot, it’s greatest to e book on-line.
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• Fish Eye Marine Park: As an alternate, you possibly can try this underwater observatory! Other actions which you can attempt are the Eco Snorkeling Tour, Dolphin Watching Cruise, and Island Cultural Dinner Show.

7. Hike Mt. Lamlam

As a few of you would possibly already know, Guam is well-known for its strategic navy place and multi-colonialism with the final 400 years marked by 3 totally different powers specifically Spain, USA, and Japan. If you wish to study extra about its previous, see right here.

Otherwise, in fact, because you’ll already be in Guam, make it considered one of your high issues to do to go to these websites with the intention to study extra concerning the island’s wealthy historical past!

• Pacific War Museum: Marine Corps Vietnam War veteran John Gerber established this museum and it accommodates numerous reveals associated to the navy within the Pacific theater of World War II with a concentrate on the USA Marines. As such, for those who’re a world struggle buff who’s fascinated by studying extra about what occurred in Guam throughout such a time, then a cease at this place is a should!
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• Magellan Monument: Erected in 1521 to commemorate Guam’s first contact with the western world which is thru the Portuguese navigator, Ferdinand Magellan. Back then, Magellan was touring below the order of the Spanish Crown to navigate the entire globe (additionally looking for spices), when he arrived in Guam by likelihood. Nowadays, there’s a robust festive ambiance within the surrounding Yuma Tak village each March 21; it’s known as Remembrance Day and it marks the touchdown of Magellan.
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• War within the Pacific National Historical Park: As a multi-unit protected space established in 1978, this honors the bravery and sacrifice of those that have participated within the Pacific Theatre of WWII. Here you will see a mess of former battlefields, gun emplacements (just like the spot known as Piti Guns), trenches, caves, and historic buildings.

9. Treat your self and revel in tax-free purchasing

One of the highest issues to do in Guam is definitely to discover its vibrant tradition, however greater than this, do you know that it has particular tax-free offers for guests?

So if I had been you, you need to reap the benefits of this — come and store right here until you drop within the variety of retail manufacturers and purchasing facilities and expertise duty-free purchasing! Some locations you shouldn’t miss out on are:

• Tumon Downtown Area: Splurge and deal with your self to the variety of high-end manufacturers discovered right here equivalent to Louis Vuitton, Balenciaga, and extra.
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• Micronesia Mall: Guam’s largest duty-free shopping center with over 130 outlets, boutiques, and eating places.
• Guam Premier Outlets: Built again in 1997, you’ll find various American manufacturers right here equivalent to Ross Dress for Less, Tommy Hilfiger, and extra.
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• Kmart: Open 24 hours a day, it is a large grocery store the place you’ll find a variety of merchandise, produce, and many others. (e.g. be careful for the aisle showcasing various totally different varieties and flavors of Spam — that being stated, do you know that Guam is the largest shopper for Spam? This is why it’s no marvel that you simply’ll discover distinctive flavors being offered right here equivalent to Spam tocino, black pepper, and garlic amongst many others.)
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• Agaña Shopping Center: Has over 100 shops and eating places with an excellent mixture of native and USA manufacturers.
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• DFS/T Galleria: If you’re on the lookout for extra luxurious manufacturers to buy in, that is one other place that needs to be excessive in your high issues to do in Guam!

10. Try different thrilling actions

The enjoyable doesn’t cease whenever you’re on the islands! As considered one of your high issues to do in Guam, you need to try the variety of different exhilarating actions that you are able to do which aren’t restricted to riverboat cruises, kayaking, flyboarding, and plenty of others.

For the highest trusted exercise suppliers that it’s essential to try, they might be:

• Guam Bikini Island Club: This is your one-stop marine leisure sports activities membership situated within the south of Guam! They have various choices which you can select from that are delightfully packaged. We tried their Bikini Island Tour which was a 5-hour bundle jampacked with a number of actions: dolphin watching, jetskiing, snorkeling, banana boat experience, and tremendous screamer experience — it was the easiest way to finish our weekend getaway!
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• Guam Adventures: Established in 2019, this firm is trusted for giving one of the best thrilling experiences together with ziplining, snorkeling, paddleboarding, Go Karting, mountain biking, mountain climbing, and off-roading (I personally tried their offroad ATV journey and it was superior!).

TIP: If you’ve bought the time, you need to try the abandoned tropical island of Alupat which is simply off Tumon Beach (entry is thru the Onward Beach Resort). In reality, it’s much less than simply 1,000 toes from the shore so that you cna kayak, jetski, or swim your option to it (simply apply warning particularly when swimming!). Once there, you possibly can lay out a picnic to benefit from the sandy cove.

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Guam Travel Guide

» Best Time to Visit

Guam enjoys a tropical local weather with little seasonal temperature variation (25° to 32°) and uncommon harmful typhoons — therefore, it is a perfect vacation spot at any time of the yr! If you’re seeking to go to throughout its warmest occasions, you need to come round May or November. If you wish to keep away from probabilities of rain or typhoons, come any time throughout its dry season (although it helps to say that even when it does rain, it’s going to typically solely occur for a short while in a day!).

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» Getting in to Guam

By air. Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport  (GUM) is the one industrial airport to and from the island, and it’s discovered just a few kilometers from Tumon. The airways that primarily fly to the island are United Airlines, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, China Airlines, Eva Airways, and Philippine Airlines.

In order to seek out one of the best flight offers out of your level of origin, I like to recommend searching by means of Skyscanner.

From the airport, I don’t recommend taking a taxi as a result of they’re far costly. Since public transportation is just not accessible from the airport, what I might suggest is to rearrange a non-public switch, do a automotive rental, or e book a Stroll automotive (Guam’s model of Uber).

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» Visa for Guam

Entry necessities for the island are the identical as these of the USA. To date, there are over 40 international locations eligible for visa-free entry into the USA so long as you apply for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) on-line earlier than departure. If you’re not a citizen of any of these international locations, you’ll need to use for a USA visa.

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» Where to Stay (Guam Accommodations)

To seek for one of the best lodge lodging in Guam at one of the best costs, I recommend cross-checking lodge costs between Agoda and Booking.com. But for those who’re moderately fascinated by renting comfy homes or flats, you need to search by means of AirBnB.

See right here too for the checklist of the BEST resorts in Guam.

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» Guam Currency

United States Dollar (USD / $) is Guam’s official foreign money, on condition that it’s a USA territory. In the occasion that you simply wish to trade your native cash for USD, I extremely advise that you simply do NOT trade your cash on the airport because the charges there should not aggressive.

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» Cost of Travel in Guam

You ought to anticipate to journey to the Philippines with a median every day price of about USD $90~ per individual on a price range, or no less than $200~ if you wish to expertise extra consolation on actions, excursions, resorts, and extra. (Values beneath present low-budget to medium-budget ranges solely).

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» How to Get Around Guam

By strolling. This is barely splendid in case you are exploring the principle districts of Hagåtña and Tumon; nonetheless, strolling across the island is just not advisable resulting from vehicular site visitors and lack of sidewalks.

By bus. There are buses accessible, together with the Tourist Shopping Buses that make stops in most resorts in Tumon (it prices $4 for a one-way ticket and $12 for a every day move).

By taxi. Taxis are usually costly on the island however an alternate could be a Stroll automotive (Guam’s model of Uber).

By automotive. This is the BEST option to go round Guam and I extremely suggest it as a result of driving a automotive offers you extra freedom and suppleness. For this, I recommend getting a rental automotive from one of many automotive corporations which are already discovered on the airport (for me, I bought my automotive rental from Hertz).

TIP: When you’re mapping out your day-to-day route, simply use Google Maps as a result of it’s going to present intimately the quickest route you are able to do.

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» Safety in Guam

Guam is a secure vacation spot to go to and there may be little crime on the island; the truth is, the Chamorro are one of many kindest and warmest individuals you’ll ever meet, so solo vacationers don’t have a lot to fret about on this superb nation!

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» Helpful Chamorro/CHamoru Phrases

The native’s native language is Chamorro (CHamoru) however English is the frequent language in Guam. Nevertheless, it will probably assist impress some locals when you understand a Chamorro phrase or two!

Hello: Håfa adai! (Hah-fuh-day)
How are you: Håfa tatatmanu hao? (Hah-fuh-tah-taht-mah-noo-How?)
Thank you: Si Yu’os Må’ase’. (C-zu-oohs-Muh-ah-seat)
You’re welcome: Buen probechu. (Bwen-pro-bet-sue)
Goodbye: Adiós. (Ah-Deh-Oss)

Good morning: Buenas días. (Bwenas-Dee-as)
Good night (see you tomorrow): Esta agupa’. (eh-stah-ah-goo-pah)

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Other Guam F.A.Q.

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Booking Essentials

TIP: It’s a good suggestion to crosscheck the costs with different in style journey insurance coverage suppliers like World Nomads and HeyMondo (as my reader, you get 5% off)!

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However, take notice {that a} journey insurance coverage’s affordability usually means lesser protection; so please all the time be certain that you learn the tremendous print with the intention to decipher which journey insurance coverage firm is the appropriate match for you and your journey!