Guam is a gorgeous island within the Western Pacific that has every little thing you possibly can need from an important trip: beautiful seashores, beautiful climate, fascinating historical past, and warmhearted individuals. Nonetheless, this former Spanish colony typically will get overshadowed by extra well-known seashore locations akin to Hawaii and Florida. However with their latest Air V&V (trip and vaccination) program launch, Guam is rapidly climbing to the highest of must-visit lists in every single place. If that is your first time touring to Guam, don’t fear–now we have you lined with all the data you want. Hold studying to search out out about visa necessities and enjoyable actions for guests, as a way to profit 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 larger 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 airplane.
Historical past
Although it’s fairly small, the island has an extended and complex historical past that begins at 2000 BC. Earlier than it was managed by the US, Austronesians – now known as Chamorro individuals – 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 USA took over Guam throughout the Spanish-American Battle in 1898 after which Japan occupied it briefly throughout World Battle II. Nonetheless, they have been rapidly defeated by the Individuals in 1944.
Language and tradition
The general public in Guam are bilingual, talking each Chamorro and English. Nonetheless, a number of the older era who lived by means of World Battle 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.” Whilst you’re on the island, you may also hear different phrases that sound Spanish however have a special that means.
The Chamorro individuals
The Chamorro individuals 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 a better caste. The latter was additionally additional divided into an upper-middle class and a ruling class.
The Chamorro individuals had a caste system and girls led clans spiritually. Most Chamorro households nonetheless have matrilineal practices as we speak, with the mom as head of family.
Finest locations to remain
The highest cities to journey and keep in
Tumon
The colourful district of Tumon is the beating coronary heart of Guam’s tourism business, making it a must-visit for any traveler. You’ll discover loads of accommodations and trip leases on this space, in addition to specialists who may help plan your actions—together with excursions to close by seashores like Tumon Seaside, Ypao Seaside or Gun Seaside. Or spend a day exploring native eating places serving scrumptious Guamanian meals, purchasing at distinctive shops or visiting historic relics from World Battle II. luxurious oceanfront villa Should you resolve to remain on this hotspot , make sure to guide a chic 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 loads to maintain you busy. Go to family-friendly points of interest akin to UnderWater World and Tarza Water Park, buy groceries at Guam Premier Retailers, or spend a day absorbing the solar on one of many seashores on Tumon Bay. Should you’d quite keep on dry land, catch sundown at Puntan Dos Amantes (Two Lovers Level). Ebook an air-conditioned queen room at Days Inn by Wyndham Guam-Tamuning for a wonderfully comfy keep close to Ypao Seaside.
Finest issues to do in Guam
Points of interest to go to
There are many actions to do in Guam when you get uninterested in the seashore. For nature lovers, there’s Puntan Dos Amantes in Tamuning, Talofofo Falls in Injaran, or Mount Lamlam peak close to Agat village.
If you wish 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 Battle within the Pacific Nationwide Historic Park .
Children 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 greatest locations to go to.
Prime actions and experiences
Guam is teeming with attractive seashores, so when you’re planning a visit there, make sure that to present your self sufficient time to benefit from the water! Parasailing, snorkeling, jet snowboarding, kayaking, diving and extra are all well-liked vacationer actions centered in Tamuning. Guests can attempt one thing new likesnuba – shallow water diving with an air line- or go on basic excursionslike banana boat rides. There’s actually one thing for everybody relating to having fun with the waves in Guam!
In addition to taking part in within the water and basking on the seashore, try 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 akin to Tarzan Falls and Sigua Falls. And don’t overlook to buy earlier than you allow! If in case you have further area in your baggage, go to Tumon Sands Plaza, Guam Premier Retailers, or Micronesia Mall.
