Guam is an exquisite island within the Western Pacific that has the whole lot you would need from an excellent trip: gorgeous seashores, pretty climate, fascinating historical past, and warmhearted folks. Nonetheless, this former Spanish colony usually will get overshadowed by extra well-known seaside locations akin to Hawaii and Florida. However with their current Air V&V (trip and vaccination) program launch, Guam is rapidly climbing to the highest of must-visit lists all over the place. If that is your first time touring to Guam, don’t fear–we’ve got you coated with all the data you want. Maintain studying to search out out about visa necessities and enjoyable actions for guests, with the intention 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 a protracted and sophisticated historical past that begins at 2000 BC. Earlier than 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. America took over Guam throughout the Spanish-American Conflict in 1898 after which Japan occupied it briefly throughout World Conflict II. Nonetheless, they had been rapidly defeated by the Individuals in 1944.
Language and tradition
Most people in Guam are bilingual, talking each Chamorro and English. Nonetheless, a few of the older era who lived by way of World Conflict 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 distinct which means.
The Chamorro folks
The Chamorro folks within the Mariana Islands, together with Guam, have a protracted historical past stretching again 1000’s of years. They migrated from Southeast Asia and had 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 immediately, 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 consultants who might 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, buying at distinctive shops or visiting historic relics from World Conflict II. luxurious oceanfront villa In case you resolve to remain on this hotspot , be sure you ebook 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 a lot to maintain you busy. Go to family-friendly points of interest akin to UnderWater World and Tarza Water Park, buy groceries at Guam Premier Shops, or spend a day absorbing the solar on one of many seashores on Tumon Bay. In case you’d somewhat keep on dry land, catch sundown at Puntan Dos Amantes (Two Lovers Level). E-book an air-conditioned queen room at Days Inn by Wyndham Guam-Tamuning for a superbly snug keep close to Ypao Seaside.
Finest issues to do in Guam
Sights to go to
There are many actions to do in Guam when you get uninterested in 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 wish to study Guam’s historical past and tradition, Hagåtña has the Guam Museum and Latte Stone Memorial Park. Umatac is dwelling to Fort Nuestra Señora de la Soledad ,and Asan homes Conflict within the Pacific Nationwide Historic Park .
Youngsters and adults each agree that Fish Eye Marine Park in Piti, Tarza Water Park, and Tagada Amusement Park in Tamuning are a few 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 fashionable vacationer actions centered in Tamuning. Guests can strive one thing new likesnuba – shallow water diving with an air line- or go on traditional excursionslike banana boat rides. There’s really one thing for everybody on the subject of having fun with the waves in Guam!
Moreover taking part in 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 mountaineering trails that result in waterfalls akin to Tarzan Falls and Sigua Falls. And don’t overlook to buy earlier than you permit! In case you have further house in your baggage, go to Tumon Sands Plaza, Guam Premier Shops, or Micronesia Mall.
