With pristine coral reefs surrounding Guam, this American Island territory offers awesome snorkeling and water sports, along with world class shopping and culture. I visited Guam and enjoyed its beaches and shopping. So, read on to discover tips for the Guam travel attractions on this island in Oceania.
As part of Micronesia, Guam is also a U.S. Island territory since the Battle of Guam in 1944. The U.S. recaptured the island from Japanese occupation, lasting for 31 years. However, the indigenous Chamorros people settled in Guam about 4,000 years ago. Furthermore, Guam is among the Mariana Islands, created by the collision of the Pacific and Philippine Sea tectonic plates. Guam is the closest land mass to the Mariana Trench, the deepest oceanic trench in the world!
Being close to the International Date Line, its territorial motto is “Where America’s Day Begins.” A coral table reef surround most of the island, offering many amazing snorkeling and diving sites. The pristine Tumon Bay or “mini Waikiki” offers turquoise beaches, Hawaiian Fire Dances and Hotel Row.
My Guam Adventure
As an Acupuncturist-at-Sea, I arrived in Guam at Apra Harbor and burst off the ship excited to explore with a couple crewmembers. We searched for a shuttle to Timon Bay, however, disappointed we realize there are no shuttles available for crew. Feeling impatient, we started wandering and looking for a taxi or something. Talking with a local woman, she offered us a ride into Tumon District. Hitchhiking, why not!
So grateful and open for some spontaneity, we hopped in her car and firstly stopped to see a menagerie on the side of the road. There was a Chamorros native man walking alongside the highway, leading a carabao (large water buffalo) with a dog sitting on its back for a ride. We pulled over to say hi and pet both the carabao and the dog. I found the scenario so sweet and quite funny. So, of course, we got some fun pictures.
Later, I discovered that the Carabao are native to the Philippines and introduced to Guam. Even more, they gained cultural significance to the natives, considered the unofficial national animal of Guam. Then, our driver took us to the beach at Tumon Bay. Overall in one day, I visited the latte stones, the beach and shopped. Furthermore, here are the main attractions for Guam and tips on making the most of your time in Guam.
Guam Travel Attractions
Timon Bay and Beach
Being referred to as a “Mini Waikiki” reveals a lot about this beautiful bay. The water is super clear and the beaches in Tumon are all wildlife preserves. Visitors swim and snorkel right off the beach with colorful coral reefs. I mostly just walked along the beach area that stretches for 2 miles. There are plenty of resorts and restaurants along the beach, also referred to as Hotel Row.
Two Lovers Point
Two Lovers Point is Guam’s most famous landmark, visible from Tumon Bay. It is a dramatic cape with a cliff height of 370 ft. in a park with a lookout point as a popular tourist attraction. Furthermore, a Guam Legend says that 2 lovers not allowed to be together, tied their hair together and leapt in the sea to their death.
Guam has many historical sites, based on both the
native Chamamorro people and WW II.
Latte Stones
Throughout Guam there are latte stones, left behind by the native Chamamorro people. These stones, unique to the Mariana Islands, are a pillar capped by a hemispherical stone, with the flat side facing up. They range in height, from 60 cm – 3 meters. Furthermore, they were used as building supports by the native people and have become a symbol of the Chamamorro people.
Additionally, I saw the Latte of Freedom, a giant monument built in 1976 to symbolize American Freedom in Guam, while embracing the native symbolic latte. Even more, it was meant to be analogous to New York’s Statue of Liberty, welcoming visitors to U.S. in Guam.
War in the Pacific National Historical Park
This protected area in Apra Harbor honors the Pacific Theater of WW II. Other sites on the island are part of the park. Furthermore, Guam was captured by the Japanese in 1941 and liberated by the Americans in 1944. The park includes military items and places, for example, battlefields, caves, trenches and historic structures.
Underwater World Guam Aquarium
This is one of the longest tunnel-aquariums in the world in the Tumon District. Overall, it has more than 2,000 animals, mostly native to Guam and the Marianas Islands. Its main exhibit is a 319-foot (97 m) tunnel under a gigantic salt-water aquarium. Also, the Aquarium is involved with conservation projects in Guam. For example, they sponsor the International Coastal Cleanup and support the Blue Crew team focused on education and conservation.
Shopping is Duty Free
Tumon District is the center of Guam’s shopping world, that is duty-free or tax-free for international visitors. In Tumon, there are numerous boutiques and stores, featuring high-end brands at the DFS Guam Galleria, Tumons Sands Plaza and The Plaza along the Pleasure Island Strip. Additionally, beyond Tumon there are 3 large malls: Agana Shopping Center in Hagatna, Micronesia Mall in Dededo and Guam Premier Outlets in Tamuning.
Enjoy Guam!
As America’s westernmost territory, this island in the west Pacific is a unique island in Oceania. With stunning coral reefs and beaches, tremendous historical significand and tax-free shopping, there is something for everyone here. Try something different and come find out for yourself what a splendid getaway is Guam.
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