Visiting Guam

The island of Guam, owned by the United States since 1950, is located southeast of Asia, south of Tokyo and east of Manila, in the Pacific Ocean. It is bordered by the Philippine Sea to the west. It is the largest and southernmost island in the Marianas Archipelago. The island is very small, only a little over 200 square miles. The northern part of the island is a coralline limestone plateau whereas the southern portion is a chain of volcanic hills. The population is approximately 165,000. A third of the island is occupied by U.S. military forces, used as Naval and Air Force bases.

They do not participate in presidential elections for U.S. government but are represented in the Congress. The island elects a governor every four years and has a legislature of 21 members who are elected every 2 years.

A passport is needed to enter the island. The local languages spoken are English, Chamorro, and Japanese. Caucasians make up ten percent of the population. Thirty-seven percent are Chamorro, twenty-six percent Filipino and the remainder a combination of Chinese, Japanese and Korean residents. Eighty-five percent of the population are Roman Catholic. The island’s holidays are much like those in America with a few exceptions: New Year’s, Martin Luther King Day, President’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Liberation day (July 21), Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veteran’s Day, All Souls’ Day (Nov. 2), Thanksgiving, Immaculate Conception Day (Dec. 8) and Christmas.
The currency on Guam is American money. Other monies can be exchanged at the airport or financial establishments. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants and stores around the island.

The island features many ATM’s and financial institutions. About half of the residents own a phone but most own a tv. There are only three television stations in addition to the cable network. Only about five percent of the residents are internet surfers. One newspaper, printed in English, is available to the tourists and locals. The island has two colleges: The University of Guam and Pacific Islands Bible College.

The island is very small, making it’s one airport, A.B. Won Pat Guam International Air Terminal, close by just about everything. Motels are plentiful on the beaches of Tumon Bay where many tourists go for a taste of the tropics. A few other motels are located here and there across the remainder of the island.

The area attractions include historical landmarks, stone bridges, beautiful tropical surroundings and thatched huts. Pago Bay is one of the most beautiful spots on the island. Mount Humuyong Manglo, Guam’s highest point, rises over 1300 feet above sea level for a spectacular view of the island. Peaceful Sella Bay features a Spanish bridge built in the 19th century, within walking distance of the bay. The popular Merizo Water Festival is held every year at the Merizo Pier Park, located in Guam’s barrier reef and features all types of water sports.

There are six historical parks: Asan Beach, with reefs, caves and relics, Asan featuring a bridge, fox holes and a 75mm mountain gun, Piti, a green hillside where three Japanese Coastal Defense guns are still located and in good shape, Mount Chacho/Mount Tenjo, with a pre-World War II gun encasement from America as only one of the areas relics. Then there’s Mt. Alifan, offering over thirty sites to visit along with more than a dozen caves and tunnels, and Agat, a mostly-underground reef with many sunken relics.

Tour guides are available, and needed, to visit Sigua Falls or Tarzan Falls, located back in the thick jungles of the island. Each falls is a perfect example of the natural beauty located on Guam. It can be treacherous to reach the destinations, though, because of snakes and wild animals, in addition to the plant growth. Many visitors take caribou rides to the falls for an added thrill.

Guam offers many arenas for different people including hotel spas, swimming, snorkeling, biking, skating and even dog races. There are hiking trails, guided tours, or you can just lie around on the beach or go for moonlit walks.

Seafood, of course, is one of the main delicacies of the island, along with star fruit, pineapple, coconut or even sandwiches from a fast-food restaurant. Other restaurants include Chinese, Thai, Japanese and American. You’ll find shopping malls, unique stores and even famous chain stores as seen in America. Because Guam is a duty-free region many people find that they can purchase some items cheaper than they can at home. Generally speaking you’ll find the island gorgeous, the people warm and friendly, the atmosphere fun and relaxing, and the entire experience a once-in-a-lifetime vacation.