Beginner's Guide to Guam

Will I have enough time to visit historical attractions in Guam?

2006-06-28T17:06:14Z

If you’re visiting Guam even for just a few days and are looking for something exciting and perhaps even educational to do with your time, Guam’s historical attractions are a great option. And since you only have a few days, you can choose only the parks, statues, churches, or other attractions that interest you the most. Here are some of your options:

• Latte Stone Park – One of the pieces of ancient Chamorro culture that has survived as an intricate part of Guam’s heritage is Latte Stones. Today, Latte Stones and their replicas, representing ancient Chamorro’s cultural affects on Guam, can be seen throughout that island and the Marianas. Eight Latte Stones originally from Me’pu can be found in Latte Stone Park in central Agana.
• Two Lovers Point – This small park and observatory honors the legend of two lovers, separated by their respective Spanish and Chamorro births, who plunged off a cliff and to their deaths to prevent having to be separated. Lovers Point Park offers not only the legend to its visitors but also incredible views of the cliff and Tumon Bay.
• War in the Pacific National Historic Park – There are six units that make up the WAPA including Asan Beach (one of the major American landing points in 1944), Asan Village, Piti, Mount Chacho, Alifan, and Agat. At this memorial, visitors can observe guns, caves, and other incredible Japanese relics as well as celebrate the bravery of those who campaigned in the Pacific Theater of World War II. There are also many incredible views of Guam throughout the park.
• Padre Diego Luis San Vitores Shrine – This shrine honors the Jesuit missionary leader who was killed amidst the strife between the Chamorros and the Spanish. It is located near where the slaying took place and shows the priest with the mother baptizing Chief Mata’pang’s daughter without his permission and the chief holding a sword over them. This is one of the most popular attractions in Guam.
• Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica – When Spanish Jesuit missionaries came to Guam, this was the first church built by the Chamorros. After it was destroyed in World War II, the present Dulce Nolbre de Maria was reconstructed on its original building area. Its presence helps to demonstrate not only the Spanish architectural style given to Guam in this era but also the importance of Catholicism to the Guamanian culture – another of Spain’s influences.
• Fort Santa Agueda – In its important position above the city of Agana and the bay, this fort was used in protection of the harbor until the Spanish-American War. The remnants are a sight to behold!
• Fort Nuestra Senora de la Soledad – This 19th century fort was one of the last Spanish forts to be constructed and sits on the cliff near Umatac. This fort was restored in 1995.
• Fort Santo Angel – One of the four forts that is in the Umatac area of Guam, Fort Santo Angel is the oldest fort still in existence, though only some of its walls remain. It has several lookouts, including San Jose, which is noted for being close to the water’s edge.
• Chief Kepuha (Quipuha) – Known as the chief who accepted the Catholic religion for the Chamorros, this Chief of Agana not only was the first Guamanian to be baptized and embrace Catholicism for the island; he was also the individual who gave the land that would have the first Catholic Church constructed on it. This statue honors Chief Kepuhu for his contribution to the Guamanian culture.
• Santo Papa as Juan Pablo Dos Monument – After Pope John Paul II visited Guam in 1981, this monument was constructed to honor the site were he held mass.
• Statue of Liberty – A replica of the United States Statue of Liberty, this famous attraction in Guam was built by the Boy Scouts of America in 1950 and is located at the opening of the Agana harbor.
• Plaza de Espana – This was the Spanish Governors Palace and was destroyed during the shelling of Agana in World War II. However, three of its structures – the back porch, the Chocolate House, and the gate – still remain for visitors to see.
• Sumay Cemetery – The Spanish and Chamorro Sumay cemetery is all that is left of the village of Sumay, the first village attacked by the Japanese in World War II. The United States now uses Sumay as part of the American Naval Station located today; however, the cemetery’s oldest headstone dates the deceased from 1812.
• Merizo Bell Tower – In an attempt to create a higher standard of living for the Merizo people, this tower was build in 1910 to announce town events, religious times, and other directions for the village. This bell tower is no longer being used but still remains one of the most famous landmarks in the South of Guam.
• War Dog Memorial – A unique memorial, this attraction honors the many Dobermans that assisted the Marines during World War II. Many of these animals were killed while scouting, guarding, exploring, and even saving men.

How's the shopping in Guam?

2006-06-28T17:06:48Z

So you have a few days in Guam and are deciding what to do with your time? Well, in addition to looking at the beaches, the sports, and other attractions and activities, consider this: one of the most exciting things for Guam’s visitors and biggest money-makers for Guam is the shopping on the island. Why?

• Shopping in Guam is duty-free, meaning there are no taxes on what you buy.
• Gifts and souvenirs from Guam can be found at the gift shops and authentic Farmers’ Markets and villages throughout the island.
• There are a plethora of places to shop in Guam – from the Plaza, the Galeria, and Tumon Sands Plaza to the Micronesia Mall, Guam Premier Outlets, and even the world’s largest K-Mart. Most of these are conveniently located near restaurants that you’ll love, too. What many people consider to be the best shopping, though, is the village markets and local merchants.
• Even many of the hotels offer shopping facilities though they can’t provide the same variety.
• Traveling from your hotel or attraction to a shopping area is simple with the shuttles provided all over the island.

Is the nightlife in Guam a good option for a short vacation?

2006-06-28T17:07:24Z

Yes. Even if you’re only visiting Guam for a night or two, experiencing the dining, the parties, and other nightlife just might be perfect for you. Guam offers many options for costs and taste; so whether you’re into good clean fun or something a little risqué, you can find it. Come play pool, listen to good music, and get inexpensive beer at many of Guam’s friendly and inviting neighborhood bars.

Among some of the more family-friendly possibilities are:

• Movie Theaters
• Bowling Alleys
• Billiard Halls
• Greyhound Racing
• High school Sports
• Guam’s Pro Baseball League

On the other hand, if you want a few wild nights or even just some time alone, Guam also has these options:

• Neighborhood Bars
• Hotel Bars
• Dinner Clubs
• Dance Clubs
• Karaoke Bars
• Strip clubs

Guam - Major Cities and Regions Overview

2006-06-28T20:03:05Z

The island of Guam, located in the Western Pacific Ocean, is a territory of the United States (unincorporated) and is included on the United Nation’s list of Non-Self-Governing Territories. The original settlers and primary inhabitants of Guam – the Chamorros – called the island Guåhån. Guam is part of the Mariana Islands, the largest and the furthest south of the Marianas. The entire island is divided into 18 villages or cities. They are:

• Agana Heights
• Agat
• Asan
• Barrigada
• Dededo
• Hagatna (formerly called Agana)
• Inarajan
• Mangilao
• Merizo
• Mongmong
• Piti
• Santa Rita
• Sinajana
• Talofofo
• Tamuning
• Umatac
• Yigo
• Yona

While all of these have had their place in Guam’s formation and culture, some of the most significant are Agana Heights, Agat, Hagatna, Merizo, Tamuning, Umatac, and Yona.

Agana Heights

2006-06-28T20:04:13Z

Agana Hights has, for as long as the island has been in existence, been an important area in Guam. This was obvious even to those who came into Guam; thus before the second World War, the US military was located in the area. The Japanese military followed suit when they came; after the war post-war camps stayed. Now a significant hospital stands where many buildings were destroyed.

Agana Heights is a favorite locale for residents of Guam and visitors. It lies above the village of Hagatna on a plateau and near Agana Bay. You can even see most of the bay and Central Guam from there. Even the hills in Agana Heights offer unaffected beauty and the “old spirits” that many villages believe still live in the untouched bamboo and trees. It is also one of the primary residential areas on Guam. The Government House, the Out Lady of the Blessed Sacrament church, the first Baptist church on Guam, and other important building are located in Agana heights. They even have a baseball field (one of their favorite hobbies), roller-skating rink, gym, and community center. It’s no wonder that people love Agana Heights.

Agat

2006-06-28T20:04:41Z

The village of Agat is located on the west of Guam south of Apra Harbor. It was a military garrison for the Spanish when they first came to the island, one of only six 18th century settlements in Guam. The idea was that it could be used to control the people and force them to Christianity, and it worked to some degree (as is evident by the 85% of Guam’s population claiming Catholicism as their religion).

As of the year 2000, Agat had over 5,600 people, and it is the home to some of Guam’s famous attractions like the War in The Pacific National Historical Park and the Spanish Bridge. Though Agat is one of Guam’s larger villages, it is not very diverse. Most of the people living in Agat are the indigenous Chamorro.

At one time, it was attempted that Agat be made Guam’s capital; however, money ran out, and the project was abandoned. However, it still has remained an important territory of Guam. When the U.S. liberated Guam in the 19th century, Agat was helped to create a municipal government. Later, after World War II many homeless Guamanians moved to Agat as a part of a new residential community.

Hagatna

2006-06-28T20:05:06Z

Hagatna, former called (and still sometimes referred to as) Agana, is the capital of Guam and is located on the west of the island. The village had just over a thousand residents in its last census all living in the tiny dot on the map of Guam’s shore (only 1 mi²), making it one of the most urban villages of small physical area.

Even before the Spanish took over Guam, Hagatna was a renowned village. However, the Spanish’s arrival and the donation of the land by the Chief to the Church caused most of the indigenous people to have to move to the city, making it even more prominent. Hagatna was the seat of government when Spain was in Guam and remained that way when Guam was purchased by the United States. By the middle of the 1900s, nearly 10,000 people lived in the tiny city – over half of the population of Guam!

Unfortunately, the village of Hagatna was damaged horribly by naval attack during World War II, but the U.S. Navy formed a reconstruction plan that involved building new city streets and other systems to help rebuild the city. Still, many of the former residents settled in other areas of the island. Today, those visiting Hagatna will still be able to see building remains of the Spanish era, the very famous Latte Park, and miles of beautiful beaches and hills.

Merizo

2006-06-28T20:05:32Z

At the most southern point in Guam lies the village of Merizo, also often called Malesso, home of over 2,000 people on its 6 square miles. When the Spanish first attempted their missionary efforts on the island of Guam, a resistance was housed in Merizo. Even so, the village was the location of the second parish established on the island. During the rule of the Spaniards, many people from other Mariana Islands were forced to move to the village as well. In recent years, Merizo has become a fairly popular place for tourists with its Southern Comfort Ranch and Merizo Pier (where you can take a ferry to the Cocos Island Resort). There are also some well-known and liked places to dive off of the coast in Merizo.

Tamuning

2006-06-28T20:06:02Z

Another western-shore city (or village as the Guamanians call it), Tamuning had over 18,000 residents in its last census. It is a municipality with an economy primarily funded by the U.S. military located there. However, it is also a big tourist area with its immaculate golf courses, exciting duty-free shopping, and incredible aquatic opportunities like jet skiing, lying on the beach, fishing, snorkeling, and more. In fact, the tourist center of Guam – Tumon – is located here. Because of its close proximity, about 90% of the tourists that visit are from Japan.

However, Tamuning is more than just a tourist or military city. It is the economic center of Guam and is home to the largest road on the island, commercial districts, the Antonio B. Won pat International Airport, and the Guam Army National Guard among many other things.

Umatac

2006-06-28T20:06:32Z

The municipality of Umutac (which consequently is also spelled Humutac) is located on the south-west of Guam and has approximately 890 people living there. However, despite its seemingly small size, Umatac is an important village in Guam. It is most likely the location of Ferdinand Magellan’s arrival on Guam – the first contact that the Guamanians had with the West. The second Spanish explorer to arrive – Miguel Lopez de Legazpi – also landed in Umatac bay when he claimed Guam for Spain.

When the Spanish officially settled the island, Umatac became a parish where the Chamorros were forced to convert to Christianity. When the U.S. Administration took over Guam in 1898, the little village began to grow and has been growing since. The Discovery Day is a festival that the village has every year to celebrate Chamorro culture and in memory of Magellan discovering the island. Two Spanish forts from this era still stand in part and are evidence of the village’s past.

Yona

2006-06-28T20:07:01Z

Yona, home to approximately 5½ thousand people, lies on the east coast of Guam between Pago and Togcha rivers. It is primarily a residential area, though in the past it was a farming community. Historically, Yona has had a rough time. In World War II, the Japanese forced Chamorros to march to prison camps in Yona. Even now, Japanese tanks still sitting in the area remind the people of the war and pain they survived. However, the present and hopefully the future may represent better days for the village. Today, one of the favorite golf courses on all of Guam is located in Yona along with two other golf courses, a beach park, and two absolutely breathtaking falls.

Guam - Activities and Attractions

2006-07-26T18:10:02Z

Guam - A One Week Itinerary

2006-07-26T18:11:11Z

Guam - Major Cities and Regions

2006-07-26T18:12:47Z

Guam - The People and the Culture

2006-07-26T18:17:57Z

Beginner's Guide to Guam

Will I have enough time to visit historical attractions in Guam?

How's the shopping in Guam?

Is the nightlife in Guam a good option for a short vacation?

Guam - Major Cities and Regions Overview

Agana Heights

Agat

Hagatna

Merizo

Tamuning

Umatac

Yona

Guam - Activities and Attractions

Guam - Activities and Attractions Overview

Parks in Guam

Churches and Shrines in Guam

Forts in Guam

Guam - A One Week Itinerary

Guam - A One Week Itinerary Overview

How do I get around Guam on a one week vacation?

Where do I stay in Guam on a one week vacation?

What historical attractions can I visit in Guam on a one week vacation?

Guam - Major Cities and Regions

Guam - Major Cities and Regions Overview

Agana Heights

Agat

Hagatna

Guam - The People and the Culture

Guam - The People and the Culture Overview

Guam's Ancient Chamorro Culture

Guam's Spanish Culture

Guam's Japanese Culture