Guam

Guam’s capital, Hagatna, is approximately 3km from Apra Harbor.

Apra Harbor is itself a visitor destination, with numerous historic buildings from Spanish rule.

Shuttles often run to Tumon, slightly farther away, where most hotels and tax-free shopping malls are based.

Take a printable map with you.

Asan Overlook, one of Apra Harbor’s largest Guam attractions, is a World War II memorial site. Names of men and women who endured the Japanese occupation are carved into its walls. From the overlook, visitors see Apra Harbor Guam and the battle area where US Marines first stormed the beach to liberate Guam on July 21st, 1944. Liberation Day still ranks among Guam’s major national holidays and is celebrated each July, with most events held in Hagatna.

Guam is Micronesia’s largest island, only 30 miles long and under 9 miles wide. It is America’s gateway to the West Pacific and Asia and a thriving international resort. Coral reefs ring its dramatic coast and white sand beaches, with clear crystalline waters rich in exotic marine life, balmy tropical weather and gentle trade winds. Natural beauty combines with the high-rise hotel and resort complexes along Tumon and Agana beaches, and nearby restaurants, malls, golf courses, water sports and entertainment facilities to create a perfect…

Two Lovers’ Point, or Puntan Dos Amantes, forms Tumon Bay’s northern tip and is an essential Guam sight. Legend says two star-crossed lovers, forbidden by their parents to marry, tied their hair together and jumped from the 378-foot cliff. The point overlooks gleaming white-sand beaches and lush hillsides beside the Philippine Sea and central Guam. Two Lovers’ Point lookout tower admission is $3.00 per person.

Tumon Bay is bordered by many of Guam’s most elegant hotels, positioned along white sand beside sparkling aqua water. Towering green cliffs frame Guam’s favourite playground at either end. Explore the public parks and beaches, alongside numerous shopping options. Across most of Tumon Bay, the reef reaches almost a mile into the sea, sheltering the water from the ocean and supporting enjoyable water activities.

Beside the Hagatna Boat Basin and Paseo Stadium, I Sengsong Chamorro Village gives visitors an introduction to Guam’s culture, lifestyle and cuisine. This compact shopping village has local foods and handicrafts. Vendors offer clothing, handicrafts, bananas and betel nuts, while small booths send out the aroma of freshly cooked seafood, fried chicken, pancit, barbecued ribs and other local delicacies as cooks stir steaming pots.

Guam’s bus network is limited, though it can travel around the island. Taxis are common but expensive, so many tourists choose them.

In most places Guam roads have little, if any, shoulder, so bicycle travel is unsafe. Cyclists are often unpopular with the island’s general road traffic. For tourists, Guam rental cars are truly the only option. Even pedestrians are commonly seen carrying a stick to beat back the unusually high population of wild dogs. A rental car offers transport and safety when visitors do not know the area.

Apra Harbor is also a popular Guam attraction because of its high level of activity. Scuba diving and fishing trips often leave from the harbor shores. Anyone booking a diving or fishing trip from Apra Harbor needs to arrange it ahead of time, as the booking offices are not on the harbor itself: much of it is commercial or military. Fishing trips are especially popular, travelling to the Mariana Trench, one of the world’s best-known places for fishing and catching blue marlin.

Guam’s duty-free status means tariffs are absent from many quality international name-brand products, producing lower prices for watches, perfumes, leather goods, spirits and other luxury items.

The Micronesia Mall in Dededo, Guam Premier Outlets in Tamuning, K-Mart in Upper Tumon and Agana Shopping Center are the largest retail outlets. Each sells individual, home and office goods alongside luxury and gift items, with restaurants that serve business people and tired shoppers. Trolleys to the main malls cost $3 per trip or a $10 day pass.

The official currency is the US dollar (USD).

Tipping is expected and widespread in America. Although Americans debate the correct levels and who merits a tip, these are generally accepted standard rates:

At full-service restaurants, tip 15-20%. This is often the wait(ress)’s only income, and can be paid in cash or added to the credit card slip. Few venues automatically add a service charge, so choose any extra tip yourself and check the bill.

English and Chamorro are the official languages.