Guam is unique and complex. It looks like one thing on the surface, but it’s entirely another animal underneath. Save time, money, and embarrassment on your trip (or move) to Guam with these tips! You can thank us later.

Chamorron is not a word

Newbies mistake the name of Guam’s indigenous people with the insulting misnomer ‘Chamorron.’ The correct designation, Chamorro, describes the people, language, food, and culture. Chamorros consider themselves Americans and have all the rights of U.S. citizenship. Respect them by not inserting “moron” into any part of their moniker.

The rest of Guam looks nothing like Tumon

Let’s face it, Tumon would fit right in at Disney’s Epcot Center as Americaland. That’s all well and good, but there is more to Guam than luxury shopping and hamburgers. The few square miles of Guam’s tourist center are perfect for lodging, shopping, dining, entertainment, and beaches, however, to experience the island’s historical sites, rugged beaches, and rolling hills, venture outside of Tumon. Read our guide to a Lazy Southern Drive or Go North!

You will have Shark’s Cove to yourself

In fact, there are many exotic beaches that are often void of any people, especially the secluded ones! Most visitors head straight to Tumon Bay simply because it’s close, convenient, and easily accessible. Follow our directions and maps to explore the island’s most rugged, dramatic, and secluded beaches from Ritidian to Talofofo Bay.

Hire a car, bus, or taxi to get around

There’s no public transportation system to speak of, so budget time and money to hire a car, bus, or taxi. Guam may look compact on a map, but you can’t get very far on foot due to the heat, distance, and lack of signage or sidewalks outside of Tumon.
View the Red Trolley route from to/from Micronesia Mall and major hotels. Most visitors use the trolley or taxi, which is more expensive. View an interactive map of trolley stops. Read more about transportation on Guam.

There’s no such thing as a fast lane

Research shows (and Guam proves) that life near the equator just moves slower than elsewhere. There are no freeways and no fast lanes on Guam, but who needs one when you’re on vacation? Residents are notorious for running red lights and pausing at green ones. Take a chill pill and just go with the (slow) flow when you get behind the wheel.  Remember that you probably came to Guam to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life anyway.

There are two temperatures on Guam: hot and hotter

Or should we say, humid and humider. Guam’s temperature ranges between 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit with a humidity level of 60-80% throughout the year. Its dry season runs between January and June, while the rainy season is between July and December. The months of January through March are generally the coolest with June through August being the hottest. Come prepared with lightweight clothing, a hat, water bottle, umbrella, sunglasses, and good walking shoes. Find out more about What to Wear on Guam.

Be typhoon ready

Guam has no storm sirens, so evaluate weather conditions before you go out on the water. Fortunately, typhoons approach with some warning, however, earthquakes do not. Tsunamis are possible even if a quake strikes hundreds of miles away. June to September is storm season, so check the national news for weather updates. Tsunami evacuation routes are indicated with blue signage on major roads. Read our Guide to Typhoon Readiness for more information.

Sundays are dead

Perhaps because Guam is predominantly Catholic, businesses close early, open late, or not at all. Check restaurant listings before you go to see what’s open on Sundays. Some restaurants may be open for dinner only. Hotel buffets are always an option if you don’t mind spending $30+ per person for Sunday brunch, which is usually quite elaborate, varied, and good.

Guam geckos are harmless

Can you believe we were afraid of these little guys when we moved here five years ago? The Guam gecko is quite cute and completely harmless and that’s why he is part of our logo. They don’t crawl on people because like most things that are .000001% the size of humans, they are terrified and scurry away. You may also encounter banana spiders, which look menacing but are also non-poisonous and non-confrontational.

You won’t see a brown tree snake

Despite news stories to the contrary, the brown tree snake doesn’t harass the people of Guam. In fact, the snakes are reclusive jungle-dwellers, content to stay away from humans wielding traps, machetes, or cars. You would only be likely to see a snake during a boonie stomp or at UnderWater World in a glass cage.

Contraceptives are contraband

Buying birth control on Guam is a little like smuggling arms into the Gaza Strip. The only place to buy toiletries en masse is the hyperbolized “largest Kmart in the world,” which translates the only Kmart still in business. The pure frustration of the BC-buying event has forced the family planners among us to perform the task like a choreographed CIA mission. Contraceptives are located in a formidable glass case adjacent to the pharmacy window. To heighten the embarrassment of buying the stuff, it’s necessary to press a large red button to get the attention of whichever staffer carries the key to said case. (The first time we saw the red button, we couldn’t discern if it was more like the Batphone or the “Big Red Button” of the Cold War). You’d think once you get the stuff, you could tuck it under some cereal box you picked up just to conceal unmentionables in your cart. Wrong. Customers aren’t even allowed to touch a box of condoms. Once it’s selected, the dutiful Kmart employee takes it to a ‘courtesy desk’ for you while you wait in line. In a short 30 minutes, you arrive at the cash register wishing you had never been born.

You can, however, buy higher-priced, off-brand contraceptives with ease at gas stations and mom ‘n pop shops, though not many carry them.

Tax and gratuity are usually included

Gross Revenue Tax (GRT) of 4% is added to everything and often 10% gratuity is added at restaurants, no matter how big your dining party. Check your bill or ask your server if you’re not sure. It’s perfectly fine to leave an additional 5-10% for great service. Hotel Occupancy Tax is 11% and is tacked on automatically.

(Most) all the beaches are free

With the exception of a few resorts such as Coco Palm Beach Resort, all the island’s beaches and respective parks are free. Take that, Caribbean islands! Some beaches are inaccessible because they are on private property, so if you see a ‘No Trespassing’ sign, stay out.

Take to the hills

Don’t visit Guam without venturing to Guam’s sparsely-populated southern hills. It’s easy enough to rent a car and drive south, stopping along the way at ocean overlooks, historical sites, cultural spots, and untamed beaches. After all, Guam is only 32 miles long. If you’re a history buff, you will enjoy stopping at all the WWII sites, some of which even have audio tours. Read our guide to a Lazy Southern Drive.

Go ahead. Relax.

“Hafa Adai” is to Guam what “Soon come” is to Jamaica. It’s a Chamorro greeting, to be accurate, but it can also be translated “half-a-day is all you’ll have left after you wait in line.” This is not because lines are particularly long (except at Christmas or at Ross), but because people move slower. This is an island. In the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Near the equator. Life is slow. Take a deep breath, it won’t kill you to wait an extra 15 minutes.

Guam is the largest, southern-most island in the Marianas Islands of Micronesia. A thriving tourist economy located halfway between mainland America and Asia, this island takes pride in its people, landscape, and fiesta plate.

Population: 165,000

Known for: Beautiful beaches, exotic marine life, World War II history

Climate: Tropical. Expect 85 degrees F (30 C) and 100% humidity year-round. Typhoons are not uncommon during rainy season from August to January. Dry season extends from February to July. Every day is sunscreen weather.

Prior to arrival: As a U.S. territory, American citizens may enter Guam with any government-approved form of identification. Global visitors with a passport issued by Australia, Brunei, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Nauru, New Zealand, Papua New Guiana, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom may participate in the federally-approved visa wavier program and enter Guam or the CNMI for 15 days without a visa. All other visitors should contact local government about obtaining a U.S. visa prior to booking flights and making travel arrangements (because been there, done that, got stuck in the airport!)

On arrival: You will be asked to fill out a customs form on the plane. As an island, Guam is extremely vulnerable to invasive species. Even the smallest rhino beetle or sticky bird stuck to a shoelace can create enormous problems. As a general rule, no live animals or plant specimens allowed. Don’t bring fresh fruit or vegetables, and don’t try to take any away.

If you are moving to Guam with a pet, tell your vet at least 30 days out, and begin to assemble to necessary paperwork.

Getting around: Although Guam is a small island, few places outside Tumon are ideal for pedestrians. If you are checking into Tumon, you can walk the strip to bars and restaurants, but your experience of the island will be limited. Taxicabs are notoriously overpriced, costing $15-20 to go from the airport to hotel row, so whenever you book a tour, make sure transportation is included.

Plan to rent a car, for at least one day and drive around the island – just keep the ocean to your right, and you’ll never get lost! The trip from Marine Drive, down around Inarahan, and back up through Yigo can be done in three hours, but take your time and stop along the way at parks, beaches, and tuba stands.

Getting by: Nearly everyone on Guam speaks the lingua franca English, but the language of the indigenous people is Chamorro, and many local signs reflect this. Common phrases include…

Hello: Hafa Adai

Thank you: Si Yu’os Ma’åse’

Goodbye: Adios

What to see: Don’t leave Guam without going swimming! One of the best things about any island is the ocean that laps on its shores. From Ritidian down to Ipan, the water is teaming with mountains of porites coral and flocks of butterfly fish. If you plan on sticking around, get SCUBA certified and visit the Tokai and Kitsamaru in Apra Harbor – this is the only place in the world, where you can see a ship from WWII sunk on top of a ship from WWI.

Hidden away in the jungle, there are dozens of waterfalls and pools for adventurous hikers and memorials to the great battles of the Second World War’s Pacific Arena.

What to eat and drink: Throughout the year, each village hosts its own fiesta, piling picnic tables with the best food Guam has to offer. Though this celebration of life and blessings comes but once a year, the food is available year round, if you know where to look. The island’s starch of choice is rice, or on special occasions, red rice. Fiesta plate specials often include lemon-marinated keleguin, soy sauce-soaked BBQ and cups of local finadene.

For quick bites, check out the mom ‘n’ pop stores for empanadas and musubi, or road side fruit stands for local mangos, calamansi, and sweet corn. This year, Guam Guide readers voted Meskla the best place for Chamorro food and Proa the best place for BBQ.

Listen to: “Inner Voices” by Marianas Homegrown, “Ya Ni Hayi Un Kuentos” written by JD Crutch and covered by Nikita Mendiola, and “Paycheck” by the John Dank Show, “Will You Be There” by Pia Mia, “Don’t Blame it on the Cha Cha Cha” by David Lee Evans, “All Out of Spam” by Malafunksun.

Read: The Massacre at Atåte by Jose Torres, The Pacific Daily News, Guam Daily Post “Sunday Edition.”

Watch: “Talent Town” directed by Don and Kel Muña

Guam is a food-lover’s playground, and if you’re planning a trip there you can expect a plethora of cuisines and quite a few culinary surprises. On a budget? No problem. Our restaurant round-up includes joints that won’t break the bank. Don’t forget to check out Discountrue.com for Priceline coupons that can save you money on flights and hotels. Read on to learn more about the best places to eat on Guam!

Fuji Ichiban

Looking for great Japanese food during your trip to Guam (or just a hangover cure)? Well, your search has ended, as Fuji Ichiban is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The fried sweet and sour chicken comes highly recommended. Be forewarned: the lines can be long and the restaurant is usually quite busy. It’s essentially the equivalent of a Japanese fast food joint, but who cares when the food is this good?

The Italian Restaurant Debate

It is probably hard to believe that Guam would be the location of not one, but three popular Italian restaurants. Capricciosa is geared more towards family style dining and providing a large quantity of food at an affordable price. On the other hand, Vitale’s aims to offer a more authentic Italian dining experience and provides diners with rich, satisfactory meals. Best of all, each meal that you consume at Vitale’s comes with its own loaf of bread and you can also add cheesy bread on the side for an affordable price. We highly recommend Gabriel’s Italian in Agana. Don’t be discouraged by the shabby decor — this places delivers heaping bowls of pasta and legendary Italian bread, all for a very reasonable price.

House of Brutus

Some foreign travelers are not fully prepared to enjoy the taste of another culture and are merely in search of a restaurant that allows them to maintain the same eating habits that they have become accustomed to. The House of Brutus offers travelers the chance to enjoy some great music as they chow down on the burgers and fries that they know and love.

Mosa’s Joint

This restaurant is more than just a mere burger joint, as Mosa’s offers a number of interesting takes on the classic dinner time option. The prices remain close to the Guam average and diners are able to enjoy bar food that is done right. Don’t mistake this quality restaurant for the shady bars that are located close by. The burgers are award-winning and the walls are filled with colorful artwork that is supplied by the locals.

Misoya

Those who value restaurants that use only the freshest and most natural ingredients would do well to head to Misoya during their Guam sojourn. While many foreign travelers view ramen noodles as an inexpensive dining option for struggling students, Misoya’s take on the dish will have you reconsidering this point of view. Their servers are highly attentive and provide rapid and efficient service, as well.

The higher the climb, the better the view and the better the jump. There are few things in this world as simple and exciting as leaping off a jagged rock, soaring through the air, and plunging into a cool pool below. When you jump, you feel just like a kid again, whose biggest worry is making the biggest splash.

Check out some of Guam’s best natural high dives:

Priest’s Pools

Priest’s Pools is a hike in southern Guam. The Yledigao River cascades along terraces of basalt lava as it heads toward the ocean. The water is cool and somewhat clear. Jumping into Priest’s Pools is a test of courage, as you can’t see the bottom from the ledge. Be sure to test the depth of the waters before you jump in!

To get there: From Route 4, just south of Merizo Pier, turn onto Chalan Joseph A. Cruz. Turn left just before Merizo Elementary School at dead-end road. Follow the unmarked trail through sword grass covered hills for about 20 minutes.

Turtle Cove

This secluded cove on the edge of a gemstone sea is named for the shape of the limestone carved out by the ocean. Climb up the rocky staircase on the back of the turtle, shout “cowabunga,” and leap off its head, a 15-foot drop into Ylig Bay.

To get there: Take Route 4 south into Yona. After passing Pago Bay, and two supermarkets—7 Day and Day Buy Day—start down the long, curving hill. Take the dirt road on the left, halfway down, and drive in far enough to be out of the way. Take the path on the ocean side of the road, and head down the steep hill, until you come to the beach. If no one has been here in a while, great banana spiders will have spun their webs overhead, shriek if you must, but also take solace in the fact that you have come across a rarely trodden path.

Tarzan Pools

A large freshwater pool fed by the Ylig River, Tarzan Pools has a great rope swing that will make you feel like the king of the jungle. Allow at least two hours, to get down and back, and pack sunscreen.

To get there: Take Route 4 south into Yona, hang a right at the stop light, onto Route 17, and keep right at the fork after Windward Hills Golf Course. Long before you hit Santa Rita, there will be a clearing on the right, with shoes hanging off the telephone poles like Christmas tree lights. This is the place to park. Soon after you start, the path will fork, left to Tarzan Falls, so continue straight to the pools. Soon, the path will open up into a confusing red dirt field, without a clear trail. Veer left, down the slope and follow trail markers through the sword grass field, watching out for steep potholes along the way. After a ways, stone steps will bring you down to the Ylig River. From there, head right, downriver, until you find the large pool.

Lower Sigua

In a valley surrounded by palms and papayas, sheltered from the heat of day, is a cool, deep pool filled by a 75-foot waterfall. Halfway down the fall, juts a small ledge that was made for jumping. Take a leap through the fall, and float in the freshwater below—the perfect reward after the long and difficult hike.

This is my favorite hike on Guam—I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve made it, and how many times I got lost trying. Before heading out, look over The Guam Guide photo map and pack plenty of water.

Upper Sigua

At least once a year, one of the local papers reports someone being airlifted out of Sigua with a broken back. Apparently some stupid boys aren’t satisfied with the leap from Lower Sigua and get the bright idea that they have to jump off the top of the waterfall to prove their manliness and stuff. That’s a 75-foot fall into a pool that never gets deeper than 10 feet.

On two occasions, I have come to lower Sigua and looked up find to a bunch of guys egging each other on. The bravest was the guy who said forget it, and took the long climb back down.

Inarajan Pools

Manmade pools don’t compare to beautiful natural wells filled and filtered by the ocean. Right off Route 4, Inarajan Pools is a great place to set up a picnic and spend the day. While it used to be a highlight of the area, the concrete diving board is now an accident waiting to happen. Over the years, the weather has taken a toll on the structure, ripping most of the board off. The platform cuts off a full yard from the shallow water, so you will find yourself trying to take a long walk off a short pier.

Use Caution

Always swim around the area first, and make sure it is deep enough—daily tides alter offshore water depth, and rainfall affects freshwater pools, rivers, and waterfalls. Waterfalls are more intense during in Rainy Season, (July through November), but it is also more difficult to get through the rivers.

Just because that writer on The Guam Guide (ahem, me) said this was a good spot to jump off, doesn’t mean you should do so blindly—after all this is the same girl who said you should eat pickled eggs.

Read these tips for water safety on Guam.

Remind me how this World Peace thing is supposed to work. You just take a bunch of people from around the world and strand them on an island until they’re all friends. Right?!

Of the 1.3 million tourists to visit the island in 2013, Guam Visitors Bureau said half came from Japan, 169,000 from South Korea, 65,000 from the U.S. mainland, and some 39,000 from Taiwan. The island is also home to some 12,000 military personal, and according to The World Factbook, a local population of 160,000 Chamorro, Filipino, Chuukese, Korean, Chinese, Palauan, Japanese, and Pohnpeian peoples.

Though most of us speak English, drink Coca-Cola and get ample amounts of vitamin D, how to get along in a culturally diverse place isn’t always obvious. You’ll learn about island-time soon enough, but many social cues are subtle and easily overlooked.

You talking to me?

My relatives pride themselves on using insults to show how honest and caring they are. If you love someone, you call their cooking salty or and tell them they smell like soup. The direct and assertive nature of mainland U.S. culture can enough of a shock to newcomers that Harvard’s International Office found the need to explain, “Being honest is often seen to be more important than preserving harmony in interpersonal relationships. Being assertive in expressing opinions or making requests is considered acceptable, and even necessary.”

Almost in direct opposition, Everyculture observes that family members of the Federated State of Micronesia (FSM) show respect by avoiding each other, “Micronesian etiquette reflects the emphasis on harmonious, nonassertive, and respectful behavior. In public, people tend to speak cautiously and avoid confrontation with others.” The University of Hawaii’s guide to “Serving Micronesian Youth and Families,” further elaborates on avoiding eye contact and bragging.

Though these are two very different ways of showing respect, the underlying motive is just that – respect.

Get ready to get close

‘Hello’ might as well be Chamorro for mistletoe, as people often greet one another with a single cheek-kiss. Cultural blog The Anthrotarian notes the Spanish do a double kiss, beginning with the right cheek, and Filipinos do a “cheek-to-cheek kiss, not a lips-to-cheek kiss.”

If you’ve never been publicly kissed by a stranger it can be extremely awkward at first, but follow what others are doing, and it will become as natural as meeting a high-five.

Additionally, Chamorros emphasize respect for older generation of manamko. On Guampedia, Lina Taitingfong writes, “Manamko are the living Chamorro encyclopedia.” To show respect to the elderly, one bows and sniffs the hand, to take in their essence. As always, Planet Kyle puts the nail to the hammer and reminds everyone to keep their hands clean.

While it is polite to accept these gestures, most people won’t give it a second thought if you turn a cheek-kiss into a handshake.

Living in a material world

An easy way to offend someone is to make her feel like you ripped her off. So don’t forget to tip!

Along with federal U.S. minimum wage, Guam also adopts the American custom of subsidizing a server or bartender’s pay with tips. Because it is not customary to tip in China, Japan, or Korea, many restaurants will calculate 10 to 20 percent gratuity and add it to the bill, but usually print that on the menu.

The question I have long struggled with is whether to tip the chef at my favorite rotary sushi spot, after all Japanese do not tip – but he is working in an American territory.

Culture shock is a kind of earthquake

Interacting with different cultures is unavoidable, but it’s also a lot of fun – before moving to Guam, I never knew how to make kelaguen, open a coconut with my teeth, or swear in any language other than English.

When meeting new people, always it helps to have a good sense of humor and an open mind. While an American friend might wear their favorite band on their t-shirt, it might take you a year to learn that your Japanese friend is really into jazz. Call me an idealist, but I believe most people are cool, in their own strange way, and through mutual respect and understanding, we just might be able to get along.

By Keisha Harrold

If you are visiting Guam and are looking for a beautifully unique experience, then you’ll love Mount Lam Lam! The views are impressive, on one side looking over the lush hills of the island and on the other side gazing into the ocean’s horizon. This hike is fairly short, but in the end you’ll have bragging rights for climbing “The World’s Tallest Mountain.”

Mount Lam Lam is the highest peak on the island of Guam. If you think about where this island is placed, rising 37,820 feet above the floor of the Marianas Trench, then measuring from the bottom of sea level to the tip of this peak — Mount Lam Lam is the tallest mountain in the world! This submerged mountain is full of secrets waiting to be found.

What to Bring for Hiking Mount Lam Lam

Make sure to bring water. The hike is uphill and fairly windy, plus you can become dehydrated very quickly in Guam’s heat.

Apply sunscreen before you go. There’s really no escape from the sun on this hike, so be sure to protect your skin.

Don’t forget your camera. You’ll want to capture the breathtaking views.

It might be worth wearing longer pants to avoid scrapes and cuts from the sword grass in sections of the hike, or for if you get an urge to go off the path a bit.

Bring snacks to enjoy. Personally, I like the idea of doing some sort of simple picnic at the top of Lam Lam while watching the sunset with friends. Of course, that’s optional.

Read all of our tips for safe hiking on Guam.

Directions to Mount Lam Lam

The mountain is located near the village of Agat, in the south-west of the island. The trailhead is pretty easy to find. Every year the trail is used for a tradition by local Catholics of stationing large crosses upon the secondary peak. The path is well worn and there shouldn’t be problems to finding your way up the mountain.

If you are coming from Tumon Bay, it will take approximately 40 minutes to reach the trailhead.

Turn right (south) onto Marine Corps Drive and continue on Route 1.

You will be forced to turn left before entering the Navy base. This will lead you onto Route 2A, continue onto Route 2.

You’ll reach Agat, drive through and continue approximately 3 miles.

You will see a red wall on the right side where you can park, the trailhead is on the left, across the street. There is a small green trail sign by the head.

If you reach Umatac you’ve gone too far and need to turn around.

Lam Lam Means “lightning” in the local language, Chamorro. On this evening, Mount Lam Lam certainly lived up its name. From the top of the mountain we watched a cloud in the distance as the sun was setting. Every few minutes the cloud would flash with the beauty of lightning. It was extraordinary. Every time someone hikes to the top of Mount Lam Lam they are sure to have a unique experience.

Whether you are with a group or by yourself, don’t miss out on hiking this mysterious mountain. Find out for yourself what is so spectacular and maybe it will share a secret with you.

Among history buffs, Guam is famous not for its glittering beaches and luxury shopping, but for its role in the Pacific WWII battles between the Allied forces and Japan. Just four hours after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Japanese planes attacked Guam, marking the start of an invasion that lasted until the Battle of Guam in 1944. After weeks of fighting, the U.S. recaptured Guam at the expense of 7,000 American and 17,500 Japanese lives.

Today, the jungles and beaches of brutal combat are eerily serene. Starting in Tumon, you can spend a day visiting pillboxes and guns hidden in the jungle-flanked cliffs, peering into Japanese tunnel systems, and touring two excellent museums devoted to Guam’s military history. Follow our guide to experience WWII in one day…

Tumon Beach Pillboxes

Take advantage of Guam’s cool mornings by starting your day walking the length of Tumon Beach. There are several Japanese pillboxes scattered on the water’s edge from Ypao Beach to the craggy bluffs beneath the Hotel Nikko. These fortifications were built as part of the Japanese defensive, but because American forces landed farther south, they were never tested. Today, beachgoers simply sunbathe beside them.

Guam Pacific War Museum

Next, grab your rental car and hit the privately owned Guam Pacific War Museum (Rte 6, Hagåtña). Though small, it holds a treasure trove of artifacts like helmets, weapons, and the personal belongings of soldiers on both sides. It’s also the easiest way to see equipment like airplanes remnants, hospital trucks and other land vehicles without going boonie stomping. This museum was established by the late Marine Corps Vietnam War veteran John Gerber in 2011 and won the prestigious Colonel John H. Magruder Award from the Marine Corps Historical Foundation. Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Asan Bay Overlook

Continue up Route 6 to visit the Asan Bay Overlook. This windblown site offers an aerial view of Asan Beach, also known as Invasion Beach. Some of Guam’s fiercest fighting took place on these sprawling cliffs and hillsides below. From here Japanese commanders launched a large but unsuccessful attack early the morning of July 26 in a final effort to push back Americans forces. Today, you’ll also find a memorial wall with the names of fallen American servicemen and Chamorro people who died during the Japanese occupation.

Asan Beach

This tranquil beach is the site of the initial landing of American marines in the Battle for Guam on July 21, 1944. By the day’s end, Asan and Agat (to the south) were both secured. Two torpedoes mark the entrance to memorialize the sacrifice of submariners. At the tip of the point is the Liberator’s Memorial, erected on the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of Guam to honor all U.S. forces involved in the recapture. If you choose to walk the Asan Ridge trail, you’ll encounter pillboxes, caves, and tunnels.

Piti Guns Unit

In the dense jungle above Piti, you’ll find three Japanese 140mm coastal defense guns stacked quietly alongside a steep ¾ mile trail. The trailhead is located behind the Our Lady of Assumption Church. Chamorro slave labor was used to haul and install the guns at the site, but the weapons were never fired. Today, they are the only guns on the entire island that remain in their original locations. The trail is well maintained, but can be slippery after a rain.

War in the Pacific National Historical Park Museum

Just outside the entrance to the naval base is the headquarters of the War in the Pacific National Historical Park. At its entrance is a 78-foot long Japanese submarine that ran aground in August 1944. Inside, museum displays detail Guam’s colonial history, the Japanese occupation, and a the day-by-day American recapture of the island. There’s also an excellent gift shop with relevant books, brochures, and souvenirs. Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Agat Beach

Agat was the second landing site of the southern assault for U.S. forces. The initial goals of the American campaign were to secure the Fonte Plateau and the Orote Peninsula, which held a crucial airfield. Today, the site is peaceful and still. There’s a 20cm short barrel naval gun and a 25mm double-barreled anti-aircraft machine gun at the beachside memorial. A quick walk along its adjacent trails reveals the bunkers and caves used by Japanese defenders, as well as panoramic views of the Orote Peninsula and Mt. Alifan.

Yokoi’s Cave

Shoichi Yokoi was a Japanese soldier who spent nearly three decades hiding in the jungle, unaware that the war had ended. His hideout, known as Yokoi’s Cave, is in Talofofo Falls Park ($12 for non-residents). This site is a replica of the original cave that is located a few miles away in Bubualo, which has since collapsed. A gondola ride over the waterfalls drops you off at a signed trail that eventually leads to his underground shelter. Today, his cave is protected by a fence, but there’s a nearby above-ground reproduction that shows a profile of the 9×3 ft. bamboo-lined hiding place. After his discovery in 1972, Yokoi returned to Japan as a hero and eventually married. Before his 1997 death, he reportedly vacationed in Guam several times.

Gun Beach

You’ll probably be feeling a bit heavy by the time you return to Tumon. Unwind at Gun Beach, where you can enjoy a fruity tropical drink at The Beach, Guam’s largest beach bar. Next, stroll down to the north end of the beach to visit one last historical site: another Japanese coastal gun. After the Battle for Guam, the war was just over a year away from ending. It’s oddly jarring to see the weapon juxtaposed alongside sun-drunk beachgoers, but there’s something moving in its close proximity to modern life. The Battle for Guam was brutal and bloody and should never be forgotten, and its tangible relics can still be touched—and touch us—today.

Most people move to Guam with a job in hand — either in the military or the private sector. Those of us adventurous (or crazy) enough to move here without employment often have difficulty finding a job. Why?

It’s not the lack of positions available on the island. There is never a week where no new jobs are posted. There are several factors that make it hard to find a job on Guam:

• Low pay
• Nepotism
• Slow hiring process
• Police and court clearance requirements

In this article, we will tell you how to overcome these difficulties and find a job on Guam.

How to Find High Paying Jobs

The 2010 U.S. Census showed that the average wage on Guam is $15-16/hour, which is an annual salary of $31,250. The Guam Bureau of Statistics and Plans reports that in 2010 the average individual income was $25,462. The latter seems more likely to me, having gotten to know a lot of locals since I moved here in 2009. As you may know, the cost of living on Guam is at least 50% higher than in many U.S. states. So, how can people survive on these low wages?

Simple: large households and food stamps. That being said, the low wages and high cost of living make surviving on Guam difficult for non-military individuals and families. The solution is to either arrive with a large savings account or to find a high paying job. Is that really possible on Guam?

Yes. There are high paying jobs, but as you would expect, they are in specialized industries like legal, management, architecture, engineering, and medical practition. Some employers are eager to fill these skilled positions and will gladly hire qualified, off-island candidates as the local population is generally not college educated. Yet, the largest number of available jobs are in food preparation and office support.

Unfortunately, there is no trick to finding a high paying job. Jobs that you might expect to pay well in the U.S. will pay several dollars less per hour on Guam.

If you have not moved to Guam yet, it’s a good idea to secure a job before you arrive or to arrive with enough money to live for 6-12 months (plus, a ticket home).

Visit the following for job postings:

• Pacific Daily News
• Guam Daily Post
• Guam Jobs Online
• Indeed Guam
• Guam DOL
• Simply Hired
• USA Jobs
• Craigslist (watch out for scams)

Dealing with Nepotism

There is no Chamorro word for nepotism, but the closest related word is pare’. Calling in favors and showing preferential treatment to family is not considered nepotism, even in the secular world. There is no negative connotation to the word pare’. In fact, it’s considered wrong to not give preferential treatment to family, especially when it comes to job openings! (Why would you not help your cousin, bro? He’s blood!) In fact, some jobs are posted, but have already been promised to someone, so they’re not really available.

This is especially true in the government of Guam. GovGuam jobs are highly sought after and rarely vacated. Government employees often stay in their positions for life, whether they’re qualified or not. This is the reality of living on a small island with a government and economic system that is relatively autonomous and largely unchecked by the Federal government.

There is nothing a newcomer can do about nepotism, but if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em! It’s okay to ask for favors and drop names. Word of mouth is powerful on a small island, so ask around to find jobs. Network with everyone you meet, including neighbors, school mates, and teachers. Let people know you are looking for a job. It’s not necessary to mention your qualifications — you don’t want to appear superior or overqualified. Just be sincere. Let people know why you’re on Guam and what kind of job you’re looking for. Follow up with anyone who says they know of an opening. (They probably won’t follow up with you.) Persistence can pay off, though you will likely have to lower your standards of pay and working environment if you are coming from the States.

Getting Hired Faster

Guam is an island. A tiny island. In the middle of the ocean. Far from everything. Things just move slower here. You’ll hear people use the phrase “if anything” a lot. It’s the local way of saying, “I may or may not do what I just said I’d do.” Promises are broken; deadlines are missed. That’s not going to change anytime soon.

Still, you should be on your A game when looking for work. Search the classifieds and job sites daily, have your resume current and ready to send, and follow up on applications weekly. Some employers are keen to fill positions quickly. It’s just impossible to know which ones aren’t. Never put all your eggs in one basket; it’s best to apply for as many jobs as possible.

Necessary Paperwork

There is no electronic system for background or credit checks on Guam, so all job applicants are required to provide a police and court clearance. There are faults with this system — most obviously, that off-islanders may have a criminal record elsewhere. But it is what it is, so buck up and get yours. Do not try to hurry through this process. You’ll have to go to two places (you guessed it) — the police station and the courts building. Budget plenty of time to stand in line at both.

The police clearance can be obtained at the GPD Records and ID Department in the ITC Building, first floor, suite 131. You will pay $7 for the police clearance and need to bring cash or local check. Call ahead to determine hours of operation: 671-475-8498/8506.

Visit Guam Judicial Center at 120 West O’Brien Drive in Agana for your court clearance. The cost is $10.

In most cases, these documents must be less than four months old to be considered current, but check with employers.

Start a Business

If all else fails, start your own business! Guam is a great place to do business because there is relatively low competition in certain markets. If you’re an innovator with a product or service that Guam needs but doesn’t have, do your homework and consider starting a business. Read our 5 Tips for a Smooth Move to Guam to learn how to be your own boss.

Need more info on moving to Guam? Read the Things Nobody Told Me About Moving to Guam.

While Guam is full of great dive spots, divers living here are also lucky to be just a short plane ride away from some of the most amazing diving spots in the world. This is a unique opportunity that should not be squandered for those passionate about diving and exploring the world under water. Guam’s most experienced divers weighed in on the top spots to dive in the region, and the top two by an overwhelming majority where Truk Lagoon in Chuuk and Palau. So if you can only manage one or two diving vacations while you are here, these come highly recommended.

Dr. Dianne Strong is a retired University of Guam professor with over 40 years of diving experience in the region and worldwide. Her top spots are in Chuuk and Palau, and her world traveler diving buddies agree. “I have made many friends in my 42 years of diving around the world, and many agree with me that Palau and Truk cannot be beat. It is such a blessing to have these dive locations in my ‘backyard,’” said Strong.

SCUBA Course Instructor for Micronesian Divers Association, Eric McClure, said his favorite dive destination is Truk Lagoon where you can dive on about 60 Japanese Wrecks.

Chuuk

Chuuk is about 1.5 hours southeast of Guam and Truk Lagoon is the known as the wreck diving capital of the world. Any diver worth his or her salt should dive the sunken armada of the Japanese Fourth Imperial Fleet at least once in their lifetime.

“The beauty of diving on a ship wreck is marrying Mother Nature’s handiwork in creating a rich artificial reef, coupled with the record of men who worked and possibly died on these ships. Truk has been called ‘the world’s greatest wreck dive.’ I have made 52 trips there to dive since June 1973,” said Strong.

The sea floor beneath the warm, clear waters of Chuuk Lagoon is steeped in history. It is a major shipwreck site from WWII, with the hulks having been transformed into amazing underwater museums and wonders of nature, holding the very best of the undersea world and maritime history at one site. Dubbed “ship-reefs,” the sites are as colorful as they are compact and offer hours of diving on each wreck.

Here, more than 80 hulks (40 hulks inside the reef and 40 outside) have been transformed into shipreefs, holding the very best of the undersea world and maritime history at one site. Hard and soft corals in a kaleidoscope of colors and shapes attract divers worldwide for both daytime and night diving. The vast selection of artifacts still found on the wrecks after six decades are testament to the unique history of the Micronesian Islands.

Kosrae

In Kosrae, it is not unusual for the visibility under the water on and around the pristine fringing reef of the island to reach 60 feet. There are over 172 types of hard coral and 10 types of soft coral, with an abundance of beautiful sea anemones and over 250 species of reef fish as well as other pelagic species that often venture near to the reef. Grey reef sharks, which are known to be quite harmless, are also a constant presence in and around the fringing reef. A diver could easily observe 30 to 50 species of fish in a single dive. Large numbers of turtles and rays inhabit the waters of this island paradise.

Imagine yourself diving and photographing a sheer vertical wall with hundreds of Pacific barracuda encircling you, feel your eyes widen in amazement at the huge and remarkably colorful coral reef systems, or watch the resident spinner dolphins as they jump and twirl for your entertainment.

Currents are usually mild and very condusive to underwater photography. If you don’t bring a camera, you’ll wish you did! The water temperature is normally a very comfortable 28 to 29 degrees C.

Palau

Palau is about 800 miles west southwest of Guam. Palau offers scuba divers the thrill of diving close to reef sharks, the luxurious feeling of drifting in the ocean currents along walls saturated with colorful coral, and the opportunity to float in a sea of jellyfish. Drift diving is very common in Palau. More than 1,300 types of fish inhabit the coral reef lagoon and adjacent islands. Japan occupied Palau after World War I and encouraged Japanese immigration there until World War II when the U.S. took over the region. Well preserved WWII wrecks make it a favorite for wreck diving. A number of Palau liveaboard diving packages include wreck diving at its best.

McClure said that while Truk Lagoon is his favorite, if he had to choose one destination to recommend to divers it would be Palau. “It would have to be Palau with a stop at Jellyfish Lake and Blue Corner where divers can have amazing interaction with sea life.” Strong also recommended Palau for the sea life, “Palau’s reefs are among the richest in the world,” she said.

Palau’s most popular dives are the Ngemelis Drop-Off (300-meter vertical drop), Blue Corner, Blue Holes, Big Drop Off, and German Channel.

Read our guide to Three Perfect Days in Palau.

Pohnpei

The capitol of the Federated States of Micronesia offers a peaceful island atmosphere with pristine dive spots to explore the miles of coral with manta rays, sharks, sea turtles, and barracudas. Sea anemones, soft corals and colorful gorgonian sea fans dot the enchanting underwater walls and dropoffs.

A short boat trip can be made to two neighboring atolls, Ant and Pakin, that exude the aura of paradise unspoiled. Here, the true meaning of pristine diving comes to the fore. Whether it be riding a raging current out to sea through an island pass or exploring a deep fan laden chasm, the atolls are a fantastic experience.

Read our guide to Three Perfect Days in Pohnpei.

Yap

Yap is a small, remote island with a strong and colorful culture with intriguing ancient traditions and legends. It is usually visited as a stop-over on the way to Palau and is famous for its waters where schools of tuna, dolphins and reef fish are found in abundance. Observing the greatly varied marine life on the reefs and in the channels has become a must for divers around the world. While clear waters and sheer dropoffs certainly describe Yap’s diving, one fact stands above the rest. Yap is the world’s foremost destination for seeing manta rays up close and personal. There is no other place on earth where they can be seen on such a consistent basis year ’round. This fact has catapulted Yap to the top on all lists of the finest diving attractions in the world.

“Not only is each dive special, the location and people I dive with make this sport unique,” said Strong. “I have friends who have been my dive guides in Chuuk, Palau, Bikini, Indonesia, the Maldives, the Galapagos Islands, etc. Diving is about exploring the water world of three-fourths of our planet, and at the same time sharing the experience with others who share our passion.”

SOURCES: R&R Magazine and FSM Visitors Board

It’s no secret that prices for almost everything are higher on Guam. This is just one of the things nobody told me about moving to Guam! At The Guam Guide, we’re always on the lookout for ways to save you time and money when buying food, apparel, or household items on Guam.

Avoid Grocery Stores on the First of the Month

Twenty-five percent of Guam residents receive government assistance (a.k.a. food stamps). Quest card accounts are replenished on the first of the month in the afternoon. Grocery stores look like Black Friday on the first so shop another time to avoid long lines and heavy crowds. The best time to shop is the morning of the first, because stores stock the shelves in anticipation of the afternoon. Plus, the aisles are usually empty! If you miss this golden shopping opportunity, wait until the fourth or fifth to avoid crowds.

Seniors Get 10% Off at Ross on Tuesdays

If you’re a senior (over 55), this is great news for you. If you’re not, it’s best to avoid Tuesdays altogether (and especially the morning) because the store is thick with moms and grandmothers getting their shop on, and they’re serious shoppers.

Buy Half a Piece of Produce

Because food is shipped a long way to Guam, it’s not that fresh to begin with. The longer is sits on the shelf, the shorter shelf life it has in your refrigerator. Produce on Guam is too expensive (compared to most places) to walk out of the store with something overripe, or worse, rotten. If you’re shopping for watermelon, or even cabbage, buy half. Often, Payless Supermarkets sells produce sliced in half and wrapped in plastic. This saves money because you know you’re getting what you paid for. Ask store employs to cut open any large fruit or vegetable you aren’t sure is still fresh.

Get Lower Prices at Mom ‘n Pop Stores

Guam has lots of small, unassuming grocery stores that offer lower prices than the big stores on certain food items. Compare prices at the mom ‘n pop stores to Payless Supermarkets and Cost-u-Less and make note of which has the best deal. For example, American Grocery in Dededo almost always comes in lower for cilantro. Happy Mart in Barrigada has an entire aisle dedicated to vegan food. Maxi Mart on Ypao Road is clean and well-stocked and is great for produce in a pinch.

Find Military Discounts on The Guam Guide

Many restaurants offer military discounts — usually 10% off. Military ID is required.

Ship to Store at Macy’s

Almost everyone who steps foot on Guam shops at Macy’s at least once. And for good reason — there is almost always a sale. Get deeper discounts by opening a Macy’s credit card account, clipping Macy’s coupons in the paper, or downloading the Savings Pass from Macys.com to your mobile device. Macys.com also ships to Guam so if your size is sold out at the store, order online and even have it shipped to the store!

Read our complete Shipping Guide to Guam.

Sign-up for Merchant Emails Online

Guam has lots of international merchants. Sign up for brand emails online to receive coupons and news of sales. For example, Calvin Klein in Guam Premier Outlets has 60% off sales. In addition, preferred members get a $25 reward for every $250 they spend. If you time your shopping right, you can pay next to nothing for name brand items. See also, Famous Footwear, Nine West, and BCBG in Guam Premier Outlets. Note: Not all international or Stateside offers are good on Guam. Inquire at individual stores for more information.

How do you save money on Guam? 

Chamorro people are generally open-minded when it comes to non-Chamorros marrying into the family. However, they are not prone to articulating their values, which often leads to confusion among non-Chamorro mates. Even when you ask “Why?” you may be faced with an answer like, “That’s just how we do it here,” or worse — “I don’t know.” The important thing is to keep digging for answers. These seven things you need to know will be a good start for anyone contemplating marriage to a Chamorro person.

Family

Chamorro culture is collectivist, as is about 70% of the world, unlike mainland U.S. culture which is individualistic. This vast difference in the involvement of family members in one’s marriage can lead to major misunderstandings and tension. It is perhaps one of the most prominent contrasts between U.S. and Chamorro culture.

Family is first in almost all situations — immediate family, then extended family, including relatives so distant they are simply termed aunties, uncles, or cousins.

The needs of the individual will almost never supersede those of the group. It’s not good form to promote oneself or stand out too much.

A matriarch usually presides over the family, having authority over younger women. (In some Micronesian islands this authority is almost total — an older woman can request the child of a younger woman and it must be given to her.) This can be difficult for a non-Chamorro woman who marries into the culture, especially if she and her husband live with family.

Money

Chamorro people are not particularly materialistic and in general, they are generous and hospitable. That being said, the Chamorro view of money is different than the mainland view. Because of strong family ties, there isn’t much of a separation of finances among family members — even adult children who have left their parents’ home. If a family member is sick or dies, even third and fourth cousins are expected to contribute.

In the U.S., the philosophy of “what’s yours is mine” doesn’t fly, so it can be shocking for non-Chamorro mates to find that large chunks of the family income can unexpectedly be designated for needy family members. It is not proper to turn down a family member when they ask for money, even among families of limited means.

Favors and reciprocity are as good as currency in some settings. Pare’ is a local term for a person that is connected in such a way that they deserve preferential treatment. It also refers to a certain value that is placed on a favor so that it is required to be paid back.

Chenchule’ usually refers to money or gifts that are obligatory at funerals, weddings, and births. According to Guampedia, “Chenchule’ is rooted in the core value of inafa’maolek that promotes interdependence within the community so as to provide for the well-being of the whole, rather than that of the individual.”

Learn more about chenchule on Guampedia.

Death

Funerals are a huge deal on Guam and throughout Micronesia. Among Catholics, and even not-so-religious people, there is an eight-day rosary during which family members gather. The body remains in the house while the family prays over it. The rosary isn’t optional; it is an established and obligatory part of Chamorro culture. Funerals on Guam are known to be far more expensive than even weddings, with money going to the priest, the church, and to feed family and friends for eight days.

Chamorros also commemorate the loved one on the anniversary of their death and that’s called a rosary as well. Family members are expected to take time off work and put off all other obligations during the rosary, even if it’s a distant relative who has died.

Learn more about Chamorro death customs on Guampedia.

Learn more about Chamorro culture and values in the documentary film, “American Soil, Chamorro Soul,” available now.

Land

Land on Guam is revered with a sort of mysticism and deep respect that is entirely lacking in the mainland United States. Family-owned land on Guam is extremely common, with extended families staying together in pockets around the island. Multi-family homes are common, as are multi-home lots. In addition, land ownership is a huge financial advantage, as property tax is relatively low. According to the Department of Revenue & Taxation, Guam real property taxes are 70% of the property’s appraised value. The amount due is 1/2% percent of that for buildings, or 1/8% percent of that for land.

Long fought-for and often-stolen land can be in a continued state of reacquisition by Chamorros. Long-standing legal battles are on-going in Guam courts. Government leases of land that belongs to the increasing numbers of  heirs of long-dead Chamorros may now be worth millions. Family land may be untouchable because of long-term leases, some of which may be 99 years long. One highly sought after corner of prime real estate was leased and then re-leased making it nearly impossible for the heirs of the original owner to have any rights in connection with their own property. Second-generation owners may have to accept just a few dollars from original lease agreements that did not account for inflation or increase in value, while the current tenant is making bundles on the hotel that was erected on the lot.

In addition, land acquisitioned by the U.S. military (some Chamorros regard this as stealing) is particularly contentious. This subject becomes even more complicated with families who have active duty servicemen and women.

Religion

Guam is 85% Roman Catholic, but like most indigenous cultures, Chamorros have their own spin on it. Yes, the Pope is revered. Yes, saints are honored. Yes, mass is observed. However, Chamorros have strong cultural values that stuck even through colonization by the Spanish, Japanese, and American forces.

Their strong reverence for ancestors plays a huge part in this unique brand of Catholicism. The Taotao Mona are said to be ancient spirits that are very much engaged with the living. Strongly entrenched beliefs about the Taotao Mona dominate everyday life, including a fear of going in the jungle and being pinched by the ancient spirits if one does not ask for permission. Some physical ailments are also credited to the Taotao Mona.

Learn more about the Taotao Mona on Guampedia.

Some like it hot and even if you don’t, there’s lots to eat, see, and do at the Mangilao Donne Festival. The annual event draws residents and tourists alike to the friendly village of Mangilao for food competitions, a farmers market, and the crowning of the Donne Queen. Set your calendar for Friday, September 9 through Sunday, September 11, 2016.

• Friday – Opening Ceremonies, Crowning of Donne Queen
• Saturday –  Farmers market and food demonstrations
• Sunday – Food competitions (Best Dinanche, Best Kadun Pika, Best Pika Dessert), food trucks, games and rides

So what is donne anyway? According to the University of Guam, two hot pepper plants are known in Guam. One is “donne’sali” that is characterized to have small, bright red, and very pungent fruits. The other is “donne’ ti’au”, a long, red and pungent pepper. “Donne’sali” has long been harvested from the wild and “donne’ ti’au” is mainly grown in the backyard garden.

Pacific Islands Club Guam

Best for Kids

With a handful of pools and lots of slides and activities, PIC wins for family fun. From kayaking to snorkeling with real fish, there’s something for kids (and adults) of all ages.

Sheraton Laguna Resort & Spa

Best for Escape

Off the beaten tourist path, Sheraton’s infinity pool overlooks tranquil Agana Bay where you might catch a glimpse of surfers or fishermen. The long and lean pool is surrounded by winding paths and beautifully landscaped grounds. You might almost think you’re in Europe!

Hyatt Regency Guam Hotel

Most Natural

The Hyatt’s lazy river winds through tunnels and past lush greenery for the most au naturel experience in a man-made pool.

Hilton Guam Resort & Spa

Best View

Of the three pools at Hilton, our favorite is the elevated pool overlooking Tumon Bay. Watching the pounding waves roll in with Two Lovers Point in the distance is the ultimate relaxation. This is the reason we took a staycation here.

Outrigger Guam Resort

Best Waterfalls

With winding pools and this awesome waterfall, Outrigger’s pool is best enjoyed at sunset, in an inner tube, or while sipping a piña colada.

Guam Reef Hotel

Best Infinity Pool

At the center of Pleasure Island, the Guam Reef Hotel pool offers unparalleled views of the Philippine Sea from an awesome height. This infinity pool was designed to blend seamlessly with the Sea, making it both relaxing and exhilarating to swim in.

The Westin Resort

Best Beach Access

With the white sand of Tumon Bay just a few steps away, this pool is for the swimmer/snorkeler who wants the best of both worlds.

Visit the cave of a soldier who hid for 28 years after the war was over

A well-known Japanese soldier among both residents and visitors of Guam, Sergeant Shoichi Yokoi hid for more than a quarter century in the jungles of Guam. Even years after the war, Yokoi believed his fellow soldiers would return for him one day. He was convinced that the enemy still loomed and that he would be taken as a prison of war.

After hiding from invading American Forces in 1944 for years, he was discovered by Talofofo farmers in 1972. As he was led away, Yokoi begged to be killed on site. Two weeks after being discovered in the jungle, Yokoi returned home to a hero’s welcome.

Read more…

Stand on the world’s largest latte

Okay, it’s not that type of latte. Standing atop a prominent stone point overlooking both Asan and Agana bays, the Latte of Freedom monument invites guest to look and learn about culture in the local area and across the island.

Read: 10 Things You Can Only Do on Guam

Pet the largest land-living arthropod

You may be hesitant to pet something so unfriendly-looking, but go ahead, the coconut crab doesn’t bite (just watch those claws though!). Coconut crabs can weigh up to 9 lbs. with a leg span of more than three feet. Locals are adept at handling the crabs and sometimes keep them as pets. Stop by the Chamorro Village Night Market on Wednesday and Friday for a photo opp of you or someone brave petting the crab.

Roll up a downhill slope

The deep southern roads of Guam wind and gently roll up and down the mountainous terrain. Somewhere in Umatac, a road has been traversed on then is strangely reversed on to test whether the car will roll back up the top of the hill. Some say it happens because the world’s tallest mountain (below sea level) is just around the corner, changing the area’s gravitational pull. Another theory is that there may be some secret military underground silo buried under a mountain, hiding top-secret gravity-altering technology or it may simply happen from the strong winds brushing against the grass-covered slopes onto the road.

The slope of gravity hills are optical illusions. The rolling hills and the surrounding layout of the landscape produces the illusion that the surface may appear to be an uphill slope but is actually a slight downhill slope. Many hills much like this exist around the world and are turned into tourist attractions. They may be also known as magnetic hill, gravity road, mystery spot, or mystery hill.

Read more…

Touch shipwrecks from two world wars

The SMS Cormoran rests 110 feet below the water of Apra harbor on her port side. The German ship was scuttled at the outbreak of the U.S. entry into WWI.

A Japanese cargo ship, the Tokai Maru, which was sunk during WWII leans up against her screw. The site marks the only place in the world where wrecks from two different countries and two different wars are nearly touching.

What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever done on Guam?

The Plaza Shopping Center, with direct access from the Outrigger Guam Resort Lobby, is home to over 60 boutiques, including some of the world’s most exclusive luxury brands. More than 20 cafes, bars, and restaurants cater to all tastes and occasions. Spoil yourself with the largest variety of shops in Pleasure Island, and a wide selection of entertainment and international cuisine, all at your fingertips.

Free WIFI is available throughout The Plaza.

Hours: 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. Extended hours for restaurants, bars, and entertainment.

Address: 1225-1275 Pale San Vitores Rd., Tumon Bay, Guam 96913
Phone: +1-671-649-1275
Email: info@theplazaguam.com

Corporate Office
Pacific Plaza Suite 201, 667 N. Marine Drive, Tumon, Guam 96913
Phone: +1-671-649 1275
Office Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (UTC/GMT +10 hours)

Please direct purchase inquiries to individual stores.

Visit website

View floor map

Download printable directory

Address: 1225-1275 Pale San Vitores Rd., Tumon, Guam

Phone: (671) 649-1275

Website: www.theplazaguam.com

Hours: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Social: Facebook and Twitter

Although only 32 miles long, Guam is just the right size for a road trip. Perhaps you’ve already explored the island’s sleepy southern side and you’d like to venture north. Follow our guide and map below to plan the perfect day trip north.

Two Lovers Point

Two Lovers Point is easily one of Guam’s most popular sights and for good reason — some of the best views of Tumon Bay. This cultural site is named for Guam’s very own Romeo and Juliet story, a legend of two ill-fated lovers who jumped to their death. Despite the tragic namesake, Two Lovers Point allows for 180-degree views of the ocean and surrounding limestone cliffs. Residents should ask for the local discount to save a buck off the $3 admission fee.

Tanguisson Beach

This remote beach is actually located just north of Tanguisson Beach Park. Access is through a rocky gravel road immediately to the right when driving down the steep main road to the beach park. Use caution when driving in the rain as there are deep pits in the unpaved road. Giant rock plumes punctuate this exotic beach which is rarely crowded, has good snorkeling, and gorgeous sunsets. This beach is on the way to Shark’s Cove, which is a day trip in itself.

Ritidian Beach

Guam’s northernmost beach is both remote and sprawling. Accessible from a rocky pitted road, Ritidian Beach is maintained by the National Park Service and closes at 4 p.m. so you may want to start here and drive south. As you approach the beach, there is a free lookout area on the left side of the road. From there you can marvel at the steep cliff line and often tempestuous waves crashing on the white sand beach. On a clear day you can see the island of Rota to the north. Once you get to the beach, you can park under the tall shade trees and take shelter from the sun or rain, depending on the weather that hour.

Coco Palm Garden Beach

Coco Palm Garden Beach (website in Japanese only) is a private day resort offering kayaking, zip lining, beach volleyball, fishing, snorkeling, jungle tours, and hiking. The resort charges an admission fee for access to the beach and facilities, but you can order a drink and sit on the deck overlooking the ocean without paying for admission. After a drink or two, you may opt for the beachside massage to experience total relaxation.

As a newcomer to Guam, one of the things I struggled with was the quality of the food I was buying, especially the green stuff. On the one hand it’s actually impressive that our grocery stores stock as much edible produce as they do considering how many thousands of miles it has to journey to get to get here. But on the other hand, I got the feeling I was buying second-rate produce. I mean, the very fact that perishables can make it this far without, well, perishing became a bullhorn for the preservatives and processing it takes to stock our grocery shelves with the food we former mainlanders expect. I found eating healthy to be frustrating at times, since often the items on my recipe lists weren’t available or just didn’t seem fresh.

Sure, I had always passed by the local produce stand in the grocery store. I had strolled by the farmer’s market at Chamorro Village. But aside from the obvious bananas and cucumbers, the vegetables and fruit offered there weren’t things I knew anything about. In fact, many of them I couldn’t even identify and certainly had no idea how to cook.

Enter Thailand. While in Chiang Mai, I took a cooking class in which our instructor took us through a local market to pick out the fresh veggies and meat we would use to create our dishes. As he walked through identifying the papaya and long beans and kaffir lime, I thought, hey we have these at markets on Guam! Back at the kitchen, I got so excited preparing and cooking the food, and not just because the Thai recipes steaming with fresh produce were so amazing (they were!). I was excited thinking about going back to Guam and recreating this experience… shopping at a local market for fresh produce grown by local farmers, and finally understanding how to prepare it into something delicious.

Many of us who come to Guam are quick to explore the jungles, and we jump right in to the glistening seas. As a haole, my journey to incorporate local food into our daily diet has been at a much slower pace, but it’s been well worth it in more ways than I anticipated. For one, handing over a couple bucks to a farmer who grew and picked this crop himself makes good sense economically. Learning recipes and cooking methods from individual growers has empowered me to try new flavors, making cooking on Guam its own adventure. Best of all has to be sinking my teeth into a sweet Fiji banana knowing it grew somewhere within a 20-mile radius of my house and was picked this morning. It’s pure heaven!

For those who want to join me in learning to eat and cook local, the Fresh Factor is our forum as we discover island flavors, share recipes, and support local farmers. Look for more posts here on farmer’s market interviews, island produce how-to’s, and step-by-step cooking demonstrations that will make our little slice of paradise that much more delicious. After all, it’s not the ingredients or the recipe that makes a meal so memorable. Ultimately, it’s the fresh factor.

Read all of Peyton’s Fresh Factor posts…

About Peyton

Peyton Roberts is a military spouse who moved to Guam from the States in July 2010.  She started her blog, Peyt’s Island, as a way to keep friends and family informed about what island life is like. Over time, that space transformed into a forum for writing about her experiences discovering Guam’s beauty, and more recently its flavors. Peyton loves all Guam adventures, whether land or sea, and has a passion for sharing ideas about incorporating local produce into regular family cooking. At the Fresh Factor, Peyton shares recipes, interviews, and information about all things fresh on Guam.

By Jessica Peterson

Guam may be best known as a U.S. territory with luxury shopping, but that’s just the glossy exterior. Underneath, there is an exotic island culture waiting to be discovered. If you’re a culture vulture, follow our guide for the best way to immerse yourself in local food, history, and traditions.

Eat like a local

There are five foods you must try on Guam and a whole lot more that you will enjoy. Start with kelaguen, a signature local dish. A combination of lemon juice, onions, local hot peppers, salt and sometimes grated coconut are used to “kelaguen” either seafood, beef, chicken or even Spam.

Kadon Pika is another local favorite. The Chamorro word “kadon,” when translated, means stew and the word “pika” means spicy. Ingredients include soy sauce, vinegar, salt and black pepper, onions, garlic, local hot peppers and last, but most certainly not least, coconut milk. Discover the other must-try foods on Guam!

Must-See Umatac

The small village of Umatac is located in southern Guam along Umatac Bay. Interspersed between old houses that sit along the bay’s shoreline are ruins that have become prominent reminders of the Spanish colonial era in the village. Plaques are placed throughout the village that describe the Spanish era to visitors. Remains of the Spanish times include the former Spanish governor’s residence, the site of the old San Dionisio church and several Spanish forts and a battery. A couple of small stores and the San Dionisio Church, built at its current location in 1939, sit along the road.

At the center of the bay is an obelisk monument to Ferdinand Magellan’s landing in 1521, bearing the inscription, “Magellan landed here.” After the bridge, the road runs uphill, where visitors can turn off into a small park to see the ruins of Fort Nuestra Senora de la Soledad (commonly referred to as Fort Soledad), constructed to protect the bay from pirates and other European explorers. (SOURCE: Guampedia)

Shop, eat & be entertained at Chamorro Village

Chamorro Village is a must-do on Guam. The outdoor mall is open every day but the main event happens every Wednesday night from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. when tourists and locals gathers for the outdoor market and a multitude of cultural events. You can even ride a carabao!

The markets are a great way to find inexpensive souvenirs and gifts for everyone on your list. The aroma of fresh local foods can be tempting, so be sure to bring your appetite. Vendors offer great food for even better prices, from $1 for a chicken or pork BBQ stick, $2 for banana lumpia (banana eggrolls drizzled in honey), and if you’re still hungry, plates of food vary from $5-9. Read more…

Stroll through Inarajan Village

Going into Inarajan is like taking a step back in time through Chamorro history. It remains one of the most untouched by change, even being listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. To really feel like you have stepped back onto an ancient island, stop by the Gef Pa’go Cultural Village, where you can walk through an ancient Chamorro village, compete with thatch-roofed huts and demonstrations of traditional arts and crafts. Among the most popular sites in Inarajan are the natural ocean side pools, aptly called, Inarajan Pools.

Get local at a village fiesta

Each of Guam’s 19 villages has its own festival day, or fiesta, where it’s not unusual to see a village mayor working alongside the rest of the community to ensure the celebration is a success. Fiestas are a lively and intimate way for our visitors to get acquainted with the cultures of Guam’s small but vibrant municipalities. Each village on Guam is united around its own patron saint, Catholic church, and a favorite town gathering place, providing the perfect setting for an authentic Chamorro cultural experience — and a delicious local feast — on fiesta day. Find 2015 festivals…

Hit the trails

Hiking, called ‘boonie stomping’ on Guam, is an excellent way to experience the raw beauty of Guam, as well as see the way many locals live and even discover remnants of ancient Chamorro villages. Find family friendly hikes or join the Guam Boonie Stompers every Saturday for a new hike. Find upcoming boonie stomps…

Shop the Mangilao Night Market

Mangilao is a centrally-located village with a culturally diverse popular of islanders. Every Thursday night, locals gather to sell food, wares, and everything but the kitchen sink. The market is free. It’s a chance to chat up the locals, from farmers to home cooks. You can pick up local produce such as eggplant, bananas, breadfruit, sweet potatoes, cucumbers, hot peppers, soursop, and papaya. Keep an eye on the Farm to Table Guam website for community and agriculture events…

Visit WWII Museums & National Parks

WWII is a part of the fabric of history in the Northern Marianas and especially so on Guam. Many old timers remember the cruel days of war and can recount in detail experiences they had as children. It’s a fascinating subject that can be explored if you know where to look. Start with the Pacific War Museum in Hagåtña or the T. Stell Newman Visitor Center in Piti, which has interactive exhibits featuring gripping personal stories, museum artifacts, and multiple language support. In addition to the exhibits, the visitor center theater plays our compelling 10-minute movie, The Battle for Guam, in four languages.

Next, visit the many remnants of WWII such as Japanese pill boxes, guns, and even ship wrecks. Piti Guns is part of the War in the Pacific National Parks Service and as such has a recorded history lesson accessible at the press of a button. You could also dive to see something incredibly unique to Guam — two shipwrecks from two world wars nearly touching.

Attend the Guam Micronesia Island Fair

The Guam Micronesia Island Fair is an annual signature cultural event showcasing the vibrant cultures of Micronesia. For over a quarter century, delegations from the Federated States of Micronesia, Rota, Saipan and Tinian and the republics of Kiribati, Nauru, the Marshall Islands and Palau, have gathered on Guam to commemorate the region’s largest cultural event. Meet Micronesia’s master carvers, blacksmiths, traditional fishing experts, jewelers, weavers, dancers, musicians and chefs and see first hand customs that have been in place and perpetuated for the millennia. This year, GMIF takes place on May 15,16 & 17. Learn more…

Step back in time at Lina’la’ Beach & Culture Park

Experience a taste of Chamorro life 500 years old at this Gun Beach park. Actors demonstrate coconut husking while perched outside A-frame thatched houses on latte stone pillars. Lina’la’ Park rests on an actual Chamorro village, dating to more than 1,000 years ago. Latte stones, pottery, and other artifacts reveal that villagers lived there until the beginning of the Spanish era in the 17th century.

What’s your favorite way to experience culture on Guam? Comment below!

Tumon Tacos

Although priced competitively with traditional fast food, this is not fast food. Each taco is made to order, from scratch, like a piece of art.

The Hawaiian Kalua pork taco is filled with lomi lomi salmon salsa, pineapple coleslaw, lime cream and green onions. The ahi tuna poke taco is loaded with fresh mango avocado salsa, wasabi avocado aioli, cabbage slaw, and cilantro.

Dine in or call in your order for an event or office party. Enjoy the new outdoor patio, a great place for you to hang out a night with family or friends and share some awesome tacos.

Tumon Tacos is located on the first floor of the Comete Building in the UnderWater World lobby. Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. The phone number is (671) 649-6637.

Songge Guam

Introducing, Songge Guam — the newest addition to the food truck community on island, offering delicious artisan pizza and good vibes!

What makes this pizza so special? It’s wood fired! Yup, you heard right! Their brick oven was built by a friend in Seattle using bricks from his native land of Sicily. Tangan tangan and fresh coconut heat the oven to upwards of 800 degrees Fahrenheit, cooking a pizza in under five minutes. Sourcing fresh, locally grown ingredients is one of their main goals. The Påire’ Pesto is a must try!

Not feeling so adventurous? Not a problem. They have many other toppings to choose from. Did we mention they even have dessert pies like chocolate hazelnut spread and shredded coconut? Is your mouth watering yet?

You can typically find Songge Guam at the Mangilao Night Market on Thursdays (weather permitting), and private events.

PHOTO SOURCE: Songge Guam

Mighty Purple Cafe

Living on Guam, it’s safe to say we are always in need of something refreshing to cool us off. Mighty Purple Cafe has you covered.

If you order any of the acai bowls, you probably won’t steer away from them when you return. They are that good. The Mighty Monkey Bowl is one of their most popular items and includes bananas, granola, almond butter, cacao nibs, honey and coconut. They also offer seasonal bowls, like The Pitaya (dragonfruit) bowl. It’s so pretty you almost don’t want to eat it! The Li Hing Fruit Bowl (sweet and sour seasoning) is full of different textures from crisp and crunchy to soft and sweet. You can add fruit to any of the freshly squeezed gourmet lemonades which adds that perfect touch.

They even have smoothies, Månnge Pops and a bread bar. Try one of their sandwiches or bagels made with homemade taro bread, which, by the way, is purple! Now that’s mighty rad!

They are dedicated to sourcing locally grown ingredients when possible, giving it that extra flavor, while supporting Guam’s farmers.

Mighty Purple Cafe is open Monday and Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m, Wednesday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. You can find them in Agana on Aspinall Avenue (in between Clans by Crowns Guam and Hagatna Precinct). Food truck coming soon!

The Boka Box

Eating healthy can sometimes be a challenge with the time and effort you have to spend on grocery shopping, prepping, and of course the actual cooking. With our busy schedules, it’s not always easy to accomplish. That’s where The Boka Box comes in.

The Boka Box is Guam’s first nutritionally sound meal preparation service. Their mission is to help people establish a good solid nutrition foundation that supports a healthy lifestyle by providing nutritious meals and education.

All meals follow a Paleo foundation which means fresh foods rather than processed. The Boka Box tries to mimic the eating habits of our Chamorro ancestors and focus on providing meals rich in vegetables, fruits, proteins, nuts, and seeds. No grain products, dairy products, or beans or legumes are used. Meals are prepared daily using the freshest ingredients from local farms.

Scared it’s just going to consist of salads and bland veggies? Think again. Kabocha chili, pork stir fry with baked red potatoes, and grainless apple waffles and ham are just a tease of what’s on the menu. Not to mention the mouth watering baked Paleo desserts like the almond vanilla chocolate ganache with coconut cream and blueberries. Yum.

Follow The Boka Box on Facebook and Instagram to see what’s cookin’ and special Hafa Friday Paleo Meals.

The Boka Box is located in the heart of Hagatna off of Route 4, above Nicole’s Boutique. Hours are Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

PHOTO SOURCE: The Boka Box

Mariana Ocean

New at The Plaza Shopping Center, Mariana Ocean has more than 60 different types of soaps to meet everyone’s taste — all handmade on Guam. Choose from chocolate to vanilla to blueberry soap or select a unique gift with multiple items. You can also order Mariana Ocean soap online!

Navasana Spa

Located in the Outrigger hotel in Tumon, Navasana Spa specializes in relaxing massage.

Check out the Pure Bliss Ritual, soothing foot ritual followed by a tropical body scrub and calming speciality bath (complete with floral petals). Choose from the aromatic Balinese massage or deep tissue massage then finish with the deluxe Elemis Taster Facial.

The Navasana Signature Massage is an exclusive treatment combining Lomi Lomi, a traditional Hawaiian massage technique, and Thai massage, one of the world’s oldest healing therapies. This massage consists of long, firm, continuously flowing strokes and Thai yoga stretching.

Navasana Spa is open daily 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. in The Plaza Shopping Center. Email, call (671) 647-9720, or visit their website for reservations.

New Shops at The Plaza

Visit Guam’s most glamorous luxury shopping center, The Plaza, to shop at the brand new Balenciaga and Paul Smith boutiques.

Visit The Plaza website to learn more.

Have a tip on a new restaurant or shop on Guam? Email webmaster@theguamguide.com.

Guam is gorgeous enough, but a luxurious hotel can heighten the experience of staying “where America’s day begins.” (On a budget? Save up to 60% with this coupon from Hotwire!)

Lotte Hotel Guam

Lotte is Guam’s second newest resort and is dripping with luxurious touches, from the floor-to-ceiling windows in the lounge to the classy bar. The luxury suites are pretty hard to beat with huge, private balconies and outdoor jetted tubs. If you’re going to splurge on Guam, this is the place to do it. On the 18th floor, you’ll have a birds-eye view of Tumon Bay where you can catch one of Guam’s famous orange and purple sunsets. The top-end suites come with access to the club floor, an exclusive space that includes complimentary buffet breakfast, afternoon beverages snacks, and happy hour cocktails and appetizers. Book now…

Dusit Thani Guam Resort

Guam’s newest hotel is its poshest. From its Asian decor to its Thai hospitality, guests at Dusit Thani can feel the luxury. This is the island’s only five-star resort and the tallest structure on Guam. Dusit Thani has one of the island’s best lunch buffets at Aqua. The resort is attached to The Plaza Shopping Center so it’s a great place to lounge, dine, and shop. Meet up with friends for coffee, drinks, or dinner and feel totally at home. Book now…

Hyatt Regency Guam

The naturally-designed Hyatt pool has long been one of our favorites and this Tumon hotel is also a top choice for upscale events. We also love dining at Al Dente, a white tablecloth Italian restaurant. Book now…

Hilton Guam Resort & Spa

Hilton hotels are popular around the globe due to their luxurious feeling and high-class service. Popular with locals and military, Hilton Guam Resort is located at the end of Tumon’s busy bay. Islander Terrace has a rotating menu of international themes. Hilton’s infinity pool and hot tub overlook gorgeous Tumon Bay with a view of Two Lovers Point. Even on cloudy days, the view is stunning and you just might see a rainbow. For dinner, treat yourself to Roy’s and order the Classic Trio. Schedule a massage and a facial at the impeccable Spa Ayualam. Book now…