Destination attractions things to do in guam

Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest

Visiting Guam is probably initially a lot like visiting southern Florida. Far from being a forgotten tropical paradise, this Micronesian island is home to the worlds largest Kmart. Due to its unique duty-free status, many goods are significantly cheaper in Guam than they would be elsewhere. Tumon, the tourist center of Guam, has two major shopping malls complete with food courts and movie theaters. In addition, the Micronesia Mall has an indoor fun park with a merry-go-round and roller coaster. For local produce and handicrafts, try the Chamorro Village which also features weekly cultural dances and demonstrations by local craftsmen. Several companies offer shuttle busses that stop at all the major shopping areas and hotels.

Guam is also known for its seven world-class golf resorts. The Talafofo course was designed by nine of the worlds top golfers. The course at the Mangilao Country Club has been ranked among the best in the Pacific. All seven of Guams golf courses are open to the public and the welcome players of all skill levels.

If you prefer to spend time in the water, Guam has wonderful diving spots. Located just off the Marianas Trench, the islands dive features include hundreds of varieties of fish and coral, sheer walls, and access to a number of marine preserves. Divers may also enjoy exploring some of Guams World War II ship and airplane wrecks. Several diver operations offer equipment, instruction and diving guides. Guam offers other exciting activities such as kayaking canals, swimming through aquariums, wind surfing and parasailing. Some hotels and resorts on the island also offer their own activities. For just relaxing on the beach, try Gun Beach. Named for the old Japanese gun hidden in the nearby forest, the beach is known for its orange sand with star-shaped points.

For travelers who enjoy exploring, Guam's Department of Parks and Recreation offers public "boonie stomps" every Saturday. Boonie stomps are hikes through some of the surviving jungles and virgin beaches of Guam. Tour operators also offer eco-tours to sites not usually seen by tourists. Some eco-tours visit waterfalls, caves, and World War II battlefields. Visitors may also enjoy visiting Cocos Island, a tiny island just off the southern tip of Guam. On the west side of the island is Dano, a part of the territorial park system where picnicking and camping are popular.

Although the islands original inhabitants were people of the Chamorro race, at various times, Guam has been controlled by Spain, the United States, and Japan. As a result of its diverse history, the island is rich in ancient and culturally historic sites. At Latte Stone Park in central Agana, visitors may see original Latte Stones, the pillars on which the ancient Chamorro people built their homes as early as 500 AD. In Tumon, a shrine to Padre Diego Luis de San Vitore stands on the site where this Jesuit missionary was killed for baptizing a local chiefs baby without his permission. The death of the missionary led to a war that nearly wiped out the Chamorro people. Several Spanish forts remain on the island. Build to protect the Spanish Galleon trade in the 1800s, some have been restored for visitors. The site of a number of World War II battles, Guam still has many Japanese gun emplacements, foxholes and pillboxes. Several memorials and monuments commemorate the sacrifices of Japanese and American soldiers during the war.

While visiting Guam, be sure to visit the Guam Museum and the Isla Center for the Arts. Located in Agana, both museums provide exhibits and cultural artifacts which depict the history of the island and its people. Not too far away is Inarajan and the Gef Pa'go Cultural Village. Open every day of the year, the village provides exhibits and demonstrations of native Chamorro life during the period of 1900 to 1940. Classes in traditional crafts are also taught daily. For a small fee, visitors can learn coconut leaf weaving, cooking in the traditional Hotnu or Chomorro brick oven, or a number of other native skills.

When you visit Guam, take time to enjoy all of its modern luxuries and conveniences. Dont forget, however, to look more closely and appreciate the islands rich cultural heritage.