High 10 Issues to Do in Guam (For a 3-Day Itinerary or Extra)

Guam is a small tropical island vacation spot in Micronesia that’s arguably overshadowed by its standard ‘neighbors’ equivalent to that of Hawaii or Indonesia — however what a variety of vacationers don’t know is that it’s the closest U.S. soil to Asia and that it’s positively a hidden gem of types. (Issues to Do in Guam)

From its pristine sandy seashores to its wealthy Chamorro historical past, this US territory gives an array of actions, points of interest, and cuisines that may cater to only about any form of traveler. The truth is, I’ve been to this magical island two occasions now and I nonetheless can’t get sufficient of it!

Should you’re from Asia, a direct flight to Guam can solely final for less than 3.5 hours; as such, it’s an simply accessible getaway.

Loads of Japanese and Koreans truly regard Guam as a high favourite once they’re in search of a tropical escape, and it’s simple to see why as a result of Guam is actually a treasure trove of quite a few island actions. Relaxation assured, the throng of vacationers right here isn’t too overwhelming, so you’ll usually end up having fun with an entire stretch of seashore all for your self — which is, naturally, an incredible factor!

Spanning about 549 sq. km, it’s also a pleasure to drive by the island as you are taking it simple to go to numerous key spots. Should you ask me, that is my high favourite must-do when on the island.

Total, it might sound daunting at first to plan the right Guam itinerary however fret not! With the assistance of this publish that’s primarily based on my experiences, you may simply slim down the highest issues to do in Guam in order that irrespective of in case you’re planning to go to for only some days (or extra), you’ll be profiting from your journey!

» Fast Journey Planning

High Issues to Do in Guam

1. Go beach-hopping everywhere in the island

As an island that’s blessed with a year-round tropical local weather and lengthy coastlines, Guam is a paradise for seashore lovers! Let me assist you to take out the guesswork from determining the highest locations to see by trying out the record under:

TIP: A majority of the jap seashores are perfect for swimming attributable to its calm and shallow waters which might be brought on by outer reefs that break the surf. (In distinction, excercise warning when exploring past the reef as a result of it may be treacherous attributable to riptides and such).

• ★ Tumon Seaside: That is arguably essentially the most well-known seashore in Guam and arguably essentially the most iconic too! In any case, it’s positioned proper in the primary downtown space of Tumon which is the middle of the island. The most effective half? It has shallow waters so it’s typically idyllic for snorkeling and swimming — even for individuals who can’t swim! It is usually lined by the island’s finest luxurious motels, however don’t let this truth forestall you from exploring the entire of the seashore; in any case, it’s a public seashore so you’re free to discover nearly wherever.
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• Gun Seaside: Positioned simply north of Tumon Seaside, it is a good spot that’s tranquil and scenic. Should you’re up for a hike, there may be even a well-marked cliff path on the northern finish of the seashore. In any other case, take out your snorkeling gear and discover the close by reef (when you’ve got a scuba diving license, that is additionally an excellent spot to discover!). And as soon as the solar units, it is a good spot to remain in for grand views (if not, you can too view it from the close by Two Lovers Level).
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• Gab Gab Seaside: It is a lovely stretch of sand that’s lined with tall palm bushes; sadly, until somebody who has a navy ID, it’s unattainable to enter on condition that it’s positioned inside a navy base. It’s a bummer, I do know! However it helps to say it right here simply in case you may know somebody in Guam who can grant you entry.
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• Household Seaside: [link] A pleasant stretch of seashore discovered inside Apra Harbor which can also be nice for swimming (simply be careful for some scuba divers!).
  • In your means right here, don’t neglect to drop by Emerald Valley which is a lovely waterway with turquoise-clear waters! You’ll discover a variety of fish right here in addition to water snakes and sea urchins. It’s not very best for swimming however the view is superb.
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• Shark’s Cove Seaside: Should you’re up for a brief hike (lower than 1km), this secluded seashore is famed for snorkeling — don’t fear, there aren’t any sharks right here! So pack your protecting water sneakers and head to the trailhead that begins on the northern tip of Tagachang Seaside.
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• Taga‘chang Seaside: As distant as Shark’s Cove, this seashore that’s towered by 2 cliffs could be a good respite from the crowds in case you’re up for it!
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• Mushroom Rock Hila’an Seaside: Previous Tanguisson Seaside is Hila’an which is an extended stretch of white sandy seashore that’s coupled with some distinctive mushroom rock formations!
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• Ypao Seaside: In order for you a substitute for the bustling higher a part of Tumon Seaside, simply head on over to its different finish which is that this Ypao Seaside. Should you’re fortunate, you may spot an area music pageant or an area village occasion that’s being held within the close by Ypao Seaside Park. That being mentioned, it is a excellent spot to go to if you wish to maintain a picnic with household or associates given the pavilions with tables which might be discovered everywhere in the park.

2. Hire a automotive, drive along with your high down, and go to some sights outdoors of the town

Guam is an absolute pleasure to discover in a rental automotive! It provides you the liberty to decide on your individual route, and it’s also the simplest technique to navigate your self by the entire island’s points of interest.

Up to now, there are a selection of dependable rental automotive firms which you could select from however I extremely suggest Hertz! I acquired my automotive rental from them and the method from pick-up to drop-off was completely hassle-free.

TIP: When you have the funds, I recommend getting a convertible automotive to benefit from the cool breeze in addition to to maximise the attractive sceneries throughout your drives!

To jumpstart your journey for the highest issues to do in Guam, you may take a look at the next points of interest:

CENTRAL TOUR

• Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica: A beautiful Roman Catholic cathedral that was constructed on the island’s first Catholic church that was in-built 1669. Immediately, it enshrines the picture of Santa Marian Kamalen, the Patroness of Guam.
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• Governor’s Advanced: The Governor Ricardo J. Bordallo Advanced, referred to as Adelup Level, gives nice coastal views and another buildings such because the Latte of Freedom (meant to embody the power of CHamoru tradition with the form of the latte stone) and Lone Sailor Statue (a commemoration of the function of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard in Operation New Life).
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• Fort Apugan (Santa Agueda): That is the one surviving Spanish fort in Hagåtña and it supplies commanding views of the Philippine Sea and different northern cliff traces.
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• Latte Stone Park: Formally known as the Senator Angel Leon Guerrero Santos Latte Stone Memorial Park, it is a park that’s finest recognized for its set of eight historic latte stones.
  • Latte stone or latte is a uniquely-shaped pillar that was used as constructing assist by the traditional Chamorro individuals. These days, this latte stone is seen as an iconic signal of Chamorro’s identification.
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• Plaza De Espana: This was once the placement of the Governors Palace throughout Guam’s lengthy interval of Spanish occupation, and it’s listed on the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations as a result of 3 buildings that may nonetheless be seen in its expanse: the 3-arch gate (Arsenal), the azotea, and the Chocolate Home.
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• Guam Museum: In order for you a style of Guam’s historical past, that is the most effective place to go to and it’s discovered good in entrance of the Plaza De Espana.

NORTH TOUR

• ★ Ritidian Level: Because the northernmost level of the island, it’s a part of the 1,203-acre Guam Nationwide Wildlife Refuge. Although you may’t precisely swim right here (attributable to robust currents) you may nonetheless benefit from the white seashore in addition to its well-maintained trails: Nature (1.25 miles), .75 Latte Loop (.75 miles), and Ritidian Caves (.5 miles). You are able to do the hike by your self however I’d recommend giving the Guam Nationwide Wildlife Refuge (671-355-5096) a name forward of time to schedule a guided tour in an effort to profit from the expertise.
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• Mangilao Golf Membership: Positioned on the east of Guam, this course needs to be excessive up in your high issues to do in Guam particularly in case you are a golfer! In any case, the Mangilao Golf Membership ranks among the many high 100 programs on the earth and it has been designed by grasp Robin Nelson.
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• Pagat Cave and Level: The path to the cave is effectively marked by pink ties across the bushes and although it’s brief, it helps to notice that it will possibly get pretty steep. Nonetheless, you’ll be rewarded with a cool swim in a pool of pure recent water contained in the cave. Don’t neglect to climb to the opposite facet of the cave the place you’ll discover the scenic Pagat Level which opens up a view of the ocean and surrounding rocky coast.
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• Ague Cove: Discovered within the village of Dededo, Ague Cove is a hidden gem that’s definitely worth the hike when you’ve got the time! Nevertheless, as it’s positioned on non-public property, it’s a should to contact the proprietor beforehand who’s Mr. Jesus Pangelinan ((671) 477-9269). It additionally helps to notice that it’s essential to train warning always whereas going by the path as it may be steep and rocky.

SOUTH TOUR

• Fort Nuestra Señora de la Soledad: Listed on the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations, that is the fourth of 4 Spanish fortifications that protected the bay in Umatac. These days, it has been made right into a park and yow will discover a number of cannons right here in addition to a preserved bunker.
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• Sella Bay Path: It is a moderately-challenging hike that takes you Sella Bay after an hour-long hike. You’ll be rewarded with scenic overlooking views and a picturesque bay as you undergo lush greenery.
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• Talofofo Falls Resort Park: For a small entrance payment, you may get pleasure from considered one of Guam’s hottest waterfalls the place you can too get pleasure from a variety of different actions equivalent to driving a cable automotive, visiting a historic museum, and plenty of others!
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• Talofofo Caves: Well-known for showcasing remnants of the indigenous Chamorro as evidenced by petroglyphs and work on the partitions, I recommend exploring these caves with a information.
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• Tarzan Waterfalls: Yet one more must-see waterfall on the island and it may be simply reached with only a brief hike. Be certain that to pack your swimsuit in an effort to get pleasure from a swim after the stroll!
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• Valley of the Latte Journey Park: If you wish to mix journey with schooling, this journey park is a should in your Guam itinerary! Apart from a number of displays of Chamorro historical past, you’ll additionally get to get pleasure from a variety of thrilling actions equivalent to an Journey River Cruise (Guam’s solely inland boat tour), a Kayak Journey Tour, carabao rides, and plenty of others.
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• ★ Inarajan Swimming pools: A preferred spot for each locals and vacationers, you’ll completely love the pure system of swimming holes discovered on the shore. You’ll even discover a tall diving platform in addition to a number of different picnic facilities to profit from your drive-by.
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• Waterfall Valley: It is a nice newbie’s hike that leads you to five lovely waterfalls that vary from 8 toes as much as 25 toes. Should you ask me, it’s excellent for households who would love a jungle journey that’s mixed with a number of dips in freshwater swimming pools.
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• Cetti Bay Overlook: Cetti Bay is a geological delight on condition that it’s an space the place yow will discover a series of a thousand foothills which might be part of Guam’s Territorial Seashore Park. It’s a simple drive to this viewing spot to the south of Guam.

3. Go to the remark deck at Two Lovers Level

Should you ask me, Two Lovers Level (Puntan Dos Amantes) may simply be the topmost recognized vacationer attraction on the island; plus, as one of many 4 Nationwide Pure Landmarks of Guam, it’s positively one of many high issues to do in Guam!

It is a brief drive from Tumon Seaside and for a small entrance payment of solely $3, you may entry the 368 feet-high remark deck that grants you an incredible view of the coast and its turquoise waters. The positioning additionally features a reward store, the Two Lovers statue, and a sister bell that’s related with different “Lovers Factors” in locations equivalent to these in Japan.

The story behind this attraction, nevertheless, is a timeless but bittersweet story of everlasting love. As legend has it, throughout the Spanish period, there lived a rich household and their oldest daughter was organized to be married to a Spanish captain — naturally, she was distraught and so she ran away. She then met a younger man from a humble Chamorro household and the 2 fell in love instantly. Upon studying of their relationship, the daddy demanded that she marries the Spanish captain; collectively together with a number of Spanish troopers, they pursued the 2 lovers up till they reached the excessive cliff above Tumon Bay. With nowhere else to go, the lovers tied their lengthy black hair collectively in a single knot and leaped over the steep cliff and into the roaring waters, perpetually intertwined in life and in loss of life.

OPERATIONAL HOURS: 7AM to 7PM

4. Bask in a meals journey spree and store for souvenirs

Because the island’s #1 present, the Taotao Tasi present is unquestionably one of many high issues to do in Guam!

Since 2015, this beachfront 150-foot stage has been backdropped by essentially the most gorgeous sundown views whereas lovely performers and fireplace dancers entertain audiences from everywhere in the world. With designers and producers (a few of which have labored with the well-known Cirque du Soleil), you’ll be taken by an exhilarating present as you be taught the island’s treasured previous in track, dance, and storytelling.

The icing on the cake? The doorway payment comes with a scrumptious buffet BBQ banquet! For cocktails, go and provides their Corona-Rita and TaoTao Maolek a strive.

TIP: For the most effective charges, e-book on-line at the moment!

6. See wealthy and colourful marine life

In case you don’t know, Guam can also be famed for having among the finest snorkeling and scuba diving spots on the earth! So if I have been you, you shouldn’t miss the chance to discover the island’s underwater scene.

• Snorkeling/Scuba Diving
  • For snorkeling, you may take your decide from any of the seashores that I’ve listed above underneath #1 for the highest issues to do in Guam.
  • For scuba diving, you may take a look at this record. Apra Harbor can also be a typical favourite in case you’re focused on exploring historic shipwrecks from the 2 world wars.
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• Dolphin Watching: Attempt your luck and spot some spinner dolphins! You may avail of this tour from locations such because the Guam Bikini Island Membership.
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• SeaTREK Expertise: Ever needed to expertise strolling on an ocean ground? On this institution, you may! It’s principally a helmet-diving exercise that’s excellent for anybody since you don’t want any swimming or diving expertise. To avoid wasting your spot, it’s finest to e-book on-line.
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• Underwater World Guam: On the Guam Aquarium Advanced, you’ll have the ability to stroll by a see-through tunnel that’s 7 toes large and seven toes tall, permitting you to get a better have a look at completely different underwater species. To avoid wasting your spot, it’s finest to e-book on-line.
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• Fish Eye Marine Park: Instead, you may take a look at this underwater observatory! Different actions which you could strive are the Eco Snorkeling Tour, Dolphin Watching Cruise, and Island Cultural Dinner Present.

7. Hike Mt. Lamlam

As a few of you may already know, Guam is well-known for its strategic navy place and multi-colonialism with the final 400 years marked by 3 completely different powers particularly Spain, USA, and Japan. If you wish to be taught extra about its previous, see right here.

In any other case, in fact, because you’ll already be in Guam, make it considered one of your high issues to do to go to these websites to be able to be taught extra in regards to the island’s wealthy historical past!

• Pacific Struggle Museum: Marine Corps Vietnam Struggle veteran John Gerber established this museum and it incorporates numerous displays associated to the navy within the Pacific theater of World Struggle II with a give attention to the USA Marines. As such, in case you’re a world conflict buff who’s focused on studying extra about what occurred in Guam throughout such a time, then a cease at this place is a should!
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• Magellan Monument: Erected in 1521 to commemorate Guam’s first contact with the western world which is thru the Portuguese navigator, Ferdinand Magellan. Again then, Magellan was touring underneath the order of the Spanish Crown to navigate the entire globe (additionally in quest of spices), when he arrived in Guam by probability. These days, there’s a robust festive environment within the surrounding Yuma Tak village each March 21; it’s known as Remembrance Day and it marks the touchdown of Magellan.
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• Struggle within the Pacific Nationwide Historic Park: As a multi-unit protected space established in 1978, this honors the bravery and sacrifice of those that have participated within the Pacific Theatre of WWII. Right here you will discover a large number of former battlefields, gun emplacements (just like the spot known as Piti Weapons), trenches, caves, and historic buildings.

9. Deal with your self and revel in tax-free procuring

One of many high issues to do in Guam is definitely to discover its vibrant tradition, however greater than this, do you know that it has particular tax-free offers for guests?

So if I have been you, it’s best to make the most of this — come and store right here until you drop within the variety of retail manufacturers and procuring facilities and expertise duty-free procuring! Some locations you shouldn’t miss out on are:

• Tumon Downtown Space: Splurge and deal with your self to the variety of high-end manufacturers discovered right here equivalent to Louis Vuitton, Balenciaga, and extra.
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• Micronesia Mall: Guam’s largest duty-free shopping center with over 130 retailers, boutiques, and eating places.
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• Guam Premier Retailers: Constructed again in 1997, yow will discover a variety of American manufacturers right here equivalent to Ross Costume for Much less, Tommy Hilfiger, and extra.
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• Kmart: Open 24 hours a day, it is a large grocery store the place yow will discover a variety of merchandise, produce, and so forth. (e.g. be careful for the aisle showcasing a variety of completely different varieties and flavors of Spam — that being mentioned, do you know that Guam is the largest shopper for Spam? This is the reason it’s no marvel that you simply’ll discover distinctive flavors being offered right here equivalent to Spam tocino, black pepper, and garlic amongst many others.)
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• Agaña Procuring Heart: Has over 100 shops and eating places with a very good mixture of native and USA manufacturers.
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• DFS/T Galleria: Should you’re in search of extra luxurious manufacturers to buy in, that is one other place that needs to be excessive in your high issues to do in Guam!

10. Attempt different thrilling actions

The enjoyable doesn’t cease while you’re on the islands! As considered one of your high issues to do in Guam, it’s best to take a look at the variety of different exhilarating actions that you are able to do which aren’t restricted to riverboat cruises, kayaking, flyboarding, and plenty of others.

For the highest trusted exercise suppliers that it’s essential to take a look at, they might be:

• Guam Bikini Island Membership: That is your one-stop marine leisure sports activities membership positioned within the south of Guam! They’ve a variety of choices which you could select from that are delightfully packaged. We tried their Bikini Island Tour which was a 5-hour bundle jampacked with a number of actions: dolphin watching, jetskiing, snorkeling, banana boat trip, and tremendous screamer trip — it was one of the simplest ways to finish our weekend getaway!
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• Guam Adventures: Established in 2019, this firm is trusted for giving the most effective thrilling experiences together with ziplining, snorkeling, paddleboarding, Go Karting, mountain biking, mountaineering, and off-roading (I personally tried their offroad ATV journey and it was superior!).

TIP: Should you’ve received the time, it’s best to take a look at the abandoned tropical island of Alupat which is simply off Tumon Seaside (entry is thru the Onward Seaside Resort). The truth is, it’s much less than simply 1,000 toes from the shore so that you cna kayak, jetski, or swim your technique to it (simply follow warning particularly when swimming!). As soon as there, you may lay out a picnic to benefit from the sandy cove.

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Guam Journey Information

» Greatest Time to Go to

Guam enjoys a tropical local weather with little seasonal temperature variation (25° to 32°) and uncommon harmful typhoons — therefore, it is a perfect vacation spot at any time of the yr! Should you’re seeking to go to throughout its warmest occasions, it’s best to come round Might or November. If you wish to keep away from probabilities of rain or typhoons, come any time throughout its dry season (although it helps to say that even when it does rain, it’s going to usually solely occur for a short while in a day!).

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» Getting in to Guam

By air. Antonio B. Gained Pat Worldwide Airport  (GUM) is the one industrial airport to and from the island, and it’s discovered only some kilometers from Tumon. The airways that primarily fly to the island are United Airways, Japan Airways, Korean Air, China Airways, Eva Airways, and Philippine Airways.

In an effort to discover the most effective flight offers out of your level of origin, I like to recommend looking by Skyscanner.

From the airport, I don’t recommend taking a taxi as a result of they’re far costly. Since public transportation isn’t obtainable from the airport, what I’d suggest is to rearrange a non-public switch, do a automotive rental, or e-book a Stroll automotive (Guam’s model of Uber).

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» Visa for Guam

Entry necessities for the island are the identical as these of the USA. Up to now, there are over 40 international locations eligible for visa-free entry into the USA so long as you apply for the Digital System for Journey Authorization (ESTA) on-line earlier than departure. Should you’re not a citizen of any of these international locations, you will have to use for a USA visa.

• Examine full visa necessities right here as per your nationality.

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» The place to Keep (Guam Lodging)

To seek for the most effective resort lodging in Guam at the most effective costs, I recommend cross-checking resort costs between Agoda and Reserving.com. However in case you’re fairly focused on renting snug homes or flats, it’s best to search by AirBnB.

See right here too for the record of the BEST motels in Guam.

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» Guam Forex

United States Greenback (USD / $) is Guam’s official forex, on condition that it’s a USA territory. Within the occasion that you simply wish to alternate your native cash for USD, I extremely advise that you simply do NOT alternate your cash on the airport because the charges there are usually not aggressive.

• The right way to finest alternate your forex? Both alternate it at a financial institution or at a cash exchanger in your house nation or within the metropolis heart of Guam. Higher but, simply withdraw from an ATM along with your debit/bank card — nevertheless, it’s essential to do one large withdrawal to attenuate charges along with your financial institution. Talking of playing cards, a variety of Guam institutions settle for bank cards but it surely’s at all times advisable to have money available as a result of there might be some smaller retailers which will not settle for playing cards.

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» Value of Journey in Guam

You must count on to journey to the Philippines with a median day by day price of about USD $90~ per individual on a funds, or at the very least $200~ if you wish to expertise extra consolation on actions, excursions, motels, and extra. (Values under present low-budget to medium-budget ranges solely).

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» The right way to Get Round Guam

By strolling. That is solely very best in case you are exploring the primary districts of Hagåtña and Tumon; nevertheless, strolling across the island isn’t advisable attributable to vehicular site visitors and lack of sidewalks.

By bus. There are buses obtainable, together with the Vacationer Procuring Buses that make stops in most motels in Tumon (it prices $4 for a one-way ticket and $12 for a day by day cross).

By taxi. Taxis are usually costly on the island however an alternate can be a Stroll automotive (Guam’s model of Uber).

By automotive. That is the BEST technique to go round Guam and I extremely suggest it as a result of driving a automotive gives you extra freedom and suppleness. For this, I recommend getting a rental automotive from one of many automotive firms which might be already discovered on the airport (for me, I received my automotive rental from Hertz).

TIP: Whenever you’re mapping out your day-to-day route, simply use Google Maps as a result of it’s going to present intimately the quickest route you are able to do.

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» Security in Guam

Guam is a protected vacation spot to go to and there may be little crime on the island; in truth, the Chamorro are one of many kindest and warmest individuals you’ll ever meet, so solo vacationers don’t have a lot to fret about on this superb nation!

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» Useful Chamorro/CHamoru Phrases

The native’s native language is Chamorro (CHamoru) however English is the frequent language in Guam. Nonetheless, it will possibly assist impress some locals when a Chamorro phrase or two!

Whats up: Håfa adai! (Hah-fuh-day)
How are you: Håfa tatatmanu hao? (Hah-fuh-tah-taht-mah-noo-How?)
Thanks: Si Yu’os Må’ase’. (C-zu-oohs-Muh-ah-seat)
You’re welcome: Buen probechu. (Bwen-pro-bet-sue)
Goodbye: Adiós. (Ah-Deh-Oss)

Good morning: Buenas días. (Bwenas-Dee-as)
Good night (see you tomorrow): Esta agupa’. (eh-stah-ah-goo-pah)

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Different Guam F.A.Q.

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Reserving Necessities

TIP: It’s a good suggestion to crosscheck the costs with different standard journey insurance coverage suppliers like World Nomads and HeyMondo (as my reader, you get 5% off)!

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Nevertheless, take observe {that a} journey insurance coverage’s affordability usually means lesser protection; so please at all times make sure that you learn the effective print to be able to decipher which journey insurance coverage firm is the best match for you and your journey!