The Ultimate Travel Guide to the Pacific Paradise of Guam by Luke Scott Fernandez
Travel Tip: If you are exploring Guam, always bring extra clothes, towels, slippers (flip-flops) and if you see a local “mom and pop” store, stop in and buy local snacks. They are usually located in front of the register area.
Top 10 Things To Do in Guam
1. Watch the Sunrise at Marbo Cave Cliffs
Marbo Cave Cliffs offers an amazing view of the ocean on the east side of the island. It feels like you are tucked away from the world in this spot. The cliff line is a must-see if you want to experience a beautiful Guam sunrise.
2. Relax on the Beach at Tumon Bay
If you are into lounging around and sipping drinks on the beach then this is the place for you! Tumon Bay is where most of the hotels and restaurants are located. It’s a great place to watch the sunset, go paddleboarding and snorkeling. If you are super lucky you might run into some stingrays.
3. Take in a Magical Sunset at Priest Pools
Priest Pools are an interesting set of natural pools in the middle of grassy lands that overlook the ocean. It’s an amazing spot for sunset but if you do watch sunset from here, bring a flashlight so you can find your way back.
4. Pick up Snacks from Buenas Market in Yona
If you are visiting or passing by Yona and you see Buenas Market then pull in and buy some snacks. Buy pickled eggs, pickled mango, pickled papaya and pickled daigu (raddish). These are must-have snacks on the go.
5. Discover the Beaches of Ritidian & Urunao
These beach areas are close to each other and are some of the most gorgeous beaches on the island. They are located on the northern side of Guam and have the softest and whitest sand on the island. You are so far away from everything that you forget about the worries of the world. Travel Tip: There is no food or drink stands around, so pack a bag with snacks.
6. Enjoy a Beverage at the Bar of Gun Beach
The Beach is one the best places in Guam to hangout with friends, enjoy a cold beverage and watch the sunset by the sea. I personally watch the sunset here almost everyday. It’s definitely a favorite place of mine.
7. Shop around the Chamorro Village Market
Chamorro Village Market happens every Wednesday night in Hagatna (the capital village). There is food, music, dancing and local shops you can look around. Travel Tip: Bring cash with you and go between 4:30pm – 8:30pm.
8. Jump into the Sea at Merizo Pier
Merizo Pier is a fun place to hangout, take photos and jump off into the sea when hanging out with friends. It’s also a great place to watch the sunset if you find yourself down south during that time on your visit to Guam.
9. Pop into Pop’s Bakeshop for a Cream Cheese Roll
Pop’s Bakeshop in Agat not only has one of the best cream cheese rolls on the island but they also serve rolls with regular cheese and taro cream cheese too! I recommend waking at 5am and heading down to Agat to grab a box of treats. You can always exercise the rolls off later on your trip!
10. Grab a Donut from Crown Bakery in Guam
Crown Bakery in Mangilao has the best fresh donuts on the island. Make sure you get the glazed donuts and go between 6am – 8am or 4pm – 6pm. Again, you will be doing plenty of swimming, walking and hiking on your trip to Guam so don’t feel too bad about treating yourself to a donut or two!
Melting Pot of Cultures in Guam
Guam is a melting pot of cultures from all over Micronesia, Asia and America. The native culture of Guam is the Chamoru culture and it has a strong Spanish influence. The native people were once colonized by Spain.
The cultural belief of “inafa’ maolek” – which consists of values such as respect, relationships and communal responsibilities – is the foundation for the Chamoru culture. Family plays a big role in the culture as many live in multigenerational homes, as well as maintaining family connections that extend not only from immediate families but to third and fourth cousins.
Other cultural practices such as singing, dancing, religion, food and storytelling help create connections and bonds with one another. These traditions also help pass down the culture from generation to generation.
The best way to immerse yourself in the culture is to befriend locals, shop local, eat local, ask questions and if you get invited to a fiesta, go! You can also read more on the Chamoru culture and history via this link.
Travel Tip: Most places accept credit or debit cards, but other small businesses only accept cash. Be sure to have cash when visiting Guam.
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See the original article from the Magnificent World.