Guam is the largest island in Micronesia and, owing to the
large US Naval presence, the most cosmopolitan and energetic.
Spain ruled the islands for 333 years and Aga?a, the capital,
has many historic buildings dating from this era. Also of interest
are buildings from the Spanish colonial period and the relics
of the Chamorro period (a culture which remains alive today,
albeit much modified, in about 55,000 persons). Many attractions
are geared towards US GIs at the local US military base. For
other visitors to Guam, there are many outdoor and water recreation
activities to enjoy.
Tumon Bay, just up the coast from Aga?a, is the main
tourist centre. There are fine coral reefs around the coast.
The interior is mountainous, particularly in the south. There
are several spectacular cliffs on the north coast. There are
three botanical gardens in Guam: the Inarajan Shore Botanical
Garden by the sea in the southern part of the island; the Nano
Fall Botanical Gardens in Agat, where swimming can be enjoyed
in the Nano River under rushing cascades; and the Pineapple
Plantation in Yigo. There are also many parks in Guam, some
dedicated to the war years. The South Pacific Memorial Park
in Yigo commemorates those killed in World War II, and the War
in the Pacific National Historical Park is the location of five
World War II battle sites with a museum of war photos and relics.
Guam has another small museum with sections dedicated to Chamorro
culture, natural history and the Japanese soldier who hid in
the interior until 1972, unaware that the war was over. As most
tourists to Guam are Japanese, many sites commemorate the war
years. Other parks include Latte Park, located at the bottom
of Kasamata Hill; and Merizo Pier Park, with recreational facilities
for watersports and the location of the annual Merizo Water
Festival. It is also the gateway to Cocos Island, a beautiful
100-acre resort surrounded by a clear lagoon and accessible
by speedboat. Beach parks include Talofofo Bay Beach Park, located
at the mouth of the Talofofo River and a surfers' paradise;
and Ipao Beach Park, once the location of an ancient Chamorro
settlement, later a penal and leper colony, and now one of Guam's
most popular recreational areas. |
Guam Airport Guide
