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 Hagåtña, 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 Hagåtña, is the main tourist center. 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. 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, is a one 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.
Next Page »
