Page 85 - Pacific Paradises 2019

— Micronesia —
— Micronesia —

Distinct cultures,
crystal-clear lagoons,

pure white sand,
and the best diving and sport fishing
waters on the planet.

This is Micronesia.

micronesiatour.com

GUAM

Like an emerald glistening in a million square kilometres of the Pacific. They are thought to have travelled
velvet blue jewel case, the green Guam is also America’s airline link to by canoe from South-East Asia to the
peaks of Guam emerge from Asia with an average flight time of around Mariana Islands, where they lived isolated
the surrounding waters of the three hours to most Asian cities. from the rest of the world for centuries.
Western Pacific. The Chamorros flourished as an
The terrain of Guam is a startling
Guam is the largest and most southern contrast of limestone plateaus. The steep advanced fishing, horticultural, and
hunting society and were skilled
island in the Mariana Islands archipelago cliffs and narrow coastal shelves in the craftsmen who built unique houses and
in the northern area of the Pacific Ocean, central and northern parts of the island canoes well suited to this region of the
covering 34159 square kilometres and are wonderful to observe. Volcanic hills world. They are also skilled in intricate
with a population of approximately range up to 204 metres which is the weaving and detailed pottery making.
167,000 people. height of Mount Lamlam that is the
tallest mountain in the world from below In 1521, Ferdinand Magellan, the explorer
Situated approximately 2494 kilometres
south of Japan and 6115 kilometres west sea level as a result of Guam’s proximity sponsored by the Spanish court, arrived
of Hawaii, Guam has pristine beaches, to the Mariana Trench. on Guam and forged a link between
championship golf courses, world-class Southern Guam features lush jungles Spain and the Chamorros.
diving and snorkelling. Visitors can and quiet seaside villages. The central The Spaniards’ influence lasted more
experience a variety of cultural and area of the island has all the modern than 300 years until the island became a
historical sites, outdoor activities as well conveniences of suburban living, with US Territory in 1898 after the Spanish-
as recreational events. restaurants, bars, shopping centres and American War. The Japanese briefly
international class resort hotels fronting occupied the island until 1944 when it
As the largest and most developed Tumon and Agana Bays. was liberated by American forces.
island in Micronesia, Guam serves as a
transportation and communications hub Guam’s earliest settlers were the Today, even with modern suburban
and is the gateway to Micronesia, a region Chamorros who make up about 37 living, Guam still offers abundant
of 2000 islands and atolls spread over five percent of the island population today. natural beauty. The island is blessed by

GUAM • SAIPAN • TINIAN • ROTA • PALAU • CHUUK – 83 – www.paradises.com
KOSRAE • POHNPEI • YAP • MARSHALL ISLANDS