The Hawaii Island, spanning 4,028 SQ. miles boasts of many natural wonders. Among them are the world’s highest sea mountain, Maunakea, the world’s biggest mountain, Maunaloa and one of the world’s volcanoes regarded as highly active, Kilauea.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is the state’s most popular tourist attraction and it is the largest covering an area of 333,086 acres. It is also a UNESCO designated World Heritage Site. Kilauea Volcano is the central attraction of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which has been erupting continuously since 1983. A vantage point in Kalapana affords visitors the chance to see lava going into the sea.
The coasts of Puna and Kau contain some of the most astounding black sand beaches which have been created by incessant volcanic activity on the island. Head to the popular Punaluu Black Sand Beach, most frequented by the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle, Honu.
Asking around, I find a good handful of people have never heard of Guam, Micronesia. However, word of its uniqueness is beginning to spread. With a 17.1 percent visitor increase between 2015 and 2016, it seems people are starting to take notice. It’s no surprise: Guam boasts a rich culture, gorgeous beaches, year-round tropical weather conditions and some of the most hospitable inhabitants in the world. You could call it a well-kept secret. What’s so special? Well, here’s to Guam: I’ll break down the facts and figures to present you with 8 reasons why you should consider it for your next holiday!
1. Prime Location:
Situated in the Western Pacific Ocean, Guam is the largest and southernmost island of the Mariana’s, nestled above the equator and to the East of the Philippines. Did somebody say perfect weather conditions? Commonly referred to as ‘America in Asia’, it is actually a territory of the United States, having been the first Pacific Island to be discovered by Westerners. Occupied by the Spanish until 1898, but originally settled by the Chamorros 4,000 years ago, you can understand why it’s multi-ethnic and brimming with culture and diversity.
2. Interesting Landscape:
Given its cozy seat above the equator, you can imagine how warm the water might be. Surrounded by coral reefs, an abundance of sea life reside just below the turquoise surface. The Mariana’s (which make up part of Micronesia) are volcanic Islands, having come into existence as the Pacific plates moved. None of Guam’s volcanos are active, though they make for a fascinating view. Throw in some waterfalls (Sigma and Talofofo Falls) and Caves (Pagat and Marbo) and you’ve got a lot to explore! Steep coastal cliff’s in the north, combined with mountains in the south diversify the otherwise typically tropical appearance of the Island. White sand beaches are a-plenty. Tumon Bay is the most popular to visit, though secluded beaches can be found elsewhere across the Island’s 544 km² radii. Meanwhile, Chamorro villages and ancient latte-stone pillars give insight to Guam’s history.
3. Hospitable People:
“Hafa Adai!” is how you’re greeted. Guam’s indigenous Chamorro people are warm and welcoming, keen to share the gift of their island with visitors. Of mixed ancestry, and with the influences of multiple nations over the years Guam can be described as both modern (given its American ownership) and traditional. The prehistoric concept of “doing good for each other” (inafa’maolek) is a constant and is evident in the respect and sense of community displayed in Chamorro culture. What better place to visit than one where you’re made to feel you belong?4.
4. Unique and Complex Culture
Guam has a contentious and diverse colonial history, between the Spanish-American wars that saw America capture Guam, and the temporary occupation by the Japanese in WW2. You’ll capture a sense of this whilst there. Generally, the culture reflects the traditional Chamorro customs, where dance, songs, games, fashion and the language are all individually a unique experience. The locals have big hearts, yet also know how to throw a party! Each of Guam’s 19 villages throws an annual ‘village fiesta’, and will happily include visitors. Meanwhile, some places – such as the basically- untouched village of Inarajan and the coastal village of Umatac – give an authentic taste of Guam’s history.
5. Delicious Food
Being the diverse hub that it is, Guam specializes in local and international cuisines. Nonetheless, it’s a place where you’ll want to dine like the locals. Chamorro food has clear Spanish and Mexican influences, a favorite being ‘kelaguen’: a combination of lemon, onion, hot peppers, salt and grated coconut used to season seafood and meats.
6. Activities For All Types
Depending on how you want to experience the culture, a multitude of activities await. Hiking (referred to as ‘bonnie stomping’ by the locals) is a brilliant means of enjoying Guam’s landscape. For those willing to explore the tropical waters you can snorkel and scuba dive. Alternatively, parasailing will enable you to enjoy the ocean from a birds-eye perspective. Guam is celebrated for its shopping, whether at duty-free stalls or the culturally rich local markets. Chamorro Villages are a must, featuring local dishes and dancing. Lina’La Beach and Culture Fair is another means by which the Chamorro people demonstrate their culture. If history is your thing, WW2 museums and national parks will give you insight. There is much to see and do on Guam. Yet if none of the above are of interest, then who can resist relaxing on one of Guam’s pristine beaches?!
7. Luxurious Resorts
Guam hosts a quality selection of comfortable first-rate resorts. Tumon Bay is the main place visitors accommodate, given the accessibility of the airport and top destinations. The exotic capital, Hagatna, is nearby. Here, beautiful beachside resorts such as the more boutique Fiesta Resort Guam and the deluxe Hyatt Regency can be found.
8. Glorious Sunsets
I cannot go without gushing about Guam’s spectacular sunsets. “Red at night, shepherds delight.” You’ll see such majesty every evening, thanks to the perfect weather!
Romantics: look out! Proposals and weddings aren’t uncommon on this Pacific Island gateway. Alternatively, if you’re in the right place, live music may just accompany the view, popping the cherry on top of an inevitably unforgettable day.
Guam Sunset
Getting around Guam
Buses and trolleys provide affordable transport around Guam, connecting most major hotels to shopping centres and districts. It is also easy to grab a metered taxi with a cheap starting flag rate of US$2.40. Taxi fares increase by US$4 for the first mile and with increments of S$0.80 per subsequent mile.
Currency in Guam
The legal tender in Guam is the U.S. Dollar.
Entry Requirements
US citizens are generally allowed to enter Guam and re-enter the US with a valid US photo ID card, though passports are recommended.
Guam’s entry requirements make concessions for the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Citizens or nationals of VWP Designated Countries may travel to Guam without a visa for the purpose of pleasure, for a period of 90 days or less, with prior approval obtained from the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) and with qualifying travel arrangements and supporting documentation
Visitors to Guam are recommended to hold a valid passport/travel document with minimum validity of six months beyond the period of intended stay. Visa requirements vary for different countries of origin.
Buses and trolleys provide affordable transport around Guam, connecting most major hotels to shopping centres and districts. It is also easy to grab a metered taxi with a cheap starting flag rate of US$2.40. Taxi fares increase by US$4 for the first mile and with increments of S$0.80 per subsequent mile.
Currency in Guam
The legal tender in Guam is the U.S. Dollar.
Entry Requirements
US citizens are generally allowed to enter Guam and re-enter the US with a valid US photo ID card, though passports are recommended.
Guam’s entry requirements make concessions for the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Citizens or nationals of VWP Designated Countries may travel to Guam without a visa for the purpose of pleasure, for a period of 90 days or less, with prior approval obtained from the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) and with qualifying travel arrangements and supporting documentation
Visitors to Guam are recommended to hold a valid passport/travel document with minimum validity of six months beyond the period of intended stay. Visa requirements vary for different countries of origin.
Try out traditional kelaguen, made with meat marinated with lemons and hot peppers, on the side of red rice infused with achote seeds, onions and garlic. Spicy stewed marinated chicken, or kadon pika, goes well with red rice.
The Chammoros know their marinades well, so their barbecued meats grilled atop blazing tangan-tangan wood fires are a must-try too and you can end your meal with a bite of Chammoro caramelised coconut candy.
While the island has a variety of cuisine including American, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Filipino and Mexican dining options available, it is highly recommended that you keep a lookout for traditional Chammoro restaurants when you are dining out in Guam.
Visit beautiful limestone forests unique to Guam and view the indigenous plants, like the pahong, used for its waxy lining and edible seeds that the Chamorro people still use today.
Go on a river tour to experience Guam’s native culture and lush jungle or take a trip back in time to visit Guam’s six historical parks. Abandoned tanks, pillboxes, guns and bomb and shell craters, some being reclaimed by the jungle, stand as somber testaments to the Guam’s violent past in the World Wars I and II.
Guam has plenty to offer the adventurous explorer – from kayaking, hiking, windsurfing, parasailing, jet-skiing to dolphin watching. You can also tee off at its world-renowned golf resorts.
Diving & Snorkeling in Guam
Stunning coral reefs and clear crystalline blue lagoons, teeming with colorful aquatic life ring Guam’s white sand coastline.
With its military history and significance in the World War I and II, Guam’s appeal to scuba divers is especially strong in its shipwrecks. Wreck dive the Tokai Maru and SMS Cormoran where you can get to touch a shipwreck from World War I at the same time as another from World War II.
Guam’s proximity to the Mariana Trench, the deepest portion of the Earth’s oceans, also brings with it a mind-blowing variety of marine life and terrain for divers and snorkelers to explore.
Turtles, spotted eagle rays, and white tip reef sharks abound as octopus, large tuna, and unicorn fish come out to play with giant eels and spinner dolphins giving divers a spectacular visual treat that often comes just once in a lifetime.
Shopping in Guam
The Chamorros are skilled craftsmen known for their intricate weaving of accessories and trap. Bring a piece of Guam home with you when you pick up traditional woven bags, hats, boxes and such at Gef Pa’go, Inajaran, where you can also learn to weave.
Apart from souvenirs, duty-free shopping is a delight at the Tumon Bay area, where a gleaming DFS Galleria is located a short distance away from Tumon Sands Plaza, a shopping haven filled with luxury labels.
Factory outlet shopping can also be done at the Guam Premier Outlets and Ross Dress for Less, where plenty of bargains await you.
Another must-go is the Kmart in Guam – touted to be the largest in the world.
History and geography have given Guam a vibrant cosmopolitan population of 167,000.
Guam’s earliest settlers, the Chamorros, who now make up 37% of the population, are thought to have arrived by canoe from South-East Asia, living isolated from the rest of the world as an advanced fishing, horticultural, and hunting society for centuries.
In 1521, Spanish explorer Ferdinand Magellan arrived on Guam and forged a link between Spain and the Chamorros lasting over 300 years until the island became a US Territory in 1898 after the Spanish-American War. The Japanese briefly occupied Guam until 1944 when it was liberated by American forces.
As such, Guamanian charm and warmth is an eclectic blend of Spanish, indigenous Chamorro, Pacific, Asian and Western cultures and traditions.
Languages in Guam
The two official languages in Guam are English and Chamorro. You can get by perfectly by conversing with the locals in English.
Culture & Beliefs
The Guamanian people are a genuinely friendly lot, so be sure to return the “Hafa Adai!” greetings that come your way.
While years of Spanish and American influence has converted most of the island’s population to Christianity, traditional superstitious beliefs still abound.
Chamorros believe that ancestral spirits, or TaoTao Mona, still roam the island’s forests and jungles. As a sign of respect to the ancestors, it is prudent to first seek permission from the spirits before entering the jungle.
While the Guamanian population is now a diverse range of ethnicities, the Chamorros are the native people of Guam, so do take note of whom (and how) to address a Chamorro.
On the subject of food, one of the places that truly deserve a shout out is the New Hope restaurant in Siem Reap. The surprising and heartening fact is that this is a trade school where former sex workers learn life skills. There is also a school for at-risk kids here. The food is delicious and you come away knowing that you have helped encourage a good cause!
If out-of- the-ordinary cuisine is what you are looking for, then maybe you would enjoy some spiders or a couple of tarantulas? At Eat a Spider, these are the special dishes you should expect to find. Does that make your stomach turn? Well, Cambodia is famous for its mangoes and bananas too so help your stomach settle down with these delicious fruits.
Traditional Cambodian food is characterized by surprising contrasts in flavor. To taste the true Khmer flavor, a good start is the Bai sach chrouk which are a dish that combines rice and pork. This simple dish is something you will find on street corners too. Fish amok is another traditional dish which also shows the influence of Thai and Vietnamese cooking on Cambodia’s cuisine. Khmer noodles or Nom banh chok makes for a filling breakfast especially if you like the typical Asian combination of flavors and spices. On the beverages front, the Chinese tea, tika Lok (fruit smoothie) are good options.
Despite its unfortunate association with the Khmer Rouge, Cambodia is today, one of the most tranquil vacation spots you might ever see. The beguiling Angkor is a fixture on every holiday maker’s itinerary and with good reason. The massive religious complex with the Angkor Wat temple still standing guard over the ruins is truly an awe-inspiring sight. Don’t rush your visit because the magical beauty of the intricately designed Banteay Srei or the magnificent faces of the Bayon will surely make you lose track of time.
In the capital city, the Silver Pagoda, as well as the Royal Palace, are great attractions for all tourists. If you want to take in all of the Khmer temples in one sweeping panorama, the Preah Vihear situated on a cliff in the Dangrek Mountains is the perfect spot. The floating villages around the Tonle Sap, Cambodia’s large freshwater lake is another interesting sight to see. The lake may look dramatically different at different times of the year as the volume of water increases and depletes. If you love sea life then a visit to Kratie should be on your list. If you are lucky you can catch a glimpse of the Irrawaddy dolphin which is, sadly, dwindling down to extinction. Finish up your visit at Koh Ker, an ancient capital of the Khmer empire where you will find the imposing, pyramid-like Prasat Thom that dominates the landscape.
Although Khmers dominate the ethnic groups in Cambodia, Vietnamese and Chinese do make their home here too albeit in much smaller numbers. In terms of religion, you will find a predominance of Buddhism here. The language used is modern Khmer although you might find quite a few French words peppering any conversation, a remnant of the years of French colonial ruling. Thankfully, English is spoken and understood by many, particularly in the locations where tourists tend to throng. French and Mandarin are also spoken, although primarily by the older generation of Cambodians.
One of the most interesting aspects of the Cambodian society is that individuals are always secondary to the groups they belong to. That is, the people traditionally put their family, their society and their country ahead of their own needs.
For foreigners in Cambodia, etiquette is a very critical aspect of brushing up on before heading out here. Causing offense to others inadvertently or deliberately can cause serious problems and it is very important to avoid embarrassing or criticizing others, especially in public. On the other hand, complimenting someone in public on their hospitality is a simple way to add to their honor and show them respect or appreciation.
You will need a passport and visa to get in Hong Kong, even if you are entering via mainland China. You can apply for a visa at the Chinese embassy or at Hong Kong’s Immigration Department. Details of the entry requirement can be found at the Immigration Department’s website as well.
The official currency of the city is the Hong Kong dollar (HKD), denoted by “$”. So if you see a dollar sign, consider it HKD and not USD. Prices listed in US dollars have the “USD $” sign before them. The standard exchange rate is USD1 = HKD0.80 but banks may offer some slight variations. And airports, as well as hotels, will offer the least competitive exchange rates of all.
The best place to exchange large amounts is banks and to exchange small amounts is an independent exchange shop. Such shops abound in the tourist places and do not charge the fixed commission as banks do. However, use these shops well within the banking hours to get the best rates. If you have accounts with the HSBC, Standard Chartered or Hang Seng, you may safely and profitably use your ATM debit card instead.
