Guam
The largest island of the Mariana chain and a US territory, holding Chamorro culture, wartime remains and coral reef together.
Icons
Beaches, war sites, and cliffs.
- The bay lined with hotelsTumon BayCentral west coast
A shallow, calm beach with the hotels and shops behind it. Being a marine preserve, the fish life is good.
- A clifftop lookoutTwo Lovers PointNorthwest
A hundred-metre cliff looking over the whole of Tumon Bay. The name comes from a Chamorro legend.
- Traces of the Pacific WarWar in the Pacific National Historical ParkAsan and Agat
Landing beaches, pillboxes and gun emplacements preserved along the coast. The park is split across several units.
- An empty beach in the northRitidian PointNorthern tip
White sand inside a wildlife refuge, reached down an unpaved road. Currents are strong, so take care swimming.
- Chamorro stone pillarsLatte stonesThroughout
Mushroom-shaped pillars that formed the foundations of traditional houses. A group of them stands in a park in Hagatna.
- A waterfall in the jungleTalofofo FallsSoutheast
A falls park in the southern jungle, reached by cable car. Nearby is the cave where a soldier hid for decades after the war.
Where to go
Small enough to drive around in a couple of hours.
- TumonWhere the hotels and shopping areCentral
Hotels, duty-free shops and restaurants in one strip. Most visitors stay here.
- HagatnaThe capitalCentral west
A Spanish-era plaza, a museum and a cathedral. Small, but the historic sites are concentrated.
- The southern loopVillages and the coast roadSouth
Chamorro villages and viewpoints strung along the coastal highway. One village holds a Wednesday night market.
- The northCliffs and refugesNorth
Military land and nature refuges restrict access in places. Ritidian is the main exception.
- Cocos IslandA small island by boatSouthern tip
A shallow lagoon and watersports. A day trip by boat from the south.
When to go
Hot all year, split into dry and wet.
- Dry seasonDecember to MayThroughout
Little rain and calm water make this the easiest time. Peak season, so prices rise.
- Wet seasonJune to NovemberThroughout
Squalls pass through often but do not last. Humidity is high.
- TyphoonsConcentrated August to NovemberThroughout
Flights are cancelled when one tracks over. The warning system is well established, so follow the notices.
- EventsLiberation Day in JulyThroughout
A parade and festival mark liberation each July. Accommodation is tight around that week.
Before you go
A US territory, so entry follows US procedure.
- EntryGuam-CNMI visa waiver or ESTAThroughout
Korean passport holders enter either under the Guam and Northern Marianas waiver or with an ESTA. The conditions differ, so check current guidance before departure.
- MoneyUS dollar, card firstThroughout
The same currency and payment environment as the mainland US. Tipping is customary.
- DrivingOn the right; a Korean licence is accepted short termThroughout
Public transport is thin, so a hire car is easiest. There is essentially one ring road, which makes navigation simple.
- Water safetyWatch for rip currentsThe coast
Strong currents form in the channels through the reef. Always check the flags and signs.
- LanguageEnglish and ChamorroThroughout
English is official, and many shops also post Korean. Most place names are Chamorro.
- Emergency number911Throughout
The same number as the mainland US for police, ambulance and fire. Medical care is expensive, so check your insurance.
Opening hours, fares and schedules change from year to year and by season. Check the official guidance for each site and operator before you travel.