Guam

Guam rises from the western Pacific Ocean as the largest and southernmost island of the Mariana archipelago—a tropical paradise where ancient Chamorro culture meets American influence, where pristine beaches give way to dense jungle interiors, and where the International Date Line makes this "Where America's Day Begins." This 544-square-kilometer island, just 48 kilometers long, punches far above its weight as a strategic military outpost, diving destination, and gateway to Micronesia.

The Chamorro people have inhabited Guam for over 4,000 years, developing a sophisticated society centered on the latte stone pillars that still dot the landscape. Spanish colonization from 1668 brought Catholicism, which remains central to Chamorro identity. After the Spanish-American War of 1898, Guam became a U.S. territory, a status it maintains today with residents holding American citizenship but no vote in presidential elections.

Modern Guam balances its roles as a major U.S. military installation—Andersen Air Force Base and Naval Base Guam occupy significant portions of the island—with a thriving tourism industry that draws visitors primarily from Japan, South Korea, and increasingly China. Tumon Bay's luxury hotels and duty-free shopping contrast with the traditional villages of the south, where fiesta culture and family ties remain paramount. For travelers, Guam offers an accessible introduction to Pacific island culture with American conveniences.

The name "Guam" derives from the Chamorro word "Guåhan," meaning "we have" or referring to the island's abundant resources. The Chamorro people, the indigenous inhabitants, have called this island home for over 4,000 years, developing a matrilineal society where women held significant power and property passed through female lines.

Today's Guamanian identity blends Chamorro heritage, Spanish colonial influences (visible in Catholicism and family names), and American culture. The Chamorro language, though endangered, is taught in schools and appears on government signage alongside English. Traditional practices like the inafa'maolek concept—emphasizing interdependence and mutual respect—continue to shape social interactions.

As an unincorporated U.S. territory, Guam occupies a unique political status. Residents are U.S. citizens but cannot vote in presidential elections and have only a non-voting delegate in Congress. Periodic plebiscites have addressed statehood, independence, or free association, but no change has occurred. This "territorial limbo" remains a sensitive topic.

The phrase "Håfa Adai" (pronounced ha-fa-day) serves as Guam's greeting—equivalent to "hello" or "welcome." Visitors will hear it constantly, from airport arrivals to restaurant greetings, embodying the warm hospitality central to Chamorro culture.

Guam stretches 48 kilometers long and up to 19 kilometers wide, covering 544 square kilometers in the western Pacific. The island divides naturally into two distinct regions: the northern plateau of raised coral limestone, relatively flat and home to Andersen Air Force Base, and the mountainous volcanic south with rivers, waterfalls, and dense jungle.

Mount Lamlam, at 406 meters, claims the title of world's tallest mountain when measured from its base in the nearby Mariana Trench (the Earth's deepest point at 10,994 meters). The tropical climate brings consistent temperatures between 24-30°C year-round, with a rainy season from July to November and occasional typhoons—though Guam lies south of the main typhoon belt.

The island organizes into 19 villages. Tumon Bay on the central west coast concentrates tourism with its hotels, shopping, and beaches. Hagåtña, the tiny capital, preserves Spanish-era architecture including the Plaza de España. The southern villages—Inarajan, Merizo, Umatac—maintain traditional character with fewer tourists and authentic fiesta culture.

Coral reefs fringe much of the coastline, creating world-class diving and snorkeling. The underwater landscape includes dramatic drop-offs, blue holes, and numerous WWII wrecks. Inland, hiking trails lead through tropical forest to waterfalls like Talofofo Falls and ancient latte stone sites.

The Chamorro people arrived on Guam around 2000 BCE, likely from Southeast Asia, developing one of the Pacific's oldest continuous cultures. They built the iconic latte stones—massive stone pillars topped with capstones—that supported important buildings and now serve as Guam's symbol. By the time of European contact, Chamorro society was highly stratified with distinct social classes.

Ferdinand Magellan arrived in 1521 during his circumnavigation, making Guam one of the first Pacific islands contacted by Europeans. Spanish colonization began formally in 1668 with the arrival of Jesuit missionaries, sparking the Spanish-Chamorro Wars (1670-1695) that, combined with introduced diseases, devastated the indigenous population from an estimated 50,000-100,000 to barely 5,000.

The Spanish-American War of 1898 transferred Guam to American control. Japan seized the island on December 8, 1941 (December 7 in Hawaii), beginning a brutal 31-month occupation. The Battle of Guam in July-August 1944 saw fierce fighting as U.S. forces recaptured the island. War memorials and relics remain throughout Guam.

Post-war Guam became a strategic U.S. military hub, hosting major air and naval bases. The Organic Act of 1950 granted U.S. citizenship to Guamanians. Today, the military presence shapes the economy and culture, while debates continue about Guam's political status and path forward.

Guam's population of approximately 170,000 reflects its crossroads position. Chamorros comprise about 37%, with significant Filipino (26%), white American (7%), and other Pacific Islander and Asian communities. The U.S. military presence adds transient population. English dominates daily life, though Chamorro language preservation efforts continue in schools and government.

Catholicism, introduced by Spanish missionaries, remains central to Chamorro identity—over 85% of residents identify as Catholic. Village fiestas honoring patron saints occur year-round, featuring traditional food, dancing, and community gathering. These events welcome visitors and offer authentic cultural immersion.

The concept of "inafa'maolek"—roughly "to make good for each other"—underlies Chamorro social relations, emphasizing interdependence, respect, and reciprocity. Family ties (the "familia") remain paramount, with extended family networks providing social support. Elders ("mañaina") receive particular respect.

Traditional arts include weaving, pottery, and the distinctive "kantan Chamorrita" folk songs. The annual Guam Micronesia Island Fair showcases Pacific cultures, while the Liberation Day parade (July 21) commemorates the 1944 American recapture with the largest event of the year.

Hagåtña (formerly Agana) serves as Guam's tiny capital—home to only about 1,000 residents but the center of government and historical significance. The Spanish colonial legacy remains visible in the reconstructed Plaza de España, where the Spanish Governor's Palace once stood, and in the nearby Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica, the island's principal Catholic church.

The Guam Museum, opened in 2019, offers an excellent introduction to Chamorro history and culture, from ancient seafaring traditions to the Japanese occupation and liberation. Nearby, the Chamorro Village hosts a Wednesday night market with local food, crafts, and entertainment—the best weekly gathering on the island.

Latte Stone Park preserves ancient Chamorro pillars relocated from various sites. The Paseo de Susana park along the waterfront provides peaceful green space and views across Agana Bay. Fort Santa Agueda, a Spanish-era fortification, offers panoramic views from the cliffs above the city.

Though small and quickly explored, Hagåtña anchors the island's identity. Most visitors pass through en route to Tumon's beaches, but a half-day exploring the historic center rewards with deeper understanding of Guam's layered past.

Tumon Bay, Guam's tourism epicenter, curves along the western coast with crystal-clear waters, white sand, and a lineup of international hotels. This protected marine preserve offers calm swimming conditions and excellent snorkeling directly from shore—coral formations and tropical fish thrive just steps from the beach towels.

The hotel row includes familiar names—Hyatt, Westin, Hilton, Outrigger—alongside Japanese-owned properties catering to that country's tourists. Duty-free shopping in malls like the Guam Premier Outlets and T Galleria draws bargain hunters, while restaurants range from local seafood to Japanese izakaya to American chains.

Ypao Beach Park, the public beach within Tumon, provides free access to the same gorgeous waters without hotel crowds. Gun Beach to the north offers slightly more seclusion and remnants of WWII Japanese gun emplacements. At night, Tumon transforms with restaurants, bars, and the Sand Castle dinner show.

Two Lovers Point (Puntan Dos Amantes), the cliff overlooking Tumon from the north, ranks as Guam's most-visited attraction. The legend tells of two Chamorro lovers who leaped from the cliff rather than be separated—today visitors come for the dramatic views and Instagram opportunities.

Guam bears witness to some of the Pacific War's most significant events. Hours after Pearl Harbor, Japanese forces attacked and quickly conquered the island on December 10, 1941. The brutal occupation lasted 31 months until American forces returned in July 1944, initiating fierce battles that left thousands dead on both sides.

The War in the Pacific National Historical Park preserves seven units across the island. The T. Stell Newman Visitor Center provides excellent context with artifacts and documentaries. Asan Beach, where Marines landed on July 21, 1944, features memorials and underwater wreck sites. Ga'an Point's Japanese gun emplacements remain intact.

The South Pacific Memorial Park honors Japanese soldiers who died defending the island. Nearby, the Last Command Post marks where Japanese commanders made their final stand. Throughout the jungle, bunkers, caves, and artillery positions await discovery by hikers willing to venture off-trail.

Liberation Day (July 21) remains Guam's biggest celebration, commemorating the 1944 American return. Veterans, though increasingly few, receive honored status, and the parade draws crowds from across the island. The war's legacy—in family stories, historic sites, and ongoing military presence—remains central to Guamanian identity.

Guam offers world-class diving with remarkable variety—coral reefs, dramatic walls, blue holes, and over a dozen WWII wrecks within recreational depths. Water temperatures remain warm year-round (26-29°C), visibility regularly exceeds 30 meters, and dive operators cater to all skill levels from beginners to technical divers.

Blue Hole, a vertical cavern dropping 70+ meters from a shallow reef, ranks among the Pacific's most dramatic dives. The SMS Cormoran, a scuttled WWI German raider, and the nearby Tokai Maru (WWII Japanese freighter) make Guam one of few places where vessels from both world wars lie side by side. Fish Eye Marine Park offers underwater viewing for non-divers.

Beyond diving, Guam's interior rewards exploration. Talofofo Falls cascades through jungle accessible by chairlift or hiking trail. The southern villages preserve traditional character and host weekend BBQ stands serving kelaguen and red rice. The coastal drive through Inarajan, Merizo, and Umatac offers dramatic cliffs and quiet beaches.

Wildlife includes reef sharks, sea turtles, manta rays (seasonal), and over 900 fish species. Birdwatchers should note that the brown tree snake, introduced accidentally after WWII, has devastated native bird populations—a cautionary tale in island ecology now being addressed through intensive eradication efforts.

The southern half of Guam preserves traditional Chamorro village life that contrasts sharply with Tumon's resort glitz. Here, extended families gather for weekend BBQs, village fiestas honor patron saints, and the pace of life slows to island time. A coastal drive through the south offers Guam's most scenic route.

Inarajan, one of Guam's oldest villages, preserves Spanish-era architecture around its central plaza. The natural pools at Inarajan Pools offer calm swimming in ocean-fed rock formations. Nearby Gef Pa'go Cultural Village demonstrates traditional Chamorro crafts and cooking.

Merizo, at Guam's southern tip, serves as the departure point for Cocos Island—a small resort island with pristine beaches and water sports. The village's San Dimas Church dates to the Spanish era. Umatac Bay, where Magellan allegedly landed in 1521, hosts the annual Discovery Day festival reenacting Spanish arrival.

Throughout the south, roadside "kiosk" stands sell local food—kelaguen (citrus-marinated meat), red rice, and BBQ. Weekend afternoons see families gathered at beach parks. This is the Guam that tourism brochures often miss—authentic, unhurried, and welcoming.

The U.S. military footprint dominates Guam's landscape and economy. Andersen Air Force Base occupies the entire northern tip of the island, hosting B-52 bombers and serving as a strategic hub for Pacific operations. Naval Base Guam on the western coast supports submarine and surface ship operations. Together, military installations cover nearly 30% of the island's land area.

This presence shapes daily life profoundly. Military personnel and their families constitute a significant portion of the population. Defense spending drives the economy alongside tourism. The relationship brings benefits—federal funding, employment, infrastructure—but also tensions over land use, environmental concerns, and the ongoing buildup planned to relocate Marines from Okinawa.

For visitors, military areas are off-limits without authorization, but the influence is visible everywhere: fighter jets overhead, naval vessels in Apra Harbor, and military families at restaurants and beaches. The annual Liberation Day parade prominently features military participation honoring the 1944 recapture.

Guam's strategic importance has only grown amid Pacific tensions. The island hosts missile defense systems and serves as a forward deployment point. This "tip of the spear" role generates both pride and anxiety among residents who remember Japanese occupation and understand their island's vulnerability.

Chamorro cuisine blends indigenous Pacific traditions with Spanish, Filipino, American, and Asian influences—a delicious reflection of Guam's cultural crossroads. Fiesta food, prepared for celebrations and gatherings, represents the cuisine at its most elaborate, while everyday eating centers on rice, grilled meats, and fresh seafood.

Signature Dishes: Kelaguen – the national dish: chopped meat (chicken, beef, or seafood) "cooked" in lemon juice with onions, peppers, and fresh coconut. Red Rice – rice colored and flavored with achote (annatto) seeds, served at every fiesta. Kadon Pika – spicy chicken stew with coconut milk. Shrimp Patties – golden-fried fritters. Chicken or Beef Tinaktak – ground meat cooked in coconut milk with green beans.

Beverages & Treats: Tuba – fresh coconut wine tapped from palm trees. Latiya – sponge cake with custard topping. Apigigi – sweet rice cake wrapped in banana leaves. Buñelos Aga – banana donuts. American beer brands dominate, but local craft brewing is emerging.

Kelaguen Mannok

Chamorro Chicken Salad

Ingredients: 300g boneless chicken thighs, Juice of 6-8 lemons (about 180ml), 50g fresh coconut (grated) or unsweetened desiccated, 4 green onions (finely sliced), 1-2 bird's eye chilies (minced), 15ml soy sauce, Salt to taste, Warm titiyas or tortillas for serving.

Preparation: Grill chicken thighs over high heat until charred on outside but just cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side. Let rest briefly, then chop into small pieces while still warm. Place chopped chicken in a bowl and immediately pour lemon juice over it, ensuring all pieces are coated. The acid will continue "cooking" the meat. Add grated coconut, green onions, chilies, and soy sauce. Toss well to combine. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt—the dish should be bright, tangy, and slightly spicy. Serve at room temperature with warm titiyas for scooping.

💡 Freshly grated mature coconut is traditional, but dried coconut rehydrated briefly in some of the lemon juice works well too.

Red Rice

Hineksa' Agaga'

Ingredients: 200g jasmine rice, 30ml vegetable oil, 15g achiote (annatto) seeds, 1 small onion (finely diced), 2 garlic cloves (minced), 400ml chicken stock or water, 5g salt, 15g butter (optional).

Preparation: Rinse rice until water runs clear, then soak for 20 minutes. Drain well. Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add achiote seeds and swirl for 2-3 minutes until oil turns deep red-orange. Strain out seeds, returning colored oil to pan. Sauté onion in the achiote oil until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute. Add drained rice, stirring to coat each grain with red oil. Pour in stock and salt, bring to boil. Reduce heat to lowest setting, cover tightly, and cook for 18 minutes. Remove from heat, keep covered, and let rest 10 minutes. Fluff with fork, stir in butter if using, and serve immediately.

💡 Achiote seeds are available at Latin American grocers. Store unused seeds in a cool, dark place—they keep their color for years.

Latiya

Chamorro Sponge Cake Dessert

Ingredients: For sponge: 2 eggs, 60g sugar, 60g flour, 2g baking powder, Pinch of salt. For custard: 400ml whole milk, 100g sugar, 45g cornstarch, 3 egg yolks, 30g butter, 5ml vanilla extract. For topping: Ground cinnamon.

Preparation: Preheat oven to 180°C. For sponge: Beat eggs and sugar until thick and pale, about 5 minutes. Fold in flour, baking powder, and salt gently. Pour into a greased 20cm square pan. Bake 15-18 minutes until golden and springy. Cool completely. For custard: Whisk milk, sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 8 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in butter and vanilla. To assemble: Cut sponge into cubes and arrange in serving dish. Pour warm custard over cake, ensuring it soaks in. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours. Before serving, dust generously with cinnamon.

💡 The custard should be pourable but thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. If it gets lumpy, strain it before pouring over cake.

Best Time: January through May offers the most reliable weather with low humidity and minimal rain. Water temperatures stay warm (27-29°C) year-round. Typhoon season peaks August-October—travel insurance essential. Liberation Day (July 21) offers unique cultural experience despite wet season timing.

By Air (Only Option): Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport (GUM) handles all arrivals. Major routes include Tokyo-Narita (3.5 hrs), Tokyo-Haneda, Osaka, Seoul-Incheon, Manila, Taipei, and Honolulu. United Airlines serves as the primary US carrier with connections via Honolulu.

From US Mainland: No direct flights from continental US. Connect through Honolulu (7-8 hours from GUM) or Asian hubs. Total travel time from West Coast: 12-15 hours with connections.

Visa Requirements: US citizens need only valid ID (passport not required but recommended). Visa Waiver Program countries (Japan, South Korea, UK, most EU) can visit visa-free up to 45 days under the Guam-CNMI VWP—simpler than mainland US requirements. Others need standard US visa.

Airport to Hotels: Tumon Bay hotels are 15-20 minutes from the airport. Hotel shuttles, taxis ($25-35), and rental cars available. No public transit to speak of—rent a car if planning to explore beyond Tumon.

Visa: US citizens need valid ID only (passport recommended). Visa Waiver Program countries can stay 45 days visa-free under Guam-CNMI VWP. Others require standard US visa. No customs declaration needed for most visitors.

Money: US Dollar (USD) is the currency. Credit cards accepted everywhere in tourist areas. ATMs widely available. Tipping: 15-20% at restaurants (American standard). Military discounts common.

Communications: US carriers work seamlessly (it's domestic). Local SIM cards available. WiFi widespread in hotels and restaurants. Time Zone: ChST (UTC+10), 15 hours ahead of EST.

Getting Around: Rent a car for flexibility (international license accepted). Limited bus service exists but impractical for tourists. Taxis available but expensive. Tumon is walkable.

Safety: Generally very safe—crime rates lower than most US cities. Main concerns: strong sun (use SPF 50+), rip currents at some beaches, and traffic accidents. Tap water is safe. Medical facilities are adequate; US health insurance typically applies.

Guam is more expensive than Southeast Asia but offers American conveniences. Budget travelers can manage on $100-150/day; mid-range expect $200-300/day. Japanese tourists often book packages including flights and hotels.

Tumon Bay concentrates most tourist accommodation, from international chains to local properties. Beachfront rooms command premium prices; inland options offer savings. Outside Tumon, options are limited but can offer more authentic experiences.

Luxury: Dusit Thani Guam Resort (beachfront, $300+), The Westin Resort Guam ($250+), Hyatt Regency Guam ($280+), Hilton Guam Resort & Spa ($250+). Mid-Range: Outrigger Guam Beach Resort ($180-250), Pacific Star Resort ($150-200), Hotel Nikko Guam ($170-230). Budget: Oceanview Hotel ($80-120), Days Inn Guam ($70-100), Airbnb options in residential areas.

Booking Tips: Book well ahead for Japanese holidays (Golden Week, New Year). Check for package deals from Tokyo and Seoul. Military personnel get discounts at many properties. Beach access is public even at resort beaches.

Liberation Day (July 21) — Guam's biggest celebration commemorating the 1944 American return. Month-long carnival, massive parade, fireworks, and reunions. Guam Micronesia Island Fair (March) — Cultural showcase with Pacific island nations, traditional arts, food, and performances at Paseo Stadium.

Village Fiestas — Each of Guam's 19 villages hosts an annual fiesta honoring its patron saint. Traditional food, games, and community gathering. Locals welcome visitors warmly. Chamorro Month (March) — Month-long celebration of Chamorro heritage with cultural events, competitions, and educational programs.

Other Events: Annual BBQ Block Party, Korean Festival, Philippine Cultural Day, Guam Live International Music Festival. Check the Guam Visitors Bureau for current event schedules.

Guam has no UNESCO World Heritage Sites, but several locations merit consideration. The War in the Pacific National Historical Park, managed by the US National Park Service, preserves seven units across the island commemorating WWII battles and the Japanese occupation.

National Historic Landmarks: The Plaza de España complex in Hagåtña preserves remnants of Spanish colonial administration. Fort Nuestra Señora de la Soledad in Umatac overlooks the bay where Magellan allegedly landed. Various latte stone sites across the island represent ancient Chamorro engineering.

Living Heritage: Chamorro language, oral traditions, navigation skills, and the fiesta culture represent intangible heritage actively preserved through schools, cultural organizations, and community practice. The Guam Council on the Arts and Humanities Agency (CAHA) leads preservation efforts.

Pagat Cave & Beach — Challenging hike through jungle to ancient Chamorro caves and a pristine, secluded beach. Bring water, sturdy shoes, and allow 3-4 hours. Cetti Bay Overlook — Stunning viewpoint in the southern hills, often empty. Best at sunset.

Inarajan Natural Pool — Ocean-fed rock pools perfect for calm swimming, far from Tumon crowds. Sella Bay — Remote southern bay with excellent snorkeling and no facilities (bring everything). Fort Soledad — Spanish-era fort with commanding views, rarely visited despite its beauty.

Mangilao Golf Course — Not for golf, but the adjacent jungle trails lead to WWII Japanese caves. Talofofo Caves — Where Japanese soldier Shoichi Yokoi hid for 28 years after WWII, not knowing the war had ended.

Essential: Valid ID (passport recommended), sunscreen SPF 50+, reef-safe if snorkeling, insect repellent, waterproof phone case, underwater camera for diving/snorkeling.

Clothing: Light, breathable fabrics—it's tropical year-round. Swimwear, cover-ups, comfortable walking shoes for jungle trails, flip-flops for beaches. One nice outfit for restaurants. Rain jacket or compact umbrella for sudden showers.

Don't Forget: Power adapter (US plugs), medications (pharmacies limited), snorkel gear (rentals available but own is better), reusable water bottle, hat for sun protection. Skip: Heavy clothing, formal wear (except for special occasions), most toiletries (available at US stores like Kmart and Ross).

Official: Guam Visitors Bureau (visitguam.com) — Events, maps, guides. Emergency: 911 (police, fire, ambulance). Guam Memorial Hospital: +1 (671) 647-2330.

Dive Operators: Micronesian Divers Association, Real World Diving, Guam Tropical Dive Station. Tour Companies: Valley of the Latte Adventure Park (river cruise), Guam Adventures (hiking), Ocean Jet (jet ski tours).

Apps: Google Maps (works well), Uber (limited availability), Guam Bus app (if using public transit). Online: r/Guam (Reddit community), TripAdvisor Guam forum, Pacific Daily News (local news).

History: "Destiny's Landfall: A History of Guam" by Robert F. Rogers — comprehensive island history. "The Liberation of Guam" by Harry Gailey — detailed WWII account. "An Island in Agony" by Tony Palomo — Japanese occupation from local perspective.

Culture: "I Manfåyi: Who We Were" by Lawrence Cunningham — Chamorro cultural heritage. "Chamorro Legends on the Island of Guam" — traditional stories collected by early missionaries. Fiction: Works by Craig Santos Perez — contemporary Chamorro poet addressing identity and colonialism.

Discover Guam through these carefully selected documentaries and travel videos. From pristine beaches to WWII history, these films capture the island's tropical beauty and strategic significance.

Ricardo J. Bordallo (1927-1990) — Guam's most controversial governor, served twice (1975-79, 1983-87). Known for expanding social services and clashing with federal authorities, he remains a complex figure in island history. The Paseo de Susana stadium bears his name.

Military Heroes: Father Dueñas — priest executed by Japanese during WWII occupation, now being considered for sainthood. Ben Blaz (1928-2014) — first Chamorro to reach general rank in US Marine Corps, later served as Guam's delegate to Congress.

Entertainment: Anna Maria Perez de Tagle — Disney actress ("Camp Rock," "Hannah Montana"). B.J. Penn — legendary UFC fighter (mother from Guam). Sports: Guam has produced several MMA fighters, and basketball remains hugely popular with several Chamorros playing college ball stateside.

Guam National Football Team: A FIFA member since 1996, the Matao (warriors) compete in Asian qualifiers despite being a US territory. Notable upset victories include beating India (2015) and Turkmenistan (2015) during a historic winning streak.

Popular Sports: Basketball dominates local athletics—Guam's leagues are highly competitive and community-focused. Rugby, baseball, and MMA also have strong followings. Many Guamanians compete in mainland US college athletics. Events: Guam hosts international marathons, triathlons, and the annual Guam International Film Festival (though sports-adjacent).

Local News: Pacific Daily News (daily newspaper, Gannett-owned), Guam Daily Post, KUAM News (TV/radio). US mainland news is readily available. Radio: Multiple stations including K57 (talk radio), KSTO, Power 98.

Internet & Phone: US carriers (AT&T, T-Mobile, Docomo) operate seamlessly. Internet speeds are good in developed areas. Press Freedom: Full First Amendment protections apply—Guam enjoys the same press freedoms as the US mainland. Social media use is high, particularly Facebook for community organizing and local news.

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Tumon Bay

Crystal-clear waters and resort paradise

Two Lovers Point

Iconic cliff overlooking the Philippine Sea

Latte Stones

Ancient Chamorro archaeological treasures

Diving Paradise

World-class reefs and WWII wrecks

Talofofo Falls

Three-tiered jungle waterfall