Guam, the best place you’ve never heard of

Mar 06 2015

I’ll be honest. Up until a year ago, if you had asked me to pinpoint Guam on a map, I might have pointed somewhere near Mexico. I had no idea that this tiny Micronesian island was actually a U.S. territory located in the southern Pacific. But, living in Japan, it didn’t take long before I heard all about this mysterious destination. Since Guam is an easy 3-hour escape from the cold winters in Japan, this island is a hot spot for Japanese tourists.

My friends and colleagues have referred to Guam as, “The poor man’s Hawaii.” Well, if that means beautiful, untouched beaches and wild, lush mountainscapes for half the price – count me in!

With just a few days to enjoy this beautiful paradise, we planned the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. Below is an itinerary to help you plan the ideal Guam getaway:

Day 1

Relax by the beach in Tumon Bay. The beaches at Tumon are picure-perfect: soft, white sandy beaches and crystal clear, turquoise waters. The sandy coast is lined with small huts where you can rent snorkel gear, stand up paddleboards, and kayaks.

Just before sunset, stop by Two Lovers Point and take in the breathtaking views from a cliff overlooking Tumon Bay and the Philippine Sea.

The legend of Two Lovers Point dates back to the 1800s, when Spain occupied Guam. It’s a love story about the beautiful daughter of a Spanish aristocrat, rebelling against an arranged marriage and falling in love with a local Chamorro man. After being pursued by soldiers and backed up against this (now famous) cliff, the couple was left with no choice. They tied their hair together in a single knot and jumped into the water below, never to be seen again. Even today, the legend is honored by locals and visitors alike. It’s a popular place for couples to visit and a very romantic setting for an engagement 🙂

In the evening, watch a traditional Chamorro fire dance. These performances are held nightly at many of the hotels along Tumon Bay, as well as the night market in Chamorro Village.

Day 2

Tour the more remote sections of the island by taking a mini road trip around the southern loop, following the coast line. It’s very easy to rent a car (most hotels will even arrange this for you), or you can join a tour group with a guide and driver.

Coming Soon: A Tour of Guam, Southern Coastal Drive

Complete the perfect day by ending at the Beach Bar for drinks and dinner. Be sure to try their famous BBQ ribs and red rice!

Day 3

Take a ferry or glass-bottom boat to the uninhabited Cocos Island, just off the southern tip of Guam. Here you can choose from water activities such as Snuba or Seawalking, or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. You may even get lucky and scoop up a handful of star sand, native to this area.