Who would have thought that a small island roughly the size of Camiguin would gain so much press time in the past year. But for one to say that the US territory of Guam, just a short three-and-a-half-hour Cebu Pacific ride from Manila, has nothing to write home about, then I would say the opposite is true as Guam has many things to offer beyond the white sand beaches and dive spots for every member of your family.
A real life history lesson
I can be jested that Guam can be toured on a car in half-a-day, which is also how the locals pronounce “Hafa Adai” which also means hello. But the size of the island means that it is easier to go around the island to learn about its history and its close ties to us in the Philippines.
Guam was where Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan first landed on his journey across the Pacific, his landing site at Umatac Bay located at the southwest corner of the island has a monument celebrating his arrival. A short drive from Umatac Bay, one can also visit the remains of Fort Soledad.
Officially called Fort Nuestra Señora de la Soledåd, it is the last of four Spanish fortifications built in the village of Umatac and provides a superior view of the village, the bay, the rugged coastline, and the imposing southern mountain range. The fort was constructed to strengthen the defenses of Guam’s most prominent Spanish-era bay which was also a prominent stop along the Galleon Trade route. Aside from the ruins of the fort, one can see and touch the Spanish-era cannons that used to protect the bay.
A little closer to the main strip of Tumon, is Fort Santa Agueda. The only surviving Spanish fort in Hagåtña, sits atop Apugan Hill on the western coast of Guam. The fort, now commonly called Fort Apugan, provides a commanding view of Guam’s capital village of Hagåtña, the Philippine Sea, and the sheer northern cliff lines of Oka Point and Urunao Point. During the Spanish era the site was developed to protect the low lying Governor’s Palace and Fort San Rafael, which were prone to hillside assaults.
Enjoying local culture
Guam has many attractions for younger family members with adventurous minds. One adventure is a trip down the Talofofo River. Located in south-central Guam, this is where the Valley of the Latte is found. You can book your family on fun and educational riverboat cruise which goes along the Talofofo and Ugum Rivers.
The cruise allows you to experience Guamanian village life as it once was. The guide showing guests the local flora and fauna as well as talking about the local history of the area. The cruise ends at a rebuilt Chamorro village using traditional latte stones. Latte stones are what the local people used to serve as the foundation of their houses.
After a short walk around the village, one can explore the adjacent botanical garden to learn about the local vegetation which the Chamorro people used in their daily lives. I was actually surprised to see some of our native Philippine fruit trees also in the area. The tour also provides an authentic experience of Guam’s culture, way of life, and living history with fire starting and basket weaving demonstrations.
Kids who love animals will love the last part of the tour which is the animal sanctuary where guests can interact with the local farm animals such as chickens, pigs and even a carabao.
That’s entertainment
Evenings at Guam are never boring, even for families, as there are a multitude of shows that are perfect for the family. And one such place for family fun in the evening is at the Sandcastle Guam Dinner Theatre. Located at Pleasure Island, Tumon, Sandcastle offers Las Vegas-style entertainment on a stage larger than any Broadway theater in New York. The world class shows feature beautiful showgirls, incredible flying acrobats, large scale magic illusions and rare white tigers.
If something closer to the beach is more to your liking, then head over to the Taotao Tasi BBQ Beach Dinner Show located right on the beach next to the Nikko hotel Guam. The evening starts with a Guamanian-style grilled food buffet and is followed by the main event of the evening, the authentic island show featuring performances representing the cultures of Tahiti, Samoa, Hawaii, and Guam with with a cast of over fifty performers.
A hafa aday moment with fellow media and friends from Cebu Pacific and Guam Visitor’s Bureau.
Shop shop shop
The family that shops together, stays together. And there is nothing better to do in Guam than to shop at its many duty-free stores that offer something for everyone.
My shopping destination of choice is Guam Premier Outlets (GPO) in Tamuning which houses stores like Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Nine West, Guess, Forever21, Levi’s, Nike and more. GPO is the place where you see discounts on discounts on discounts. There is also Ross Dress for Less, GPO’s anchor store, which is open from six in the morning until one in the morning.
For more upscale items, head on over to DFS which carries luxury brands as well as many food items which are perfect as “pasalubong”.
Guam may be small is size, but the island is truly big when it comes to family fun, learning, and excitement.
