Guam is a small island located at the western side of the Pacific Ocean. It’s part of the Marianas and the majority of the local inhabitants are called Chamorros. It’s also one of the five US territories so depending on your nationality (or citizenship), you might be required a US Visa.
Tumon Bay and Crystal Chapel |
Initially, I wasn’t at all excited to visit Guam. We know Guam is also famous for their beaches (just like in the Philippines) so we thought it’s like visiting Boracay or Palawan. But as soon as we arrive at Guam International Airport, I felt that this will be an awesome vacation!
Beach, sun and sand at Guam |
1. Stay at beach front hotels.
You might get discouraged at the price, but make sure you stay at a beachfront hotel. We found cheaper hotels or apartments, more or less Php3,000 a night ($67), but you need to ride a public transport just to enjoy the beach. The cheapest beachfront hotels can offer you Php6,500 a night ($146) and you get to enjoy the sunny beach any time of the day. We booked at Hotel Nikko which is sandwiched between Tamuning Bay and Gun Beach. Tamuning Bay is a reef area where you can snorkel and kayak while Gun Beach obviously lets you enjoy the water and sand.
Hotel Nikko Guam: Our home for 4 days and 3 nights. All rooms face the ocean. |
Longest slide I tried so far. This is at Hotel Nikko. |
Another beachfront hotel you might want to check out is Outrigger Hotel. A friend of my mother recommended it but when we were looking for available accommodations online, all rooms were sold out (even the most expensive ones)! That’s because they’re not only a beachfront facility, they also have a mall at the lobby entrance. This is The Plaza Shopping Mall which houses the most popular designer brands in the world such as Michael Kors, Anna Sui, Gucci, Coach, Furla and more.
Beachfront hotels (L-R): The Westin Resort Guam, Guam Reef, Outrigger Guam Resort, and Hyatt Regency Guam |
2. Snorkel.
A cheap water activity you can truly enjoy in Guam is snorkeling. Depending on your hotel of choice, you can rent a snorkeling gear or just bring your own. At Hotel Nikko, there’s a nearby snorkeling area where the water is very shallow (knee-deep), perfect for families with toddlers. The water is very clear and you can see lots of fish even when you’re not submerged in water. One thing we missed bringing though was an underwater camera. There are tons of fish species I’ve seen for the first time - more than what you can see at Balicasag in Bohol.
A cheap water activity you can truly enjoy in Guam is snorkeling. Depending on your hotel of choice, you can rent a snorkeling gear or just bring your own. At Hotel Nikko, there’s a nearby snorkeling area where the water is very shallow (knee-deep), perfect for families with toddlers. The water is very clear and you can see lots of fish even when you’re not submerged in water. One thing we missed bringing though was an underwater camera. There are tons of fish species I’ve seen for the first time - more than what you can see at Balicasag in Bohol.
The very clear water of Tumon Bay. You can also take a close look of the Crystal Chapel from this view. A lot of couples get married here. Maybe someday Xoce and I could renew our vows at this chapel. |
Me and my sister after snorkeling. |
3. Visit Kmart.
Cup noodles, chocolates, bread and some canned goods. Very Filipino lol. |
The captain |
Inside the submarine |
Marine life: what you can see from inside the submarine. |
5. Check out Fish Eye Marine Park.
Boardwalk going to the Fish Eye Marine Park |
Various fish species at the observatory |
6. Experience a Polynesian dinner and show.
Because we missed the Wednesday Night Market at the Chamorro Village, we opted for a Polynesian dinner instead. Aside from being introduced to various dishes (Chamorro, Japanese, Western, etc.), you will be entertained with a Polynesian show. It’s live entertainment with women in grass skirts - and they definitely know how to use their hips! I think every woman should learn how to dance like this to achieve those cuts and abs.
< |
Polynesian dance |
7. Go to Malls (DFS Galleria, Micronesia Mall, The Plaza Shopping Center).
Guam is just a small place but it doesn’t lack malls and branded stores for your shopping spree. Of course when you’re a tourist, it’s a must to visit DFS Galleria to buy all your duty free stuff. If you want to check out designer boutiques, head to The Plaza Shopping Center at Outrigger Hotel. The Plaza looks like a small version of Rodeo Drive. And if you want to check out Guam’s biggest shopping mall, visit Micronesia Mall. It has different wings (similar to the old Glorietta structure) with an entertainment lobby at the center. You’ll find a PNB branch there, Bench and even Jollibee! Oh and you might want to visit Macy’s while you’re there.
Because we don't have Macy's back home. |
The sneakerhead's haven. I had control over purchasing new additions to my Roshe Run and Flyknit collection (Nope, not a sneakerhead.) |
8. Shop at GPO.
Guam Premier Outlets or simply GPO is probably the most popular mall in Guam. It deserves its own spot. This is the reason why it was difficult for me to keep my last remaining dollars *sigh*. I remembered when I got into the immigration at the airport, the officer asked me what I’ll be doing in Guam. I just said, “I’m excited to go to the beach,” (which was true) and then he added “and shopping”. Shopping wasn’t even included in my itinerary, but I can’t believe I went to GPO for two consecutive days!
THIS is every shopaholic's place-to-be! |
Update 2018: Check out the 45 things I bought from my shopping spree in Guam last December 2017.
But the best part of all was Ross. Everyone in Guam knows Ross. GPO typically opens around 10:00am but Ross opens at around 8:30am (use the side entrance near Ross). You have to get there early to scout the best products. They have everything from clothes, shoes, watches, neckties, belts, bag, wallets, perfumes, sunglasses, home accessories - EVERYTHING! All at very cheap prices! They’re branded items in very good condition. What brands? Michael Kors, Anne Klein, Guess, Kenneth Cole, Tommy Hilfiger and so much more. You wouldn’t believe what you see when you spot a Michael Kors bag worth Php4000-8000 and the design isn’t something you normally see in the Philippines (and online sellers). I could spend the whole day in Ross without eating (I’m not kidding).
Mama on her first day at Ross. She went to GPO for 3 days. |
9. Visit Two Lovers’ Point.
View from the cliff. |
One of the most popular tourist spots in Guam is Two Lovers’ Point. It overlooks the Philippine Sea and you could really get a great view of Guam in this area. We were lucky we went there during sunset. It’s one of the most beautiful sceneries in the world. The view was very breathtaking, calm, and laidback.
Mama and Papa at Two Lovers' Point. The colorful things at the back are love locks. |
10. Go Skydiving.
YOLO! |
Here we go! |
Look at how scared I was! |
Awesome view of Guam (I'm getting a little dizzy here. Trying not to puke). |
Quick Tips
1. Public transport is by bus and taxi. Public bus costs $4 per person per ride. Discounts are given to students, senior citizens and persons with disability. Taxi from airport to Hotel Nikko at Tamuning area cost us $20 (for 4 people). Taxi from GPO to Hotel Nikko and vice versa cost us $28. It’s very likely you’ll come across Filipino taxi drivers .
2. You can book your day tours in your hotel. Just ask for their catalogue at the Guest Relations desk. Book trips between 8:00am to 5:00pm because the tour offices close early.
3. When exiting Guam, put all your stuff in one luggage. Even if you don’t fill up your allowed check-in baggage weight limit, you will be charged for an additional fee if you have more than one check-in luggage regardless of size. Just keep in mind, one person = one luggage. Update (September 2018):This was four years ago and in our ticket, we were only allowed one check-in baggage per person. On my two recent trips to Guam, my ticket allowed me to bring two pieces of luggage at 23kg each (Philippine Airlines and United Air).
This sunset view at Fish Eye Marine Park. How great thou art, Lord. |