Travel to Guam with travel insurance from Essential Travel

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Information on Guam with single trip travel insurance from Essential Travel

An unincorporated territory of the United States with limited self-governing authority, the tiny Pacific island of Guam hosts a large US naval base and is an important air hub and refuelling station. The island is extremely remote but has beautiful waterfalls, rivers and bays, as well as luxury five-star hotels and a duty-free status that will delight shoppers. The white sand beaches are popular with sunbathers and the crystal clear, calm waters provide good swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving. Guam has become a popular budget vacation escape for the Japanese, for most however, it is simply a stop over on a trans-Pacific flight.

The island’s main centre and the entry point for visitors is Hagatña (formerly known as Agaña). This charming town has a rich history dating back to Spanish settlement, and a major sight here is the remains of the Casa Gobierno, or Governors Palace (1736). Also of interest is the revolving statue of Pope John Paul II on the site where he held mass in 1981. Hagatña is easily explored on foot and offers a good choice of parks, including Latte Park, named after the lattes (stone pillars), dating from 500 AD and moved here from an ancient Chamorro village.

Tumon Bay is Guam’s tourist centre and consists of a strip of luxury hotels, restaurants and bars, set along a shallow beach. Ypao Beach Park is on the bays southwest side and was once home to an ancient Chamorro village, as well as a leper and penal colony. Gun Beach is notable for its intriguing ‘star sand’ – tiny orange grains with star-shaped points, which are actually the calcium carbonate shells of a common protozoan found on Guams reefs.

For a more native experience, visit the village of Inarajan, which combines a touch of Spanish-era influence with the rich Chamorro culture. Sights here include the Chamorro Cultural Village, the tumbling Talofofo Falls, and Talofofo Bay Beach Park (popular with surfers). Swimmers will enjoy the Salugula Pool, a natural saltwater pool with diving platforms and arched bridges.

A boat from Merizo can get you to Cocos Island, where the snorkelling is top notch. The island is three kilometres off the coast of Guam and is surrounded by a vast barrier reef. Here you’ll find many good beaches and lagoons, and picnicking and camping facilities are available.

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