Like an emerald floating in the deepest Pacific waters, haloed by an extensive reef formation, the island of Guam is America's best-kept secret. It is the westernmost frontier of the United States and is 15 hours ahead of the Eastern Seaboard Time Zone, thus designating Guam, "Where America's Day Begins".

Guam is located 900 miles north of the equator in the Western Pacific. It is located 13 degrees north latitude and 144 degrees east longitude. From four to eight miles in width and 32 miles long, the island covers approximately 212 square miles, making it the largest island in Micronesia. 

CULTURE
Chamorros today live in 19 villages throughout the island, where they practice many traditional customs while living a contemporary lifestyle. They are very hospitable to tourists, often inviting them into their villages to share their culture and history.

Island fiestas, an integral part of Guam's cultural heritage, are held by Guam families to honor the patron saints of each of the island's 19 villages. Introduced by the Spanish in 1668, each event typically begins with a mass at the village Roman Catholic Church on Saturday evening, followed by a religious procession honoring the patron saint and a buffet dinner in the church hall. The fiesta continues on Sunday, when friends and relatives celebrate with parties at the homes of village residents.

Fiestas represent Guam's unique Chamorro traditions, including close family relationships that are very much intact. Although visitors are always welcome, fiestas are not tourist attractions. These events have deep religious significance for Guam's community. For a schedule of the fiestas for the remainder of 2004, please see the Festivals & Events listing.

HISTORY
The first inhabitants of Guam, the Chamorro people, are thought to have traveled to the Mariana Islands from Southeast Asia by canoe. They developed a clan and caste system as part of a matrilineal society and they lived isolated from the rest of the world. 

Ferdinand Magellan was the first westerner to set foot on Guam in 1521. Nearly 50 years later Spain claimed the Marianas and controlled them for more than 300 years. Jesuit missionaries brought Catholicism and a western way of life to the island. Because of its location between the Philippines and Mexico, Guam became an important link in the Spanish empire and its culture, with the church as the center of village life. 

A new era began in 1898, when the island became a U.S. territory after the Spanish-American War. 

Japanese forces invaded in 1941 and assumed control of the island until July 1944, when U.S. troops reclaimed it. 

The Organic Act, signed by President Truman in 1950, made Guam an unincorporated territory and its people American citizens, as they remain today.

ATTRACTIONS
Guam has a variety of attractions both manmade and natural beauty. Ocean vistas and sightseeing vantage points can be found throughout the island. In southern Guam, the beauty is the lush jungle as well as waterfalls and rolling hills. While in the North, limestone dominates the ground. Natural stalagmites can be found as well as hidden fresh water pools and salt-water pools. Attractions such as amusement, aquariums, golf courses, water-related sport activities and spas can also be found on island. Guam has a myriad of attractions and activities, both on land and in sea to please any visitors' desires.

Two Lover's Point (Puntan Dos Amantes)
Legends say that two Chamorro lovers whose parents forbade them to marry jumped to their deaths from the 378-foot cliff, located at the north end of Tumon Bay. Two Lovers' Point is an outstanding viewpoint of the island's white-sand beaches and lush hillsides along the Philippine Sea.

Visit a War Memorial
The island is a living memorial to World War II. There are more than 100 sites of military activity on Guam, including the remains of a Japanese Bunker at Gun Beach and the War Dog Cemetery where canine "soldiers" are honored. Visitors can peruse the War in the Pacific National Historical Park where the Visitors Center offers exhibits and films on island history.

Latte Stone Park
Latte Stone Park is the site of a variety of latte stones that the Chamorros used as bases for their residences in ancient days. These stones were moved from other parts of the island and stand as symbols of the ancient history of Guam. In the park you will also find caves that held supplies during the Japanese occupation.

Marianas Trench
The island's location at the edge of the 37,000-foot-deep Marianas Trench, which means there are ample opportunities for divers of all skill levels, from beginners to the most advanced. 

The Blue Hole
The Blue Hole, the ultimate underwater attraction in Guam, requires advanced skills. This vertical chimney begins at 60 feet below the surface and empties into the face of a vertical wall 125 feet deep. Located off the south side of Orote Peninsula, Blue Hole has a large opening in the plateau that allows divers to exit the hole, or to watch schools of sea turtles and leopard rays swim by. Nearby is the Crevice, a V-shaped undersea canyon with giant rock formations.

Gef Pa'go
Located in the southern village of Inarajan, Gef Pa'go is designed to be reminiscent of the traditional Chamorro Village of 300 years ago. There, tourists can experience Chamorro culture, lifestyle, food, music and dance. Native Chamorros demonstrate some traditional activities, including coconut-candy making, rice basket weaving, fish net throwing and palm-leaf hat and purse making. Chamorro dance performances are also held. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children between the ages of two and ten.