Cocos Island: A Hidden Gem in Guam

• HelloHåfa adai
  [HAH-fah ah-DIE]
• GoodbyeAdios
  [ah-DEE-ohs]
• YesHåo
  [HAH-oh]
• NoTi
  [TEE]
• Please/You're welcomePor fabor
  [POHR fah-BOHR]
• Thank youSi Yu'us ma'åse
  [SEE YOO-oos mah-AH-seh]
• Excuse me/SorryDispensa
  [dees-PEN-sah]
• How are you?Ña'lå'la'?
  [NYAH-lah-lah]
• Fine. And you?Må'åse. Lao hu?
  [mah-AH-seh. la-oh hoo]
• Do you speak English?Kao siña hao i masahåfa?
  [kow SEE-nyah how ee mah-sah-HAH-fah]
• I don't understandTi hu tungo'
  [TEE hoo TOONG-oh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseLao'ånao hao i menu, por fabor
  [la-oh-AHN-ow how ee MEH-noo, pohr fah-BOHR]
• I don't eat meatTi hao inasángå
  [TEE how ee-nah-SAHN-gah]
• Cheers!Biba!
  [BEE-bah]
• I would like to pay, pleaseLao'ånao hao i deña, por fabor
  [la-oh-AHN-ow how ee DEHN-yah, pohr fah-BOHR]

• Help!Ayuda!
  [ah-YOO-dah]
• Go away!Ha'a'i!
  [HAH-ee]
• Call the Police!Mandåtlo i Polisia!
  [mahn-DAHT-lo ee poh-LEE-syah]
• Call a doctor!Mandåtlo i manåyi!
  [mahn-DAHT-lo ee mah-NAH-yee]
• I'm lostTi hu manmimata'åsi
  [TEE hoo mahn-mee-mah-TAH-see]
• I'm illTi hu sakit
  [TEE hoo sah-KEET]

• I'd like to buy...Lao'ånao hao i...
  [la-oh-AHN-ow how ee...]
• I'm just lookingLao'ånao hao manmanu
  [la-oh-AHN-ow how mahn-MAH-noo]
• How much is it?Kåo na'ånge'?
  [KOW nah-AHN-geh]
• That's too expensiveKao mafaña
  [kow mah-FAHN-yah]
• Can you lower the price?Kao setbia gi prisu?
  [kow set-BEE-ah gee PREE-soo]

• What time is it?Ki tiempo na?
  [kee tee-YEM-po nah]
• It's one o'clockMåpat na i tåsi
  [mah-PAHT nah ee TAH-see]
• Half past (10)Måguadu na (10)
  [mah-GWAH-doo nah (ten)]
• MorningGof ma'åse
  [gohf mah-AH-seh]
• AfternoonGinen ma'åse
  [gee-nen mah-AH-seh]
• EveningTano' ma'åse
  [TAH-noh mah-AH-seh]
• YesterdayÑå'an i kalan
  [NYAH-ahn ee KAH-lahn]
• TodayI tåno'
  [ee TAH-noh]
• TomorrowBåtgu i kalan
  [BAHT-goo ee KAH-lahn]
• 1Måpat
  [mah-PAHT]
• 2Måttot
  [mah-TOTE]
• 3Målu
  [mah-LOO]
• 4Måfat
  [mah-FAHT]
• 5Målima
  [mah-LEE-mah]
• 6Månom
  [mah-NOHM]
• 7Måfiti
  [mah-FEE-tee]
• 8Måsågui
  [mah-SAH-gwee]
• 9Månuebi
  [mah-NOO-eh-bee]
• 10Måpågue'
  [mah-PAH-gweh]

• Where's a/the...?Kiha i...
  [KEE-hah ee...]
• What's the address?Kiha i direksion?
  [KEE-hah ee dee-rek-see-ohn]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Kao güina hao (gi map)?
  [kow GWEEN-ah how (gee map)]
• When's the next (bus)?Ki tiempo i siguiente (guma)?
  [kee tee-YEM-po ee see-GWEN-teh (GOO-mah)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un biahe (para ...)
  [oon BYAH-heh (PAH-rah)]

Cocos Island, part of the larger island of Guam, was originally settled by the Chamorro people over 4,000 years ago. The Chamorro culture, rich in maritime skills, agriculture, and unique traditions, left a lasting imprint on the island. The early Chamorro people lived in extended family groups and constructed latte stone pillars, which served as the foundations for their homes. These pillars are still visible today and remain an important symbol of Chamorro heritage.

In 1521, the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan arrived in Guam while sailing under the Spanish flag, marking the beginning of European contact. By 1565, Guam and Cocos Island became part of the Spanish Empire. The Spanish colonial period lasted for over 300 years, significantly influencing the local culture, language, and religion. Catholicism was introduced, and many Chamorro traditions were adapted to fit the new colonial context. The island served as a crucial stopover for the Manila Galleons, Spanish trading ships that sailed between Mexico and the Philippines.

Following the Spanish-American War in 1898, Guam was ceded to the United States under the Treaty of Paris. Cocos Island, being part of Guam, thus came under American control. The U.S. Naval Administration took over the island, leading to modernization efforts and the introduction of American customs and governance. This period also saw the establishment of military installations and increased strategic importance for Guam and its surrounding islands, including Cocos Island.

During World War II, Guam was captured by Japanese forces in December 1941, and the island remained under Japanese occupation until the Battle of Guam in 1944. Cocos Island played a strategic role during this period, witnessing both conflict and occupation. Japanese forces constructed bunkers and other fortifications in anticipation of Allied attacks. The island endured hardships, including forced labor and severe restrictions on the local population.

After World War II, Guam and Cocos Island were liberated by American forces. The post-war era saw significant investments in infrastructure, tourism, and economic development. Cocos Island transformed into a popular tourist destination, known for its natural beauty, clear waters, and vibrant marine life. The island became a hub for recreational activities such as snorkeling, diving, and eco-tourism, attracting visitors from around the world.

Today, Cocos Island continues to celebrate its rich historical and cultural heritage while embracing modernity. Efforts have been made to preserve Chamorro traditions, including language revitalization programs and cultural festivals. The island is a living museum, where visitors can explore ancient latte stones, Spanish colonial ruins, and World War II relics. Modern amenities coexist with historical sites, providing a unique experience that blends the old with the new.

Cocos Island is located approximately 1.6 miles off the southern coast of Guam. The most common way to reach Cocos Island is by taking a ferry from Merizo Village. The ferry service operates regularly, with trips taking about 10-15 minutes. Additionally, there are private boat charters available for a more personalized journey to the island.

Once on Cocos Island, transportation options are limited due to its small size. Most visitors explore the island on foot or by renting bicycles. For those interested in water activities, various tour operators offer boat rentals, snorkeling gear, and other equipment. There are no public transportation services on the island itself.

The official currency on Cocos Island, as in the rest of Guam, is the US Dollar (USD). Credit cards are widely accepted at most establishments, including hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller vendors or in case of technical issues with card processing. ATMs are available on the main island of Guam, but not on Cocos Island itself.

Cocos Island is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, as with any tourist spot, it is important to remain vigilant. Avoid leaving personal belongings unattended, especially on the beach. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it is always wise to stay aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to beach safety warnings, as ocean currents can be strong.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. There are no medical facilities on Cocos Island, so in the event of a medical emergency, you will need to be transported back to the main island of Guam. It is recommended to carry a basic first aid kit and have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in Merizo Village on the main island.

Fashion: Do wear lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for a tropical climate. Bring swimwear for water activities. Religion: There are no specific religious sites on Cocos Island, but it is respectful to dress modestly when visiting local communities in Guam. Public Transport: Public transport is not available on Cocos Island. Plan accordingly. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Hafa Adai,' which means 'Hello' in Chamorro. Eating & Drinking: Do try local Chamorro cuisine and accept food offerings graciously. Don't litter; always dispose of trash properly to keep the island pristine.

To experience Cocos Island like a local, engage with the staff and guides who often have fascinating stories and insights about the island's history and ecosystem. Participate in local activities such as traditional fishing or cooking classes if available. Respect the natural environment by adhering to conservation guidelines. Don't miss exploring the island's marine life through snorkeling or diving; the coral reefs and diverse aquatic species are a highlight.