Tumon: The Beating Heart of Guam's Tropical Paradise

• HelloHafa Adai
  [HAH-fuh ah-DIE]
• GoodbyeAdios
  [ah-DYOS]
• YesHao
  [HOW]
• NoTi
  [TEE]
• Please/You're welcomePor Favor
  [pohr fah-VOR]
• Thank youSi Yu'us Ma'åse
  [SEE yoo-OOS mah-AH-seh]
• Excuse me/SorryDispensa
  [dees-PEN-sah]
• How are you?Cómo estás?
  [KOH-moh ehs-TAHS]
• Fine. And you?Maolek. Yan kumusta?
  [mah-OH-lek. yahn koo-MOO-stah]
• Do you speak English?Kao un tungo inglés?
  [KOW oon TOON-goh een-GLEHS]
• I don't understandTi hu tungo
  [TEE hoo TOON-goh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseLao'la' i menu, por favor
  [LAH-oh-lah ee MEH-noo, pohr fah-VOR]
• I don't eat meatTi hu kana karne
  [TEE hoo KAH-nah KAR-neh]
• Cheers!Biba!
  [BEE-bah]
• I would like to pay, pleaseHu na'fanhåna', por favor
  [hoo nah-fahn-HAH-nah, pohr fah-VOR]

• Help!Ayuda!
  [ah-YOO-dah]
• Go away!Låo!
  [LAH-oh]
• Call the Police!Tåma' i polisia!
  [TAH-mah ee poh-LEE-see-yah]
• Call a doctor!Tåma' i doktu!
  [TAH-mah ee DOHK-too]
• I'm lostHa na'ågu
  [hah nah-AH-goo]
• I'm illHu na'ånai
  [hoo nah-AH-nai]

• I'd like to buy...Lao'la' i kompra...
  [LAH-oh-lah ee kohm-PRAH]
• I'm just lookingHåyi ya-hu hanao
  [HAH-yee yah-hoo HAH-now]
• How much is it?Kåm mungnga?
  [kam MOONG-ngah]
• That's too expensiveMungnga ya-mu
  [MOONG-ngah yah-moo]
• Can you lower the price?Mungnga ha'ani?
  [MOONG-ngah hah-AH-nee]

• What time is it?Kåo na tiempon?
  [KAM noh tee-EM-pohn]
• It's one o'clockMunga i na'taotao
  [MOONG-gah ee nah-TAO-tao]
• Half past (10)Nimiti (10)
  [nee-MEE-tee]
• MorningMaga'åga
  [mah-gah-AH-gah]
• AfternoonAftot
  [AHF-toht]
• EveningAtadu
  [ah-TAH-doo]
• YesterdayNinanåyu
  [nee-nah-NYOO]
• TodayI hasso
  [ee HAH-soh]
• TomorrowMaga'håga
  [mah-gah-HAH-gah]
• 1Munga
  [MOONG-gah]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tris
  [treess]
• 4Kwåtro
  [KWAH-troh]
• 5Sinko
  [SEEN-koh]
• 6Sais
  [sa-EESS]
• 7Siette
  [SYET-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [OH-choh]
• 9Nweve
  [NWEH-veh]
• 10Dies
  [dyess]

• Where's a/the...?I fina' hao...?
  [ee fee-NAH how]
• What's the address?Kåo i direksion?
  [KAM ee dee-rek-SYON]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Mungnga ha'ani (gi mapan)?
  [MOONG-ngah hah-AH-nee (gee mah-PAHN)]
• When's the next (bus)?Kåo i ina' (bus)?
  [KAM ee een-AH (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un bilete (para ....)
  [oon bee-LEH-teh (PAH-rah)]

Tumon Bay has been inhabited by the Chamorro people for over 4,000 years. The ancient Chamorros were known for their advanced seafaring skills and complex society. Archaeological findings, such as latte stones, which are unique pillar structures, provide insight into their way of life.

In 1521, Ferdinand Magellan arrived in Guam, marking the beginning of Spanish influence. By 1668, Spanish missionaries had established a presence in Tumon, leading to the spread of Catholicism and significant cultural changes. Tumon became a strategic point during Spain's colonization of the Mariana Islands.

During World War II, Tumon was occupied by Japanese forces from 1941 to 1944. The area witnessed significant military activity and was a site of numerous battles. Liberation came on July 21, 1944, when American forces reclaimed the island, an event commemorated annually as Liberation Day.

After World War II, Tumon transformed rapidly. The U.S. military presence spurred economic growth, leading to the development of infrastructure, including roads and buildings. Tumon Bay became a popular destination for American service members and their families.

The 1970s marked the beginning of Tumon's tourism boom. Hotels, resorts, and entertainment complexes began to spring up along Tumon Bay. The area became known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and duty-free shopping, attracting visitors from around the world, especially Japan and Korea.

In recent years, there has been a strong movement to preserve Chamorro culture and heritage in Tumon. Efforts include the establishment of cultural centers, traditional dance performances, and language revitalization programs. These initiatives aim to celebrate and sustain the rich history of the indigenous people.

Tumon is located on the western coast of Guam, a U.S. territory in the Pacific Ocean. The main gateway to Guam is the Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport (GUM), located just a few kilometers from Tumon. Direct flights to Guam are available from major cities in Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, and Hawaii. From the airport, you can reach Tumon by taxi, which takes approximately 10 minutes.

Tumon is a relatively small area, and many attractions are within walking distance. For longer distances, taxis are readily available and can be hailed on the street or booked via phone. Public buses also operate in Tumon, providing a cost-effective way to explore the area. Rental cars are an option for those who prefer to travel at their own pace, with several car rental agencies available at the airport and in Tumon.

The official currency in Guam is the U.S. Dollar (USD). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in Tumon. ATMs are plentiful, and you can withdraw cash using internationally recognized credit and debit cards. It is advisable to carry some cash for small purchases and in case you visit areas where card payments are not accepted.

Tumon is generally considered a safe destination for tourists. However, it is advisable to exercise standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in less populated areas and keep your belongings secure. While Tumon does not have high-crime rates specific to tourists, staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings is always recommended.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Tumon has local police stations and medical facilities available. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available in Tumon where you can purchase over-the-counter medications for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably, but avoid overly revealing clothing in public areas. Religion: Do respect local religious customs, particularly if visiting churches or religious sites. Public Transport: Do be polite and considerate to other passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly hello or wave. A smile goes a long way. Eating & Drinking: Do try local Chamorro dishes and accept hospitality graciously. Don't refuse food or drink offerings as it can be considered impolite.

To experience Tumon like a local, visit the night markets where you can enjoy local cuisine and purchase handmade crafts. Engage with the locals, who are known for their hospitality and willingness to share their culture. Don't miss visiting the beautiful Tumon Beach, where you can relax, swim, and partake in various water sports. For a unique experience, explore the underwater world at Fish Eye Marine Park. Also, try to catch a cultural show to learn more about Chamorro traditions.