Ypao Beach Park: Guam's Coastal Gem

• HelloHåfa Adai
  [HAH-fah ah-DIE]
• GoodbyeAdios
  [ah-DYOHSS]
• YesHao
  [HOW]
• NoTi
  [TEE]
• Please/You're welcomePalang
  [pah-LAHNG]
• Thank youSi Yu'os Ma'åse
  [see YOO-ohss mah-AH-seh]
• Excuse me/SorryDispensa
  [dees-PEN-sah]
• How are you?Cómo hao?
  [KOH-moh HOW]
• Fine. And you?Maolek. Lao?
  [ma-OH-lek. lao?]
• Do you speak English?Lao hao ingles?
  [lao how EENG-lehs?]
• I don't understandTi hu tungo
  [TEE hoo TOONG-oh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseBai hu ekungo i menyu, palang
  [bah-ee hoo eh-KOONG-oh ee MEN-yoo, pah-LAHNG]
• I don't eat meatTi hu manfåhi nana'
  [TEE hoo mahn-FAH-hee NAH-nah]
• Cheers!Biba!
  [BEE-bah]
• I would like to pay, pleaseBai hu estoria, palang
  [bah-ee hoo es-TOH-ree-yah, pah-LAHNG]

• Help!Ayuda!
  [ah-YOO-dah!]
• Go away!Largåhi!
  [lahr-GAH-hee!]
• Call the Police!Linå'la' Polis!
  [lee-NAH-lah POH-lees!]
• Call a doctor!Linå'la' dotå!
  [lee-NAH-lah doh-TAH!]
• I'm lostTåya' hu malost
  [TAH-yah hoo mah-LOHST]
• I'm illTåya' hu manmåta
  [TAH-yah hoo mahn-MAH-tah]

• I'd like to buy...Bai hu sumåhi...
  [bah-ee hoo soo-MAH-hee...]
• I'm just lookingAyo lang hu manhåhåyi
  [ah-YOH lahng hoo mahn-HAH-hah-ee]
• How much is it?Fino' este?
  [FEE-noh EH-steh?]
• That's too expensiveMå'pos na kanton
  [mah-POHS nah KAHN-tohn]
• Can you lower the price?Åmot este na prisu?
  [AH-moht EH-steh nah PREE-soo?]

• What time is it?Sumå' este na tiempo?
  [soo-MAH EH-steh nah tee-EM-poh?]
• It's one o'clockLinotkilo na uno
  [lee-noht-KEE-loh nah OO-noh]
• Half past (10)Månotte (10)
  [mah-NOT-teh (10)]
• MorningManåna
  [mah-NAH-nah]
• AfternoonManana-taotao
  [mah-NAH-nah TAH-oh-TAH-oh]
• EveningGå'i
  [GAH-ee]
• YesterdayKåkara
  [KAH-kah-rah]
• TodayUma'åna
  [oo-mah-AH-nah]
• TomorrowGinnen
  [gee-NEHN]
• 1Uno
  [OO-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohss]
• 3Tres
  [trehss]
• 4Kuåtro
  [KWAH-troh]
• 5Sinko
  [SIN-koh]
• 6Sais
  [sah-EESS]
• 7Siette
  [see-EH-tteh]
• 8Ocho
  [OH-choh]
• 9Nuebi
  [NWEH-bee]
• 10Dies
  [dee-ESS]

• Where's a/the...?Nihi i...
  [NEE-hee ee...]
• What's the address?Ha'åni i direksion?
  [HAH-AH-nee ee dee-rehk-see-ohn?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Åfu' i mapå?
  [AH-foo ee mah-PAH?]
• When's the next (bus)?Ki manmama'go (bus)?
  [kee mahn-mah-mah-GOH (boos)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Un tiket (para ....)
  [oon tee-KEHT (PAH-rah ....)]

Long before the arrival of European explorers, the Chamorro people inhabited the island of Guam. Ypao Beach Park was an essential area for the Chamorro community, serving as a site for fishing, social gatherings, and cultural rituals. Archaeological evidence of latte stones and ancient tools discovered in the area provide insights into the lives and customs of the island's earliest inhabitants.

In 1521, Ferdinand Magellan's expedition landed on Guam, marking the beginning of Spanish influence on the island. Ypao Beach Park, like much of Guam, became part of the Spanish Empire. During this period, the beach area was used by Spanish settlers and missionaries who introduced Christianity and European customs to the Chamorro people. The Spanish period left a lasting impact on the culture and traditions of Guam, traces of which can still be observed in Ypao Beach Park.

During World War II, Guam was a strategic location in the Pacific Theater. Ypao Beach Park witnessed significant events during the Japanese occupation of Guam from 1941 to 1944. The beach area was utilized by Japanese soldiers for various military activities. In 1944, the Battle of Guam led to the liberation of the island by American forces. The park and surrounding areas still bear remnants of wartime artifacts and fortifications, serving as a poignant reminder of the island's wartime history.

Following World War II, Guam underwent significant reconstruction and development. Ypao Beach Park was transformed into a recreational area for both locals and visitors. The park's strategic location and natural beauty made it a popular destination for picnics, swimming, and cultural events. The establishment of the park played a crucial role in promoting tourism and preserving the natural environment of the beachfront.

Today, Ypao Beach Park is a vibrant cultural hub in Guam. It hosts numerous cultural festivals, concerts, and community gatherings, celebrating the island's rich heritage and traditions. The park is also a vital site for traditional Chamorro music and dance performances, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into the island's cultural identity. Ypao Beach Park continues to be a cherished destination that embodies the spirit and resilience of the people of Guam.

Ypao Beach Park is located in Tamuning, Guam. The nearest airport is Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport, which is approximately 3 miles away. From the airport, you can take a taxi or rent a car to reach the park. The journey typically takes around 10 to 15 minutes. Alternatively, some hotels offer shuttle services to major attractions, including Ypao Beach Park.

While in Guam, you have several transportation options to get around. Car rentals are a popular choice, providing the flexibility to explore at your own pace. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are also available. Public buses operated by the Guam Regional Transit Authority (GRTA) connect major areas, but schedules can be infrequent. Many visitors prefer walking or biking within Tamuning due to its compact size and scenic views.

The official currency in Guam is the US Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. It's advisable to carry some cash for smaller vendors and establishments that may not accept cards. ATMs are readily available throughout Tamuning, including near Ypao Beach Park.

Guam is generally safe for tourists, but it's always wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded tourist spots. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists in Tamuning, staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings is always recommended.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Tamuning. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the area where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do wear light, breathable clothing suitable for beach activities. Don’t wear revealing swimwear outside of the beach area. Religion: Do respect local customs and be mindful of culturally significant sites. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public buses. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a friendly 'Hafa Adai' (hello). Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Ypao Beach Park like a local, visit the park early in the morning for a peaceful stroll or yoga session. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share tips about the best spots to snorkel or picnic. Don’t miss the annual Guam Micronesia Island Fair held at the park, showcasing local culture and crafts. For a unique experience, attend a traditional Chamorro dance performance or a beachside barbecue.