Page 495 - Visitor Guides

Sightseeing & Historical Landmarks Sightseeing & Historical Landmarks

the sparkling blue waters of in 1968 after it incurred dam- Chinese Park baptized Chief Quipuha in
Tumon Bay, also known as age from WWII. Padre San Established and 1672. The chief served as a
“hotel row.” Guam’s favor- Vitores, known as a martyr in donated in 1985 maga’lahi, or high-ranking
ite playground for visitors the Catholic faith, was beati- by the Chinese Community male, in the society, and was
and tourists alike, the bay fied in 1985. of Guam, the Chinese Park granted authority to hand
is bordered at both ends by overlooks Tumon Bay from down important decisions. He
towering, green cliffs. At the a nearby cliffline in upper also donated land for the first
center is a sandbar built by Tumon. Within the park, visi- Catholic Church to be con-
the SeaBees in 1945 to assist tors can explore a large statue structed in Hagåtña, the site
in off-loading supplies from of Confucious, a symbol of of which is now believed to
ships just outside the fring- morality, correctness of social be on the same spot as Dulce
ing reef. The bay is one of the relationships, justice, and se- Nombre de Maria Cathedral
island’s five marine preserves renity in the Chinese culture. Basilica. The memorial site
that offer some of best snor- honoring Chief Quipuha is lo-
keling on island. cated near Chamorro Village.

A.B. Won Pat International
Airport Guam
42 Gun Beach The Guam Airport Authority Chamorro Village 43
This remote beach, located at took over operations from the (l Sengsong Chamorro)
the northern end of hotel row Department of Commerce in Located next to the Hagåtña
in Tumon, hosts the remains January 1976. Since then, the boat basin, the Chamorro
of a Japanese pillbox hous- airport has launched interna- Village is home to numerous
ing a cannon from WWII. The tional operations and numer- gift shops featuring the work
gun’s rusting barrel points out ous expansions. Located on a of local artists and craftsmen.
to the Philippine Sea, which hill overlooking Tumon from Every Wednesday and Friday
served to protect the island the east, the A.B. Won Pat evening, the village hosts a
from invading U.S. forces. The International Airport Guam night market that has become
Padre San Vitores Shrine site is one of two areas on handles 2.54 million passen- a favorite among both locals
This monument marks the Guam where there is a Japa- gers annually in the two-termi- and visitors. Complete with
site where Chamorro Chief nese gun sitting in its original nal facility, named for Guam’s live music, cultural danc-
Matapang executed Padre position. A winding adventure first U.S. Congressman. ing, and a wide selection of
San Vitores for baptizing trail along the cliffline fea- Chamorro, Asian, and Pacific
his daughter without his tures beautiful ocean scenery Hagåtña Island delicacies, the market
permission. The murder of and a unique view of down- is home to vendors selling
San Vitores, who is credited town Tumon. A favorite spot Chief Quipuha Park everything from clothing to
for bringing Catholicism to for local divers, the best time Known as the first handicrafts, bananas to betel
Guam, sparked the Spanish- to enjoy the water surround- Chamorro chief nuts. Make sure you visit at
Chamorro Wars shortly after ing Gun Beach is when the wa- who converted least one time during your
in 1672. The monument was ter is calm. Otherwise, beware to Christianity, stay, as it is the best place to
erected in 1942, then replaced of dangerous rip tides. Padre San Vitores find local cuisine.