Beyond Tumon: Exploring Guam's Hidden South

Tumon Bay is undeniably convenient — but it is only one small slice of what Guam has to offer. The southern half of the island is largely undeveloped, historically rich, and strikingly beautiful. Here is a guide to getting off the beaten path.

The Southern Loop Drive

Allow a full day to drive Guam's southern loop — a circuit of roughly 80 km that can be done in a standard rental car with no 4WD required. Start in Hagåtña and head south on Marine Corps Drive (Route 1), then loop back north along the eastern coast via Route 4.

Key stops along the way:

Hagåtña (Agana) — the Capital

Begin your southern exploration with a walk through the island's small but historically rich capital. Highlights include:

• Latte Stone Park — 12 ancient stone pillars from the pre-colonial Chamorro period
• Plaza de España — the remnants of the old Spanish governor's palace, bombed during WWII
• Guam Museum — excellent introduction to Chamorro history and culture

Umatac — Where Magellan Landed

The small village of Umatac on the southwestern coast is where Ferdinand Magellan first landed on Guam in March 1521, making it the first European contact point in the Pacific. A monument on the bay marks the site.

The village is quiet and beautiful, with a natural harbour framed by hills. A Spanish-era fort (Fort Nuestra Señora de la Soledad) sits on the ridge above, accessible by a short climb.

Merizo and Cocos Island

From Merizo Pier on the southern coast, small boats make the 15-minute crossing to Cocos Island — a tiny islet surrounded by a shallow lagoon with some of the best easy snorkelling on the island. Day trips include equipment rental and picnic facilities on the beach.

Tip: Book the boat crossing in advance, especially on weekends.

Inarajan Natural Pool

One of Guam's most unusual attractions, the Inarajan Natural Pool is a naturally enclosed tidal pool sheltered from the open ocean by a coral reef. The water is calm and clear, with a sandy bottom — ideal for swimming without the surf. The surrounding village of Inarajan is one of Guam's oldest and best-preserved Spanish colonial settlements.

Entry is free. Change rooms and showers are available on-site.

Talofofo Falls and the WWII Jungle

The interior jungle near Talofofo is one of the most historically significant areas on the island. It was here that Japanese soldier Shoichi Yokoi hid for 28 years after WWII, unaware the war had ended — and was discovered by hunters in 1972. A small museum at the Talofofo Falls Resort Park tells his extraordinary story.

The falls themselves are accessed via cable car or short hike and are surrounded by lush tropical vegetation.

Spanish Bridges

Guam has several intact Spanish-era stone bridges scattered through the southern jungle — some dating from the 17th century. The most accessible is at Umatac, but Route 4 passes near several others that reward those who slow down to look.

Practical Notes

• A full tank of fuel before you leave Tumon saves time — petrol stations are sparse in the south
• The roads are well-paved but narrow in places — drive slowly through villages
• Most southern attractions have no entry fee
• Bring a packed lunch — restaurants are rare in the south, though roadside stands appear near popular spots on weekends