Guam

Guam-banner.jpg|1280px|1200px|Guam

Guam is an island in the western Oceania|Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to the Philippines.

It is the largest and southernmost island in the Mariana Islands archipelago. While Guam shares strong linguistic and cultural similarities with the remaining islands of the Mariana Islands archipelago, it is politically distinct: Guam is an unincorporated territory of the United States, while the remaining islands of the archipelago comprise the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). Guam and the CNMI are among thousands of islands in the Oceania subregion of Micronesia, which consists of the island nations of Belau (Palau) and the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Kiribati (which has cultural affinities with Polynesia and Micronesia) and the Marshall Islands, and several remote islands designated as the U.S.-administered islands of the Central Pacific.

Islam in Guam

Islam in Guam is a small but growing community with a rich history. The Muslim Association of Guam has been instrumental in providing support and guidance to the local Muslim population. The An-Noor Mosque in Mangilao is the only place of worship for Muslims on the island and serves as a hub for religious and community activities.

The mosque is a beautiful structure that was built in 2000 after three years of construction. It is open to all Muslims on the island and offers multiple prayer services every day. The Friday congregation prayers, commonly called Jumu’aa, are particularly significant as they bring together the entire community for a sermon and prayer. The mosque also hosts evening classes and community gatherings, providing opportunities for Muslims to come together and strengthen their faith.

The Muslim Association of Guam has worked tirelessly to create understanding and harmony between different religions on the island. They have participated in interfaith events and have been active in promoting dialogue and collaboration with other religious groups. The association has also played an important role in providing Islamic information to the general public, helping to dispel misconceptions and promote a positive image of Islam.

Despite the challenges faced by a small Muslim community in a predominantly non-Muslim country and the Muslims visitors of Guam are proud of their faith and are committed to building a strong and vibrant community. The An-Noor Mosque and the Muslim Association of Guam are symbols of their commitment and dedication to Islam, and serve as a source of inspiration and guidance for Muslims on the island.

Regions of Guam

Northern Region The Northern Region of Guam is comprised of large swaths of land controlled by the U.S. Military (primarily Andersen Air Force Base) toward the northernmost end of the island, and the villages of Dededo and Yigo just south of the military base. Dededo is the by far largest village on Guam, with a population exceeding 50,000. The Northern Region also contains Ritidian Beach, one of the most isolated, beautiful beaches in Guam.

Central/Metropolitan Region The Central Region holds the majority of Guam's villages and the island's international airport. A large number of shops, restaurants, and hotels are located in this area (primarily in the village of Tumon), and as such is the island's most visited area by tourists. It is also the region of the island most prone to heavy traffic congestion around rush hour.

Southern Region Guam's Southern Region is mostly rural and picturesque. It is one of the most untouched and undeveloped areas on the island and the Chamorro culture is most preserved here. Cocos Island and the black sand beaches at Talofofo are popular places to visit in this region.

Villages

Hagatna from Fort Santa Agueda - Guam's Capital, Hagåtña

There are no cities on Guam with a population over 50,000 people, but each village represents an individual jurisdiction, all of which have mayors and limited autonomy within the central government. The largest population concentration is in the northern and central parts of the island, since the south is fairly lightly populated (the northernmost part of the island, however, is mostly owned by the U.S. military).

Around 120,000 of the island's population of roughly 160,000 live in the northern and central parts of the island (including the villages of Tumon, Hagåtña, Dededo, Barrigada, Tamuning and Agana Heights).

• Hagåtña (Agana) - the capital (pop. 1,100)
• Tumon - where most visitors head, on the central west of the island (part of Tamuning)
• Dededo - The most populous on Guam. (pop. 42,980)
• Tamuning - Guam's third-most populous city and most industrial. (pop. 18,012)
• Mangilao - Home to the University of Guam. (pop. 13,313)
• Talofofo - Village in the Jungles of Southern Guam. (pop. 3,215)

Other Muslim Friendly Destinations in Guam

• War In the Pacific National Historical Park - former battlefields, gun emplacements, trenches, and historic structures all serve as silent reminders of the bloody World War II battles that ensued on Guam. While the park is known for its historical resources and the warm climate, sandy beaches, and turquoise waters attract visitors and residents.

Guam Halal Explorer

History of Guam

Guam, a small island in the Pacific Ocean, has a complex history that is often overlooked. The island had been under Spanish rule for over three centuries until it was ceded to the United States in 1898 after the Spanish-American War. Since then, Guam has been a US territory, but its residents still face political disenfranchisement.

During World War II, Guam was occupied by the Japanese, and it wasn't until 1944 that the U.S. took back control of the island. The US invasion of Guam was a crucial part of the war effort, as it provided a stronghold in the Pacific and allowed for the eventual defeat of Japan.

The invasion began on July 21, 1944, when US forces landed on the island's beaches. The Japanese had heavily fortified the island, with over 20,000 soldiers stationed there. However and the U.S. forces were able to gain control of the island after just over two weeks of intense fighting.

The battle for Guam was brutal, with both sides suffering heavy casualties. The US lost over 1,700 soldiers, while the Japanese lost over 18,000. Despite the high cost of the battle and the U.S. invasion of Guam was a crucial victory in the war effort.

Today, Guam is still a US territory, but its residents face political disenfranchisement. While people born on Guam are American citizens and they are unable to vote in US presidential elections while residing on the island. Guam delegates to the United States House of Representatives also have no vote on the floor.

This lack of political representation has led to calls for Guam to become an indepentant state or to gain more autonomy within the U.S. government. In recent years and there has been a growing movement for self-determination on the island.

Economy

Apra Harbor - Apra Harbor

The economy depends on U.S. military spending, tourism, and the export of fish and handicrafts. Total U.S. grants, wage payments, and procurement outlays amounted to $1 billion in 1998. Over the past 20 years the tourist industry has grown rapidly, creating a construction boom for new hotels and the expansion of older ones. More than 1 million tourists visit Guam each year. The industry has suffered setbacks because of the continuing Japanese slowdown; the Japanese normally make up almost 80% of the tourists. However, Guam tourism is branching out to attract people from other Asian countries such as South Korea and China. Most food and industrial goods are imported. The possibility of a large military buildup has generated a lot of interest in increasing the tourist facilities on the island.

How is the Climate in Guam

Guam enjoys a tropical marine climate: generally warm and humid, moderated by northeast trade winds. The dry season runs from January to June and the rainy season from July to December, though with little seasonal temperature variation. During the rains, squalls are common, though destructive typhoons are rare.

Travel to Guam

The entry requirements for Guam are largely the same as those for the U.S, and nationals of all countries not needing a visa to enter the U.S. do not need a visa to enter Guam, although they may require an ESTA travel authorization. Foreign citizens may enter Guam using one of three options: (1)- the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, (2)- the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program or (3)- a valid U.S. visa. If you are using the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program, which applies in both Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, you do not need to apply for a travel authorization prior to going. The Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program includes eight U.S.-VWP countries (Australia, Brunei, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan and the United Kingdom) plus Hong Kong, Malaysia, Nauru and Papua New Guinea. Foreign citizens using the U.S.-VWP may stay 90 days, while citizens using the Guam-CNMI VWP may stay for 45 days. China|Mainland Chinese and Macau citizens in possession of a machine-readable passport, completed Form I-736 (Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Information form) and Form I-94 (Arrival-Departure Record) may enter the CNMI only visa-free for up to 45 days, but not Guam, which still requires a visa in advance. Muslims visitors of non-VWP countries must apply for a U.S. visa at any U.S. embassy.

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Guam

• Won Pat Guam International Airport IATA Flight Code: GUM is the only civilian gateway to the island

The main airline serving Guam is United Airlines, which offers non-stop service to Honolulu and Tokyo with onward connections from either airport to Los Angeles, Chicago, Denver, Houston, Newark (New Jersey) | Newark, San Francisco, and Sterling (Virginia) | Washington-Dulles. It also offers non-stop Flights from Guam to most major cities in Japan, Hong Kong, Palau, Manila and Cebu (city) | Cebu in the Philippines, and many of the Federated States of Micronesia.

All other service to Guam is through East Asia on Delta Air Lines, and JAL (both serving Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya), Jeju Air (Seoul), Jin Air (Seoul), Korean-Air (Seoul and Osaka), ANA (Osaka), China Airlines (Taipei), Eva Air (Taipei) and Philippine Airlines (Manila).

Book a Halal Cruise or Boat Tour in Guam

There is no regular ferry service to Guam, but cruise ships stop on various itineraries, generally as part of a Pacific crossing or world circumnavigation.

How to get around in Guam

Marine Drive Guam - Marine Corps Drive/Route 1 in Tamuning, Guam

By car

Driving is fairly simple and similar to the mainland US. The main route on the island is Marine Corps Drive/Guam Route 1 (Better known as Marine Drive). On primary streets in Guam, expect congestion around rush hour; however, such delays, which rarely exceed 30 minutes, are not as bad as the traffic congestion experienced in larger cities stateside and around the world. Many people purchase vehicles described as "Guam Bombs" which are older vehicles that are great to get around in and affordable, though these are becoming less and less common as more people are buying newer cars.

• Traffic safety: Island-wide and the speed limit is 35mph. However, be careful and defensive while driving as it is common to see vehicles moving at far greater speeds, driving through red lights, tailgating, and cutting through traffic without signaling. The per-capita rate of traffic accidents far exceeds stateside rates (the U.S. national average is 19 crashes per 1,000 people, while Guam has 41 crashes per 1,000 people). Additionally, many of the older roads were paved using coral aggregate, causing them to be excessively slippery in rain. While these roads are slowly being replaced and they still exist - primarily in the southern part of the island - and can cause a vehicle to spin out even when driving under the speed limit; take caution.

Travel on a Bus in Guam

Buses are available, through both private companies and the governmentally operated Guam Regional Transit Authority (GRTA). GRTA buses run island-wide, but are slow, difficult to navigate, and often unreliable. Limited operating hours means that you may wait an hour or more for a GRTA bus, and connections to other bus lines may also incur equally long wait times. Private companies, however, operate their own trolley-style buses through the main tourist areas of Tumon (including all the major hotels) and loop through Micronesia Mall, K-Mart, Agana Mall, and Guam Premier Outlets.

By bike

Bicycling is most common in the Tumon tourist area, and, to a lesser extent and the length of the Hagåtña-Tamuning beachfront sidewalk. Bicycles are available for rent through most hotels and a number of local businesses. While bicycling is feasible in other areas of the island, it is not common due to potholes, erratic driving, stray dogs, rainy weather, and hilly regions (in the southern part of the island). Due to these reasons, it is not recommended that one ride a bike outside of the Tumon and Hagåtña-Tamuning area unless they are experienced and skilled.

Walk in Guam

Walking is most common in the central business neighborhoods of Hagåtña and Tumon. Walking elsewhere around the island is uncommon due to heat, dangerous vehicular traffic, and the lack of sidewalks. Within villages, however, it is common to walk short distances between households, and to small villages stores, churches, mayoral offices, and other community meeting places.

Local Language in Guam

English and Chamorro phrasebook|Chamorro are the official languages of Guam. Persons employed in the tourist industry will typically have a working knowledge of (Japanese).

What to see in Guam

Tumon Bay - Tumon Bay

• Tumon is the center of tourism on Guam. Attractions include beaches that are also wildlife reserves, a large aquarium, and various shows similar to the ones in Las Vegas.
• The coral reef surrounding Guam together with its underwater channels.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Guam

• Dive - The Micronesian Diver's Association has information on the many local dive sites as well as boat dives around the island. Highlights include the Blue Hole, a more advanced dive with an incredible drop through a hole in the reef; and the Kitzagawa Maru and Tokei Maru, two Japanese warships sunk out in Apra Harbor.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Guam

Money Matters & ATM's in Guam

Guam uses the U.S. dollar.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Guam

There are many retail outlets in Guam, including DFS (Duty Free Shoppers) which operates several stores in hotels, a large "Galleria," and a store in the Guam Airport. Further, visitors to Guam will note some of the same shopping opportunities available in the United States. Although there is no Wal-Mart and there is a large K-Mart that does a very high volume of business. Indeed, visitors who are used to the voided cavernous K-Marts in the U.S. may be surprised to find that they can barely squeeze through the aisles of the Guam K-Mart.

The Tumon Bay area has many duty-free shopping outlets and boutiques catering to Japanese tourists. Among these are boutiques selling Bvlgari, Channel, Cartier, Dior, Fendi, Ferragamo, Gucci, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Rolex, and more.

For U.S. citizens, Guam offers greatly increased customs exemptions coupled with duty and tax free importation of goods. However, take care with the prices offered in stores. A lot of merchandise has been shipped a very great distance at no small cost.

Halal Restaurants in Guam

The Shawarma Grill is a popular Halal restaurant in Guam that serves tasty and authentic Middle Eastern cuisine. The restaurant is located in Tumon Bay Center, which is a popular tourist spot in Guam. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner and is known for its delicious gourmet wraps, sandwiches, and platters. The Shawarma Grill is also famous for its freshly-made hummus, baba ghanoush, and falafel.

The restaurant has a simple and cozy interior with comfortable seating arrangements. The menu is quite extensive and features a range of appetizers, soups, salads, and main courses. The Shawarma Grill's main focus is on its shawarma, which is a Middle Eastern dish made of marinated Meat that is grilled on a spit and served with pita bread, hummus, and other condiments. The restaurant offers shawarma in beef, Chicken, and lamb, and each option is equally delicious.

One of the most popular dishes at The Shawarma Grill is the Mixed Grill Platter, which is a combination of shish Kebab, Chicken tikka, lamb chops, and Rice. The platter is perfect for sharing and is an excellent option for large groups. The restaurant has a variety of Vegetarian options as well, such as the Falafel Wrap, which is a pita wrap filled with falafel, hummus, and vegetables.

Overall, The Shawarma Grill is a must-visit Halal restaurant in Guam for anyone who loves Middle Eastern food. The restaurant's delicious food, friendly staff, and cozy atmosphere make it a perfect spot for a casual lunch or dinner. So, if you're ever in Guam and looking for a Halal restaurant that offers delicious Middle Eastern cuisine, head over to The Shawarma Grill in Tumon.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Guam

Guam - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Guam, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Guam. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Guam and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Guam. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Guam. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Guam: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Guam.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Guam: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Guam, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Guam.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Guam, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Guam, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Guam and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Guam, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Guam, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Guam without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Guam is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Guam.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Guam is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Guam, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Guam Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Guam

eHalal Group Guam is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Guam. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Guam.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Guam ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Guam. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Guam, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Guam are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly hotels in Guam

Shopping Avenue, Guam, USA (8488163864) - Shopping avenue by night

The main tourist area is around Tumon Bay, which has a number of https://els.ehalal.io/hotels?=1&adults=1&checkIn=2023-09-16&checkOut=2023-09-17&30282&Guam+Island&&.Zz51c6e38866f64dd2a48c5e2-206204&locale=en_US&currency=usd high-rise hotels and resorts similar to Waikiki Beach. Cheaper https://els.ehalal.io/hotels?=1&adults=1&checkIn=2023-09-16&checkOut=2023-09-17&30282&Guam+Island&&.Zz51c6e38866f64dd2a48c5e2-206204&locale=en_US&currency=usd lodgings exist near the airport, especially around the village of Harmon. Be aware that https://els.ehalal.io/hotels?=1&adults=1&checkIn=2023-09-16&checkOut=2023-09-17&30282&Guam+Island&&.Zz51c6e38866f64dd2a48c5e2-206204&locale=en_US&currency=usd Harmon hotels tend to be on the seedier side since Harmon is a mixed industrial/residential neighborhood. Many of the flights scheduled through Guam to other locations (especially in Asia) often require an overnight layover, so plan ahead. Some hotels offer airport pickup, as taxis can be quite expensive.

Study in Guam

The University of Guam provides higher education opportunities for students on Guam, as well as providing higher education for much of Micronesia. The UOG is in Mangilao, on the central eastern side of Guam. Students can earn various undergraduate degrees and several programs offer degrees at the Masters level. Two of the better known Masters- level programs include the (1) Environmental Science Program, focusing on Agricultural sciences through the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) and Hydrology and Water Resources through the Water and Environmental Research Institute of the Western Pacific (WERI); and (2) the Marine Laborator, which focuses on Marine Biology and other environmental issues.

How to work legally in Guam

The largest employers are the government of Guam and United Airlines, followed by a large duty-free retail firm (DFS Guam) and the U.S. Federal Government and the hotel industry and services sectors. Guam has two large military bases and several smaller military installations that employ many people. The only U.S. Air Force base is Andersen Air Force Base on the northern tip of the island. The U.S. Navy has a large naval station -- Naval Station Guam --located on the west-central part of the island near the village Agat.

Stay safe as a Muslim in Guam

Observe caution when engaged in water activities on Guam, as in any coastal area, as currents can be swift and unpredictable, depending on the season. During the rainy season (from about August until March), water can swimmingpool unevenly on road surfaces. Pooling of rain water can lead to flooding of roads in the southern half of Guam, which does not have sewer drainage built under the road surfaces. Furthermore, many roads are in disrepair and potholes are frequent, which can easily blow out tires. Violent crime is fairly low, but property crime tends to be high, so safeguard valuables in vehicles. Rental cars have stickers and can be targeted by thieves. Guam is in a major earthquake zone, and these occur every few years. That said and there have been few casualties to date.

Medical Issues in Guam

The civilian Guam Memorial Hospital is in Tamuning, in the Central Region. If you have access to military bases and there's a Naval Hospital.

Tap water is potable in Guam.

Local Customs in Guam

Chamorro Village2 - Chamorro Village

The Chamorro people, commonly called the Chamoro or Chamoru, are indigenous to Guam. They possess a culture that mixes Asian, (Spanish), and American cultures, and in general the people are gregarious and welcoming to visitors. Observe common courtesies and tend to err on the modest side, especially with clothing. Other cultures found in Guam include those from the Philippines, Japan, China, Korea, and other countries.

The Chamorro population is predominantly but not exclusively Catholic, with Protestantism also popular. On Guam, rosaries take the place of large formal gatherings to remember those who have passed away, and such congregations can occur for up to 20 years after someone has passed.

Telecommunications in Guam

Guam participates in the North American Numbering Plan and the area code is (671). Calls from North America into Guam, as well as those from Guam into North America should be dialed in the domestic format, while calls from elsewhere in the world into Guam should be prefixed by +1 671 prior to the 7-digit local number.

Guam uses the U.S. Postal Service with zip codes 96910-96915; 96921 and 96929-96932 and a state code of "GU". Postage between Guam and the United States, Puerto Rico and overseas U.S. military & diplomatic installations (APO, FPO, DPO addresses) are the same domestic rates as it would be within Guam. However, international mail sent to Guam, especially if sent from the Asia-Pacific area, is best addressed to "Guam" as the destination country (as opposed to "USA") to avoid a long detour through North America, almost half the world away — literally.

Travel Next from Guam

• Federated States of Micronesia
• Hawaii
• Japan
• Northern Mariana Islands
• Palau
• Philippines

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