Hafa adai!
For those planning a drive in southern Guam by rental car, I’d like to introduce some tourist points over several installments.
The starting point is Tumon, where the hotels are located.
Please make sure that your car's gas tank is more than half full.
It’s a good idea to bring some snacks, treats, and drinks with you.
Most gas stations have convenience stores, so you can also purchase items along the drive.
Stopping by local cafes can be enjoyable as well.
Once you depart, head down Route 1 towards Hagatna.
As you pass through areas called Hagatna and Anigua, you’ll see the war memorial park on your right.
There’s a sign that says:
WAR IN THE PACIFIC NATIONAL PARK
ASAN BEACH
As soon as you enter, there’s an information board that introduces the wartime situation with photographs.
It includes details about the U.S. military during the landing operations, along with maps.
From the entrance, head left and continue driving.
You’ll find a monument of Apolinario Mabini.
He was a Filipino who resisted American colonial rule and aimed for independence, but was forcibly removed and arrested by the U.S. in 1899 and exiled to Guam.
He was released in 1903 and returned to the Philippines but tragically died of cholera at the young age of 39 in May of that year. He was the author of the first modern constitution draft in the Philippines, and his likeness was featured on the 10-peso banknote that was once issued in the country.
There’s a small path behind that you can walk down.
The entrance sign notes that unexploded ordnance can still be found in Guam today. If you encounter any, do not touch or move it, and report it to the park ranger immediately.
Following the bronze plate on the ground leads you to a sculpture dedicated to the remembrance of the Pacific War.
Behind the sculpture, there’s a wonderful view of the vast sea.
You’ll also find a stone tower that holds someone’s wishes. The wind is strong and refreshing.
This concludes the visit to the Asan Pacific War Historical Park.
If you have children, it’s a great opportunity to stop by and share some stories about the war.
Return the way you came and turn right to continue to the next location on your southern drive.
https://www.nps.gov/wapa/index.htm
Other facilities besides the Pacific War Historical Park are also introduced.
