Tumon, Guam

Tumon, also known as Tomhom in Chamorro, is a special area on the northwest coast of Guam. It is found along Tumon Bay and is part of the Tamuning municipality. Tumon is very important because it is the heart of Guam's tourist industry. Many visitors come to enjoy its beautiful beaches and fun activities.

History

Tumon Bay might be where explorer Ferdinand Magellan stopped in 1521. For many years after that, not much happened there. When Spain took control of Guam in 1668, Tumon was an important village. Some early Catholic priests came to the island but were sadly killed by a village leader.

During World War II, Japanese forces built defenses in Tumon, but American troops landed elsewhere during the Battle of Guam, so these defenses were never used in battle.

Today, Tumon is famous for its sandy beaches, hotels, shops, water parks, and other fun places to visit. It is close to Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport in Tamuning.

Politics

Tumon is a very important place for tourism on Guam, which sometimes leads to discussions among leaders about rules and laws. One big topic is whether certain types of businesses should be allowed there. There are also talks about allowing games of chance that could bring casinos to the area. Because Tumon brings in a lot of money, many building and improvement projects happen there, which can make some leaders very popular or very unpopular.

Tumon is part of the area called Tamuning-Tumon-Harmon, which is led by a mayor that people choose. The names "Tumon" and "Upper Tumon" are used to describe special areas that the government counts for statistics. Important government offices, like the Guam Department of Public Works and the Guam Department of Land Management, are located in Upper Tumon.

Transportation and communications

Tumon’s main way to get around is by bus or taxi. The nearest big airport is Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport, located in Barrigada, just a little to the southeast.

The Guam Telephone Authority provides phone services here. While most of the island uses power lines on poles, Tumon is special because its power lines are buried underground.

Economy

Tumon is a key place for Guam's economy. Tourism is very important, making up more than half of the island's economy. Many tourists visit the shopping centers and malls in the area. In 2005, the Guam Visitors Bureau noted that over 1.2 million visitors came to the island that year.

Shopping

Tumon is a popular shopping area in Guam, filled with many malls and shops. Some well-known places to shop include Duty Free Galleria (DFS), Acanta Mall, Tumon Sands Plaza, The Plaza, and JP Superstore. With its many shops, Tumon is sometimes called "the Paris of the Pacific."

Activities

Tourists visit the beaches of Tumon Bay to enjoy the clear water and have fun. Popular things to do include shopping and seeing exciting shows. The area known as Hotel Row has a huge tunnel aquarium and a thrilling ride called the Daring Sling Shot, where riders are strapped into a ball that shoots up and comes back down. There’s also a fun Magic on Ice Show at the Sand Castle. Some people say Tumon is like a small version of Waikiki, with colorful fire dances and Chamorro cultural shows.

The beaches in Tumon are protected places for wildlife. People can fish in some spots, but they must stay on the beach to cast their nets or lines. It’s not allowed to walk into the water to fish. Two big shopping spots are Micronesia Mall, which now has a food court and a store called Macy's, and a large 24-hour Kmart. Both places are busy, with lots of parking, including some on the roof. Buses often go between these shops and the hotels.

Nightlife and entertainment

Tumon has many dance clubs and several strip clubs, along with other fun activities. The biggest dance place in the city is called The Globe. There is also an attraction named The Sandcastle, which is inspired by shows in Las Vegas and includes magic performances with tigers, flamingos, and other exotic animals.

People in the area are discussing whether these places that some call "adult entertainment" are good or bad. Some say they help bring tourists, while others worry they might not be suitable for families.

Education

The island is served by the Guam Public School System. Right now, only two public schools are in the Tumon area: John F. Kennedy High School and Chief Brodie Elementary.

For families connected with the military, Tumon is in the school zone for Andersen Elementary and Andersen Middle School. The only high school for these students is Guam High School, which serves the whole island.

Northern Tumon

The northern part of Tumon Bay is the busiest and most crowded area of Tumon Bay's districts. Most of the hotels in Tumon, such as Hotel Nikko Guam, Okura, Westin, Outrigger, Hyatt, and others, are located here. This area is growing quickly because of new developments, including tall buildings, shopping centers, and upgrades to roads and services. Some of the new buildings include Bayview 5, The Two Lovers Point Towers, and the Baldyga shopping center. More projects are planned for the future.

Notable people

Tumon has been home to notable individuals such as James Moylan, who serves as a U.S. delegate and was formerly a legislator for Guam.