Travel Log: Guimaras

Guimaras… Mango Island of the Visayas

Guimaras is one of the exotic islands in the Philippines. Originally its name was Himal-us but was renamed Guimaras after the folktale of the lovers named Princess Guima and the slave Aras, who defied tradition for the sake of their romance. The island was once a sub-province of Iloilo but by virtue of R.A. 7160 was proclaimed a regular province on May 22, 1992. Guimaras is noted for plantations of mango trees, locally believed to produce the finest fruit in the country, and the excellent beaches dotting the outer shore. The island is also home to one of the country's wildest mountain bike races.

GETTING THERE...

By Air

Guimaras can be reached directly via light plane which can land at the Guimaras Airstrip.

By Land
Roll-on-Roll-off (Ro-Ro) service to Guimaras with three trips daily. Also available, is a Ro-Ro service from Negros Occidental to Guimaras and vice-versa.

By Sea
The Guimaras mainland is close to the Iloilo Harbor and can be reached in 15 minutes by motorboat or ferryboat that service the island. Motorized pumpboats are also available upon special arrangement for travel to the different islets of the island province.

WHAT TO DO…

Ang Pagtaltal sa Guimaras - a Lenten presentation staged by the townspeople of Jordan patterned after Oberammergau in South Bavaria, Germany. The final act of the play shows Jesus being taken off and laid on his mother's lap. The trip is climaxed by a visit to Balaan Bukid (Holy Mountain). It is a pilgrimage site for the Catholics.

Mountain Bike Festival - a multi-event team sports (mountain biking, coastal and mountain trekking, a call to rediscover, and adventure). Guimaras Mountain Bike Association (GUIMBA) spearheads Governor's Cup Mountain Bike and Downhill Competitions. The mission is to promote bicycling as a sport, environmentalism as a way of life, and Guimaras as an ecotourism destination.

 

Manggahan Sa Guimaras Festival - an identity festival commemorating the annual provincehood anniversary every 22nd day of May depicting the cultural heritage of the province with emphasis on the promotion of Guimaras as “mango country”. A week-long celebration showcasing Guimaras products, cuisine, and services. Is highlighted with the Search for Miss Guimaras and Miss Manggahan.

WHAT TO SEE…

Buenavista Wharf / McArthur's Wharf - it was built by Lt. Douglas McArthur in 1903.

Punta Blanco & Camp Jossman (Tinadtaran, Buenavista) - target range and military camp constructed by the United States Army in 1903.

Trappist Monastery (Bgy. San Miguel, Jordan) - the only trappist monastery in the Philippines run by the order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance.

Balaan Bukid Shrine (Bgy. Hoskyn, Jordan) - where a large cross and a chapel were constructed on top of a mountain. Offers a scenic view of Iloilo City across Guimaras Strait.

Navalas Church (Navalas, Buenavista) - the oldest existing Roman Catholic Church in the province of Guimaras that has survived the ravages of time.

Beautiful beaches and coves - Guimaras is known for its white sand beaches and island coves. The waters surrounding the island teem with an array of marine wildlife. Here are some of the Class A resorts in the province:

• Costa Aguada Island Resort (Sibunag) - located at the crocodile-shaped Inampulugan Island, it has clean white sand beaches, a mini zoo, jungle park. Ideal for horseback riding, snorkeling.
• Nagarao Island Resort (Sibunag) - located at the southern tip of Guimaras; surrounded with sandy beach and growing corals; has 20 cottages, a restaurant and a bar for cold drinks, a fresh water swimming pool. Offers island hopping tours, sailing, excursion, and snorkeling in neighboring islands.
• Isla Naburot Resort (Sinapsapan, Jordan) - the island has rich colorful marine life, visible and exotic sealife; special berth for lovers; tranquil hideaway for soothing tense nerves; has 7 native-styled cottages; ideal for fishing, boating, swimming, snorkeling, island hopping, and scuba diving.

WHAT TO EAT…

Guimaras mangoes - are considered as one of the sweetest in the world and the only mango variety in the country certified as pest-free by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Mango jam and calamansi marmalade - are available at the Trappist Monastery.