GUIMARAS
Especially known as the place where the sweetest mango trees in the world grow!
The island, which was formerly part of Iloilo, is particularly known for producing the sweetest and most delicious mangoes, served in top-rated places like the White House and Kingham Palace.
The famous mangoes are generally considered some of the sweetest in the world, if not the sweetest, with Guimaras being the only place in the entire Philippine archipelago recognized by the US Department of Agriculture as pest-free. In honor of the mango, the Manggahan Festival is celebrated every May 22nd to commemorate the day when the mandate for the island was granted and to celebrate and acknowledge the abundance of the sweet produce that grows along its shores.
White sandy beaches, abundant marine life, and rich coral diversity can be found here. Guimaras undeniably boasts several attributes that attract tourists. Since it became an independent province on May 22, 1992, it has been steadily gaining popularity as a tourist destination due to its beautiful and picturesque natural landscapes, including lovely beaches, waterfalls, springs, remote islets, and, of course, its incredibly delicious mangoes.
How to get there:
Since there are no direct flights to the city, you should take one of the daily direct flights from Manila to Iloilo. Upon arrival, you can either take a local boat at Parola, along the Iloilo River near Molo, or continue your journey with the local ferry known as RORO from Ortiz Wharf to Jordan, which departs five times a day.
Attractions:
Naburot Island – Due to its stunning white sandy beaches and impressive coral reefs, this island attracts frequent visits from snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. You can even stay here overnight in one of the scattered cottages on the cliff.
Marine Sanctuary/Turtle Hatchery – The station is located on the beach area of the Lawi district, a community project of the local authority aimed at preserving sea turtles, locally known as “pawikan,” which are considered an endangered species. These sea turtles nest on the island. After nesting, they are cared for in a therapeutic aquarium that simulates a floating cage, where visitors can observe and interact with the small turtles. Afterward, the turtles are tagged and released into the sea at a specific location. When they reach maturity, adult turtles return to the beach during mating season to lay their eggs.
Navalas Church / St. Isidore the Worker Parish – The oldest Roman Catholic church in Guimaras, built between 1885-1880, has withstood the test of time and become an iconic structure and symbol of the province. The church’s bell tower houses a larger bell that was once part of a tower that stood over 4 feet tall but was destroyed by pirates and sunk into the sea. The exterior of the building remains untouched, while the interior has been refurbished and restored. The church is located in Navalas, Buenavista.
Ave Maria Island – Located where the marine sanctuary of Jordan is situated, this is a perfect white sandy beach for swimming and snorkeling. It is within swimming distance of the turtle sanctuary. A small and charming island with wonderfully fine white powdery sand.
Tiniguiban Island – A 1544-meter square island located opposite the SEAFDEC marine station, which is a breeding ground for rare red shrimp. It’s an excellent spot for swimming and snorkeling, with vibrant coral reefs. Tiniguiban Island is located in Pandaraonan, Nueva Valencia.
Baras Beach – Offers exciting water activities like windsurfing and kayaking. With calm waters and fine white sand, Baras Beach is also excellent for swimming and snorkeling. It is located in Lawi, Jordan.
Natago Beach – Nestled between two hills, this is also known as the “Hidden Beach.” It features interesting rock formations and an impressive cove located on its cliff.
Waterfalls/Springs/Caves – Guimaras Island (and its neighboring islands) is home to numerous waterfalls, caves, and natural springs of various sizes and beauty. These include Macopo and Sad Sad Falls in Sta Teresa, Labi Labi Springs in Daragan, Bucoy Cave in Balcon Maravilla, Crystal Cave or Pulang Tubig, Quartz Cave, a small lake with a depth of 6 meters and a width of 5 meters, Buho Ramirez Cave in Lawi, Jordan, with three entrances and flowing waters that some studies suggest serve as a good source of spring water, Capitoguan Cave, also in Balcon Maravilla, Jordan, considered a bat sanctuary with an abundance of stalactites and stalagmites, Higante Cave in Aspinosa, Jordan, which according to local folklore once belonged to a giant, Hurot Hurot Cave in Aspinosa, Jordan, and the Pirate Cave in Lawi, Jordan, where locals believe a pirate hid his secret treasures.
Recommended Activities:
Get a close look at how the sweetest mango trees in the world grow in Guimaras at the National Mango Research and Development Center. This institution is marked by its unique green color and within its green-fenced courtyard, you can see rows of young mango trees whose purpose is to grow and develop the sweetest mangoes in the world. The institution provides interesting explanations about the mango-growing process, including the economic value of mangoes to the local economy and humanity as a whole.
Additionally, they assist in the life cycle of mangoes, as the people of the island make efforts to preserve the excellent quality of their mango fruits. Visitors are not allowed to bring mangoes from outside the island, as they may carry pests that could harm the mature trees on the island. The people of Guimaras take great pride in their produce and invest a lot of effort to ensure the excellent quality of their mango fruits is preserved.
A quick visit to Guisi Lighthouse: If you’re looking for a picturesque viewpoint of a beautiful beach, the Guisi Lighthouse is the place to be. Built atop a hill during the Spanish colonial era in the 18th century, it offers a magnificent view of the beach and the ruins of the Spanish settlement. You can climb the old and weathered lighthouse and gaze upon the picturesque town, its bay, rock formations, and the clear blue sea. There is a newer, more polished lighthouse amidst the ruins, but the old lighthouse sparks the imagination. It is located in Nueva Valencia.
Buy souvenirs at the Trappist Monastery (Trappist Order) in San Miguel, Jordan: The monastery is located in the San Miguel district of Jordan and can be reached with the assistance of the local tourism office. The monastery is about 20-30 minutes away from the port by jeepney or service tricycle. The monks of this order sustain themselves through agriculture, cultivating vegetables for personal consumption, and growing mango, pineapple, and guava trees. They produce jams and juices from the fruits they grow, which are sold in the monastery’s souvenir shop. Most, if not all, of the products sold in the shop are made on the monastery grounds. Founded in 1972, it is the only male monastery in the country run by the Cistercian order of strict observance, which was founded in 1098 near Dijon, France. This Cistercian order, part of a reform movement initiated in the 17th century at the La Trappe Abbey in Normandy, separated from the main order in 1892 and has since been known as the Trappist order, named after the La Trappe Abbey.
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Practice target shooting and enjoy more thrilling activities at the Guimaras Adventure Park in Alaguisoc, Jordan. The Guimaras Adventure Park, spanning over 3 square kilometers, is the perfect place to get your adrenaline pumping with activities like paintball, war games, horseback riding, target shooting, and wall climbing.
Coming soon, we will announce amazing activities in the Iloilo and Guimaras area. Stay updated on the website.