Guimaras Island – More Than Just Sweet

CEBU, Philippines —  A mere mention of Guimaras Island readily summons images of its most popular product – mangoes! The island people take their mangoes seriously. In fact, the National Mango Research and Development Center is found on the island. And there’s the annual island-wide Manggahan Festival, celebrated from May 22 to 26.

True, thought of Guimaras brings a feeling of sweetness to the taste buds. But, actually, there’s more to the island than its famous sweet crop. It is also rich in nostalgia and refreshing natural beauty.

Guimaras Island is located southwest of Panay Island and northwest of Negros Island. To get there fast, daily flights – either from Manila or Cebu – to Iloilo are available. There are also boats that service the Cebu-Iloilo route, both fastcrafts and slow boats. From Iloilo, ferries take visitors on a 15-minute ride to Jordan and Buenavista towns at Guimaras Island.

While on the island, visitors won’t want to miss out on the Mango Pizza and Mango Beef Bulalo that can only be had in Guimaras. The local people really know how to use their main product to the fullest. Visitors are sure to remember Guimaras by those two food items, among many other things.

Overall, food is easy to come by on the island. There are quite a number of restaurants and carinderias around that offer delicious food at affordable prices. At the carinderias especially, a good meal could be had for under P100.

For a place to stay, there are several beach resorts to choose from. The cheapest room around is at about P1,500 per day. Most resorts offer tours around Guimaras and to the neighboring islands, at a separate prices.

A Guimaras island-tour package would include the main places of interest on the island.

NATAGO BEACH. It is called so because its location is ‘quite hidden away’, the local word for which is “natago.” The calm waters of the beach invite visitors to swim. Well, it’s a good place for taking selfies too.

BARAS CAVE. The waters inside the cave are invitingly clear, but swimming is not allowed here. Instead, visitors may go inside on boats. And they may take pictures, too.

GUISI LIGHTHOUSE. Built in the 18th century, the lighthouse is said to be the second oldest in the country. It takes a 10-minute trek up to the lighthouse from the beach. The lighthouse ushers in an exhilarating view of the Guisi Beach below and the Guimaras Strait.

NAVALAS CHURCH. It is the oldest Catholic church on the island, built in 1880. Its architectural design is quite impressive, considering that it still stands firmly after over 100 years.

TRAPPIST MONASTERY. This is a very quiet place fit for reflection or soul-searching. There are also items for sale that are made by the Trappist monks that run the place.

AVE MARIA ISLAND. The small island got its name from a statue of the Virgin Mary that used to stand in a grotto, from where a sand bar extends to the sea. The statue has since been gone, but the rock formations, the sand bar, and the surrounding clear waters continue to lure visitors to the island.

BALAAN BUKID. It is considered a “holy mountain” because of the huge cross on top. Many Catholics from around the island and neighboring places make a pilgrimage here during the Holy Week.  At other times, visitors to Guimaras also make a stop here to whisper their prayers.

NATIONAL MANGO RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER. This would be an interesting place to visit, given that mangoes are the main produce of the island. For sure, everyone would like to have a peek into the ‘secrets’ behind Guimaras’ delectable fruit and its derivative products. The facility has been built purposely to develop ways on preserving and improving the quality of the Guimaras mangoes.

GUIMARAS PLAZA. This diminutive public plaza has gained renown after the Guinness Book of Records declared it “Smallest Plaza in the World.” Small as it is, though, a statue of Dr. Jose Rizal proudly stands here.

Guimaras is a small island. It can be covered by a tour of a few hours. And yet, the island has a lot to offer and a lot more of interesting things for visitors to discover.