Visiting the Mango Capital of the Philippines

Guimaras is situated east of Panay Island and was once part of the province of Iloilo before it became independent. Guimaras, considered one of the exotic islands in the Philippines; believed to have been once part of the Panay group of islands. Original name was Himal-us. Once a sub-province of Iloilo, Guimaras was proclaimed as a regular and full-pledged province on May 22, 1992. It has 5 towns, with Jordan town as the capital. Located southwest of Panay Island and northwest of Negros Island, it has a land area of 604.65 sq. km. It has dry and wet season and population is estimated at 117,990. Hiligaynon is the native dialect but the residents also write and speak English and Pilipino, the national language.

Guimaras is blessed with natural and historical attractions. It has white-sand beaches, falls, springs, off-shore islets, coves and caves. Surrounded with sandy beach and growing corals. Offers island hopping tours, sailing, excursion and snorkelling in neighbouring islands.

  It is known much for its sweet mangoes which is one of the main incomes of most families. The island province has more than 50,000 fruit bearing mango trees. Have 3 major plantations: Oro Verde, Buenavista; Southern Orchard, Jordan; Guimaras Tree Farm, Buenavista. Aside from mangoes, kalamansi and cashew nuts are also abundant. Guimaras also produces a variety of fresh vegetables and fruits, orchids, and root crops.

mango plantation

Another place to visit in Guimaras is Trappist Monastery, 12 kilometres from Jordan Wharf; founded by group of American monks in 1972; orchard grows assorted tropical fruits; has an interesting souvenir shop and a good place to be with God.

church inside trappist

Another historical place in Guimaras is the Guisi Lighthouse. An 18th century Spanish-colonial lighthouse built beside the beach. It was built to guide mariners passing the Iloilo and Guimaras strait. The lighthouse can be reached by following a light trail. The 15-minute uphill trek to the Guisi Lighthouse also provides a great view of the beach. At the top of the hill are the ruins of a Spanish-colonial outpost and the rotting remains of the metal lighthouse structure. Although the condition of the old lighthouse is already in disarray the Guimarasnons take pride in having the second oldest lighthouse, next to the old lighthouse in Aparri, Cagayan. Today, a new lighthouse was built to replace the old one.

old lighthouse

new lighthouse

Isla Naburot

The island has rich colourful marine life, visible and exotic sea life. The fantastic underwater world adds to the unique beauty of isla Naburot. This divine abode is a completely different world from the sphere of commotion and jet set life style one is constantly exposed to. Absence of electric wires, telephone and television antennae make it a special secret place for lovers and a tranquil hideaway for soothing tense emotions and settling restless spirits. It has 8 native styled cottages made of wood, nipa, and stones. It is deal for fishing, boating, swimming, snorkelling, island hoping, and scuba diving.

rock formation

Son plus de plaisir dans les Philippines en raison de Guimaras!

Way Points:

By Air:

By plane, a daily flight that takes 55 minutes from Manila to Iloilo. From Iloilo airport, take a cab going to the port. Take a 15-minute boat ride from Iloilo City to Jordan. Take note that there are two ports in Iloilo that have boats going to Guimaras. One goes to Buenavista and the other one is in Jordan. The port going to Jordan is located in Ortiz (near SM Delgado and Robinson's Place) and can be reached by cab. As of January 2011, pump boat fares going to Jordan cost 13 pesos.

By Sea

By boat, it takes 20 hours at most from Manila to Iloilo. Negros navigation and WG & A Super Ferry have scheduled trip.