Now close your eyes and imagine an island in which the air has the honeyed scent of fruit ripening in the sun and the sea murmurs liquid emerald. Welcome to Guimaras. It is a place that does not seek your gaze with neon light or swarming walkers; it seeks to ask you to relax, to slow your step to the swell and fall of the waves, and revisit an unbelievably untouched world.
Being a person who has been following the concealed lines of the Philippines over the years, I have always been attracted to this jewel of the Western Visayas. Guimaras is not simply the Mango Capital of the World, although they are golden apples. It is a silent, dignified island, where the limestone cliffs protect the hidden coves and the sunsets change the sky to a picture of bruised plums and smoldering gold. Searching for the most authentic things to do in Guimaras Philippines, often leads you to these quiet, coastal corners.
Give me the pleasure of introducing you to a select tour of the finest things to do in Guimaras travel guide, but not that of the tourist, but of the true traveller.
1. The Golden Harvest: The Sweetest Mangoes on the Planet.
One does not just visit Guimaras; one visits it with one’s taste. Soil in this region is blessed, and mangoes grown here are sweet and free of fiber and are used on the royal tables and in the posh galas all around the world. And here you eat them with your toes in the sand.
In order to pay full respect to the fruit, go during the Manggahan Festival in May. This turns out to be a riot of yellow, with the island celebrating the harvest with cultural dances and mango feasts, where you can eat as much as you can.
Exploring the festival is certainly one of the most vibrant things to do in Guimaras. In case you have missed the festival, do not worry. Go to the local markets at Jordan Wharf; browsing the stalls for fresh produce is among the classic things to do in Guimaras Island. It is an art to choose the right fruit, and you want the ones that are heavy for their weight and have an aroma so sweet that it is like a summer breeze.
The Pitstop is located in case you want a cuisine twist. In this case, they are serving the renowned Mango Pizza. Tasting this unique dish is among the essential things to do in Guimaras. It is an awesome contradiction; it feels like a song, and the combination of salty cheese, tasty cashew nuts, and sweet slices of mango is a melody you had not planned on.
2. The Venerable Guardian: Guisi Lighthouse and Beach.
A certain beauty exists in ruins, a beauty that time alone is able to mold. The Guisi Lighthouse (Faro de Punta Luzaran) is the second-oldest in the Philippines, a 19th-century Spanish beacon that used to lead travellers on the perilous Panay Gulf. Visiting this historical site is one of the most nostalgic things to do in Guimaras.
As one passes through the rusted iron frame of the old tower, where wild vines are reclaiming the walls of the stone, one feels as though he/she is in a Victorian novel. I suggest coming towards the end of the afternoon. As the sun starts setting, the light falls on the battered stone in a manner that is cinematic. For history buffs, this remains one of the top-rated things to do in Guimaras, Philippines, joining other significant historical places in the Philippines.
Once you are done with the ruins, take the winding path to Guisi Beach. It is a sandy golden cove with the dramatic structures of rocks. Whereas the luxury resorts in other islands are manufactured, Guisi is rough and candid. Wait till sunset, and you will see why we always keep this island in our memories when we go there.
3. A Marine Reserve: Taklong Island Sanctuary of Silence.
If you want the soul of the natural heritage of the island, you need to go south, to Nueva Valencia. This is where there is a marine reserve called Taklong Island Marine Reserve (TINMAR), which seems like the world in its most pristine state. Engaging with the local conservation efforts here is one of the most rewarding things to do in Guimaras.
The procession here is a sort of maze, a channel through mangroves, in which the roots of the trees go down to the salt water, like wooden fingers. If you are making a list of things to do in Guimaras Island, I usually recommend going by boat to the Floating Cottage. It is located in the heart of a turquoise lagoon with mangroves, making it a world of complete calm.
To truly explore Guimaras, one must witness these delicate ecosystems. It’s a perfect spot for lovers of nature in the Philippines. For people who want to get updated on the latest news about the environment or those who require permits for the conserved locations, the Official Province Website may offer the necessary advice prior to your trip.
Dive into the crystal clear depths of Snorkel and view the giant clams, or stroll the Taklong Sandbar during low tide when there is a bridge of white sand linking two green islets. It is not a beach where you can make loud music or even party; this is a beach where you can hear the water and have the enormous peace of a safe ecosystem.
4. Coastal Secrets: Baras Cave and Natago Beach.
The shoreline of Guimaras is a turmoil of surprises. Baras Cave is one of my favourite places that is a secret. The cave, which can only be reached by a small boat (only at a favourable tide), is a cathedral of limestone. Exploring these hidden gems remains one of the most adventurous things to do in Guimaras. The water within is hauntingly, ethereally blue. In case you are not afraid, you can swim into its darker corners to observe the elaborate rock formations that have taken centuries to develop.
Close by, you will be at Natago Beach. It is literally called Hidden Beach, and it does not disappoint the title. It is a small and remote cove, and the sand is as soft as flour and the water so clear that you can count the pebbles on the bottom. Finding such secluded spots is one of the most romantic things to do in Guimaras, Philippines. In case you want additional social sands, the famous Alubihod Beach will give you a suitable starting point for your island hopping.
Trinidad Beach offers an option of a simple, relaxing location to those who want to avoid the crowd. It has here a little nipa hut on the cliff side; sitting there with a cold drink and looking at the horizon is perhaps the best luxury Guimaras has to boast of.
5. Spiritual Solitude: the Trappist monastery.
The Trappist Monastery in Jordan provides you with a refuge of silence when you need to get yourself grounded. It is the sole Trappist monastery in the nation where the monks live the life of prayer and manual work.
The lawns are green and well-maintained and are ideal for a pensive walk. You must see their gift shop before you go. The monks make the wonderful jams, jellies, and dried mangoes. Purchasing a jar of their mango marmalade is not a souvenir but a way of bringing a little bit of the serenity of the island with you back home. Visiting this peaceful sanctuary is often cited as one of the most grounding things to do in Guimaras Island.
An Instruction on Travel: Expert Tips.
The way to go to Guimaras is simple. The following are some of the things to consider:
- The Pace: Do not rush. Island time is the way the island works. Take up the leisurely tricycle rides and protracted lunches.
- The Transport: To see various Guimaras attractions, it is best to hire a local tricycle to have a day out. It is a close-up view of the villages, the rice paddies, and the faces of the locals who are smiling.
- The Earth: Guimaras is a location of great natural beauty. Dear traveller, do bring along a reusable water bottle, please, and leave only footprints.
- The Logistics: For your Guimaras sightseeing, remember that the majority of the travellers come in through ferry, a 15-minute journey (Parola Wharf) from Iloilo City. Many international travellers find that booking through World Pinoy Flights helps them navigate the initial journey to the Philippines with ease. The transition between the urbanised city flow and the peacefulness of the island is simple.
Why Guimaras?
Guimaras is a refuge from a world that is becoming more and more congested and noisy. It possesses just about the beauty to astound you, just about the sweetness to nourish you, and just about the silence to aid in your recovery.
It does not attempt to be like Boracay or Palawan. It is happy to be Guimaras, an oasis of gold, mangoes, legends, and recollections.
You have to pack light, have an open heart, and be ready to fall in love with the simplest joys of the Philippines as you embark on your Guimaras holiday. The island is waiting for you.
Bon voyage, and may your voyage be as sweet as a Guimaras summer.
FAQs about Things to Do in Guimaras
1. When is the most suitable time to visit Guimaras?
The most ideal period is during the month of May, when they have the Manggahan Festival and can enjoy the multicoloured cultural festivities and the blooming mango fruit.
2. How do I get to Guimaras?
The island is a 15-minute trip away by ferry (Parola Wharf in Iloilo City).
3. Which is the most recognised food to eat?
The Mango Pizza, which is exclusive to The Pitstop, and the most famous sweet mangoes in the world are a must-have.
4. Which are the best historical and natural landmarks?
Historical landscape can be seen in the Guisi Lighthouse ruins, and the Taklong Island Marine Reserve is the destination of unpolluted nature.
5. What am I to do to circulate about the island?
The most recommended way of visiting the different attractions is by hiring a local tricycle to take a day-long tour.
