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Exploring Guimaras Island

Guimaras Island seems to me, an unspoiled land. It’s very rural and peaceful, with lush vegetation all over. Most important thing to remember about Guimaras is that it is home to the best mangoes in the Philippines. Guimaras beaches are also fun to explore. Guimaras Island, however, is not only about scenic beaches and mangoes.There are other places worth exploring. If you have extra time, you can explore other tourist spots in the province.

Guimaras offers scenic and even educational island hopping trips

Trappist Monastery is perfect for people seeking a place for some peace and quiet. The Trappist Monastery is a calming place where people can meditate and reflect for inner peace and spiritual renewal. Monks of the Trappist Monastery follow the rule of the Benedectine Order, living by the labor of their hands. They have a store featuring products made by the monks, including jams, jellies, baked goods, and weaved products.

Trappist Abbey offers products made by the monks, including fruit preserves, baked products and hand-made items

Balaan Bukid (Holy Mountain) would be a good destination to consider during Holy Week. Through a play dubbed Pagtaltal, town folks re-enact the final sufferings of Christ.

Guimaras Island Mangoes, Rice and Other Products

Guimaras is most famous for its mangoes. Once you get a taste of it, you’ll agree that Guimaras has the best-tasting, most succulent mangoes in the Philippines.

It’s just too bad that we didn’t package correctly the mangoes we bought from Guimaras, but if we ever go back there, we’d not only buy mangoes, but rice as well. Guimaras rice has this sort of sweet, rich, filling taste that reminded me of Japanese rice, only rougher.

I’ve also noticed that Guimaras also makes lovely woven ladies bags and purses, quite different from the native bags I’ve seen made in the southern parts of Luzon.

How to Go to Guimaras Island

Raymen Beach Resort on Guimaras Island

There are no direct flights from Manila to Guimaras. Instead, fly to Iloilo and head to Iloilo City. There are vans transporting people from Iloilo Airport to SM Iloilo for 50 pesos each. From SM, it’s only a few minutes’ ride to the pier going to Guimaras. There are two piers going to Guimaras, but any of the two will do.

Boat fare to Guimaras during our visit was 14 pesos per person. It takes around 15 minutes to reach Jordan, Guimaras. From Jordan, hire a multicab or jeepney to your choice of resort or accommodation. The resorts around Nueva Valencia area can be reached by land in around 45 minutes.

View Raymen Beach Resort in a larger map