By VINCE G. LOPEZ
July 31, 2010, 9:27am
The island province of Guimaras is a destination filled with natural wonders. Located in the Western Visayas Region between the islands of Panay and Negros, the province boasts of magnificent beaches, inspiring waterfalls and idyllic islets, and of course, its world-famous sweet mangoes.
Known as “Mango Country” to tourists who have been to the province, Guimaras is one sweet destination filled with interesting sites and scenic spots. Tourists will be pleased with the number of islands and bays in the province waiting to be discovered and enjoyed. With its rugged terrain and natural wonders, the province is also ideal for the adventure-seeking tourists as Guimaras offers numerous exciting activities such as mountain climbing, rappelling, and free diving.
Aside from the number of adventures and scenic beaches, the province is also home to dozens of religious and cultural sites. The number of interesting sites is also easily accessible with all the number of tourist outposts located in Jordan which is the province’s capital. Getting lost will not be a problem as locals are always ready to help and answer queries.
Local Dialect: Hiligaynon and Kiniray-a
Festival: Manggahan sa Guimaras Festival – Celebrated every 22nd of May depicting the cultural heritage of the province. The celebration is also a means to promote the province’s diverse mango products and its identity as a “Mango Country”.
Must See:
Guisi Lighthouse (Dolores) – Built in 1894 by the Spanish Government to guide maritime vessels to the ports of Manila, Iloilo and Cebu. Though no longer operational, the lighthouse continues to serve as a landmark of the province of Guimaras.
McArthur’s Wharf – Originally built in 1903 and known as the “Buenavista Park,” the site is historic since it saw the transformation and modernization of the province.
Roca Encantada - Declared as a historical house by The National Historical Institute, the summer house was built in 1910. This tourist spot overlooks the legendary islets called Siete Pecados.
Oro Verde Mango Plantation (Pina) - Declared by the Department of Tourism as one of three pilot agri-tourism destinations in the country, the agricultural destination is one of the largest mango plantations in the province.
Higante Cave – The cave got its name from a legend that told the story of a giant who supposedly built the place. The cave is located on top of a hill and is usually visited by locals and tourists as a spot for recreation and discovery.
Our Lady of the Philippines –Trappist Monastery - Established in 1972, the monastery is the only men’s monastery in the Philippines. The place is ran by the Cisreran order of Strict Observance and continues to serve as a place for those who wish to seek solace and self-examination through meditation and retreat.
Guimaras Adventure Park – An adventure filled destination where guests can play paintball, rappel and go horseback riding.
Scenic Beaches:
Ave Maria Islet - White sand beach islet located in front of Sitio Lusay where the Marine Reserve Area of Jordan is located.
Tiniguiban Islet - A 1,544-square meter islet where rare red shrimps make their appearance inside the pool during high tide.
Tatlong Pulo Beach - An islet of Guimaras with lush greeneries, white sand beaches, private coves, and rich and colorful marine life and unique inland terrain.
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