The “Mango Capital of the Philippines”, Guimaras Island is known best for its sweet mangoes - with over 50,000 mango trees planted throughout the Island. According to local beliefs, the secret is in the soil in Guimaras Island that provides the distinctive sweetness in their mangoes that is famous around the world.
Long time ago, two of its inhabitants called Guima and Aras, who were lovers, went swimming and never returned. In their honor, "Himal-us" was changed to "Guimaras" by the pre-Spanish people in the island.
Still overwhelmed by the amazing moments in Islas de Gigantes, we travel to Guimaras - to experience the people, its scenery, and the beautiful sandbar that I've seen in Goggle Earth - the Ave Maria island sandbar. As you know, we are addicted to sandbars, white sands, clear waters, seafoods, waterfalls, and all of God's creations for us to explore and appreciate.
On our way to Guimaras, we drop bexperiencedy for lunch in Ted's oldtimer La Paz Batchoy in Iloilo City.
If you have visited Iloilo City but haven't experienced eating in Ted's, you need to go back and experience the best-tasting La Paz Batchoy ever.
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The Journey.
It takes only a few minutes of boat ride from Ortiz Wharf in Iloilo to Jordan Jetty Port in Guimaras. You can almost see the other side, yet the narrow Iloilo strait is very deep, and the weather is sometimes very violent.
(CTTO: Goggle)
There were cases where boats were flipped over due to strong winds, and most of the passengers did not survive.
From Jordan which is the capital of the province, it's only about 25km to the best beach resort in Alubihod. We hired a tricycle to bring us there and the driver was kind enough to bring us to some landmarks. It was fun seeing the people, the market, some of the commodities, etc. along the way. It was not very humid and the wind was blowing. We were exhausted from travelling by boat, bus, tricycle, bangka, and tricycle again - passing the Guimaras Provincial Capitol - from Lantangan Bay in Islas de Gigantes, to Raymen Beach Resort in Guimaras.
Guimaras Island features wide winding roads that are perfect for motorcycle riding, it also has picturesque rice paddies, white sand beaches, coral islets, coves, and some short white sandbars. Guimaras' best beaches and coves are located mostly in its west side, facing the City of Iloilo.
We arrived at resort late in the afternoon, just in time to unpack our gears, take photos of the beach, take a shower, take our dinner, and sleep. Raymen Beach Resort, located in the middle part of Alubihod Cove, with a stretch of white sand on its beach, is a 3-star resort with full wi-fi access, a restaurant, fully furnished airconditioned rooms, cottages with grills, white sand beach with netting, and island tour arrangements.
The sand in the beach is surprisingly smooth, white, and well preserved. There was no trash nor unwanted garbage in all of the places there. The locals knew the value of keeping their island pristine - not even a cigarette butt was present.
The water in Guimaras is crystal clear, and it feels like there's a natural filtration running 24-7. The Iloilo Strait's strong flowing current keep the entire west side so unbelievably clean.
We had mixed canton-bihon pancit, buttered shrimps, and a cup of rice for dinner. The restaurant prepares' dishes upon order, cooks the food just for you, and serves it hot straight from the kitchen. It is a 3-star resort in a remote location after all, and it's not cheap there. We were so excited for tomorrow's island hopping. I was able to review some photos while drinking beers and chatting with each other in the room.
The Island Hopping.
Raymen Beach Resort arranged the boat for us in the morning. This is important to have secured with a registered boat and boatmen, just in case something happens. The boat can accommodate 20 people though, at this time we exclusively rented it just for us, to manage our time and maximize the fun.
Our first destination was the Baras Cave. You can swim in the cold and calm shallow waters. The saltwater also enters the cave.
It's not huge inside but has a good view of stone formations. There were some bats inside and birds outside. It was perhaps a home to saltwater crocodiles in the past.
Then we proceeded to view some of the awesome scenery in Guimaras. The blue crystal clear saltwater complements the rock formations almost everywhere.
The boatman tried to impress us by visiting some of the coves,
with white sand beaches and amazing scenery,
and passing some of the private resorts and rest houses nearby.
Finally, the place where I am very eager to see - the Ave Maria Island.
It has a sandbar with sands very much similar to the northern banks of Canigao Island in Palompon, Western Leyte.
It is relatively short yet the silky smooth sands is quite impressive.
Stepping on a sandbar that I first saw only in zooming in on Goggle Earth is amazing. I dreamed of this moment for several months before the trip.
There is a rock formation on the north side of Ave Maria island that's entirely made of dead corals. Climbing on top is not easy since the rocks are sharp and will cut you by simply gripping hard.
My wife enjoys the moment - she likes to climb on top and did it with ease.
I was able to climb too, and I was very much amazed to see the view from above. If you are planning to visit Ave Maria island in the near future, wear a strapped sandals with thick rubber soles.
The breezing air is countering the heat of the sun, and the water beckons you...
Then, I did this... jumping onto the waters for a quick splash. !
Luckily, our boat was just nearby to cling on for safety.
After the awesome boat rides, we return to the resort fully impressed by what we experience.
Remember "Tikab-Tikab" in Islas de Gigantes? We brought some with us from Islas de Gigantes, and have it heated up by the cook in Raymen's Beach. Fried Daing na Bangus was also served to us for lunch.
Back in Iloilo City.
From Jordan Wharf back to Ortiz Wharf, we had only a few remaining hours before our flight back to Clark. We were very thankful to the people of Guimaras for the wonderful experience, the food, the scenery, the water, the sandbar, and for preserving nature in its pristine condition.
We visited the beautiful Santuario Nacional de Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria (The Jaro Cathedral), to give thanks to God for the opportunity to explore and experience, and the safe travel.
Completed on 1874, the shrine of Our Lady of the Candles was constructed in the Romanesque Revival style, deviating from semi-circular arches. Perched atop the façade of the cathedral, is the first Marian image canonically crowned personally by Pope John Paul II himself in 1981 when the Holy Father and now a saint visited Iloilo City. Inside of it is very dark and solemn. Ilonggos praying inside were in deep meditation.
A distinctive feature is that the bell tower is located across the busy street from the church, on Jaro Plaza, resembling much of the Ilocos churches in the north of Luzon.
In the province, never under estimate the locals. Some of them never think that they are already rich. Like this car left in the grounds of the church to perhaps (the owner) mingle himself with everyone else in equal footing - that's only my impression though.
Having been to Guimaras was a beautiful experience. The scenery is awesome.. sobrang ganda po talaga..!
Surely, you will enjoy your time exploring Guimaras. Aside from the island hopping, sands and beaches, the atmosphere in Guimaras is somewhat similar to Siquijor. Maybe renting a scooter to roam around the circumferential road was a good idea (like what we did in Siquijor and Bohol) to understand the people more. From the ports, passing the marketplace (and stopping there), and into the resort, generally the people of Guimaras are very hospitable, appreciative, and hard-working.
On the plane back to Clark, I was contemplating on how to present Guimaras to boost its tourism and help the local community. I hope that this article would contribute somehow.
It is also a destination where your efforts and expenses will surely translate to an unforgettable experience.
Byahe lang.. cheers!
2016 October 31 ~ November 1, Guimaras Island
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