Guimaras Tourist Spots

When we talk about mangoes, Guimaras will definitely be brought up on the topic because it is said that they have the “Sweetest Mango in the Philippines.” In relation to that, their local delicacies, with mango, are just mouth-watering. The residents must be proud of their breathtaking and stunning beaches, historical sites and other activities. They also have Manggahan Festival, an annual festivity to thank their bountiful mango harvest. It is a small island province that can be visited for the whole day but they can offer a lot to visitors.

Alubihod Beach, Guimaras

After Trappist Monastery, we headed to Alubihod Beach in Nueva Valencia, Guimaras. Traveling to this gorgeous beach via habal is easy because the roads are all concrete. I was welcomed by the courteous staff of Raymen Beach Resort. Settled the entrance fee and walked to the beach area. Though the shoreline is not white as Boracay Island and Anguib Beach in Cagayan, Alubihod Beach is pretty in its own way. The picturesque is instagram worthy because of the rock formation highlighted by the creamy white sand with corals and pebbles. The ambiance by the beach is relaxing because of the sea breeze is cool.

Guisi Lighthouse, Guimaras

Touching the walls of Guisi Lighthouse or Faro de Punta Luzaran is the most exciting part of my backpacking in Guimaras. It is the second oldest lighthouse in the Philippines, lighted up for the first time in 1894. This structure was erected in the 18th century to guide the mariners passing by the waters of Ilo-Ilo and Guimaras. Its structure is made of metal from France, tisa from Portugal and cement from England. The floor plan, based on the ruins, is similar to Burgos Lighthouse in Ilocos Norte and the Cape Engaño Lighthouse in Palaui Island. Today, the thick walls are covered with mosses and plants and the rusty metal lighthouse remains erect. The ambience in the area is relaxing because of the cool sea breeze.

Location, How to Get Here, My Travel to Guimaras: 

The nearest airport in Guimaras is in Ilo-Ilo City. From the airport, take a cab to Parola Port (the gateway to Guimaras). In my case, since I stayed in Ong Bun Pension House Ilo-Ilo City, I followed the instructions provided by the guard. Just two blocks away, I rode in the jeepney with ARU/GPU signboard and alighted by the entrance of Parola Port, for a minimum fare. Then, bought a ferry ticket bound for Guimaras Wharf. The dock and go of the ferries are continues every 30 minutes. The travel time from the port to Guimaras is only 15 minutes.

GUIMARAS TOURIST SPOTS: The Smallest Plaza - a 2021 travel guide

The Smallest Plaza in the Philippines is located in Guimaras, the first tourist destination we visited. It was also the former Guinness Book of World Records holder of the same title. From the port of Guimaras, it's 15 to 20 minutes habal ride. The plaza is around 200 to 300 square meters area with the Philippine National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal in the middle, and right beside the highway and residents houses. According to Kuya Ken, my habal driver/tour guide, during their annual fiesta, all the attendees are being fit into this small plaza. This means that this tiny plaza also witnessed most of the gigantic historical events in the province.

Manggahan Festival, Guimaras

Guimaras is one of the small island provinces in the Philippines but with a huge and vibrant culture, breathtaking tourist attractions, and world-class mangoes. Having said that, the province created Manggahan Festival every May to showcase their gift. In this presentation, Binagtong, which means anything that is wrapped by a katsa or patadyong, will be featured to show its usefulness as an accessory to export mangoes and other products by using this piece of cloth in the hands, shoulder or head. To be included in the presentation are the unique and exciting countryside experiences for tourists  – from agri eco-adventure parks to bike circuits, historical sites, religious events and other cultural activities. Info from Aliwan Fiesta Website.

San Lorenzo Wind Farm (Guimaras Windmills)

My last destination in Guimaras was Guimaras Windfarm with 27 gigantic wind turbines that harness electricity from the wind. The island is surrounded by the seas, so it’s a perfect location for renewable because of its sea breeze. According to Kuya Ken, the harnessed energy is being transported to Ilo-Ilo City via cables submerged into the water. There’s a registration but no entrance fee. Also, we talked about the proposed bridge that will connect Guimaras to Ilo-Ilo, however, it was rejected because it can damage the living underwater creatures. By the way, Bangui Windmills is the most prominent wind farm in the Philippines which brought a lot of tourists in Ilocos Norte and just recently, I featured the Tanay Windmills in Tanay, Rizal.

Backpacking Guide: Tourist Spots in Capiz, Antique, Guimaras, Ilo-Ilo

From Roxas Airport, I rode in a tricycle to my first destination - Panay Church. Travel Time: 23 minutes. Fare: 200 pesos. ETA: 7:30 AM. Upon arrival, I easily felt the cool and fresh air blowing. Also, noticed an event banner hanging by the side of the church, thus, as a respect, I did not check the entire part of the Panay Church, including the largest bell on top. However, I stayed in the area for an hour and thirty minutes. Had my breakfast at 7-11, in front of the church, while starring on its gorgeous facade.