Guimaras will definitely be brought up on the topic when we talk about mangoes because they are said to have the “Sweetest Mango in the Philippines.” With 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 the Manggahan Festival, an annual festivity to thank for 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.
Guisi Lighthouse
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. Based on the ruins, the floor plan is similar to Burgos Lighthouse in Ilocos Norte and the Cape EngaƱo Lighthouse in Palaui Island. Today, the thick walls are covered with mosses and plants, and the rusty metal lighthouse remains erect. The ambiance in the area is relaxing because of the cool sea breeze.
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 transported to Ilo-Ilo City via cables submerged in the water. There’s a registration but no entrance fee. We also talked about the proposed bridge connecting Guimaras to Ilo-Ilo; however, it was rejected because it could damage living underwater creatures. By the way, Bangui Windmills is the most prominent wind farm in the Philippines, and it has attracted a lot of tourists to Ilocos Norte. Just recently, I featured the Tanay Windmills in Tanay, Rizal.