Located in the Western Visayas region, Guimaras is a small island province known for its sweet mangoes. With just a 15-minute boat ride from Iloilo, it is a popular side trip for tourists visiting the region. Recently, I had the chance to visit Guimaras as part of my B-I-G travel itinerary (Bacolod, Iloilo, Guimaras) and discovered the beauty of this underrated province.
Upon arriving in Iloilo, we dropped off our luggage at the hotel and headed to Ortiz Wharf to catch a boat to Jordan Port in Guimaras. Riding the boat with the locals, we felt the excitement of going to a new place. Upon reaching Jordan Port, we were offered a land tour package by the local tour guides.
Using a tricycle, we visited the common tourist areas on the island. Our first stop was the Guimaras Provincial Capitol where we saw the imposing structure that houses the local government. Next was the Guisi Lighthouse, an old Spanish-era lighthouse that offers a panoramic view of the sea. Our guide also brought us to the Trappist Monastery where we had a taste of their famous mango-based products.
One of the highlights of our tour was a visit to a mango farm where we learned about the different varieties of mangoes that are grown in Guimaras. We also had the chance to taste fresh and juicy mangoes straight from the trees. It was a unique experience that made us appreciate the province’s main product even more.
Your local tour guides always their fun antics when taking your photos. This makes the trip more fun and memorable so don’t forget to tip your tour guides after your trip!
We all have our own preference for pineapples on pizzas, but this famed mango pizza of Guimaras is a must-try!
Although our day tour was brief, we were able to see the beauty of Guimaras. From the beaches to the hills, the province is a hidden gem that is waiting to be discovered. I regretted not staying for a couple more days to explore the island’s hidden spots.
Before we left, we had the chance to buy souvenirs from the local stores that sell various mango-based products such as dried mangoes, mango jams, and even mango pizza! The sweet taste of Guimaras was something that we could take home with us.
In conclusion, Guimaras may be a small and less-known province, but it has a lot to offer. Its sweet mangoes, scenic views, and warm people are enough reasons to visit this underrated gem. A day tour may not be enough to fully experience the beauty of Guimaras, but it will definitely leave a sweet taste in your mouth.