Guimaras: More than just the sweet Mangoes

For many the island province of Guimaras is usually spelled M-A-N-G-O-E-S. Mangoes, Mangoes, and more sweet mangoes! It is an undeniable fact that the world’s sweetest mangoes came from this side of the planet. But other than the heart-shaped golden delight we all love, many know nothing about this place.

Probably only a handful of brave souls have explored this quaint jewel. Guimaras is like a diamond with several facets that has yet to be polished.

Our trip to Guimaras has a multi-pronged itinerary. Something that will definitely keep all of us interested. Upon arrival at the Jordan Wharf we then proceeded to the Public Market and mango Orchard to check out the sweetest produce.

We then proceeded to the Trappist Monastery. The monastery is the only of its kind in the Philippines. This is run by the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance (OCSO) or more popularly known as the Trappists. They live a life of prayer and penance. That is also why you don’t get to see them most of the time. The monastery has a small souvenir shop where one can buy pasalubong like mango preserves, t-shirts prayer books or keychains.

From Trappist, we then drove further down south to Barangay Dolores in Nueva Valencia in a place known as Guisi Point. A lot has been written about this place. But I must say, you need to hike this area to really appreciate its beauty. Guisi Point is known for its centuries-old lightouse, ruins and the breathtaking view of the unspoiled Guisi Beach. The road leading to the lighhouse is uphill and muddy. But every drop of sweat is worth it. Once you got to the lighthouse area you would feel that you don’t want to go back anymore.

Guisi may have a breathtaking beach, but the crowd is all in Alubihod Beach. Alubihod has a more upscale accommodation and restaurant where one can have lunch. People also use Alubihod as a jump off point when going to another island. Our stay in Alubihod is only brief as we only had our lunch here.

From Alubihod, we were picked up by a speed boat for an adventure of a lifetime: Island Hopping, Guimaras style. Highlights of our trip were our visit to the Sea Turtle Sanctuary. It is really amazing to see an Olive Ridley in the flesh! This species has already been marked as endangered.

Our adventure continued by visiting one of the caves. Our boat has literally entered it and you can actually hear the sound of the bats.

And just before sunset we arrived in our resort where only the three of us were the guest. We were literally the owners of the island at that time! Isn’t that a wonderful feeling? With this adventure, I can say that Guimaras is just more than just sweet mangoes waiting to be explored.

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