Guimaras Island is not only known for its famous mangoes which is considered as one of the sweetest in the world but also to its picturesque and scenic view of the different parts of the island. Guimaras has something best place(s) to offer might it be a summer or a rainy season. Well, in my case, I got the chance to explore this iconic island for a day with not so favorable weather but still who would have thought that there’s still beauty that lies behind in a rainy season of the year. 

ROXAS CITY – ILOILO CITY 

My day started early as I travelled from Roxas City, Capiz (my hometown) going to Iloilo City which will be the gateway to the pleasure island of Guimaras which is about 2 hours (Depart: 6:00AM – Arrived: 8:00AM) via L3 van or the UV Express for P150 (as of Oct 2017). By the way, Cebu Pacific and or Philippine Airlines has a direct route in Roxas City in a daily basis. So, just in case you might want to explore the seafood capital of the country, there will no problem at all. 

ILOILO CITY – ORTIZ WHARF PORT (JORDAN) 

Once you get there at the terminal, you can ask the people around any idea how to get to Ortiz Wharf Port (in case it’s your first time). In my case, I hired a tricycle for P200 going to the port (typical port used by travellers is the Ortiz Wharf – Jordan, capital town of Guimaras) which is about 20 minutes travel. 

There’s a lot of taxi around the corner and so you can hired them if you prefer which will cost around P150+ depending on the traffic. 

ORTIZ WHARF PORT – JORDAN WHARF (GUIMARAS ISLAND) 

From the port, pay for the terminal fee P14 (as of Oct 2017) for a both ride going to Jordan Wharf for 15 minutes travel time. Boat ride begins at 5:00AM and last trip is at 7:00PM. No worries, you don’t have to wait long as there are plenty of passengers coming in and out of the island. 

Just along the wharf, there’s a tourism office (newly built) in which you need to register (free of charge) and get to see tourist map for your guidance in exploring the island. Wharf: a space for vessels or a ship to facilitate the load and unload. 

LET’S BEGIN THE EXPLORATION 

Just around the corner of the tourism office, plenty of tricycle drivers offers a land tour around the island for P1200 – 1500 (STD rate) for a day. You shouldn’t worry about your safety because these locals are kind and helpful. Just get ready your bottom for a long journey off the road. There’s no need to include here contact details for fair chances for these drivers. 

The driver (kuya Bugoy) handover the map and discussed places in which we need to look first and so on. 

FIRST STOP: CABANO WINDMILLS (WIND FARM) 

Our first stop is the Cabano Windmills in the town of San Lorenzo which is a billion worth of investment by a private investor Trans-Asia Renewable Energy Corporation (TAREC) in which they’d built 27 wind turbines around the island to provide cost-less electricity to the locals. 

This is an added attraction to the mango island which is similar to Ilocos, you can experience up close view of these giant structures.

SECOND STOP: THE DOWNTOWN (PLAZA) & MANGO PLANTATION 

The biggest mango plantation in the island is just few meters away from the Plaza in which you can also take a pose for some photo souvenir and have up close encounter with these mango trees and maybe, you’ll be able to know there little secrets to stay sweeter. Baka sakaling magamit mo sa pumapait na pagsasama niyo ng jowa mo. By the way, the mango season is April and May in which they are also celebrating the Mangahan Festival during this period. 

Just across is Trappist Monastery, a good place which offers peace and serenity. It’s a kind of place where you can meditate and pray at Our Lady of the Philippines Trappist Monastery. It was built in 1972 and currently housed by Christian monks (have no idea how many). What’s peculiar about this place as well is that, there are gift shops in which you can buy pasalubongs proudly products made by the monks. 

THIRD STOP: GUISI LIGHTHOUSE (FARO DE PUNTA LUZARAN) 

Just along the way, the driver stopped at the middle of the road and ask me to get down and look for a scenic view. Got to see and appreciate the beauty of the Lawi bay before my very eyes and it’s like wow, God is really amazing. I hope I can witness the sunset right at this place, at this very moment, with the one I love, holding hands, kaso wala pala akong kasama. 

The Guisi Lighthouse (Spanish: Faro de Punta Luzaran) is a century old lighthouse or parola built by the Spanish back in 18 century which is actually the second oldest lighthouse in the Philippines. Still, I was accompanied by the driver going to this place in which we took a different route just right under the guisi beach going up on a rocky mountain to reach it. Freak, it’s not a good idea because it’s rainy and slippery but I still managed to cross until end of the trail. Just before the lighthouse, there's a breath-taking view of the sea in a gloomy rainy sky. Just right then, you can notice the ruins of an old Spanish settlement and the infamous tower from afar alongside with the newly built parola. 

The dilapidated structure gives the place a scenic view of an ancient place which looks like a gateway to the panoramic view of the Guimaras strait. As you entered the place, you can notice signs that prohibits to climb the rusty and old lighthouse. But don’t be discouraged, it’s for your own safety. You can still enjoy the view from below which is totally instagramable. A good place which is very satisfying. 

For those who loves history (and so am I), this is really perfect for you guys! Just before you leave, hope you can put something at the donation box (at any amount) which is a little help to locals to maintain the cleanliness and safety of the area and of course, forget not to register your name at the registration. 

LAST STOP: SMALL PLAZA 

 Did you know that this place once holds the title in the Guinness Book of World Records as the smallest plaza in the world? Though it was years ago, the place still remains as the smallest one in the country. Here, there’s a small statue of Jose Rizal, Philippine National Hero with about 250 square meters space. 

My tour ends at 3:00PM. The experience that I have in almost 6 hours of land tours around Guimaras Island will always be treasured and hopefully next time, will be back at this place and explore more what lies behind the coastal areas to experience island hopping, snorkeling, diving and more fun water activities which is best during summer. See you next time Guimaras!