Splurge in the abundance of fresh and pure country air. Relish the ambiance of rural life in the "Mango Country" whose identity festival, Manggahan sa Guimaras, commemorates its provincehood every May 22.
Share the excitement of Karosahan, a parade led by carabao-drawn bamboo sleds decked with flowers, fruits and other farm produce which serve as floats to the province's prettiest.
See action in the mountainbike races or cheer in the Iloilo-Guimaras Paraw (sailboat) race on summer. Visit historical landmarks like MacArthur's wharf and Navalas church. Be awed by the idyllic splendor of Roca Encantada summer house of the Lopes family. Seek spiritual refuge at the Trappist Monastery or trek the Balaan Bukid (holy mountain).
These are several resorts that cater to various moods and taste. Prices are reasonable and dependent on the type, facilities and class of resort.
How to get there
Iloilo City is gateway to Guimaras. The island province is 20 - 30 minutes by motorboat or ferry from Parola, Ortiz wharf, Muelle Loney or La Puz in Iloilo City. Direct travel to Guimaras is possible by light planes which can land at th Guimaras Airport
For more Information on Guimaras, write or call:
Department of Tourism Region VI
Bonifacio Drive, Iloilo City
Guimaras is considered one of the exotic islands in the Philippines. The original name was Himal-us but was changed to Guimaras after the folktale of the ill-fated lovers named Princess Guima and the slave Aras, who defied tradition for their romance. The island was once a sub-province of Iloilo but by virtue of R.A. 7160 it was proclaimed a regular province on May 22, 1992.
The province is basically agricultural, with palay, coconut, mango, vegetables, livestock, poultry, and fishing as major products. Likewise, the major industries in the island are tourism, fruit processing, coconut processing, handicrafts making, mining, and lime production.
Geography
Guimaras is located Southwest of Panay Island and Northwest of Negros Island in Western Visayas with a total land area of 60,465 hectares or 604.65 square kilometers.
Political Subdivision
The island province of Guimaras is composed of five towns: Buenavista (36 barangays), Nueva Valencia (22 barangays), Jordan (14 barangays), San Lorenzo (12 barangays), and Sibunag (12 barangays).
Climate
Guimaras has a tropical climate with dry season during the months of November to April and rainy or wet season on May to October.
Population
The population of Guimaras as of the year 2000 was 141, 450 with an average annual growth rate of 2.48%.
Language / Dialect
Hiligaynon is the main language of the natives although residents of some barangays in Jordan and Nueva Valencia also speak Kinaray-a. English and Tagalog are spoken and understood by the majority of the people in the island.
Major Industries
Tourism, handicraft, food processing, agriculture, and fishing are the major industries of Guimaras. It has scenic and magnificent white sand beaches and island coves. It has the best diving site with its splendid coral reefs and marine life, which are impressing to the sight. The island is also famous for handicrafts like woven “buri” bags, mats, hats, and baskets. It is also famous for its lime industry, mining industry, fruit processing industry, and coconut industry.
Guimaras is home of the famous and the best export-quality mangoes in the Philippines. Mango plantations bearing their golden fruits are scattered in the island. Aside from mangoes, kalamansi and cashew nuts are also abundant. Moreover, the seas of Guimaras teem with fresh fishes, shellfishes, and lobsters. Guimaras also produces a variety of fresh vegetables and fruits, orchids, and root crops
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