The island province of Guimaras is one of the smallest provinces in the Philippines and lies on the Western Visayas region. It is situated in the Panay Gulf, located in between Negros and Panay. It may be small, but it also consists of a range of wonderful places to go and exciting activities to engage in. When planning to visit Guimaras, be sure to know where to go and what to do to make the most out of your holiday. Check out the following information.
Where to Go
Guisi Beach
The beautiful coastline of Guisi Beach is a great reward for people who travel far and wide just to achieve peace and relaxation during their escapade. Along the way, you will encounter a wonderful view that consists of gorgeous strip of sand and crystal clear waters. You can take two paths to the beach from the historic lighthouse, and the “shortcut” involves walking until you get to the shore. The other one is to take the trail that passes through one of the beachfront resorts in the area.
Alubihod Beach
Located in Nueva Valencia, Alubihod Beach is a small cove that offers a few resorts that can cater to your holiday needs. It is also dubbed as the gateway to most of the islands in Guimaras as well as to fish and turtle sanctuaries that can be reached by rented boats. Getting there from Guimaras takes about 10-15 minutes via boat. Once you are there, you can take a tricycle all the way up to the beach for a decent price. From the Guimaras port, it will take you about 45 minutes to an hour.
What to Do
Visit the Guisi Lighthouse
Located at the Guisi Point is the lighthouse ruin that was constructed in the 18th century. Named as Faro de Punta Luzaran, it is actually the second oldest in the Philippines. The trip is both smooth and bumpy as you pass along roads that have been maintained and paths that are slightly in a bad condition. Because of its history, it is a significant place to visit once you are there.
Take Part in the Manggahan Festival
If you happen to be vacation between the months of April and May, you shouldn’t miss getting involved in the famous Manggahan Festival. It features the mango fruit, one of the fruits that grow abundantly in Guimaras. One of the most awaited events is the Mango Eat-All-You-Can that allows you to devour all the mangoes you can devour for just Php100.
Observe the Pagtaltal sa Guimaras
Also called “Pagtaltal sa Bala-an Bukid”, this event is the province’s take on the Passion of the Christ. The word “pagtaltal” means to remove, and the whole reenactment is all about removing the body of Christ from the cross and laying it in the arms of her mother, Virgin Mary. This familiar scene is called Pieta in most countries.
Get Involved in the Balsahan Festival
Every 20th of February, the people of Sibunag celebrate Balsahan Festival which is all about immortalizing its river, which is called Sibunag. Apparently, the river is tied to a lot of folktales and legends. The festival, which is strange and unique to many, also offers a range of fun and excitement because of the many activities involved, such as balsa (bamboo water raft) racing, boat racing, and paraw regatta.
Guimaras is a small island full of excitement. Visit now and take advantage in all its glories!