Guimaras is an island province located southeast of Panay and northwest of Negros Occidental in Western Visayas. It is famous for producing the sweetest mangoes in the world, and according to some sources that I have read, Guimaras mangoes were reportedly served at the White House and at the Buckingham Palace.
Aside from being a major mango producer, Guimaras is also known for its rich marine resources, and magnificent island and mountain resorts. They celebrate their Manggahan Festival every April.
How to get there:
Iloilo City serves as the primary gateway to Guimaras. There are two jump off points: 1) Ortiz Wharf, which is located at the back of the University of Iloilo and Sta. Maria Catholic School (bound for Jordan); and 2) Parola Wharf, which is located near the Iloilo Domestic Port (bound for Buenavista).
Since our planned destinations are located in Jordan, we took a ferry at the Ortiz Wharf. We paid the ferry boat fare of only 14 pesos, and it took us only about 15-20 minutes to reach Jordan, which is the capital town of Guimaras.
Upon arrival at the Jordan Wharf, we went directly to the Tourist Assistance booth where we inquired about transportation rental that will help us get around the province. Standard rates for vehicle rentals and fares are available. There are also public utility jeepneys available but the driver usually waits for the jeep to be filled up with passengers, so it can be inconvenient and time-consuming.
It was drizzling, and it is already quite late (we arrived past lunch time), so we decided go to our farthest destination first: Guisi Point Lighthouse.
The Guisi Point Lighthouse or Faro de Punta Luzaran is located in Brgy. Lourdes in the town of Nueva Valencia. Travel time from Jordan Wharf to the lighthouse is around one hour. The lighthouse was built during the 18th century to guide fishermen and sailors cruising along the Panay Gulf. It is the second oldest light house in the Philippines (the oldest is located in Aparri, Cagayan).
The entire light station is already in ruins.
inside the light house
view from the top of the light house
The Trappist Monastery is located in Brgy. San Miguel in Jordan. It is run by monks of the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance. They are guided by the Rule of St. Benedict: stability, fidelity to monastic life, and obedience.
Fortunately, we were able to talk to one of the monks. We learned that the monks live very simple lives inside the monastery. They earn their living by selling their products in the gift shop within the monastery. They sell souvenir items, religious items, and processed foods such as mango piyayas, mango bars, jams, and jellies.
We also learned that they are a source of medications to some poor residents within Jordan, as they have a supply of basic medicines which they acquired through donations. The monks have scheduled prayers, and the monk we talked with asked if we have prayer requests. We obliged and wrote our prayer requests in a piece of paper he provided.
We passed by a mango stand on our way to the Jordan Wharf to bring home to our families. we were not able to island hop, as originally planned, because of the rain, but I will surely be back in Guimaras this October.
Contacts:
Guisi Point Lighthouse
Brgy. Lourdes, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras
Contact Person: Ms.Rose Gaitan
(0919) 563-6688
Trappist Monastery
(Our Lady of the Philippines Trappist Abbey)
Brgy. San Miguel, Jordan, Guimaras
Contact Person: Fr. Bruno Mendoza
(+6333) 581-3385
(0927) 463-4465
Here is the list of entries on our 5-Day Western Visayas Tour:
