Information about Guimaras

Guimaras

Guimaras is situated in southern Panay and north Negros. It is near the city of Iloilo and was once administered as part of the province of Iloilo but is now regarded as a separate province. It is one of the smaller provinces, with as of the 2015 census a land area of just over 600 km2 (233 mi2) and population of about 175,000.

The island is well known for its sweet mangoes which for most families are one of the key sources of income.

Guisi is renowned for the ruins of a Spanish-era lighthouse that provides breathtaking views of the sea and the spectacular beach enclave beneath it. One of the most popular beach areas in Guimaras is Alubihod Beach, which is lined with resorts in Nueva Valencia. It is the normal jump-off point for island-hopping adventures, but the spot itself will entice you to immerse yourself in island life, with its stretch of sugar-fine white sand that opens to the blue sea and sky. It is the favorite place of rest for the locals during the weekends and the summer.
The newly developed wind farm in San Lorenzo, Guimaras is a recent addition to the many attractions Guimaras has to offer. Even the 54 windmills are a sight to behold. The Guimaras Windmills are spread around a vast property and surrounded by lush greenery, the azure waters of Panay Gulf and Guimaras Strait, and mountains in the distance, unlike those in Ilocos, which are arranged in a single row. From a viewing point atop a hill you will enjoy the majestic landscape with a few windmills looming over you.

 

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Guimaras is in September, October, November, and December, when the city is decorated for the holidays with lights and other decorations.

 

Weather in Guimaras

During the dry season, the weather in Guimaras is nice. Keep in mind that March to mid-May are usually the hottest months. 

 

Peak Season in Guimaras

Traffic will be worse than usual during the Christmas season. This is also the time of year when a lot of people go shopping for the holidays.

 

Main festival/events in Guimaras

One of the biggest festivals in Guimaras is the Guimaras Manggahan Festival, a celebration of gratitude to the blessings they receive in their island.

 

How to get to Guimaras

Guimaras is accessible by air and sea from Manila and other points in the Philippines, via Iloilo City and Pulupandan, Negros Occidental. Ferries, boats, and other seagoing vessels can access it via the Iloilo Strait.

 

Safety in Guimaras

Although Guimaras is a safe city, as in other parts of the Philippines, it is best to exercise vigilance at all times. Because of the COVID-19 outbreak, it's also a good idea to take the necessary precautions.

Getting around Guimaras

Take a fifteen minute boat ride from Iloilo to Jordan. Take notice that Iloilo has two ports which have boats going to Guimaras. One is in Buenavista and the other in Jordan. The port that goes to Jordan is located in Ortiz (near SM Delgado and Robinson's Place) and is reachable by taxi. Upon arrival in Jordan port, just a few meters from the drop-off point, proceed to the Tourism Centre. From there, you can inquire for budget accommodation assistance, and how to get around. In addition, there are many mini-van and tricycle drivers providing tour trips.
 

Food and Drinks

Guimaras also has farmlands that yield coconut milk, jackfruit, bamboo shoots, pineapple, peanuts, cashew nuts, and calamansi, in addition to mango. Milkfish, tilapia, oysters, and seaweeds are among the many diverse marine items available in Guimaras.

 

Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Guimaras

Some of the best places to stay in Guimaras includes Jordan, Nueva Valencia, Buenavista, and many more districts and municipalities.