TARA SA GUIMARAS
GUIMARAS:
HIDE-AND-SEA
We love going to the beach, and what’s amazing about the Philippines is that there are literally thousands of islands and beaches to visit. Most of them are small provinces and islands.
Fresh from the vibrant energy of MassKara Festival, we craved a shift to serenity, and Guimaras became our chosen refuge. It’s an island in Western Visayas, nestled just south of Iloilo and west of Negros Island. In a region often associated with the famed Boracay, Guimaras emerges as a quiet contender. Beyond the allure of its world-class mangoes, Guimaras boasts hidden beaches and islands, patiently waiting to be uncovered. But fair warning: these secret spots demand a bit of effort, usually involving a scenic boat ride or two.
Guided by the reliable Mitsubishi Xpander, we embarked on a ferry journey from Bacolod to Iloilo. From there, another ferry ushered us into the welcoming embrace of Guimaras through its Jordan port.
Our intended three-day, two-night stay in Guimaras felt fleeting. The island, a compact cluster of wonders, revealed an abundance of activities that begged for more time. For those yearning to escape the urban buzz and linger longer in the embrace of tranquility, Guimaras is the place to be.
DAY 1: THE MANGO CHASE AND WINDMILL MAGIC
Tired from the travel going to Guimaras, our first day unfolded with a leisurely exploration. We visited the National Mango Research and Development Center first to know more about the mango industry here. May is when mangoes are in season. No problem. A good reason to return for the Mango Festival.
Come late afternoon, we shifted gears to the Guimaras Windmills, where the hours waltzed away into a breathtaking sunset. The windmills, a relatively recent addition to Guimaras’ skyline, painted the fading light with a touch of magic. As evening embraced us, we retreated to our accommodation, had dinner, and slept. Guimaras sleeps early—establishments closing as early as 6PM.
National Mango Research and Development Center
DAY 2: TAKLONG ISLAND’S OFF THE BEATEN MARVELS
We scheduled an island-hopping tour for this day. According to the locals here, you have two choices: the usual Alubihod Island Tour, or the Taklong Island Tour. Since we are fans of taking the road less traveled, or in this case, islands less visited, we picked the latter. Kuya Rodrigo, our tour guide and boatman, picked us up at Alman Port.
Our first pitstop, Yato Island, welcomed us with its untouched charm—campsite vibes and a quiet stretch of cream-colored sand.
Yato Island
Kuya Rodrigo Galvez Jr.
Yato Island
Kuya Rodrigo Galvez Jr.
Cruising through a necklace of tiny islands, we hit the Taklong sandbar, a delicate strip connecting two isles. Snorkeling around, we spotted colorful corals and a few playful fish.
A short boat ride took us to the star of the day— the Taklong Island National Marine Reserve, or TINMAR, a marine sanctuary boasting a dreamy white sand beach. Covering 46 islands and islets, TINMAR dazzled with mangroves, coral reefs, and seagrass meadows.
Taklong Sandbar
Taklong Island National Marine Reserve (TINMAR)
Chatting with caretaker Kuya Rolen, we learned about the island’s three protective zones: the General/Tourism zone (usually the island-hopping route), the Multiple Use Zone (open to all types of fishing except single hook and line), and the Strict Protection Zone (all types of fishing and human activities except research are not allowed). Kudos to Kuya Rolen and team, patrolling day and night to keep the place pristine and undisturbed.
Kuya Rolen Segovia
TINMAR Caretaker
Our boat then whisked us through TINMAR’s hidden backwaters—a boat ride through mangroves revealing endemic Philippine ducks and bats hanging out atop trees and hiding inside the mangroves. We were lucky. They usually hide when there are tourists.
The journey continued to a floating cottage, a sandbar oasis perfect for snacks and a swim. This is also where we ate our lunch prepared by the locals. One thing to note from our chat with Kuya Rodrigo, who happily noted that since the pandemic eased, more people started visiting Guimaras again, giving livelihood to Guimaras people.
Floating Cottage
Moving on, we hit up the historic
Guisi Lighthouse, a Spanish-era ruin with a short trek leading to Guisi Beach. Here, we soaked up the last rays of daylight against a backdrop of cream-colored sand and emerald waters. As the sun dipped, we wrapped up day two in Guimaras, lost in the chill vibes of Guisi Beach, soaking in a sunset that felt like the perfect ending to our island escapade.
Guisi Beach
DAY 3: ALUBIJOD TOUR
As our final day dawned in Guimaras, we craved more exploration, so we set our sights on Alubijod Beach for another round of island hopping. Alubijod welcomed us with its sandy embrace, a coastal gem offering simplicity and charm.
Navigating through a scattering of islands with rugged landscapes and thick foliage, our first stop was Natago Beach. This quaint resort perched on a cliff’s edge housed an old nipa hut with a panoramic viewpoint. A small, sandy stretch led to clear waters, adorned with corals but modest on the fish count. A minor sandbar flirted with visibility during low tide.
Natago Beach
Next on our journey was Baras Cave, a tunnel-like enclave accessible by boat. Though the tide denied us entry, our boat weaved through other destinations like La Puerta al Paraiso, Payong Payong Cave, and Tajanlangit Cove. Underwater life was a subtle dance of sparse corals and curious fish.
Before bidding Guimaras adieu, we stumbled upon a local secret—the Casita Beach. Untouched by mainstream tourism, this hidden cove in Barangay Sinapsapan, Jordan, unveiled a paradise unspoiled by amenities. A handful of cottages, surrounded by nature’s elegance—trees, waves, and the tangy sea breeze—welcomed us. It felt like the perfect denouement to our Guimaras escapade, though I know I will come back here and stay for a week, or a month, or maybe forever.
Our final stop wasn’t just about taking memories but indulging our taste buds in the flavors of Guimaras. Mangoes and local delicacies available all year round made for the perfect farewell feast.
Guimaras Island, with its rugged terrains, islands, and beaches, whispers its secrets to the wind as a quiet invitation to people to uncover its stories and gems, eager to sparkle in the limelight.
Our final stop wasn’t just about taking memories but indulging our taste buds in the flavors of Guimaras. Mangoes and local delicacies available all year round made for the perfect farewell feast.
Guimaras Island, with its rugged terrains, islands, and beaches, whispers its secrets to the wind as a quiet invitation to people to uncover its stories and gems, eager to sparkle in the limelight.
Our escapade through Guimaras was a seamless blend of winding coastal roads and off-the-beaten paths and islands, and the Mitsubishi Xpander was a reliable companion. It added a touch of comfort and reliability to our island exploration, becoming integral as we hide and see Guimaras.
Our escapade through Guimaras was a seamless blend of winding coastal roads and off-the-beaten paths and islands, and the Mitsubishi Xpander was a reliable companion. It added a touch of comfort and reliability to our island exploration, becoming integral as we hide and see Guimaras.
