Guimaras

Guimaras is an island in the Visayas in the Philippines.

Guimaras is situated east of Panay Island and was once part of the province of Iloilo before it became independent. It is known much for its sweet mangoes which is one of the main incomes of most families.

• Jordan_(Philippines) - Pronounced as Hor-dan, it is the provincial capital of Guimaras.Dicover by Raul pelayo

Take a 15-minute boat ride from Iloilo City to Jordan. Take note that there are two ports in Iloilo that have boats going to Guimaras. One goes to Buenavista and the other one is in Jordan. The port going to Jordan is located in Ortiz (near SM Delgado and Robinson's Place) and can be reached by cab. As of January 2011, pumpboat fares going to Jordan cost 13 pesos.

Upon arriving in Jordan port, proceed to the Tourism center just a few meters from the drop-off point. From there, you can ask for assistance getting around. There are also several mini-van and tricycle drivers who offer tour rides.

• Balaan Bukid
• Guise Light House
• Trappist Monastery
• Beaches
• Mango Plantations

There is a souvenir shop located beside the Guimaras Provincial Capitol where you can buy local delicacies.

The best time to buy mangoes is during summer time (mid-April).

Guimaras' pride are is its mangoes which are known to be one of the sweetest mangoes. Mangoes are grown at a massive production that they are made into dried mangoes, jam and suprisingly... mango ketchup.

Few resorts are around the island of Guimaras and surely you'll not have hard time staying in the beautiful island of Guimaras. Island resorts:

• Costa Aguada Island Resort, Inampulungan Island, Sibunag, Guimaras, Philippines, ☎ 632 896 5422, www.costaaguadaislandresort.com. A province in Western Visayas, Guimaras lies southwest of Panay and northwest of Negros Island. Agri-tourism is one of its main industries, capitalizing on Guimaras's white-sand beaches, island coves, and mango plantations.

• Isla Naburot, ☎ +033-3211654 (fax: +033-3210880). The island has rich colorful marine life, visible and exotic sea life. The fantastic under water world adds to the unique beauty of isla Naburot. This divine abode is a completely different world from the sphere of commotion and jet set life style one is constantly exposed to. Absence of electric wires, telephone and television antennae make it a special secret place for lovers and a tranquil hideaway for soothing tense emotions and settling restless spirits. It has 8 native styled cottages made of wood, nipa, and stones. It is deal for fishing, boating, swimming, snorkeling, island hoping, and scuba diving. US$ 125.00/person, US$ 35.00/person for the transfer.
• Nagarao Island Resort (www.nagaraoresort.com), Its a separate island near Sibunag, Guimaras, ☎ (0063-33) 329 00 78, [2]. A Philippine beach resort all your own..... In a Philippine beach resort, you find cheap travel most enjoyable. Such is the case if you vacation in Nagarao Island Resort, your next best choice to top Philippine destinations such as Boracay, Manila, Puerto Galera, Palawan, Davao, Bohol, Cebu, Subic, Laguna, Batangas, and Cavite. Nagarao Island is located in Guimaras across Iloilo City. This tropical island of ten hectares (100,000 square meters) is basically an eco tourism resort that has a white sand beach and is surrounded by coral reefs. The island itself is the site of a rainforest populated by birds, butterflies and other harmless creatures. Old mangroves and coconuts, home to several species of crabs and other marine life, are found on one side of Nagarao. As an eco tourism resort, Nagarao's accommodations is suited to its environment. Individual cottages with tiled toilets and showers face the beach which is lined by flowering plants and trees. In Nagarao, managed by Helen Solayao-Stummer, you can eat to your heart's content as food is served fresh with ingredients coming from the sea and local farms. A tropical paradise like no other, the main attraction of Nagarao Island Resort is the feeling that you have the island all to yourself.