Guimaras on two wheels
Bikers will be delighted to note that the province is positioning itself as a haven for pedalers, with its scenic and bikefriendly roads.
When I first set foot on Guimaras 25 summers ago, this island was just a one-year old province separated from its mother, Iloilo, by a narrow strait, which is literally just a paddling distance away.
As if by a stroke of luck, I met the tourism head who was about to deliver invitation letters to the resort managers for the inaugural staging of the Manggahan Festival.
I requested if I could join her in the errand to quickly catch a glimpse of the province and take snapshots of the tourist spots.
The highway system was non- existent, and all the roads were bumpy and rough, akin to a riding a roller coaster, having been never cemented despite its proximity to Iloilo City.
To my mind, seeing its raw beauty and rustic allure, Guimaras was a diamond in the rough waiting to glitter once polished.
Today, the island takes pride in its gorgeous fourlane road network that can take you around its 604- sq. km land area, composed mostly of vast orchards of arguably the best- tasting mangoes in the country.
Twenty five summers later, the Manggahan Festival is still worth seeing, especially since it celebrates its silver edition this May with much pomp and pageantry.
The easiest entry point to the province is the Iloilo airport, a short ride to the Ortiz Wharf in Iloilo City, and a 15-minute boat ride to the capital town of Jordan.
From Jordan, you can start exploring the province on public transport, rented vehicle, motorcycle, or bicycle, the latter being a growing and popular mode of conveyance.
Bikers will be delighted to note that the province is positioning itself as a haven for pedalers, with its scenic and bikefriendly roads.
A bike tourism project has given birth to the Padyak Series, a bikathon held thrice a year to promote Guimaras as a biking capital.
Pit Stop 1: Balaan Bukid (Jordan)
Literally meaning “holy mountain,” Balaan Bukid is a pilgrimage site for devotees, especially during Holy Week, situated atop Bondulan Point.
The endpoint of the Pagtaltal sa Guimaras Good Friday passion play, there is the Stations of the Cross along the climb, and on its summit is the Chapel of Ave Maria Purisima, and a big, white cross overlooking the island.
Pit Stop 2: Capitol Complex (Jordan)
Situated in the heart of the province, this expansive government compound is an Instagrammable selfie spot with its Guimaras landmark.
In the vicinity are stalls selling mangoes and processed food products, which are perfect for the obligatory pasalubong.
In between these pit stops is Jordan’s municipal plaza, which touts itself as the world’s smallest public park.
Pit Stop 3: Trappist Monastery (Jordan)
Established in 1972 by the Cistercian Order of Strict Observance, this is the country’s first men’s monastery.
It has an abbey which is open to the public for moments of contemplation.
Its main come-on is the souvenir shop containing crafts and mango food products produced by the monks.
Pit Stop 4: Camp Alfredo (Sibunag)
An adventure and recreational park that has a 375-meter zipline, obstacle course, hanging bridge, camping grounds, restaurant, rappelling, fishing lagoon, Stations of the Cross, and no-frills lodgings.
It is ideal for corporate, barkada and family team-building activities.
Pit Stop 5: Alobijod Cove (Nueva Valencia)
A patch of powdery cove and clear water, Alobijod Cove is the province’s most popular beach area. Framed by jagged rock formations, it is ideal for kayaking and snorkeling.
The short stretch, dotted by homey resorts, is the jump-off point to hopping around the outlying islands and marine sanctuaries.
At the adjoining cove is the luxe 70-room Mediterranean-themed Andana Resort that boasts of star-rated dining and accommodation facilities, and consolidates stylish land and sea tours for a seamless travel around the province.
Pit Stop 6: San Lorenzo Wind Farm (San Lorenzo)
The first of its kind in the Visayas, this 54-MW windmill energy project has become a tourist magnet because of its postcard-pretty composition.
It is best to visit the site towards sunset for a kaleidoscopic view of the horizon.
Pit Stop 7: Neptune Pittman’s Garden Resort (Buenavista)
A botanical garden showcasing rare and exotic plants and flowers from different parts of the world put together by a foreigner who had made the province his home.
It has a butterfly garden, orchidarium, herbarium, fish ponds, and aviary.
A few minutes away is Navalas Church, the oldest Catholic church in Guimaras, which has preserved its Spanish-era façade.
On the far end of the town is Roca Encantada, the historic hilltop summer mansion of the prominent Lopez family built in 1910.
Declared a heritage house, it offers a picturesque view of the Iloilo Strait and the Siete Pecados island chain.
If you want a thematic road trip, you can try out the agritourism circuit created by the provincial government showcasing Guimaras as an agribusiness powerhouse with its linked orchards, bee farms, salt farms, and aquaculture ponds.
Beyond its sweet mangoes, touring Guimaras on two wheels, preferably non-motorized, is an even sweeter experience worth remembering.