Guimaras is one of the exotic islands in the Philippines. The originally its name was Himal-us but was changed to Guimaras after the folktale of the lovers named Princess Guima and the slave Aras, who defied tradition for their romance. The island was once a sub-province of Iloilo but by virtue of R.A. 7160 it was proclaimed a regular province on May 22, 1992.

The province is basically agricultural, with palay, coconut, mango, vegetables, livestock, poultry, and fishing as major products. Likewise, the major industries in the island are tourism, fruit processing, coconut processing, handicrafts making, mining, and lime production.

 

 

The people of Guimaras are considered as Ilonggo and their languages are Hiligaynon and Kinaray-a as it was once a sub-province of Iloilo. Hiligaynon is the major language spoken although the people can understand and speak Tagalog and English. Many foreigners are known to own big lands, ships and major businesses. Many Indians are known to have the biggest lands in Guimaras.

 

 

Located southwest of Panay, Guimaras is separated physically from Iloilo by a narrow channel, which takes about fifteen minutes to cross by pumpboat from the Ortiz landing on Iloilo to Jordan. There are two other ways to get there, the Parola wharf in Iloilo to the municipality of Buenavista. The Parola wharf is used exclusively when ever the water is rough. There also is a roll on roll off (RORO) ferry that travels around five times a day and is used by the Iloilo bicycle clubs on Sunday to travel to Guimaras.

 

Geologists opine that the island formed one landmass with Panay in the past. Guimaras was formerly known as Himal-us Guimaras is also famous for its beaches. Clear blue waters, white sand and marine life rivals that of Boracay.Commonly visited ones are at Roca Encantada, ALubihod and Puerto del Mar.

 

Climate -  Guimaras has a tropical climate with dry season during the months of November to April and rainy or wet season from May to October. 

 

 

Tourism, handicraft, food processing, agriculture, and fishing are the major industries of Guimaras. It has scenic and magnificent white sand beaches and island coves. It has the best diving site with its splendid coral reefs and marine life, which are impressing to the sight. The island is also famous for handicrafts like woven “buri” bags, mats, hats, and baskets. It is also famous for its lime industry, mining industry, fruit processing industry, and coconut industry.

Guimaras is home of the famous and the best export-quality mangoes in the Philippines. Mango plantations with golden fruits are scattered in the island. Aside from mangoes, kalamansi and cashew nuts are also abundant. Moreover, the seas of Guimaras teem with fresh fishes, shellfishes, and lobsters. Guimaras also produces a variety of fresh vegetables and fruits, orchids, and root crops.

 

Guimaras is accessible by air and boat from Manila and other destinations via Iloilo City or Bacolod City. It is accessible by boat from Valladolidor Pulupandan from Negros Island and from Iloilo City. Direct travel to Guimaras is possible by light planes which can land at the Guimaras Airport. It can be reached via Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and Air Philippines from Manila, 9 times daily to Iloilo City.

 

There is also a daily boat trip from Cebu and 21 trips daily by fastcraft from Bacolod. The Guimaras mainland is close to the Iloilo Harbor and reachable in 15 minutes by motorboat or ferryboat that services the island from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. Motorized banca (pumpboat) to the different islets are available on special arrangement. The 5 municipalities within the province are accessible by public utilitytransport, motorcycles, trucks, tour transport facilities. Island barangayscan only be reached by motorized banca. 

 

 

 

Buenavista Wharf / McArthur’s Wharf - It was built by Lt. Douglas McArthur in 1903.

Punta Blanco & Camp Jossman - (Tinadtaran, Buenavista). Target range and military camp constructed by the United States Army in 1903.

Guisi Lighthouse - An 18th Century Structure with Spanish ruins located on top of the mountain, making it very visible during nighttime to guide mariners passing though Guima.

 

 

Biri Cave - (Brgy Poblacion, Jordan) - can be reached at the side of the mountain. Its entrance is low and narrow and can be accessed by crawling

Suli Cave - (Sitio Boro-Boro, Dagsaan, Buenavista) - located along the shore passing through different holes. If you explore further, the holes will lead you to a scenic lake.

Hurot-Hurot Cave - (Brgy. Espinosa). It has two openings, 1 ½ x2 meters and 2x1 meters. It is 50 meters more or less in length.

Higante Cave - Located at a lot owned by Mr. & Mrs. Nemesio Galve in Bgy. Espinosa, Jordan. It has 3 entrances, 3x4 ft. wide, 2x3 ft. wide, 2x3 ft. wide. It is 200 meters long more or less and could be found on top of the hill. Nipa huts are available with a good glimpse of Iloilo Strait. Has an abundant of stalagmites and stalactites.

Capitoguan Cave - Found at Bgy. Balcon Maravilla. A big cave full of bats and a good source of guano, a fertilizer for plants.

Buho Ramirez Cave - (Bgy. Lawi). It is a small cave but the entire entrance is going down more or less about 40-50 ft. deep. It has 3 openings with gushing water. Studies show that it could be a good source of spring water that can supply 2 barangays with 429 households.

Villa Fe Daliran Cave and Summer Resort - (Brgy. Old Poblacion, Buenavista). It is accessible by jeepney or tricycle from Buenavista Wharf in 10 to 15 minutes.