When you visit Iloilo City, the highly recommended side trip is the island of Guimaras. One of the primary goal when you visit the island is to taste the sweetest mango in the Philippines. That is why, the island is known as the Mango capital if the Philippines.
Yes, we didn't miss our chance to visit Guimaras. Aside from tasting the mangoes, we want to see and witness the beauty of the island.
HOW TO GET THERE
From Iloilo, just ride a cab or jeepney going to Ortiz Wharf where you can ride the motorboat wharf bound for Jordan (the capital town of Guimaras). From the port, you can ride jeepney or tricycle going to Raymen.WHAT TO VISIT
“Take note that bringing mangoes or any part of a mango is strictly prohibited in Guimaras
since they might carry pests, which could damage their sweet mangoes.”
since they might carry pests, which could damage their sweet mangoes.”
Along our way, we saw the Guimaras Museum but because we are too early it was still closed or under renovation.
We also visited the National Mango Research and Development Center where you can see mango trees. Since its off-season when we visited, the mangoes are not yet ripe. One of the vendor told us that during mango season they have EAT ALL YOU CAN MANGOES.
For pasalubong hunt, we visited the famous Trappist Gift Shop. Here's our photos while waiting for the monks to open their gate.
We bought different kinds of mango products such as: mango otap, mango tart, mango biscocho, and etc. In short, mango overload. After that, we ride the jeepney again going to Raymen Beach.
Of course, its time for Island Hopping:
TURTLE ISLAND
AVE MARIA ISLAND AND BARAS CAVE
NATAGO BEACH
In Guimaras, you can enjoy their white sand beach while eating their sweet mangoes. Indeed, Guimaras has the sweetest and delicious mangoes in the Philippines.
