There is
more to Guimaras than its beautiful islands and beaches. It is also home to
farms that fire up the province’s economy, villages with emerging small
industries, historical and religious sites for the weary soul and bike trails
for the adventure lovers.
The
Province of Guimaras created varied tourism circuits that span all its five
municipalities – Jordan, Buenavista, Sibunag, Nueva Valencia and San Lorenzo -
yet provide a traveler the chance to select which sights or experiences he or
she prefers.
Agri-Eco Adventure Circuit
This is
for visitors who wish to see the top agricultural destinations in the five
municipalities of Guimaras and learn from their best practices. This circuit includes
the Neptune Pittman Garden Resort and Spa, Guimaras Wonder's Farm, Big Fortune
Farm, Dasal Vegetable Growers, McNester, Sapal Weaving Village, Spring Bloom
Farm, Camp Alfredo, GTIC Pasalubong Center, Suba Malawig Eco Tour, Trappist
Gift Shop and Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) - Guimaras National Crop, Research
Development Support Center.
Native bags are sold at the Sapal Weaving Village |
In the
latter, one will learn how the famous carabao mangoes of Guimaras are developed
and the steps that the province is taking to ensure that these mangoes remain
as the world’s sweetest.
Bike Circuit
Guimaras
is eyed to be the bike paradise of the Philippines and rightfully so because of
its 29 bike trails that also make cycling enthusiasts experience the province’s
tourist destinations. Some of them are Eco-Park, Atlas-Ride, GMBA Track 1 and
2, Down to Coast, Daliran Cave, Happy Trails, President's Trail 1 and 2, Balaan
Bukid Shrine, Galvez, Duffs Appetizer,
Rock Garden, Abby’s Fall, Sunset, Swat and Rooftop trails.
To boost
Guimaras’ appeal for bikers, the provincial government and the John B. Lacson
Foundation Maritime University organize “Padyak Series” that entails biking
towards a destination and supporting causes that focus on quality health,
safety and environmental (QHSE). These rides are called Padyak Kalusugan, Padyak
Kaligtasan and Padyak Kalikasan.
Experiential/Community-Based Rural Tourism
(CBRT) Circuit
CBRT or
Experiential Tourism Circuit was developed to enjoin the host communities to
protect and conserve the environment, promote their cultural heritage and
create opportunities for locals or economic advancement by providing jobs for
the stakeholders as frontliners or suppliers of tourism industry. The community
beneficiaries were trained on destination management, customer service, enterprise
planning, homestay development, and festival management. The existing CBRT sites
are San Roque, Hoskyn, Sapal and Salvacion, while the emerging sites are Riza,
Suclaran and Tamborong.
Educational and Research Circuit
Guimaras’
educational and research circuit entails a visit to McNester, Taklong Island National
Marine Reserve, GTIC Pasalubong Center, Bureau of Plant Indusry (BPI) - Guimaras
National Crop, Research Development Support Center, Southeast Asian Fisheries Development
Center, Guimaras Provincial Capitol, Big Fortune Farm and the JBLFMU Ecological
Park.
Suba Malawig at the Taklong Island National Marine Reserve |
A
popular destination is Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center’s Igang
Marine Station which consists of four islets and floating fish cages that hold
different species of marine life. The station provides marine-related technical
and research assistance to local farmers as well as stakeholders from Southeast
Asian countries.
At
McNester, one will learn how mangoes and other fruits are turned into jams,
dried products, juices and even ingredients to favorite recipes.
Historical Circuit
Guimaras
is rich in history, culture and heritage making it ideal for a pilgrimage. The
historical-religious circuit includes Balaan Bukid, OLP Trappist Monastery,
Guisi Lighthouse, Holy Family Hills, Roca Encantada, Consoler's Immaculate
Heart of Mary, Navalas Church and McArthur's Headquarters.
Balaan
Bukid has a Way of the Cross (trail with 14 stations of the cross), Trappist
Monastery, a peaceful site run by the monks of the Cistercian Order of the
Strict Observance, and the Holy Family Hills, which has life-sized station of
the cross figures and a large shrine of the Holy Family.
Meanwhile,
the Guisi Lighthouse serves as a guide for mariners that pass the Iloilo and
Guimaras strait. The old and new lighthouses are surrounded by ruins and a
nearby beach.
Island Hopping Circuit
Guimaras’
island hopping circuit is popular for those who love the sun, sea and sand. The
tour covers Sto. Nino Island, Ave Maria Islet, Isla Naburot, Baras Beach,
Jordan Marine Reserve, Taklong Island, Southeast Asian Fisheries Development
Center (SEAFDEC) Igang Marine Substation.
Here,
one can explore the islands’ numerous coves, islets, rock formations, white
sand beaches, sand bars, mangroves and rich marine life where locals have a lot
to share with their guests.
Magic Island Resort in Nueva Valencia |
Sightseeing Circuit
Finally,
the Province of Guimaras has also organized the Sightseeing Circuit that covers
galleon making, Roca Encantada, Navalas Church, Holy Family Hills, OLP-Trappist
Monastery, Neptune Pittman Garden Resort and Spa, Bureau of Plant Indusry (BPI)
- Guimaras National Crop, Research Development Support Center, Valle Verde,
Guisi Lighthouse, JBLFMU Ecological Park and Alubihod Beach Areas.
Galleon making in Buenavista |
For one,
the JBLFMU Ecological Park is a must-see marine sanctuary that hosts a mangrove
forest and other marine life.
A
popular part of this circuit is Alubihod Beaches in Nueva Valencia, the most
accessible for visitors.
Incidentally,
the Province is celebrating its 23rd Manggahan Festival this May 14
to 22, 2016 in order to highlight these beautiful tourist destinations, in
addition to celebrating its foundation day (on the 22nd).
At the
Agri-Trade and Tourism Fair stands the booth of Guimaras Resorts and Lodging
Association that caters to guests who wish to avail of the tour packages.
May it
be for solace, relaxation, education, immersion or for adventure, these varied
circuits have something for everyone who visits Guimaras during the Manggahan
Festival or any other time of the year. This is the reason why Guimaras is
called the “island that fits your taste.”
Satisfy
your craving for travel, visit Guimaras now and experience its natural splendor.
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