'''Guimaras''' is an island in the Visayas in the Philippines. This island lies off the shore of Iloilo; the province of Guimaras was once part of Iloilo before it became independent.

This island is more famous for its white-sand beaches [http://www.valcaulin.com/article/top-four-beaches-in-the-philippines/117/ Guimaras: One of the top Beaches in the Philippines] and its sweet mangoes.

Get in

Take a 30 minute boat ride from Iloilo City to Jordan. You must go to Ortiz port for Guimaras and you will know that you are in the right port if you see small motor boats with the word "JORDAN" (pronounced as "Hor-dan", not like the legendary basketball player) in the boats' bodies. It will cost less than $3 to get to Guimaras island.

You can take a jeepney or taxi to Ortiz port. Once you arrive in Jordan port, you can ride a jeepney; you may rent the whole jeepney for your convenience and arrange that they will pick you up in your resort for a very small price.

The best way to get around the small island is by renting your own jeepney or a small tricycle. There are no taxis or buses roaming around this small and secluded island. Guimaras is a place to just relax and find your own solitude.

Festivals

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MUNICIPAL

KINARADTO FESTIVAL- celebrated every 3rd Sunday of January by the municipality of Buenavista. This cultural festival makes maximum use of the rich cultural tradition of the oldest municipality of the province. The presentation of songs, dances and musical tableau depicts the various influences Buenavista has been subjected to. Celebrated in honor oof the town_fs Patron Saint Sr. Sto. Nino, Kinaradto promises the participant loads for unforgettable positive experiences.

BULANTIHAN FESTIVAL ? celebrated every last Friday of January by the municipality of Jordan. The three major source of income of the people of Jordan are farming, fishing and mango production. The products are brought in the market for _gbulante_h (trade). Primarily a celebration of the economic endeavor that made Jordan what is it today. Bulantihan also pays tribute to the skillful artisans and the enduring workers in an endearing characterization thru dance drama.

BALSAHAN FESTIVAL ? celebrated every 20th of February by the municipality of Sibunag_fs way of immortalizing the mystical Sibunag River which makes its way thru most of the town_fs barangays. A major geographical feature of the town_fs barangays. The river holds many interesting myths and legends that are sure to tickle one_fs imagination ,and whet one_fs appetite to unravel its secrets. Use of the Balsa in your trek for some satisfying discoveries you will pleasantly rewarded

ASINAN FESTIVAL ? celebrated every 19th day of Febrauary by the municipality of San Lorenzo. Marvel at how the ordinary salt has gravitated the people of the community in an annual gathering with all the delicious trimmings of specialty products. Not everything in the Asinan Festival is salty though, as there are the spicy seafoods, the juicy citrus and crispy nuts. With the proper blend of the unique hospitality and the natural smiles of the people and one will hunger for more of the Asinan spectacle.

KAROSAHAN FESTIVAL ? celabrated every 25th day of April by the municipality of Nueva Valaencia. The karosa is a local invention that has helped shaped the agri-based economy of the municipality. Made mostly of a bamboo and pulled by the beast of burden, the karosa has transported many products from the farm to the cente of population. Before it gets relegated to the history books as things of the past, the karosa has been transformed centeries of the celebration, complete with colorful and ingenious display of the bounties of the land. This is the Karosahan, a proud tradition where beautiful maidens with the gaily-decorated karosas with their load of goodies.

BARANGAY

LAYAG FESTIVAL ? ( Every 1st week of May) Hoskyn, Jordan, Guimaras

Barangay Hoskyn is a coastal area facing Iloilo City. It is located southwest of the Municipality of Jordan, popularly known as _gSanao_h. For the past few years riding in _e Layag de Bela_h or _gParaw_h is the only means of transportation. To commemorate and to preserve the house of _g Layag_h, the Barangay organized _gLayag Festival_h. Various activities were implemented by the people of feel the spirit of the festivity such as Paraw Regata, mini Paraw Regata, Pinta de Layag, Street dancing and the highlights of the festivity is the coronation of _gLayag Queen_h. _gLayag Festival_h is celebrated every first week of May.

PADAGYAO FESTIVAL- (Every May 15) Parish of Saint Isidore the Worker, Navalas, Buenavista, Guimaras

According to Eugenio Ealdama, in his Beautiful Costums and Traits of the Panay Visayans, a quaint old costum. DAGYAO is kind of voluntary, free and reciprocal group service. Seldom solicited, it is always enthusiastically given. It requires no pecuniary payment, but whoever receives the benefit imposes upom him the obligaton to return at some future time. Service in one form or another in the spirit of helpfulness and therefore, does not consider it as giving him a right to demand reciprocal action.

DAGYAO manifest itself beautifully in such neighborly and collective activities as the building of a new house or repair of an old one, the preparation of rice and cornfields. As a rule, the work is finished in one day; but where a longer time is needed as in the construction of a house, the neighbor take much of their time.

Often the recipient of this gracious act, as a matter of costum and as a means of making light flavor received, would make the last day of work an occasion for indulgences. Bamboo sheds are improvised, from which the appetite- provoking smells of especially prepared foods and the peculiar odor of tuba a favorite local beverage, in seemingly interminable flow-all these served in the afternoon when the work is over in the midst of unsophisticated rejoicing.

SARANGOLA FESTIVAL ? Tastasan, Buenavista, Guimaras.

Kiteflying festival which is participated by barangay folks and neighboring barangays and municipalities of Guimaras. It manifest the ingenuity and creativity of the locals as well as their expertise in maneuvering the kites to fly swiftly and smoothly with the winds.

ROSAS SA BAYBAYON FESTIVAL ? (Every June 23-24 of the year), Getulio, Buenavista, Guimaras.

Activities are celebrated along the beach where guest enjoy the (fun and frolic) with the community during the St. John_fs the Baptist Day. It is highlighted with the Search for _g Rosas de Baybayon_h.

SAKAYAN FESTIVAL ? (Every last week of August), Montpiller, Buenavista, Guimaras

A celebration showcasing the livelihood of the community in a coastal barangay.

OTHER FESTIVAL

KASADYAHAN SA KABUKIRAN ? Every June

HARVEST FESTIVAL ? Every October- November

_gIwag Sang Paskua_h- Every December 8-23, Municipality of Sibunag

_gPaskua sa Barangay_h ? December 1 to 31 ? Salvacion, Buenavista

See

Do

Aside from swimming, there are many other things or activities that tourists can do while in Guimaras.

Here are some of them: [http://www.valcaulin.com/article/guimaras-island/10/ Things to Do in Guimaras]

Buy

1. PASALUBONG CENTER

1.1 OLP-TRAPPIST MONASTERY San Miguel, Jordan, Guimaras Its gift shops and store is located within the compound of the monastery. It sells monastic processed products like mango jams, dried mango, guava jelly, kamyas prune, ginger tea, homemade cookies, religious souvenier items, products made of coconut shells and other thing produced by the cultural minorities assisted by trappist monks.

1.2. Guimaras Trade & Innformation Center Pasalubong Center- San, Miguel, Jordan Guimaras. The showroom of Guimaras products. It sells souvenier items, t-shirts, handicrafts, preserved foods, and others.

1.3. Immaculate Heart of Mary Enterprises (Contemplative Outreached to the Poor, Inc.) San Miguel, Jordan, Guimaras It sells souvenier items, handicrafts, housewares and other coconut shell products mad by cultural minorities.

Eat

Hungry? Places where to eat in Guimaras are abundant and these are some of them:

BUENAVISTA, GUIMARAS

NVDS Refreshment/ Tita Nels Refreshment Mclain, Buenavista, Guimaras Contact Persons: Ms. Vilma Sales or Ruby Adajar Contact numbers: 09164852957 / 033-5805578 / 5098322

JORDAN, GUIMARAS

  • GLADYS REFRESHMENT (Carinderia & Videoke) Rizal, Jordan
  • Contact person: Mrs. Gladys Gula-Dumapit Contact Numbers: 09185989732 / 09275708230

  • PAUL & MICHELLE KITCHENETTE- Rizal, Jordan
  • Contact person: Ms. Catherine Villalobos Contact Numbers: 09185989732 / 09275708230

  • SANCHA DEN CARINDERIA- Poblacion, Jordan
  • Contact person: Ms. Susan Herrera Contact Number:09278867865

  • TOMS PLACE BAR & REFRESHMENT Hoskyn, Jordan
  • Contact person: Mr Tommy Martir Contact Number: 09278867865

  • DANS BATCHOY Rizal & San Miguel, Jordan
  • Contact person: Sandra & Danny Davilla Contact Number: 09275537575

  • JUDAVELS CARINDERIA San Miguel, Jordan
  • Contact person: Mrs. Patricia Gania Contact Numbers: 033-2371389 / 09162307650 Specialty: Pata, linaga, kaldereta Acccepts food catering services on all occasion Videoke available

  • GALVEZ KAINAN San Miguel, Jordan
  • Contact person: Mrs. Maribel Galvez Contact Numbers: 033-2371048 / 09215195654 Specialty: Kaldereta Kanding Accepts food catering services on all occasions Videoke available

  • VICTORS RESTAURANT 7 FASTFOOD CENTER San Miguel, Jordan
  • Contact person: Mrs. Lilibeth Chavez Contact Number: 033-2371105 / 09196468929 Accepts catering services & venue on all accessions

  • SA PAYAW SEAFOOD GRILL- San Miguel, Jordan
  • Contact person: SB Rex Geraldoy Contact Number: 09162635286 Specialty: Baked Imbaw Serve meals by using colon, kaldero, kalaha

    K* OOKONIPS VIDEOKE BAR- San Miguel, Jordan, Guimaras Contact person: Mr. Rodolfo Gamarcha Contact Numbers: 033-2371194 / 09159968010

  • MAURICE EATERY
  • Contact person: Mrs. Salvacion Enriquez Contact Number: 033-2371680

    Drink

    Sleep

    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:'''

    Bamboo Beach is the first phase of the botanical, zoological park complex of Costa Aguada, on the 1,067 hectares island resort of Crocodile-shaped Inampulugan. It is coverd with virgin forests, bamboo, coconut groves and an array of different varieties of fruit trees. Its coastline is mostly mangroves. The island is inhabited by a wealth of wild life such as wild monkeys, deer, wild ducks, and different species of rare birds. The island village has a population of 300 person or 400 families. Its shores are lined with pockets of coves that are abundant with marine life. The island is in the center of the Philippine archipelago. In the midst of the Visayan Islands, it is southeast of Iloilo, Guimaras, and west of Pulupandan, Negros Occidental.

    If you are interested so reservations please contact their sales; Metro Manila Sales and Reservation Tel. 896-5422; 752-3688; 890-5333 Local 615 & 616 Fax: (632) 890-5543 G/F Oppen Bldg. 349 Sen. Gil. J. Puyat Extension, Makati City, Philippines

    Bacolod City Sales -24th Lacson Street, Citi Hardware Bldg..,Bacolod City Tel. 4344543/ Telefax: 4337373 Resort Cell No. 09173009942 / 09189241237

    Location: Inampulugan Island, Sibunag, Gimaras

    '''*Isla Naburot ''' 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 hideway for soothing tense emotions and seetling 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.

    RATES: US$ 125.00/person US$ 35.00/person for the transfer

    Contact Person: Ms. Ann Saldana Contact Numbers: (033) 3211654 Fax: (033) 3210880

    Location Sinapsapan, Jordan, Guimaras

    '''*Jesa Mar Island Resort''' Nauway, Sibunag, Guimaras : Contact Person: Mrs. Rosalinda Baylon Contact Numbers: 09187259629 / 09203048833

    '''NAGARAO ISLAND RESORT''' San Isidro, Sibunag, Guimaras

    Booking office located at 113 Seminario Street, Jaro, 5000 Iloilo City, Philippines Contact Persons: Mrs. Helen Stummer / Ms. Elena Lorca Contact Numbers: 033 3220186 / 09189080730 / 09195866738 Email: Website: http://www.nagarao.com

    It is a small tropical island with an area of about 1000,000 square meters. It is located at the southern tip of Guimaras between Panay and Negros. About 30 Filipinos live on the island, most of whom speak English. It offers a very unique Visayas setting, a relaxing private atmosphere with area of natural land and personal touch in holiday making. There are 20 cottages, a restaurant and a bar with cold drinks. The cottages are native-styled but with very modern private facilities like toilet and shower with fresh potable running water. At the resort island hopping tours and snorkeling are organized. A good part of island is surrounded by a sandy beach and growing corals like most islands of the Indo-Pacific Rates in Peso, Validity January 1 to December 31, 2006 Rates are for a package that includes overnight (one day and night) in one with privat 00000000

    Hill Cottages with three meals Php 1,700 per person (US$ 31)

    Seaside Cottages with three meals Php 2,100 per person (US$ 38)

    Children under 12 years with three meals 50% discount

    Note: for aircon (from 6 pm to 6 am)additional Php 980 per cottage (US$ 18)

    PROMO RATES only for resients of the Visayas 1,280 per person, with 3 meals

    Children under 12 year - Php 640 per child, with 3 meals

    TRANFER (Round trip rates, all by special trips) from any point in Iloilo City to Nagarao vice-versa wil be charge separately to you and you should arrange the transfer with their office to Iloilo City.

    One to eight persons Php 2,400 (for the whole group)

    Additional persons are chargaed on a case basis. However you could save money if you just assemble at he Port of Iloilo (Ortiz or Parola) and go by regular pump boat (Php 11.00) per person) to Jordan, Guimaras. There you find air- condition vans for hire (Php 700 one way) that will bring you in about 50 mintes to the Nagarao Pier in Kupo (San Isidro, Sibunag). Their own boat will fetch you and bring you in les than 15 minutes to Nagarao Island (rate for the whole boat Php200).

    You too could drive directly to the Nagarao pier in your own car, using the Ro-Ro Ferry.

    Boat hire for Isaland hopping: Rates (Php)

    Big boat (pumpboat) 600 per hour

    Small boat (punpboat) 300 per hour

    Day tours (Maximum two persons)

    Package includes lunch and cottages for day use 500 per person

    Add round trip transfer costs from Iloilo.

    Things you should know: Nagarao Island is a great place for nature loving and quite guests. For swimming during low tide, you may use one of the piers especially built to reach deeper waters. A pool is available as well. Proper swimming attire is required. In case you plan to go snorkeling,you should bring your own equipment and for night strolls on the island you better have a flashlight as well. No loud radios, no hunting or fishing. Animals, plants, shells or corals should not be damaged or removed from the island. Bringing of foods an drinks for picnic or camping is not allowed.

    Terms and Conditions: Please take note for guaranteed reservations and cancellations. In Order to guarantee a reservation, NAGARAO ISLAND INN reserves the right to require a Deposit of one night in advance. In case of cancellation within 72 hours prior to the Schedule arrival, they charge a cancellation fee amounting to one night. For bookings in Peak season, from December 15 to April 30, they only guarantee reservation upon payment of a deposit amounting to 50% of the whole length of stay. In case of cancellation within 30 days prior to scheduled arrival , the amount deposited shall be forfeited, unless otherwise agreed. Group bookings are only guaranteed if the deposit is made. If reservation is not guaranteed by a deposit, they reserve the right to release cottages and rooms on first-come- first-serve basis, unless agreed otherwise. If guests who are already at the resort decide to shorten their stay payment for the unused nights shall be non-refundable.

    STO. NINO ISLAND RESORT Sitio Cumian, San Roque, Nueva Valencia Guimaras: Contact Person: Rebecca Urban Contact Number: (033) 500-37-00

    Contact

    Get out

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