24 Hours in Guimaras, Iloilo

24 Hours in Guimaras, Iloilo

There are so many things to do!
by RJ Firmeza | August 10, 2016

Whether you’re in Iloilo for a weekend getaway or the Dinagyang festival—it’s quintessential to do a Guimaras side trip where the sweetest and most delicious mangoes are found. If that doesn’t convince you, then maybe pointing out that the same fruits are served in the White House and Buckingham Palace will.

Still, that’s not all. Here’s what you can do in Guimaras for 24 hours besides feasting on kilos of mangoes.

Rejuvenate at Raymen beach resort

Spend a tranquil night at Raymen and be awoken with the sound of the waves crashing on the shore while you lie on the soft sheets Raymen has prepared—the perfect way to start your adventure, as they say—a good day starts with a good bed.

Next, spoil yourself with the array of sea food fresh from the day’s catch to replenish enough energy for the rest of the day.

A photo posted by Hope III (@healing_hopya) on Aug 1, 2016 at 6:17pm PDT

Get a mental recharge at the Trappist Monastery

Meditate at the serene ambiance of the Trappist Monastery, a place detached from city noise where your thoughts can roam far. The gentle peace it offers won’t be possible if not for the monks of the Cistercian Order of the Strict Observance; the stewards of the monastery—return the gratitude by purchasing their Monastic products in their small shop where you can find mango jams, piyaya and more. They’re the perfect souvenir items.

A photo posted by @whatgeowant on Feb 21, 2016 at 4:15am PST

Hang and glide at Camp Alfredo

Wander around nature’s blessing at Camp Alfredo where you can saunter at the hanging bridges surrounded by tall trees, making it a communal experience with nature. Add an extra flare by taking the zip line and let the gentle breeze caress your face—this is how summer should be spent every time.

A photo posted by NomadInTown (@nomadintown) on Feb 1, 2016 at 2:34pm PST

A photo posted by @jaypheth on Sep 19, 2014 at 5:41am PDT

Behold the lighthouse and seascapes at Guisi

Adorned with crystal clear waters and striking rock formation, Guisi is a quintessential stopover home to an 18th century Spanish-colonial lighthouse. A light trail that can be walked in 15-20 minutes is necessary to be in face-to-face awe at this heritage. Snap photos and leave without a trace.

A photo posted by Gotxi (@davigotxi85) on Apr 18, 2016 at 5:37pm PDT

Feast at Camiña Balay nga Kawayan

Cap off the day as you indulge yourself at Camiña Balay where the food is as amazing as the panoramic view. Start with a plate of mango salsa to arouse your taste buds as it prepares for this sumptuous feast ahead: kasag (crab), sinugba na bangrus (grilled fish), pasayan (shrimp) and the house specialty, Binu-og nga Baboy.

A photo posted by Mike (@thekapuritrunner) on Feb 8, 2015 at 4:19am PST

A photo posted by @patticorleone on Mar 3, 2016 at 11:02pm PST

Plan ahead for the Manggahan Festival (Mid-April)

It’s always a good time to be at Guimaras—but its mangoes are at its sweetest between April and May, when the Manggahan Festival is usually held. Bask under a sea of mangoes, and be an audience of Guimaras’ cultural presentation, it’s guaranteed to be a blast with more activities being added every year.