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Traveloka PH

13 Sep 2018 - 5 min read

Things to do in Guimaras: Top 8 Must-do's for First-time Visitors

1.Check out the Smallest Plaza

Smallest Plaza

(photo via Instagram, @chefmeeho_rph) Found in Jordan, Guimaras, the Smallest Plaza was recorded the smallest plaza worldwide as found in the Guinness Book of World Records - until another country claimed this title.

Location: Jordan-Hoskyn Rd, Poblacion, Jordan, 5045 Guimaras, Philippines
Operation Hours: 24/7
Fees: Free
What You Need To Know: This elevated plaza with a statue of Dr. Jose Rizal is still the smallest plaza in our country - so, consider this a must-visit if you’re interested in culture-centric sights. It’s such a convenient place to go to, since it’s only a few minutes away from the Jordan Wharf.

2.Visit Roca Encantada

Roca Encantada

(photo via Instagram, @ra_gomezz) If visiting heritage homes is more of your style, then head over to the Lopez Mansion which was declared a National Heritage House.

Location: Barangay San Meguil, Buenavista, Guimaras, Philippines
Operation Hours: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Fees: P50/person
What You Need To Know: Looking for a new profile picture for Instagram? Roca Encantada or “The Enchanted Rock” was built in 1910 atop a rock foundation, giving you a breathtaking view of the “Siete Pecados” islets.

3.Find your way to Guisi Point Lighthouse

Guisi Point Lighthouse

Built by the Spanish government back in 1894-1896, the Guisi Spanish Lighthouse sits along Guisi beach. Coming here isn’t a walk in the park, though. It’s a 10-15 minute uphill trek since the lighthouse is perched on a cliff.

Location: Nueva Valencia, Guimaras, Philippines
Fees: P20/person
What You Need To Know: Known as the second oldest lighthouse in the Philippines, you’ll be rewarded with a view overlooking the Guisi beach once you reach the top. The vibrant sea and the lush mountains will welcome you, so be sure to bring along your trusty camera.

4.Try Mango Pizza at The Pitstop

Mango Pizza Pitstop

(photo via Instagram, @valeriecjgl) As a foodie, if there is one thing you need to try in Guimaras, it's the Mango Pizza. Located in Barangay San Miguel, Jordan, The Pitstop Restaurant serves this delectable dish complete with cheese, cashew nuts, mango sauce and green bell pepper. There’s nothing savory about the dish. It’s more of a dessert balanced out by the richness of the cheese.

Location: Guimaras Circumferential Rd, Jordan, Guimaras, Philippines
Operation Hours: 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
Fees: Less than P200/meal for sharing between 2 people
What You Need To Know: Ready to try out more? The Pitstop also offers other food selections such as Mango Bulalo, Spicy Mango Pasta, Mango Adobo, Mango Burger and Sisig with Mango!

5.Pray at the Trappist Monastery

Trappist Monastery

(photo via Instagram, @chefmeeho_rph) Dubbed the only monastery in the country, Trappist Monastery is home to the monks of the Cistercian Order of the Strict Observance. In need of a quiet place to reflect, pray and go on a spiritual journey? Then this must-do in Guimaras is definitely for you.

Location: Jordan, Guimaras, Philippines
Operation Hours: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Fees: Free
What You Need To Know: To help the monastery thrive, you can buy souvenirs to give to your loved ones back at home. Some of these include pineapple & mango jams, mango bars and mango- flavored candies.

6.Go to the Holy Family Hills

Holy Hills Family

(photo via Instagram, @khione_icicles) Known as a popular pilgrimage site in the Catholic community, the Holy Family Hills features life-sized statues of religious key figures and steps of the Way of the Cross. It’s a famous place to spend your Holy Week at, especially since it has its own chapel, garden and shrine.

Location: Tamborong, San Lorenzo, Guimaras, San Lorenzo, Lalawigan ng Guimaras, Philippines
Operation Hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Fees: Free. Technically, there's no entrance fee. You can simply drop off any amount you wish at the entrance gate.
What You Need To Know: You can visit the Holy Family Hills even when it’s not Holy Week. Ever since it’s been constructed in 2000 and managed by the Eucharistic Disciples of St. Pius X, the Holy Family Hills has always been a go-to for believers who need time to meditate and pray.

7.Enjoy the sea at Guisi Beach

Guisi Beach

(photo via Instagram, @jezcolina) Take the trail down from the Guisi Lighthouse and you’ll find the enchanting Guisi Beach. If you can, enjoy the sea during low tide season. The beach is mesmerizing - it’s surrounded by limestone rock formations, fine white sand and clear blue waters.

Location: Nueva Valencia, Guimaras, Philippines
Operation Hours: Best time to go is from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Fees: P20/person
What You Need To Know: Cliff diving is an activity you can try, although you need to be extra careful because they have low cliffs. If this isn’t your cup of tea, you can also do snorkeling or cave-spotting.

8.Go island hopping

Island Hopping in Guimaras

To visit the secluded spots in Guimaras, it’s better for you to do a bit of planning and/or avail of island-hopping services instead.

Locations: The island-hopping route may include Buho Ramirez Cave, Turtle Island, Ave Maria Island and Alubihod Beach
Fees: Depends on the Tours you get
What You Need To Know:Be ready to dedicate an entire day for this so you can make the most out of the experience.

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