Guimaras  –  one of the smaller island provinces in the Philippines, has been dubbed as the Philippines “Mango Country”. Visitors who flock their way to the more touristy Iloilo and Bacolod cities, would perceive Guimaras as a potential sidetrip.

I was fortunate enough to have visited this province on 2 occasions (2012 and 2013). My desire to visit Guimaras wasn’t prompted by my taste buds’ yearning to savour their popular mangoes, but, by my wanderlust soul to visit some interesting sites I have read over the internet.

And so during my 1^st visit, I decided to check out the seemingly picture-perfect Guisi Beach in the outskirts of Nueva Valencia, Guimaras. I hired a habal-habal driver to take me to this tucked destination.

Guisi Beach is a stretch of white sand (though not as whote and as fine as other beaches) with luxuriant palm trees dotted with some interesting rock formations. The water of the beach is an inviting shade of blue and green, despite not as crystal clear as other beaches I have been to. Nonetheless, the beach itself has this unique charm that will keep you drawn.

When I arrived there, it was exactly how I have seen in it photos. Really picturesque! I personally love the rocks at one side of the beach. Also, I was fortunate because there weren’t many people then. A local mentioned that during the weekends, many locals flock their way to this beach. There are a couple of resorts within the area from which one could choose from in case you intend to stay overnight.

After spending some time at the beach, my guide-slash-habal-habal driver suggested that I go and see the ruins of the old Guisi Lighthouse (formerly known as Faro de Punta Luzaran). I was happy to know that there was more to the beach. After a short walk towards a hilly site, the imposing ruins of the lighthouse greeted me.  This old lighthouse was built during the Spanish-colonial period. I asked permission to climb the top portion despite the obviously rusty tower. I was quite apprehensive while making my way to the top as the tower may no longer be that sturdy.  When I reached the top, I found myself opening my mouth but speechless. The view of Guisi Beach is indeed more than rewarding.

Where to Stay near Guisi Beach:

Guisi Clearwater Resort: Address: Guisi, Dolores, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras, Philippines Contact No.: +639195636688 Room Rate: Starting from 700 php

Kenyama Beach Resort: Address: Guisi, Dolores, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras, Philippines Contact No.: 0998-3084049; 0939-9175495 (Smart); 0906-2709157 (Globe) Website: http://kenyamaresort.jimdo.com/ Room Rate: Starting from 1200 php

Raymen Beach Resort: Address: Alubihod, Poblacion, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras, Philippines Contact No.: +63 33 396 0252 Website: http://raymenresort.com/ Room Rate: Starting from 600 php/room

How to Get to Guisi in Nueva Valencia:

From Manila, one can reach Guimaras by plane via Iloilo (being the nearest).  Once you arrive in Iloilo, take a cab and tell the driver to take you to Ortiz Wharf (the motorboat wharf bound for Jordan). If you are coming from Cebu, travel by sea, (choose between Cokaliong Shipping Lines or Trans Asia Shipping Lines) for a 12-hour travel going to Iloilo.  Once you arrive in Iloilo, take a cab and tell the driver to take you to Ortiz Wharf.  You may also opt to take a jeepney to save money. Ask locals which jeepney passes by Ortiz Wharf.  Then Take the motorboat from Ortiz wharf going to Jordan.

Travel time from Ortiz Wharf to Jordan Wharf  is around 15 minutes and the fare is Php 14. Once you arrive at the wharf, you can arrange for a shuttle or multicab at the tourism office which is just a few steps away from the arrival area. However, if you are alone or maybe just with another person, you can take a habal-habal. Travel time takes around an hour and the lowest fare for a group is Php 900.  The habal-habal ride takes a shorter travel time and fare differs depending on your haggling skills.

I left Guisi with a smile on my face and my heart beaming with joy. There is no qualm the lighthouse and the beach of Guisi  are some of Guimaras’ must-see destinations. So, don’t  be a wasted soul, be  ‘juan’derlust.