Private island resort

Looking for that last perfect spot before summer ends and the rains begin? Look no farther. Only a few hours away from Manila by air and sea, the island of Guimaras beckons. Famous for its world-famous mangoes, Guimaras lies on the southeast of Panay and northwest of Negros Island in Western Visayas, accessible via Iloilo City. Composed of only five municipalities, with Jordan as its capital town, Guimaras’ rich resources can be found not only in its agricultural lands but on the surrounding seas as well. 

A few of the small islands around the province has been developed by its respective owners into vacation spots. Among these is the Lamurawan Beach Resort and Renewal Center of the Estoy-Gedalanga family. The relaxing ambience, with the fresh breeze, powdery white sand, and cool water, makes it an ideal place for rejuvenation – both physically and spiritually.

For those looking for adventure, there are other activities that you can do on the island. You and your friends can play beach volleyball or Frisbee, go scuba diving or snorkeling, and be awed by the fishes of different colors and sizes. If you are with your family, you can go island hopping or paddle a boat yourself and wander around the small islands and see the magnificent rock formations and the protected marine life sanctuary in the area. Whether the island resort is for private or public use, anyone will surely enjoy the white sand beach and the rich blue sea. 

Aside from its wonderful islands, Guimaras is also proud of its ripe mangoes – the sweetest of its kind, not only in the Philippines but in the world. Yes, while staying in any of the island resorts, you can also savor  and enjoy luscious ripe mangoes. And do not forget to pair them off with delicious suman (malagkit rice delicacy) as the locals suggest.

In the same way as marine life is protected in Guimaras, so are its mangoes. The provincial government is strict in its implementation of the policy that no mango or any of its parts from other locations can be brought into the territory of Guimaras. This is to make sure that the world-famous Guimaras mangoes get to keep their reputation and taste that is unique to the island.

From these luscious mangoes, the hospitable locals also produce other delicacies like mango tart, pastillas de mangga, mango otap, mango jam, dried mango, mango flavored butterscotch – all recommended as pasalubong.

As the last stretch of the summer break approaches and everyone prepares to go back to school, there is no better way to spend your remaining vacation but to go on a trip to the beautiful island province of Guimaras.