Alubihod Beach in the morning
Good morning Guimaras! It was a pleasant first day and we're excited to explore more. On our 2nd day in Guimaras, we went for some island hopping before going back to Iloilo. As I've said in the previous part of this trip series, we chose Raymen Beach Resort because we need other travelers to join us in renting the boat to split cost. Another couple from Cebu join us as well. We're now 6!!
Exploring Guimaras By Boat
We woke up early and started the boat tour around 7:30-8am. Our plan is to do island hopping roughly for 3-4 hours only. We only have few hours to explore as we still need to prepare for check out and go back to Iloilo in the afternoon.
TIP: Ask the resort if there are other people who's going for an island hopping tour and if it's okay to join.
Rates as of our trip (Last Quarter of 2011)
6 Persons: First 1 hour - Php 400
Succeeding hour - Php 150
10 Persons: First 1 hour - Php 500
Succeeding hour - Php 150
50 Persons: First 1 hour - Php 2000
Succeeding hour - Php 500
boat and us :)
First Stop: SEAFDEC Marine Reserves Facility
SEAFDEC or South East Asian Fisheries Development Center is a government owned facility that studies development of marine life and the proper way to culture it in order to help fishermen work for better livelihood opportunities. This facility looks like a simple fishpond but there's more than meets the eye.
For a small fee of Php 25, the facility also served as a tourist spot which I think one of the best experience I had in Guimaras. The caretaker discussed different species of fish and how they are being cultured.
Guimaras is said to be one of the great exporters of abalone. The flesh of abalones are widely consumed raw or cooked for variety of dishes, a sought-after seafood delicacy in the world.
abalone also known as sea snail
Seahorses and starfishes were also part of their research.
We were supposed to be touring for few minutes but ended up enjoying the place for almost an hour. This is an educational tourism worth visiting. :)
the group in SEAFDEC
Second Stop: Pawikan Sanctuary
I think we should have gone to Lawi Marine Turtle Rescue Center but I'm just not sure if the guide/boat really brought us to the exact place. We went to an island and this pawikan/turtle seems like a pet to them. The turtle is quite heavy but the shell is really tough to protect himself from danger. The kids are quite fun to see too!
We also explored the rock formations of the island and took some pictures. The boatman/guide told us we could go to Ave Maria Island which is very near the area but due to limited time we didn't go there. Maybe we could explore the beauty of Guimaras on our next visit.
rock formations in pawikan sanctuary
rock formations along the way
Third Stop: Baras Cave
We entered Baras cave via boat and took photos inside.
Back To Alubihod Beach
We went back to Alubihod beach after few hours. We took some photos, enjoyed the beach and savoured the moment while it lasts. We took our lunch in Raymen's as usual.
It was already 2pm, we already have an agreement with tricycle driver who drove us to resort yesterday that he'll pick us up at this time. I think it is much cheaper if you'll just go for any tricycle near the resort. Our tricycle driver is located at the port, so he will also charged for his travel from the port to Raymen's beach resort. At least I was able to haggle some discount. Before going back to the port, we went to Guisi Lighthouse to explore the place.
Guisi Lighthouse
Located in Guisi, in Nueva Valencia, Guimaras, Guisi lighthouse was built during the Spanish Government around 1894-1896. Obviously Guisi lighthouse is more or less 15 to 20 minutes away from Raymen's. You willl pass by some ruins to get to this lighthouse. Obviously it is not functional anymore, be careful, going up is at your OWN RISK.
We haven't been to Guisi beach, Kuya told us there are few resorts there.
Mango Farm
We took a short stop over along the highway because I'm curious as to where are the mango trees?
Guimaras Trade and Information Center & Pasalubong Area
Last stop before the port area, to buy pasalubong and other products made in Guimaras.
Our trip is not the season of mangoes yet Raymen's mango shake were sweet
Banana? No it's Mango!
Museo De Guimaras / Guimaras Museum
Our trike driver pointed this out just near the pasalubong area and I thought it's only a monument but it is Guimaras museum. He said it was Andres Bonifacio in the monument.
That ends our Guimaras adventure. 'Til next time Guimaras!
As I've said, it is okay even without contact tricycle driver prior the
trip, but here it is just in case. (I feel that someone will ask me about
his number.) Kuya Totong 09477866925
Check my Iloilo-Guimaras Series!
8 comments:
Looks like you enjoyed your tour! Cool place and the mangoes does looks tempting!
i am going to iloilo and guimaras this may! thanks for the itinerary!
Hi, do you have the boat scheds from Iloilo- Guimaras?
good thing I was able to take a photo of it
6am-5:59pm daytime
6pm-10pm nightime (additional 3-5pesos of daytime's rate) still cheap no? :)
Sayang I don't have strong light camera for the dark cave of Baras. Ang ganda pala ng walls nun. Sana dumaan din kayo sa Ave Maria Island, maganda din mga tanawin dun...
Hi How much po ang tricycle ride from Raymen to Jordan wharf kasama yung side trips nyo sa Guisi lighthouse?
I am so happy to read this. This is the kind of manual that needs to be given and not the random misinformation that's at the other blogs. Thanks for sharing
Wow! Mango Ketchup?! Interesting.. :D
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