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When in Guimaras, it would be a sin to overlook the island resort of Costa Aguada. This resort contained in the island called Inampulugan offers first class amenities and carefully developed and maintained surroundings. This island is four to five times bigger than the Nagarao Island, and has a vast mountain that's best for trekking and biking. Some of its attractions that we were able to spot are the mini-zoo, the mangrove plantation and the thriving community that produces soap and other materials made from coconut. The resort, and the whole island so to speak, is self-sufficient ---they grow their own vegetables and fruit trees, raise animals and even culture crabs. You will never undermine their capability to live independently when you try their ice cream made from coconut milk and meat. I promised myself to come back to this island soon, by then I swear it will be more than just a day-tour.
There are many island resorts in Guimaras, and each has its own uniqueness (and variation in accommodation costs, of course). Island hopping is favorable and will not cost you any, except for paying the boatman. Resort owners and operators are very friendly, and some of them will even tour you around their area without expecting anything in return. Exploring the coastal attractions is equally refreshing, especially if your boatman will bring you to the best snorkeling and swimming areas. While trying to look brave as I clutched my left arm on the pumpboat and did some stokes on the water, I saw huge facilities over the sea. Curiosity brought us to the fishery research sub-station with the acronym SEAFDEC. Good thing that the research staffs were accommodating enough to welcome us aboard their floating “laboratory.” This sub-station takes care of the biggest bangus, lapu-lapu, red snapper and sea bass I ever saw ---almost two to three feet long, and about four kilos! I should have had asked to take home even a kilo of any of the fish (of, course, it could not be possible because those fish are under study!) After braving waves and depths, we sampled the land adventures. First on this new set of itinerary was visiting the Trappist Monastery, a community of Trappist Monks. As you would normally expect of a monastery, it is a blissful place suited for individual or group retreats. But what you might not assume is that this monastery produces and sells delectable homemade jams and goodies like mango and calamansi marmalade, and mango cookies. Before leaving the monastery, I wasted no time in sampling their delicacies, hmmmm, want some?
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The copyright of the article Guimaras, More Than Just Mangoes (Part II) in Philippines Getaways is owned by Eva Goyena. Permission to republish Guimaras, More Than Just Mangoes (Part II) in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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