Guimaras, Island province in Western Visayas, Philippines.
Guimaras is an island province in Western Visayas with gentle hills, mango plantations, and small fishing villages dotting the coastline. The land spreads across five municipalities connected by paved roads and dirt paths.
The region remained part of Iloilo province until 1992 when it became independent following a public vote. Spanish missionaries established early settlements here during the 17th century, which later grew into the modern municipalities.
The province takes its name from a word used by early coastal communities to describe their maritime surroundings. Visitors walking through villages today still find traditional weaving workshops where fabric patterns pass down through generations.
Travelers reach the island by taking pump boats from the port in Iloilo City, with crossings taking around 15 minutes. Small tricycle taxis and jeepneys travel between municipalities, though rides should be arranged in advance.
The local mango trees are considered the sweetest in the world and were entered into the Guinness Book of Records. Fishermen off the coast still use traditional bamboo traps that they collect from the shore each morning.
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