Melo Villareal
2024 Ultimate Travel Guide to Guimaras Island
When you think of sweet mangoes in the Philippines, most people recommend those from Guimaras Island. Just a boat ride from Iloilo, it was part of that province until 1992. It is among the smallest provinces in the country, but it makes up for its small size with sheer lush greenery and natural attractions. In this Guimaras Island Travel Guide, We will show you why this island is a perfect day tour destination from Iloilo. If you plan to experience most of the tourist attractions in Guimaras, we also listed the recommended island hopping and land-based tours available on the island.
Guimaras Island Travel Guide
It was formerly Himal-us, a derivation of the word “paghimud-us,” which means to struggle for survival. With its popularity as a destination for pleasure-seeking tourists and adventure seekers, it no longer has to struggle quite a lot. Here is a quick travel guide for those who want to visit the “Mango Capital of the Philippines.”
Guimaras is an island in Western Visayas, surrounded by fascinating islets. This island is overflowing with natural attractions, inviting adventure seekers and pleasure travelers.
This island will truly satisfy its visitors. Guimaras has also been blessed with beautiful beaches with white sand. And, of course, when you say Guimaras, who can forget the mangoes? After all, their mangoes are one of the reasons that make this province known to almost everyone.
How to get there
There are no direct flights to Guimaras. The easiest way to get to Guimaras from Manila or anywhere else except for Bacolod or Negros Occidental is to fly to Iloilo on any daily flights offered by Cebu Pacific, AirAsia, or Philippine Airlines.
Iloilo to Guimaras Travel Guide
Iloilo is the best jump-off point because it is only a 15-minute ferry ride from Ortiz Wharf (to Jordan, the capital) or Parola Wharf (to Buena Vista).
Passenger Banca / Boat
- Coming from Ortiz Wharf, you can hire an outrigger boat bound for Jordan Wharf in Barangay Rizal, Jordan.
- From Parola Wharf, you can hire an outrigger boat bound for McArthur’s Wharf in Sto. Rosario, Buenavista. The standard fare is P50, and the discounted fare for students, minors, and Senior Citizens is P35. The travel time is about fifteen to twenty minutes.
Choose which one is nearer to your location.
Roro
- You can ride a RORO if you have brought a car with you. You can ride a RORO from Lapaz, Iloilo City to Port San Jose, Barangay Hoskyn, Jordan.
Best Time to Visit Guimaras
They say the best time to visit the island is during the summer (April to June) to enjoy and indulge in the beaches better. This is the perfect time that you will be able to explore the island to your heart’s content.
What You Need To Wear and What You Should Bring
What you will have in your suitcase is important to consider when visiting this beautiful island. You should bring shorts, a set of nightwear, and T-shirts and don’t forget your swimsuit. Don’t forget to bring toiletries with you.
Of course, you should also bring undergarments, gadgets, and diving gear if you are interested in that adventure. Also, don’t forget to carry sunscreen, for you will probably get a bit of tan while exploring.
What To Expect
When visiting this island province, the first thing you will probably look for is where you can get mangoes and taste the most famous food.
They say you can explore the island in 2 days by sea and land.
What To Do: Guimaras Tourist Spots, Interesting Activities
There are several destinations on this island that you will enjoy to your heart’s content. The GUISI Lighthouse is an 18th-century Lighthouse that was built for Mariners. This was their guide when passing the Guimaras and Iloilo Strait. This Lighthouse is almost falling apart, but this is the 2nd oldest Lighthouse in the country.
You can also drop by the Holy Family. If you feel that stress is hitting you, this is one of the best places to go. Even the not-so-religious people will appreciate this place as it boasts of a station of the cross with life-sized statues.
Another place you can go to is the Taklong National Marine Reserve. This is where you can appreciate the mangroves for yourself. You can also hear the birds’ chirping and the ocean’s serene sound. You can also see the corals because the water is very clear.
Don’t forget to add the Ave Maria Islet to your island-hopping itinerary. You will enjoy the fine white sand and a good view of the reef, with a wide selection of fish and coral. You can also go snorkeling here and have a chance to feed the fish.
Guimaras Island Tours
If you land in Jordan or Buenavista Wharf, you must register at the Jordan tourism office. You can also get a tourist map there if you would rather DIY a tour of the island instead of hiring a tricycle driver as a tourist guide. If you booked into a resort, you must go to Nueva Valencia, PhP250 per tricycle (suitable for four people).
Guimaras Land Tours
If you hire a driver as a tour guide, the standard rate is PhP1,200 to PhP1,500. You might want to charter a multi-cab if you are a large group. The tourism office can help you with that. Attractions that are part of the standard tour are:
- Alubihod Beach (Nueva Valencia)
- Guisi Lighthouse And Beach (Nueva Valencia)
- Mango Research Center (Jordan)
- Museo De Guimaras (Jordan)
- Smallest Plaza (Jordan)
- Trappist Monastery (Jordan)
Special attractions you can request for an additional fee are:
- Guimaras Windmills (San Lorenzo Wind Farm)
- Navalas Church (Buenavista)
- Roca Encantada (Buenavista)
Island Hopping in Guimaras
You might also want to do some island hopping. Get to Raymen Beach Resort via tricycle, where you can charter a boat suitable for 6 or 10 people. The standard rate is PhP400 and PhP500 for the first hour, respectively, and PhP150 for each succeeding hour. The boat tour covers the following:
- Ave Maria Island
- Baras Beach
- Fairy Castle
- Isla Naburot
- Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC)
- Turtle Island
You can also request to go to:
- Nagtago Island
- Yato Island
Eco-tourism
If you want to do your part for sustainability, check out the community-based rural tourism programs of Barangay San Roque in Nueva Valencia. They offer six non-conventional tours for adventure seekers of all types, going to remote areas seldom seen by regular tourists.
To get there, go to Jordan Wharf in time for the 6 AM jeep to San Roque. The trip takes about 45 minutes, and you can avail yourself of tour packages at PhP800 for two hours (including a local guide). Add PhP150 plus PhP75 (for the guide) per hour for succeeding hours. For more information about tours, contact:
Brgy. San Roque Community-Based Rural Tourism (CBRT) Association
Mobile Number: +63 912 414 1797
Where to Eat
One of the most recommended places to eat in Guimaras is “The Pitstop.” This restaurant serves Pizza, Pasta, and other dishes. Don’t forget to try their Mango Pizza; it’s delicious!
Where to Stay in Guimaras?
- Zemkamps Chalet in Guimaras
- Raymen Beach Resort [Check Rates and Availability]
- Jannah Glycel Beach House [Check Rates and Availability]
- Playa de Paraiso Resort [Check Rates and Availability]
- Cabugan Adventure Resort [Check Rates and Availability]
Check out our complete list of recommended Hotels and Resorts in Guimaras Island via Agoda, or you may also see available Airbnb properties on the island.
See Also:
- The Ultimate List of the Best Hotels and Resorts in Guimaras Island
- 12 Best Beaches in Guimaras Island
- Day Tripping Awesomeness on Guimaras Island
- 6 Reasons Why You Should Visit Iloilo
