Guimaras Island: Places to Visit at the Mango Capital of the Philippines

Guimaras is an island province located in the Western Visayas region. It is known to produce the sweetest mangoes in the world and has been dubbed as the “Mango Capital of the Philippines”. The island was once administered as part of the province of Iloilo and became a separate province in 1992. Since it’s near Iloilo City, a boat ride to Guimaras would only take 15 minutes. No wonder why most would include this province on their Iloilo itinerary.

Prior to setting our foot on our Iloilo-Guimaras trip, I have already contacted a local guide that would take us around Guimaras Island. We chose to rent a van instead of a tricycle or a multicab since we were traveling with a toddler. For the rates, see GETTING AROUND GUIMARAS AND RATES.

WHAT TO EXPECT AND PLACES TO VISIT IN GUIMARAS

A Photo Op at the Jordan Signage

Jordan is the capital of Guimaras. The Jordan signage was our first stop during our land tour in Guimaras. It is located inside the premises of Jordan Municipal Hall which is along the circumferential road of Guimaras. It is actually just few minutes away from Jordan Port. Nothing much can really be seen in here. We literally just took photos.

A Quick Visit at the Smallest Plaza

The plaza of Guimaras was once hailed as the “Smallest Plaza in the World” by the Guinness Book of World Records. A monument of our national hero, Jose Rizal, can be seen standing tall at the center of the plaza.

See the Gigantic Windmills at San Lorenzo

Guimaras is not only known for its sweet mangoes, but it is also a home to more than 50 gigantic wind turbines. Unlike the windmills in Ilocos which are aligned in a single row, the windmills in Guimaras are scattered all over the fields and hills which are very nice to see from atop. The windmills can produce enough electricity to supply the whole island of Guimaras. It banned the use of coal and other polluting energy resources making it the first coal-free province in the country.

Into the Woods of Guimaras Man-made Forest

One of the attractions in Guimaras is the man-made forest. Tall mahogany trees are seen in the forest and it is an ideal spot for a quick photo op.

Try the Mango Pizza at the Pitstop

The Pitstop Restaurant is known to be the home of the famous Guimaras mango pizza. Yep! You read that right, mango pizza. Very unusual, isn’t it? But definitely, this place should be on your itinerary when in the province of Guimaras. We also ordered the Pitstop Overload pizza and mango smoothie. We were supposed to grab another box of mango pizza before we go back to Iloilo, but we were short of time as we need to catch the last trip at 7:00 pm.

A Photo Op at the Guimaras Signage

Located near the Guimaras Provincial Capitol, the Guimaras signage is one of the most photographed places in the island. As the it is known for its mangoes, the signage has a huge mango beside it.

Explore the Mango Plantation in Guimaras

Inside the premises of the National Mango Research and Development Center is a massive sight of mango trees spread all over. It is the center of mango production, research, and packaging. Even though we just passed by this place, I was able to see a glimpse of it. We were not able to stop by the plantation. I honestly can’t remember the reason our guide told us.

Visit the Trappist Monastery and Trappist Gift Shop

The Trappist Monastery is run by monks of Cistercian Order of Strict Observance. It is a known place in Guimaras where tourists would stop by to visit and buy souvenirs as near it is a shop that sell mango products such as jams and delicacies under their own brand name.

Explore the Ruins of the Guisi Lighthouse

Built during the Spanish-colonial era, the Guisi Lighthouse is considered to be one of the oldest lighthouses in the Philippines. Although the tower and the building itself are in ruins, it still offers a breathtaking view of Guisi Beach and the Panay Gulf. By the way, an environmental fee of 10 pesos per head is being collected. There are also souvenir shops near the entrance. Mike, my cousin’s husband, bought a mango liquor. I wonder if they have tried it already as they brought it back to Canada.

Go for an Island-Hopping Tour in Guimaras

One of the activities you can also do in Guimaras is island hopping. The jump-off point is usually along the coast of Alubijod Beach in Nueva Valencia. As for us, we availed our tour with Alobijod Cove Resort whose rates can be found in the island hopping tour rates section. Normally, 3 to 4 hours will do to finish the tour. Here is the list of islands:

• Natago Beach
• Ave Maria Island
• Isla Naburot
• Lamurawan Island
• Baras Cave
• Fairy Castle

Experience Manggahan Festival of Guimaras

The Manggahan Festival is a month-long celebration done yearly to highlight its mango industry and to commemorate the day it became a province and declared independent from the province of Iloilo (May 22, 1992). If you happen to plan your trip during their celebration, you might want to celebrate with them. Parades, mango-eating contest, and other activities are being held according to our tour guide.

HOW TO GET TO GUIMARAS

From Manila to Guimaras (via Iloilo):

• From Manila, book a flight to Iloilo. Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, and Air Asia caters daily flights to Iloilo. Travel time is around 1.5 hours.
• From Iloilo International Airport, options are either to take a van or a taxi:
  • Van: Take a van going to SM City Iloilo, then take a jeepney or a taxi to CityMall Parola Terminal.
  • Taxi: Take a taxi and head straight to CityMall Parola Terminal.
• Ride a ferry bound to Jordan Port, Guimaras. Fare is 30 pesos per head. Travel time is around 15 minutes.

GETTING AROUND GUIMARAS AND RATES

Land Tour: The easiest way to explore Guimaras Island is to hire a local tour guide that would take you to places. Depending on your preference and the number of people, you may choose from the following type of vehicle for a whole day tour:

• Tricycle – 1,500 pesos
• Multicab – 3,500 pesos
• Van – 4,500 pesos

Island Hopping Tour: Guimaras is also known to have beaches and islands which you can explore. The rate for the boat rental starts at 700 pesos for the first hour and 400 pesos per hour for the succeeding hours. This is good for up to 12 people.

We availed our island-hopping tour with Alobijod Cove Resort. Aside from the boat rental fee, an entrance fee of 75 pesos per head is also collected.

GUIMARAS LOCAL TOUR GUIDE

• Joel Guileño: +639267633190/+63909380972 
• Bugoy Cordero: +639090904781

GUIMARAS SAMPLE ITINERARY

A day is actually enough to explore Guimaras Island. Yet, I would still recommend to split the land tour and the island-hopping tour into two separate days or at least start early. Based on our experience, we were just in time for the last trip back to Iloilo City which is at 7:00 pm. Anyway, here’s how it was for us:

Day Tour – Land and Island-Hopping Tour

8:15 AM – Taxi to CityMall Parola Terminal, Iloilo City

8:40 AM – Ferry to Jordan Port, Guimaras

8:55 AM – Arrival at Jordan Port, Guimaras

9:00 AM – Start of Land Tour

2:00 PM – Start of Island-Hopping Tour

6:00 PM – End of Island-Hopping Tour

6:30 PM – Travel back to Jordan Port, Guimaras

7:00 PM – Ferry to CityMall Parola Terminal, Iloilo City

7:15 PM – Arrival at CityMall Parola Terminal, Iloilo City

GUIMARAS TRAVEL TIPS & REMINDERS

• The best time to visit Guimaras Island is during the dry season, which is January to May. Avoid the rainy season as much as possible.
• A day is enough to explore Guimaras Island. Yet, it would be better to split it to two days or at least start early.
• Bring extra cash as everything is on a cash basis. ATM machines might not be very accessible.
• Always wear your life vest when on the boat.
• Don’t forget to bring your travel essentials (e.g., sunblock, cap/hat, pair of sunglasses, shawl, drybag, and so on).
• Expect weak to no data coverage at some areas.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information about the Province of Guimaras, you may visit the following:

• Website: https://guimaras.gov.ph/
• Facebook Page: Guimaras Tourism