If you enjoy Philippine mangoes, which some consider the greatest in the world, you should visit Guimaras, the island province where the best type is grown. It is located in Panay Gulf, Western Visayas, Philippines, and in addition to mangoes, it offers some of the most appealing vacation experiences!

Guimaras Island is famous among tourists for its gorgeous beach coves and islands. It’s the ideal location for anyone seeking peace amidst the stunning combination of sun, beach, and sea. Alubihod Beach is at the top of every list of Guimaras attractions because of its beautiful rock formations.

It is also a popular starting place for an inexpensive and entertaining island-hopping excursion. Guisi Beach is better suited to daredevils who would plunge off cliffs quickly. It is a must-see and one of the most beautiful spots, immediately below the Guisi Lighthouse.

Top 14 activities and tourist attractions:

1. Trappist Monastery

The Trappist Monastery on the island, founded in 1972, is the Philippines’ sole Trappist monastery. Many people visit this tourist attraction because it has a pasalubong center where they offer their culinary goods, including mango jam, polvoron, mango tarts, and more. The venue is also accessible for retreats.

2. Tatlong Pulo

Tatlong Pulo, or “Three Islands,” is a stunning white-sand beach in the Philippines. It is called for the three karst formations that front the shore. When you come, you may swim in the stunning blue seas and explore the surrounding islands.

This location’s pristine beauty distinguishes it, as it remains a little underdeveloped while having a gorgeous beach. To ensure a hassle-free trip, plan island-hopping cruises that include Tatlong Pulo as one of their destinations. You may even spend a night or two on the island by staying at one of the few resorts that provide modest lodgings for a calm and picturesque experience on this hidden jewel.

3. Guisi Beach

Guisi Beach is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Guimaras. It is a long stretch of golden yellow sand beach with emerald green waves. Visitors found this extremely appealing since the seawater on the coast is so translucent that one can see through the sand or stones below, and as one moves on, the colour changes from emerald green to blue seas.

Interesting rock formations may also be discovered at both ends of the beach, ideal for swimming, cliff jumping, or simply taking lovely photos. Guisi Beach offers two beach resorts for overnight stays.

4. Bara’s Cave

Baras Cave near Jordan, is another popular tourist site on the island. This little cave has two openings that may be accessed by boat. The fascinating Baras Cave boasts contrasting elements such as jagged and smooth stones, shallow and deep lagoon sections, and a play of light and shadow through multiple small cave entrances.

Inside the cave, you’ll be met by breathtaking stalactites and stalagmites. It’s an ideal swimming place. You may explore and swim inside the cave while admiring the breathtaking rock formations. Remember to wear suitable footwear to ensure a safe and pleasurable journey.

5. Alubihod Beach

Alubihod Beach is one of Guimaras’ most well-known tourist attractions and the most popular beach site. It is a public beach with a lengthy stretch of beautiful white sand interspersed with smooth red stones. Even though it is a public beach, it is clean, as is the seawater.

This site is popular for locals and tourists, particularly during the holidays and summer. Perimeter floaters on the beach may be seen keeping swimmers from venturing too far. Guimaras’ island hopping activities begin at Alubihod Beach.

6. San Lorenzo Wind Farm

San Lorenzo Wind Farm, popularly known as Guimaras Windmills, is a must-see on any Guimaras itinerary. This 14-kilometre-long attraction features an array of tall wind turbines set against a background of water and mountains. The wind farm commenced operations in 2014 and has been providing renewable energy to Western Visayas, Negros, and Cebu.

Make your way to Lookout Point Number Seventeen, where you’ll be treated to a spectacular panoramic view of the wind turbines and a prime opportunity to see the sunset. It’s a spectacle not to be wasted!

7. Natago Beach Resort

Natago Beach, located in Jordan, Guimaras, is frequently included on hopping cruises from Alubihod Beach. This untouched beach has creamy sand, azure waves, and scattered rock formations; add it to your list of the greatest beaches in the Philippines.

The name “Natago” comes from the word “hidden” since the beach is nestled between two mountains, giving it a private and disguised setting. It’s an ideal beach resort for anyone seeking a calm escape from the city.

Swimming in its clean waters, snorkeling, and leisurely walks down the coast are pleasurable pastimes, like a garden with a sea view. Natago Beach is also home to a privately owned resort with accommodations overlooking the sea.

8. Isla Naburot

Isla Naburot, a private island resort in Jordan, has a touching past. It was initially constructed as a vacation residence for the owners. There were six cottages or villas, one for each of the family’s six children. The calm hideaway became popular, so the resort was opened to tourists.

The lodgings are basic, and while there is solar power, it may not always be accessible. The main hall is a lovely, open-air wooden building. The island’s pristine beauty provides spectacular natural vistas, making it ideal for a quiet break away from the grid. Swimming and snorkelling are two enjoyable activities to partake in throughout your vacation.

9. Taklong Island

Taklong Island National Marine Sanctuary is one of Guimaras’ top attractions. It is a protected marine area managed by the University of the Philippines Visayas in adjacent Iloilo province. Registration and lodging are on a donation basis. The sanctuary consists of numerous tiny islands covered with beautiful flora.

You may explore the extensive mangroves, hidden coves, white sand beaches, and sandbars. A lighthouse on top of a hill provides a stunning view of the entire island and the big sea.

10. Floating Cottage

The Guimaras Floating Cottage is located in Nueva Valencia and rests on calm waterways, providing a serene respite surrounded by adjacent islands. You may swim and snorkel to discover the abundant marine life underneath you or relax on the cottage terrace and enjoy the spectacular ocean views.

The floating home can accommodate up to 50 people, and during the hot summer, it’s ideal to stay for a few hours so that others can have a chance. However, if you prefer to stay longer, you may do so, but overnight stays are not permitted. You don’t have to worry about food because a delicious assortment, including their signature coconut halo-halo, is available.

11. Navalas Church

The Navalas Church, built between 1880 and 1885, is the oldest Catholic Church on Guimaras Island. The church used to have a four-foot-tall bell, but it was taken and dumped into the sea near Siete Pecados. The interior and other parts of the church are now modern, but the old facade of coral stones and a stone fence remain intact.

12. Balaan Bukid

The Chapel of Ave Maria Purisima and a white cross may be at the top. The tall crucifix is visible across Jordan and the province of Iloilo.

The route to the peak is ornamented with 14 stations known as the “Way of the Cross,” each depicting a key event in Jesus Christ’s life. Catholics attend Balaan Bukid to be reminded of Jesus’ sufferings to preserve humanity. 

Trekkers who complete the trek are rewarded with stunning views of Iloilo City and Jordan, Guimaras. Balaan Bukid’s top’s cold and serene ambiance makes it an excellent place to unwind and reflect.

13. The Pitstop Restaurant

If you’re in Guimaras, don’t miss out on a one-of-a-kind gastronomic experience at Jordan’s The Pitstop Restaurant. The restaurant is well-known for its trademark dish, the Mango Pizza, which combines sweet and savory elements. This pizza, topped with mango slices, cashews, and cheese, seems more like a dessert than a conventional pizza.

Despite its tiny size, the restaurant maintains a friendly and private ambiance. Since its creation in 2005, The Pitstop Restaurant has been a popular destination for residents and travelers looking for a quick snack or a respite from their travels. In addition to the Mango Pizza, the restaurant serves other great meals, such as the Bulalo with Mango, which is highly recommended.

14. Oro Verde Mango Plantation

Visit the National Mango Research and Development Center, or NMRDC, to observe the mango plantation. Guimaras is noted for its delicious mangoes, which are frequently served in palaces and overseas presidential houses. Take refuge under the sprawling mango tree canopy for an Instagram-worthy shot.

Guimaras’ Travel Map

Guimaras includes five municipalities: Jordan, Nueva Valencia, Sibunag, San Lorenzo, and Buenavista.

Here’s a brief overview of each of them!

Jordan is Guimaras’ capital and most populated area. It is the hub of activity during the Manggahan Festival and unquestionably the most vibrant area on the island.

Nueva Valencia is considered the “beach capital” of Guimaras. It has various resorts, and two of Its most popular beaches (Alubihod and Guisi) are here. Following Jordan, Nueva Valencia is perhaps Guimaras’s second most popular tourist destination.

Sibunag is, to be honest, a location I know nothing about. There aren’t many attractions in this region, so I merely drove past. I’m SURE this area has many hidden gems for adventurous tourists to discover!

San Lorenzo is located on the eastern side of Guimaras. It is home to the Guimaras Windmills, one of Visayas’ only two wind farms. However, tourists seldom visit San Lorenzo.

Buenavista is located at the north end of Guimaras. It’s a peaceful and generally vacant location, and it’s not particularly popular, save from the Roca Encantada home.

How to get to Guimaras

There are two access points to Guimaras.

• IloIlo City (most popular among tourists)
• Pulupandan (Near Bacolod)
Guimaras has no airport; thus, the only way to get there is by ferry.

How to get to Guimaras from Iloilo

Guimaras trips are planned to begin in IloIlo. However, if you want to do it yourself, here’s how:

• The rapid boats to Guimaras depart from Parola Wharf in Iloilo City.

• If you’re traveling from the Iloilo airport, a cab to Parola Wharf would cost you around 600-800 Philippine pesos
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• When you arrive, get a ticket for Jordan Wharf (the most popular destination for visitors; the second wharf, Buenavista, is farther away).

• The fare is merely PHP30 per person, and the trip takes around 15 minutes. Boats begin leaving at 4 a.m., departing at 30-minute intervals during peak hours and 1-hour intervals during off hours.

• The last voyage normally occurs at 7 pm. Note that traveling to Guimaras is simple.

• Various boat companies transport passengers, so even if the timetables are complex, you must show up at Parola Wharf and be guaranteed to catch a trip.

How to Get to Guimaras from Bacolod

• The boats to Guimaras from Negros depart at Pulupandan wharf, which is approximately 45 minutes from Bacolod.

• Some jeepneys operate on the Libertad Market-Pulupandan route, or you can take a southern bus in Bacolod and request that they drop you off at Pulupandan.

• From Pulupandan Port, take a ferry to a dock on Guimaras’ east side (Nueva Valencia, Sibunag, or San Lorenzo).

• Ride a tricycle to Jordan (Guimaras’ capital and tourism hub) from there.

• There are typically three cruises daily, each costing php220 and lasting 45 minutes to an hour.

• Keep in mind that this route is unreliable. The timetable is always changing, and there are occasions when no excursions are made.

How to Get to Guimaras From Manila or Cebu

If you’re traveling to Guimaras from Manila, Cebu, or another region of the Philippines, I highly recommend flying into IloIlo City rather than Bacolod.

• Advice is only to take the Bacolod way if you’re already in Bacolod or someplace else on Negros island, like Dumaguete.

• IloIlo airport has direct flights from Manila, Cebu, Davao, Clark, General Santos, Puerto Princessa, and Cagayan de Oro.

• Once you arrive at the Iloilo airport, discover how to get to Guimaras!

Essential Advice For Getting Around Guimaras

Start arranging your vacation to Guimaras. It is worth noting that you might seek assistance from the Tourism Office at the Jordan Port in Guimaras. Officers can provide thorough information on other nearby attractions, lodgings, events, and transit choices to help you organize your stay.

They may also provide maps, brochures, and other information to help you get the most out of your visit to Guimaras.

Jeepneys are the island’s most frequent means of transportation. Rates start at P15 but vary according to distance travelled.

If you’re going to a large company, consider renting a jeepney or a van for convenience. Tricycles are also offered for regions that are difficult to access.

It is recommended that you pack adequate cash for your Guimaras trip. Most places only accept cash.