Guimaras Island | DIY Travel Guide
Finally, after 2 years of living in a bubble, we can now travel hassle-free to most destinations around Philippines. Because of this, we immediately searched for a new and affordable place to explore. We came across Cebu Pacific’s promo fare. Iloilo’s base fare is only 88.00 so the right thing to do is to book as soon as possible haha.
After we’ve booked a flight to Iloilo, that’s was the only time we discussed on how we will spend our 3 days, 2 nights trip. There were 2 options: Explore both Iloilo and Guimaras or select one of the 2 places. Since we wanted to go to a beach and relax, we decided to spend this travel only in Guimaras.
Guimaras is an island located in the west part of Visayas. Just south of Iloilo and Northwest of Negros. Known as the Mango Capital of the Philippines, the mango produced here is one of the sweetest in the world. Aside from the mangoes and all the delicacies related to it, Guimaras do have beaches and several islands as well.
On day 1, flight was delayed due to a weather situation in Manila. We arrived in Sun Sea Resort late afternoon. An inland resort with pool situated in the southern part of Guimaras Island. An hour travel from Jordan Wharf.
Tired from the travel going to Guimaras, we decided to have an early dinner and prepare for the next day. Since we are looking for a nearby beach where we could eat, our resort offered their service and dropped us off in Rumagangrang Beach. It is a small beach with a rock formation, rocky shore, strong waves and a constant blustery wind. The place is called Rumagangrang because of the sound of the waves hitting the rocks.
The next day, we scheduled an island hopping tour in the southern part area Nueva Valencia. The boat picked us up just across the highway from our resort. Our first stop was Yato Island. This island has a camp site and a short stretch of beach with fine creamy sand.
From Yato Island, we pass through small islands until we reach Taklong sandbar. A small patch of sand that connects two islands. We also tried to snorkel near the sandbar and found few corals and fishes.
A short boat ride and we arrived at Taklong Marine Reserve or TINMAR. TINMAR has a powdery white sand beach. This was the cleanest island we’ve visited in Guimaras.
We also explored the back part of TINMAR. Here there’s a man-made trail thru the mangrove forest. Depending on the tide, part of the trail may submerge in water.
Since this is a marine reserve, we also checked its underwater scene. The caretaker of the island showed us the giant clams. Unfortunately, forgot to put a memory card in my Gopro :(
After our snorkeling session, our boat went around the island and navigated through a mangrove maze to a floating cottage. The floating cottage is situated in a sandbar in the middle of a mangrove forest. You can buy snacks in the floating cottage and chill in the swimming area.
By noon, we were back in our resort and ready for the afternoon land tour. Our first stop was Pitstop restaurant for lunch. We wanted to try the famous Mango Pizza. It has mangoes, cheese, green bell pepper and cashew nuts.
From there, our next stop was Charlie’s Floating Cottage. The entrance is thru a narrow alley to the beach. Aside from the restaurant, they offer water activities like: Diving Board, Tarzan Swing, Slide and a pool. We stayed for a while and had some shakes.
Our next destination was Guisi Lighthouse. A ruin of an 18th century Spanish colonial lighthouse. This requires a short trek from the drop off point. Guisi Lighthouse has a great view of the sea. Best to visit this place late afternoon while the sun sets.
Then from the drop-off point, there’s a path to the beach. Guisi Beach has a fine cream sand and emerald waters with rock formations at both ends. We stayed here for sunset before ending our land tour.
We wanted to explore more of Guimaras Island so on our 3rd day, we went to Alubijod Beach for another island hopping tour. Alubijod Beach has a powdery, creamy to white sand.
One tour provider operates in Alobijod Cove Resort. The tour covers the west part of Nueva Valencia. The area has plenty of hidden coves, caves and beaches.
On our way to the island hopping spots, we’ve passed several island with rugged terrain and dense trees.
Our first stop was Natago Beach, a resort with a viewpoint. It also has an old nipa hut situated at the edge of the cliff.
Access to the swimming area has a very small beach with powdery, creamy to white sand.
The water was clear with a good amount of corals but not so much fishes.
Then we went to Baras Cave. A small tunnel-like cave accessible via boat. If the tide permits, small boats can pass through Baras Cave. Unfortunately, our boat cannot enter the cave because the tide was high. We decided to swim inside and explore the cave and its rock formations. There’s a part of the cave that is pitch black. It was a little bit scary but I enjoyed the whole experience.
Our last stop was Ave Maria Island. Ave Maria Island has a small patch of beach. The beach has powdery, creamy to white sand. Due to the small area, it gets easily crowded.
We also explored the underwater life around the area and found very few corals and fishes.
The last item in our itinerary before leaving Guimaras was to buy mangoes and Guimaras delicacies.
Guimaras Island has plenty of landscapes and seascapes to explore. It has a rugged terrain, islands and beaches with fine creamy sand and emerald green waters. For me the top destination is Taklong Marine Reserve or TINMAR, Natago Beach and Baras Cave. I noticed that in most of the places we’ve visited, they set up an enclosure where tourist are allowed swim. Not sure why they do this but I don’t like it. We also tried to explore the underwater scene of the places we’ve visited but there was nothing much to see. Lastly, I really wish the local government of Guimaras do something about the trash.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT GUIMARAS ISLAND
The best time to visit Guimaras Island is May, during Manggahan Festival. But do expect crowded places during the time.
WHAT ARE THE THINGS TO PACK TO GUIMARAS ISLAND
Comfortable clothes
Beach wear
Swimwear
Sandals / Slippers
Protection from the sun
Tumbler
Dry bag
Camera / Action Cam
Floaty / Bobber or Floating stick
Toiletries
Towel
Beach Mat
HOW TO GET TO GUIMARAS ISLAND FROM MANILA
To get to Guimaras Island from Manila, the fastest way is via Iloilo. Flight time is around 1 hour and 15 minutes.
From Iloilo International Airport, the fastest way to Parola Wharf is via taxi. There’s a taxi stand just outside the airport behind the waiting area and food stalls. Do note that taxis in Iloilo are notorious for not charging via meter. As a guide, the rate is 500.00 – 600.00. Travel time is around 30 minutes.
Near the entrance of the Parola Wharf, you need to register for the health declaration.
Depending on where you will stay, you’ll have different port options. We took the Parola Wharf to Jordan Wharf. Travel time is around 15 minutes and ticket costs 40.00 per head.
In Jordan Wharf, you can ride a van or hire a trike to your resort.
GUIMARAS ISLAND BUDGET AND ITINERARY
The estimated budget for a 3 days, 2 nights DIY travel to Guimaras is around Php7,500.00 per person. This is computed based 2 pax. Plane Fare and Pasalubong not included.
You can still lower the cost on food and accommodation. Also, the trike fare, Island hopping fee and van service can be lowered if you’re travelling with a group.
See costs details below:
NOTE: Rates indicated above may change.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN VISITING GUIMARAS ISLAND
Guimaras Island consists of 5 municipalities. Each area offers different attractions. This is also true in Island Hopping.
Pricing for the island hopping in Alubijod Beach is different from most of the Island Hopping in Philippines. They have a base rate for the first 2 hours then additional fee for every hour in excess. The downside here is that it will be costly for tourist to explore all of the tourist destinations in the area.
To explore Guimaras via land, the main transportation is trike. Rate will depend on the attractions you’ll visit.
Most establishments closes at 6PM.
Cash basis here.
There are few ATMs in the island.
Signal in Guimaras Island is weak for both Globe and Smart. No signal on the southern part of the island.
Sun Sea Resort
eMail: sunseaguimaras@gmail.com
Tel Num: 0919 950 4174
GUIMARAS ISLAND TRAVEL TIPS
We’ve visited Guimaras a week after the Manggahan Festival, there’s less crowd on tourist destinations but noticed 2 things: Increase in price of the mangoes and scarcity of mangoes both in fruit stalls and restaurants.
If you plan to explore Guimaras via land, best to rent a tricycle and agree on a rate. It is difficult to commute in this island if you are outside the town proper.
Guisi Lighthouse and Guisi Beach is perfect for sunset.
Do not leave trash behind.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Guimaras Island Travel Requirements
As of June 2022, only vaccination card is required.
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See you on my next adventure…. Peace!
Stand Up Paddle in Loboc River.