Guimaras is an island destination accessible from Iloilo City. This province is home to the sweetest and best mangoes in the country. In fact, they export to global customers. It is also a good place to beach bum, enjoy nature and have a fun vacation.
Read my budget and itinerary for Guimaras
Guide to Guimaras
Guimaras is an island province located in the Panay Gulf. It used to be known as Himal-us and was a sub-province of nearby Iloilo. It became an independent province in 1992. Around the 1580s, Gonzalo Ronquillo de Penalosa established a settlement in the province with the purpose of converting the locals. Mango products are one of the main exports of the province.
If you're planning to visit Guimaras, here are some of the things to do and places of interest to include in your itinerary.
Things to Do in Guimaras
Sad Sad Falls
We added this waterfall to our land tour itinerary. The cascade was powerful and the waterfall beautiful. There is a short trek to reach it. The pool can be muddy depending on the weather.
Guisi Beach
This beach may not have fine white sand, but I would definitely say it was the nicest one in Guimaras (in my opinion). The views were great, the water enticing and the ambiance chill.
Guisi Lighthouse
This old lighthouse provides visitors with overlooking views of the surroundings.
Trappist Monastery
The monastery is not just a place of worship, but also a place where you can get mango products as a souvenir.
Island Hopping
One of the reasons people visit Guimaras is to go island hopping. The ideal jump-off point for this activity is Alubihod Beach. A boat that can accommodate up to 10 people costs P600 for the first hour and an additional P200 for every hour after. A bigger boat that fits up to 16 passengers costs P800 for the first hour and an extra P250 for the next hour and so on. A boat for up to 20 people costs P1000 for the first hour and P300 for every hour after it.
Usual island hopping stops include:
- Turtle Island
- Natago Island (optional)
- Ave Maria Islet
- Fairy Castle
- Tatlong Pulo
- Baras Beach
- SEAFDEC
Other Places of Interest
Getting Around Guimaras
There are jeeps that go from one town to another. Fare is around P15 to P50 depending on the distance. If you are traveling with a large group, you can rent for around P1500 to P2000 for the day.
You can rent a tricycle for an entire day for around P1200 to P1500 for up to three passengers. The price depends on your itinerary.
Hiring a motorcycle taxi for the day is also possible for P1000.
The stops usually include when you travel by land around Guimaras include:
- Guisi Beach and Lighthouse
- Alubihod Beach
- Trappist Monastery
- San Lorenzo Wind Farm
- Pitstop Restaurant
How to Go to Guimaras
Guimaras is easy to reach by public transportation. You'll have to reach Iloilo City first. There are many flights from Metro Manila to Ilolilo. Book ahead of time to get the lowest possible price. From the airport, hop on a bus to the city proper, fare is around P80. Once in the city, you can take a jeep or taxi to Ortiz Wharf.
At the wharf, queue for a ticket to Jordan Wharf in Guimaras. fare is around P15 during the day and P22 for night trips. The trip takes only 15 minutes. At Jordan Wharf, you can hire a tricycle or board a public jeep to your accommodation.
Where to Stay in Guimaras
Some tourists go to Guimaras as a day trip from Iloilo, but I would suggest spending at least one night. There are some accommodation options to choose from during your visit.
You can look for other options via Agoda.
Sample Budget for Guimaras
This is a sample budget for Guimaras.
*Everything's in Philippine Peso.
30 - Round trip fare from Ortiz Port, Iloilo to Jordan Port, Guimaras
2200 - 2 nights at Raymen Beach Resort (shared with at least one other person)
500 - Island hopping rate (shared with at least one other person for 3 hours)
30 - SEAFDEC fee
750 - Tricycle land tour (shared with at least one other person)
40 - Guisi Beach and lighthouse fees
150 - Transportation
700 - Food and drinks
4400 - Total for 3 days and 2 nights
*The amount can be lower depending on your spending habits. You can do a 2 days and 1 night trip to save money.
Sample Itinerary for Guimaras
Here's a sample 3 days and 2 nights itinerary for Guimaras.
Day 1
Early departure from Iloilo
Check in accommodation
Land tour: Guisi Beach, Guisi Lighthouse, Trappist Monastery, Sad Sad Falls, etc.
Link:Guimaras land tour
Day 2
Island hopping: SEAFDEC, Turtle Island, Natago Island, Baras Beach, etc
Alubihod Beach
Buy souvenirs
Link:Island hopping Guimaras
Day 3
Check out accommodation
Leave for lloilo
This is just a sample and you can add or remove days or places.
