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Iloilo has some of the best beaches. With so many hidden gems, it is truly a treat for both the locals and tourists. The island of Guimaras, specifically, is often recommended to travelers who visit Iloilo City as it’s just a 15-minute ferry ride from the city port. Most would often think that a day is enough to see what the island offers, especially if their primary goal is to get their hands on the popularly luscious mangoes of the island. However, Guimaras isn’t only a day trip escape from the city. It is an island that has more stories to offer, - it even has some of the most interesting things to offer, especially during the Lenten season. Just be sure you’re willing to get to know it better for more than a day.
Wondering what to do in Guimaras? Read on to find out about the best things to do on Guimaras Island, Philippines.
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Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Like other coastal areas in the Philippines, Guimaras is also home to unique natural rock formations. Fairy Castle Rock Formation is one of this province’s most prominent attractions. This popular rock pattern is interestingly shaped like a fairy’s fantasy castle, hence its name.
Its unique look made itself part of the regular itinerary of organized boat tours in the island province. You can visit the rock formation with nearby islands such as Ave Maria Islet, Turtle Island, and Igang Marine Station (SEAFDEC). Feel free to ask your boatman ahead of time to include it in your tour if you’re keen to catch sight of this natural wonder in person.
Address: Nueva Valencia, Guimaras
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
No visit to Guimaras is complete without sinking your teeth in its world-famous sweet mangoes. Sure, most tourists are pretty acquainted with the province’s range of mango products, but here’s a new delectable food with which you can delight your palate—mango pizza!
The local diner The Pitsop introduced this fresh take on sweet Guimaras mangoes in 2005 and undeniably received a warm welcome from locals and tourists alike. The restaurant’s signature pizza is an ensemble of a slightly thick crust topped with generous mango dressing, melted cheese, and cashew nuts. The result? A burst of tangy sweetness and creamy flavors in your mouth.
Address: HHWQ+R68, Guimaras Circumferential Rd, Jordan, Guimaras
Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Originally a pilgrimage for priests, Holy Family Hills has become a popular spiritual retreat since it opened to the public in 2012. The place is perfect for individuals looking to have an hour of reflection amid their sightseeing. This 52-hectare (128.49-acre) sheer property is a perfect destination for peace as it includes not only a church but also a meditation garden and is surrounded by lush vegetation.
The place even features the Stations of the Cross with life-size statues, which, when paced leisurely, can take only about 30 to 45 minutes. You might also meet a few friendly farm animals while you stroll around the vast property.
Address: Barangay Tamborong, San Lorenzo, Guimaras
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Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Also called Baras Cave, Buho Ramirez Cave is decorated by rock formations and hundreds of fruit bats. Depending on the tide, visitors can either walk around the rocks or take a dip in its clear waters. This is often included in the island hopping tours offered in Jordan.
Address: Lawi, Jordan, Guimaras, Philippines
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user WanderMheL used under CC BY-SA 4.0
Ambakan Falls in Guimaras is a great swimming treat after hiking through its muddy trail. It is located 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) away from Jordan Wharf and is the perfect location to snap some beautiful photographs!
Address: Jordan, Guimaras, Philippines
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Iloilo Wanderer used under CC BY-SA 3.0
Discover nature’s well-kept marine treasures protected by the local government in Takong Island National Marine Reserve. Here, you can witness the powdery beach, mangroves, corals, and different kinds of fish all in one site. Don’t think you can’t swim here because it’s a marine reserve! Go ahead and jump in one of the clearest waters you’ll see, it’s truly one of the best places to visit in Guimaras.
Address: Luzaran, Lapaz, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras, Philippines
Alubihod Beach is the most popular beach on the island, but its beauty remains flawless. Its red-tinted pebbles mixing in with the white sand gives the beach a pinkish hue blending with the clear blue sea. You can mark the beach as your starting point for your island hopping tour where you can visit other attractions including Ave Maria Beach and Buho Ramirez Cave.
Address: Nueva Valencia, Guimaras, Philippines
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
The Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center is a research center where they breed and study different fish species. This place is best for those who want an educational tour about marine life and aquaculture. You can get to know its inhabitants such as the clownfish, milkfish, Giant grouper, sea urchins, and more. This property also has research labs, hatcheries, broodstock tanks, and an aquarium museum.
Address: Igang, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras, Philippines
Source: www.klook.com
Still wondering where to go in Guimaras? The Ave Maria Islet is a must-see destination for island hopping tours. It got its name from a rock formation with a grotto-like shape. It’s small yet it attracts tourists with its sandbar and clear waters where you can go fishing or snorkeling. Other activities you can do here include fish feeding and cliff diving.
Just a tip: Visit the island during a weekday so you can have the island to yourself! Also before going, check if the tides allow you to access the island.
Address: Nr. Sitio Lusay, Jordan, Guimaras, Philippines
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If you ever wondered what it feels like to get stuck on an untouched island, there’s Tatlong Pulo Beach for you. The place is perfect for photographers who want to take in breathtaking sunsets with unspoiled views or for those who want to literally unplug themselves from the world as the beach doesn’t have shops, the internet, or even electricity.
Wondering if it’s affordable to get in? The entrance fee costs around 200 PHP (4 USD) and you can rent a hut for 500 PHP (10 USD) if you want to stay overnight.
Address: Sinapsapan, Jordan, Guimaras, Philippines
From Iloilo, you can take a car by ferry across the Guimaras straight to Jordan. Make a day-drive of it to the town of San Lorenzo. There are a number of huge windmill wind farms. At the farms, it’s cool and has a lovely view of the ocean. Local crafts are available as mementos, especially miniature windmills.
The giant windmills offer a chance to walk through some scenic areas and snap some awesome selfies. The training center for the engineers offers a place for visitors to park and rest. Take along a picnic and enjoy a drive through mango farms and plantations.
Address: San Lorenzo, 5047, Philippines
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We like discovering secret places and at Natago Beach (“natago” actually means hiding), you can get your own place over a breathtaking view. Guests can rent the entire bamboo house standing on top of limestone rocks if they want to spend an entire day in this secluded area!
Address: Sinapsapan, Jordan, Guimaras, Philippines
Duration: 10hrsDuration
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user M0N FEDERE MD used under CC BY-SA 3.0
One of the most famous landmarks of Guimaras is Roca Encantada. It is known to be a heritage house that dates all the way back to 1910. This centuries-old home has withstood the test of time and has been a long-standing icon of the small island of Guimaras. Truly captivating, this picturesque home sits atop a huge rock nestled on the sea, hence the name “Roca Encantada” or “Enchanted Rock.” When in the area, you should definitely give it a visit. Its panoramic views coupled with the stunning ocean on the horizon offers the perfect recipe for Instagram-worthy photos.
Address: Barangay San meguil, Buenavista, Guimaras, Philippines
Source: Photo by Flickr user mkirader used under CC BY 2.0
It’s easy to find Guisi Beach, just head to the Guisi Lighthouse attraction and there you are - a few steps away from the beach, beautifully surrounded by limestone rock formations. Grab your snorkeling gear as you shouldn’t miss the rich marine life around its clear waters. Don’t also forget about the fantastic views from the nearby rock cliff.
Address: Nueva Valencia, Guimaras, Philippines
Duration: 8 hours
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Iloilo Wanderer used under CC BY-SA 3.0
The Trappist Monastery is a nice quiet place to reflect, light a candle and say a prayer. Meet the monks and support the local stall holders for local products. Inside the Monastery gift shop, you’ll find so much stuff to buy. These include a range of wines, salt dips, and organic jellies. It’s probably the best gift shop in all of Guimaras. Mango products are popular and include a range of jams.
The monastery is just across the road from a mini-zoo where you’ll find parrots and other attractive birds like peacocks. Nearby, you’ll also find the vast mango orchards, which is where the monks get their fruit from. Overall. it’s a cool and pleasing place to while away a few hours of the day.
Address: Jordan, Guimaras, Philippines
Duration: 8 hours
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Mats Sjödin used under CC BY 3.0
Never underestimate what Guimaras Island’s tourist spots can offer you. This destination filled with around 50,000 mango trees isn’t just only about the high-quality sweet mangoes, but also about its uncrowded islands and beaches that can bring you your best vacation ever. You can visit Guimaras via ferry from its neighbors in the Visayas region: Iloilo, Negros Occidental, and Cebu. If you’re going to join some of the island hopping tours, expect to spend around 400 PHP (8 USD) for a boat good for 6 people. If you want to roam around the island on your own without the troubles of waiting for a jeepney, you can rent a motorbike or a tricycle.
The best time to go to Guimaras is during the summer season (especially if you want to get that quick tan) which can start as early as February to May. You can even have the chance to join their Mango Festival where you can binge eat nothing but - you know it - mangoes.
1. What are the best attractions to visit in Guimaras?
Some of the best attractions you shouldn’t miss when in Guimaras are Guisi Beach, Amabakan Falls, Taklong Island National Marine Reserve, and Roca Encantada. Make sure you drop by these places during your trip!
2. What are the best outdoor activities in Guimaras?
If you love the outdoors, you’ll surely enjoy a trip around Guimaras. Some of the best outdoor activities here are swimming in Guisi Beach and Tatlong Pulo Beach, hiking in Taklong Island National Marine Reserve, and, of course, exploring the scenic island for some awesome photos.
3. What are the most popular things to do in Guimaras with kids and family?
Enjoy a fun-filled and memorable vacation in Guimaras with the whole family. Some of the most popular things to do here for kids and families are visiting Guisi Beach and Amabakan Falls, going on a day tour of the island, and snapping lots of beautiful pictures of the family to have as treasured keepsakes.
Source: https://trip101.com