Your No-BS Travel Guide to Guimaras a.k.a Mango Capital Of The Philippines! (Budget & Itinerary)

Let’s be real. Guimaras is just known for its mangoes. I know what you’re thinking. Aside from mangoes, what exciting activities can we even do there? But the truth is, this province in Western Visayas has so much more going on. It is the mango capital, yes, but it is also a chill destination where you can road trip without traffic, climb up old lighthouses, explore bike trails, and vibe with locals in a festival that lasts for weeks. If you want both quiet beaches and quirky experiences, Guimaras is worth the trip.

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Before you start planning your itinerary, here are a few things to know about the island. The mango hype in Guimaras is real. They’re literally everywhere, and the island takes pride in being the country’s Mango Capital. But Guimaras isn’t just about fruit. It’s also a biker’s paradise, with bike parks, rentals, and cycling routes spread across the island. Beyond that, you’ll find beaches, wind farms, and even lighthouses waiting to be explored. Best part? It’s still a lowkey destination. Not crowded, not too commercial, and definitely not overrated!

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Guimaras may sound tricky to reach since you cannot just fly directly in, but it is simpler than you think. All you need is a short boat ride and a bit of planning.

From Iloilo City (easiest): Take a taxi (₱600 to ₱800) from the airport to Parola Wharf, then hop on a boat to Jordan Wharf (₱30, 15 minutes). Boats leave as early as 4 AM until 7 PM.

From Bacolod: Ride to Pulupandan, then ferry to Guimaras (₱220, 45 minutes to 1 hour). Note: schedules here can be inconsistent.

From Manila or Cebu: Fly to Iloilo, then take the Iloilo to Guimaras route.

Also read: 5 Days Through Bacolod, Iloilo & Guimaras for Less Than ₱7,000

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Public transport is not really a thing here, so be ready to arrange your own ride. The good news is, it is easy to rent or book tours once you arrive.

Tricycle tours: ₱1,500 to ₱1,800 per group (up to 5 pax). Covers most tourist spots.

Motorbike rental: ₱600 per day. Best for freedom and zero waiting.

Bicycle rental: ₱500 per day if you want an active trip.

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Where you stay depends on what vibe you are after. Do you want easy access to shops and transport, or do you prefer to be right by the beach?

Jordan (capital town): Best for the Manggahan Festival and access to food, shops, and tours.

Alubihod Beach (Nueva Valencia): More relaxed, with resorts and the jump off for island hopping.

Tip: If you are going during the festival, book at least a month in advance because hotels fill up fast.

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This is the highlight of the year in Guimaras. For weeks, the whole island celebrates with parades, food, music, and of course, mangoes.

Mango Eat All You Can: ₱150 entry, 30 minutes, unlimited mangoes. You’ll be surprised how tough it is to eat more than five.

Other festival activities: Street dancing, booths, pageants, competitions, fireworks.

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Guimaras is not just about sitting by the beach. The island is full of spots for sightseeing, photos, and fun side trips.

San Lorenzo Wind Farm: Huge windmills you can walk under.

Guisi Lighthouse: Built in 1894, rustic and atmospheric.

Mango Research Centre: Endless rows of mango trees.

Trappist Monastery: Souvenirs, jams, and monk made products.

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Pitstop Restaurant: Famous for mango pizza. Try it for the experience.

Smallest Plaza: Once in the Guinness records.

Island hopping: From Alubihod Beach, see Baras Cave, Ave Maria Island (₱30), and Natago Beach (₱50). Boats start at ₱900.

Also read: 8 Guimaras Tourist Spots You Must Visit on Your West Visayas Trip

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A Guimaras trip does not have to break the bank. With around ₱3,000 you can already cover the basics and even join the mango buffet.

Boat to Guimaras: ₱30

Tricycle tour: ₱500

Meals: ₱650 plus

Island hopping and fees: ₱600 plus

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Mango Eat All You Can: ₱150

Misc transport and snacks: ₱300

Total: Around ₱2,985 per person if you are in a group.

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When you go can change the whole vibe of your trip. Pick the right season to make the most of it.

April to May: Peak festival season.

November to April: Best weather for beach trips.

June to September: Rainy, expect sudden showers.

Also read: Guimaras Travel Guide: Top 10 Things to See and Do for an Unforgettable Trip

If you are tired of the usual tourist spots, Guimaras is a good switch up. It is affordable, laid back, and not crowded. You can island hop in the morning, check out windmills in the afternoon, then end the day with mangoes straight from the source. In just two days, you’ll feel like you’ve seen and done a lot.

It is time to stop overlooking Guimaras. Put it on your 2025 travel list.

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