From Iloilo, Guimaras is a short drive across the bridge — and it feels like crossing into a different world. Iloilo is modern, urban, buzzing with energy. Guimaras is quiet, rural, and famous for exactly one thing: the best mangoes on earth. We spent a few nights here after our Iloilo city days, and the contrast was exactly what we needed.
The island is known as the mango capital of the world, and that’s not marketing hype. Guimaras mangoes are noticeably sweeter, denser, and more flavorful than mangoes anywhere else in the Philippines. They’re exported internationally and used in everything from pizza to shakes to desserts you’ve never heard of. Coming here and not eating mangoes in every possible form would be like visiting Pampanga and skipping the sisig.
Pocket Beaches
White sand, floating cottages, and the kind of coastline where having the entire beach to yourself is normal — not a luxury.
What Are the Beaches Like?
We found a really nice beach scene in Guimaras — nothing like the crowds of Boracay or even the growing tourism of Siargao. These are pocket beaches where budget-friendly resorts share white sand with almost nobody else.
Alubihod Beach — The island’s most well-known beach, and for good reason. A pocket of white sand with multiple budget-friendly resorts. It’s the primary jump-off point for island-hopping tours, kayaking, and snorkeling. We spent time here and enjoyed the low-key vibe — families, a few expats, and absolutely zero pretension.
Alobijod Cove — Known for its tranquil environment and floating cottages where you can have lunch during island-hopping trips. Ideal for families. We really enjoyed the company of a few expats who were living and traveling there — the kind of casual connections you make when everyone’s relaxed and nobody’s in a hurry.
Tatlong Pulo Beach — Named after three karst formations nearby. It’s possible to have this entire white-sand beach to yourself for days. Not a typo — days. It remains largely untouched and is exactly the kind of beach that will eventually be “discovered,” but for now, it’s yours.
Capitoguan Beach — A secluded white-sand beach that requires a rugged hike to reach. No road access, minimal cottages. This is for people who want to earn their beach. The isolation is the point.
What’s the Snorkeling Like?
The snorkeling around Guimaras was solid. We did some island-hopping off Alubihod and the water was clear with decent coral. Nothing as dramatic as Tubbataha or the Apo Reef, but better than expected for an island that isn’t marketed as a dive destination.
Taklong Island National Marine Reserve — Considered one of the cleanest island environments in Guimaras. You can explore mangrove forests via a man-made trail or find secluded little beaches within the reserve away from the standard tour routes. It’s gaining recognition but still feels genuinely undiscovered.
Mango Everything
Pizza, shakes, desserts, straight off the tree. Guimaras doesn't just grow the world's best mangoes — it builds an entire cuisine around them.
Where Should You Eat in Guimaras?
The mango pizza was a highlight of the entire trip. Not just Guimaras — the entire Philippines trip.
- Olivia’s Kitchen and Island Brew (Guimaras Circumferential Rd) — The mango pizza here is legendary — fresh Guimaras mangoes on a crispy crust that somehow works perfectly. Western-inspired dishes in a homey atmosphere. Mandatory stop. ₱500–1,000 ($9–18 USD) per person.
- Pitstop Restaurant (Jordan) — Near the ferry wharf, serving Filipino comfort food. Good for a first or last meal on the island. ₱200 ($3.60 USD) per person.
- Raymen’s Place (Nueva Valencia) — Beachside restaurant near Alubihod with fresh seafood and cold San Miguel. Simple setting, solid food. ₱250 ($4.50 USD) per person.
- Guisi Beach seafood vendors — Buy fresh catch from fishermen and have it grilled on the spot. As local as it gets. ₱150 ($2.70 USD) per person.
- Mango shake and dessert stalls — Scattered around Jordan and Nueva Valencia. Fresh Guimaras mango shakes, mango floats, and dried mango for ₱50–100 ($0.90–1.80 USD). You’ll stop at more than one.
Guimaras mangoes are genuinely different from the mangoes you'll find in Manila supermarkets. The ones sold at roadside stalls on the island — small, golden, and unrefrigerated — are sweeter than anything you've tasted. Buy a kilo and eat them for merienda (afternoon snack). And if you see green mangoes being sold with bagoong (shrimp paste), that's how we eat unripe mango in the Philippines. The combination of sour and salty is addictive.
Where Should You Stay in Guimaras?
- Raymen Beach Resort (Alubihod) — The most popular option on the island. Beach cottages, basic but clean rooms, and the island-hopping jump-off point. ₱1,200–2,500/night ($22–45 USD).
- Alobijod Cove Floating Cottages — Unique floating accommodation on the water. Simple, memorable, and ideal for couples or small groups. ₱800–1,500/night ($14–27 USD).
- Isla Naburot Resort — The upscale option. A private island resort with bamboo cottages, inclusive meals, and kayaks. ₱5,000–8,000/night ($90–144 USD).
- Homestays in Jordan/Nueva Valencia — Family-run guesthouses near the beaches. Basic rooms with fans or AC. ₱500–800/night ($9–14 USD).
For something completely different, check out the Bamboo Forest — a man-made bamboo forest that locals say feels like Arashiyama in Japan. It’s a newer attraction, primarily for photos and relaxation, but locals love it and tourists rarely find it.
Buho Ramirez Cave — Contains cool, clear water suitable for a dip. Less frequented than the beaches and a refreshing change of pace on a hot day.
What Cultural Experiences Are Worth Seeking Out?
Guimaras is small and rural, but there’s more depth than meets the eye.
Bouldering — Experienced climbers can explore bouldering lines on the island by coordinating with the Iloilo Climbing Community. Not a mainstream activity, but the limestone formations are well-suited for it.
Higatangan-style community tourism — Some of the smaller beach communities are developing artisan workshops and cultural programs. Ask around locally — these aren’t advertised but they exist for visitors willing to look.
The island’s festivals are small-town affairs — the Manggahan Festival (mango festival) in May is the big one, celebrating the harvest with street parades, mango-eating contests, and agricultural exhibits.
- Getting there: Short drive across the bridge from Iloilo, or a 15-minute pump boat. We drove and it was seamless. Base yourself in Iloilo and day-trip, or stay a few nights on the island — we did the latter and don't regret it.
- Money: Bring cash from Iloilo. ATMs are limited and most businesses are cash-only. Budget for resort accommodation, boat charters for island-hopping, meals, and transport.
- Mango pizza: Olivia's Kitchen. Non-negotiable. Go for lunch so you can also explore the area afterward.
- How long to stay: Two nights is the sweet spot. One day for beaches and snorkeling, one for exploring the interior (cave, bamboo forest, farms). Day-tripping from Iloilo works but you'll feel rushed.
- Island hopping: Arrange a boat from Alubihod Beach. The standard circuit hits several islands and beaches. Bring snorkel gear if you have your own — rental quality varies.
- Best beaches: Tatlong Pulo for solitude, Alubihod for convenience, Capitoguan for adventure (hike-in only). Pick based on your energy level.
- Combine with Iloilo: These two destinations are a natural pair — three to four nights in Iloilo plus two in Guimaras makes a complete Western Visayas trip. Fly in and out of Iloilo (ILO).
Sweet as the Mangoes
An island that delivers exactly what it promises — the world's best mangoes, empty beaches, and the kind of pace that reminds you why you traveled in the first place.
Guimaras is the antidote to over-tourism. It’s a tiny island where the biggest attraction is fruit, the beaches are often empty, and the expat community is small enough that you end up having actual conversations with people instead of competing for space. The mango pizza at Olivia’s Kitchen is genuinely one of the best meals we had in the Philippines — and we’ve been eating our way through this country for over twenty years.
Paired with Iloilo — the modern, livable city just across the bridge — Guimaras completes a Western Visayas experience that most travelers never discover because they’re too busy booking flights to Boracay. Their loss. The mangoes here are sweeter, the beaches are emptier, and nobody’s trying to sell you a parasailing package. That’s our kind of island.