The Province of Guimaras will definitely be brought up on the topic when we talk about mangoes because they are said to have the “Sweetest Mango in the Philippines.” With that, their local delicacies, with mango, are just mouth-watering. Aside from that, the residents must be proud of their breathtaking and stunning tourist destinations, such as beaches, historical sites, and other activities. They also have the Manggahan Festival, an annual festivity to thank them for their bountiful mango harvest. It is a small island province that can be visited for the whole day, but it can offer a lot to visitors.
How I Got to Guimaras
From Manila, I booked a direct flight with Cebu Pacific to Iloilo City, then a ferry ride to the province.
Places I Visited in Guimaras
This is my Day 5 – Solo Backpacking in Western Visayas. Upon searching, I found that the resorts in Guimaras are expensive, so I booked an overnight stay at Ong Bun Pension House in Iloilo City for only 400 pesos. Ong Bun is within walking distance of Robinson's Place and has a jeepney ride to Parola Port. To get here, I followed the instructions provided by the guards. Two blocks away, I rode in the jeepney with the ARU/GPU signboard and alighted by the entrance of Parola Port for a minimum fare. Then, bought a ferry ticket for 15 pesos and logged my name. The dock and go of the ferries are continuous every 30 minutes. Travel Time: 15 minutes.
1. The Smallest Plaza
At the port, I met Kuya Ken with his stunning new motorcycle. Our first destination was the Smallest Plaza in the Philippines and the former Guinness Book of World Records holder of the same title, 15-20 minutes from the port. The plaza is around 200 to 300 square meters in area, with the Philippine National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, in the middle and the highway and residents' houses on the side. According to Kuya Ken, all attendees fit into this small plaza during their annual fiesta. This means that this tiny plaza witnessed most of the gigantic historical events in the province.
2. I Love Guimaras Signboard
Next is the signboard by the Capitol grounds. This is where I had a glimpse of the province's history. According to what is written: “In early as 1581, this island was already known and called by several names. The earliest records of its name were given by a Portuguese mariner in honor of his country and birthplace, Guimaras. Others say that a Spanish missionary named the island after a peninsula in Portugal called Guimaras, or from the names of places in Spain.” I can barely read the details below this paragraph.
3. Mango Plantation
As mentioned above, the province is always associated with “the sweetest mangoes” in the Philippines, so visiting one of the mango plantations is a must. According to studies, the province has a volcanic soil that is very good for cultivating mangoes; as a result, their mangoes are the sweetest in the country. The colorful Manggahan Festival is celebrated annually to thank their bountiful mango harvest. Their local government invested in infrastructure that will help the mango farmers harvest more.
4. Trappist Monastery
My fourth destination was Our Lady of the Philippines Monastery, or the Trappist Monastery. It is the home of the Christian Monks in the Philippines, founded in 1972. For Catholic believers, it’s the perfect spot for retreat, but for those looking for something to eat or pasalubong, it is also the perfect spot for you. The monastery has a gift shop with many products, from souvenirs (like shirts, key chains, fridge magnets, and other local products) to sumptuous biscuits, piaya, and other local food products made from mango.
5. Alubihod Beach
We were in a hurry because we felt raindrops on our skin, and the cumulus clouds formed in the sky. At 10 AM, we reached Raymen Beach Resort in Nueva Valencia. Paid 25 pesos for the day tour entrance fee. Alubihod Beach has fine white sand, emerald, crystal clear waters, and gigantic rock formations. Less than 20 people were on the beach during my visit, so the ambiance was relaxing. Stayed here for an hour. Activities that are very interesting in Alubihod are swimming, island hopping, jet skiing, and many more. Usually, these services are offered by the beach resort owners. It is also the best place to stay.
6. Guisi Lighthouse
On the southwestern coastline of the province, tourists can also visit Guisi Beach and the Guisi Rock Formations. Yellowish sand, crystal clear waters, towering and artistic rock formations, and preserved tranquility are on its coastline. Resort owners offer island hopping, snorkeling, and other water activities.
7. The Pitstop Restaurant
It's almost lunchtime, so Kuya Ken brought me to the Pitstop Restaurant – they have the best flavors. Had my super light lunch – double-sized pizza and cucumber lemonade. Inside, I saw familiar faces, those faces that I’d been seeing in the spots I also visited. Had no photos taken because I was hungry.
8. Guimaras Windmills
The next and last destination was the Guimaras Windmills. It’s a wide area with 27 gigantic wind turbines that harness electricity from the wind. The island is surrounded by the sea, so it’s a perfect location for renewable energy because of its sea breeze. According to Kuya Ken, the harnessed energy is transported to Iloilo City via cables submerged in the water. There’s a registration, but no entrance fee. Also, we talked about the proposed bridge that will supposedly connect the province to Iloilo; however, it was declined because it could damage living underwater creatures. Then, my tour guide brought me to the Port. Settled the fee, and at 3 PM, I boarded the ferry and left the island.
My flight was at 7:45 PM, so I still had a lot of free time. Wearing the same outfit, not sure about my smell, upon arrival in Parola Port, Iloilo, I asked one of the guards for my route to SM City Iloilo via jeepney, and he responded with a smile. I was mesmerized by his smile, so I followed his instructions. I rode in a jeepney by the port with a “Super” signboard. Alighted at the plaza near the city hall. Crossed the street and took another ride on a jeepney with the “SM or Robinsons” signboard. I had a coffee break at Starbucks for over an hour, then rode in a taxi to the airport.
Where to Stay
I did not stay overnight in Guimaras, but the best resort and hotel choices are below. To book them, visit the link in the Related Posts.
- Raymen Beach Resort
- Raj Inn Guimaras by RedDoorz
- The Lazy Tiki
- SunSea Resort
- The Clara Beach and Guest House
Closing Thoughts: The Joy of Solo Backpacking in Guimaras
Solo backpacking in Guimaras is more than just discovering its pristine beaches and island charm — it’s about finding peace in simplicity. From the golden sands of Alubihod Beach to the serene views of Guisi Lighthouse, every spot tells a story of warmth and island life. Traveling alone lets you move at your own pace, connect deeply with locals, and truly embrace the quiet beauty that this island offers. Whether you’re chasing sunsets, tasting the sweetest mangoes, or just sitting by the shore, Guimaras is the perfect destination for reflection and adventure.
So pack light, keep your heart open, and let Guimaras remind you that sometimes, the best travel companion is yourself.
On the other hand, traveling in the Philippines is highly recommended because of its hidden beauty. Want to explore stunning places? Here’s my full travel guide after visiting all 82 provinces in the Philippines.
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