Location: Guimaras Island
Top Things to do in Guimaras Island
Top Restaurants in Guimaras Island
The 10 Best Things to Do in Guimaras Island, Philippines
Guimaras [ɡimaˈɾas] (Hiligaynon: Kapuoran sang Guimaras; Kinaray-a: Probinsiya kang Guimaras; Filipino: Lalawigan ng Guimaras) is an island province in the Philippines located in the region of Western Visayas. Among the smallest provinces, its capital is Jordan. The province is situated in the Panay Gulf, between the islands of Panay and Negros. To the northwest is the province of Iloilo and to the southeast is Negros Occidental. The whole island is part of the Metro Iloilo-Guimaras, one of the twelve metropolitan areas of the Philippines.
Restaurants in Guimaras Island
1. Guisi Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4 based on 95 reviews
Reviewed By Girlie G
The Guisi Lighthouse is an 18th century Spanish-colonial lighthouse built beside the beach. It was built to guide mariners passing the Iloilo and Guimaras strait. The lighthouse can be reached by following a light trail. The 15-minute uphill trek to the Guisi Lighthouse also provides a great view of the beach. At the top of the hill are the ruins of a Spanish-colonial outpost and the rotting remains of the metal lighthouse structure which you can still climb but with great caution. Although the condition of the old lighthouse is already almost falling apart it is the second oldest light house in the Philippines, the oldest lighthouse can be found in Aparri, Cagayan.
From Iloilo City pier, you have to a 15 minute motor boat to Buena Vista, Guimaras Island passing through Iloilo Strait which cost Php14 for adults and Php12 for children. From there we took a tricycle from Jordan Wharf to Nueva Valencia, day tour which included 4 other tourist spots cost about Php 1,500. At the time we did not pay any entrance fee for some reason but usually it cost about Php10 per person.
It's was a bit of a trekking but a welcome one since the beach sight is really beautiful! It's really is a facade by the sea! Enchanting! A new light house is build very near the old one and pretty high tech it seems! But the old light house, I got to dare myself to go up to the top! Make of metal but undeniable old! My son also dared to climb up and we had a bit of picture taking up there!
From the top, it is simply breath taking!
2. Trappist Monastery
Overall Ratings
4 based on 70 reviews
Reviewed By DJ R - Binangonan, Philippines
It's a monastery so expect a tranquil atmosphere (which is great). There's a church which I think is always open, so Catholic believers can whisper their prayers. Inside the compound is the Gift Shop where you can buy sweet delights that all comes in mango variety, religious images, key chains, shirts, bags and others. Most of the edible products are manufactured in a factory located inside the vast compound of the monastery. A must-visit for your "pasalubong" needs.
3. Ave Maria Islet
Overall Ratings
4 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By tungskie17 - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Visiting Ave Maria islet is part of our island hopping experience. Beautiful island with a very fine white sand, crystal clear water and a small shoreline not ideal to cater big visitor.However, it's unique landscape and calm nature is extremely refreshing.it's has a very interesting story according to some local about the name of the island. island hoolpping package is cheaper compare to other place it cost us around myr 70-80.I get the package from the place we stayed which is alubijod beach resort. Locals are very friendly and accommodating. Food? No worries as some of the resort allowed the guest to bring in food from the local homes who offered cooking service for the tourist. restaurant is also available.
4. Marine Reserved Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By TravelBug1469 - Manila, Philippines
SEAFDEC at Igang Nueva Valencia should not be confused with Taklong Island National Marine Reserved Area. TINMAR is located at Lapaz Nueva Valencia with an estimated area of 1,143 hectares covering the Islands of Taklong and Tandog - including the surrounding islets and water - extending towards Jordan..It is the University of the Philippines Visayas Marine Research Center complete with laboratory, lecture room, and dormitory. The place looks simple with small beach some meters away from the station but it is a true marine paradise for people who love exploring the underwater world.
5. Taklong Island National Marine Reserve
Overall Ratings
5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By Victorianlad - Melbourne, Australia
I had a half day private day trip for P1300 arranged by La Puerta al Paraiz(s)o Resort on Guimaras Island but one can arrive at this marine resort by road from the port of Jordan.
The weather was cloudy so visibility for snorkelling was very poor off the lovely 300 metre strip of white sand beach, but it was the mangroves that were the highlight. I saw quite a few marine birds along with the usual 'flying fish' and many new mangroves that were recently planted by the Department of Environment.
The staff asked for a donation but this may strictly not be what they are supposed to do.
6. Guisi Beach
Overall Ratings
4 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By Jaylord L
Awesome sunset can be viewed in the afternoon. can also be good for swimming. Just be careful with some corals near the bay. beautiful rock formations too .
7. Holy Family
Overall Ratings
4 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By Racq - Manila, Philippines
It's a large place surrounded by large numerous religious sculptures. The station of the cross are scattered properly. There's even a big Last Supper and a huge Holy Family sculpture. It's worth visiting. It's several times better than the Grotto in Bulacan.
8. Balaan Bukid
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By Phil H
We went here through a Multicab but because of the rough road we had to hike to go to the church/ chapel.
When you go up, the view is not worth the hike. Plus its so creepy! My sisters stayed at the cab and did not join the hike, they heard a woman screaming then singing voodoo like songs.
When we go back to the cab we heard it too! It's soo creepy that we asked the driver to start the engine right away.
9. Tatlong Pulo Beach
Overall Ratings
4 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By GeekyJee - Iloilo City, Philippines
If you are into some rustic beach experience, then this is the place for you. To get to Tatlong Pulo from Iloilo, you need to ride a pumpboat (20 mins) from the port in Iloilo. When you reach Jordan port, you may commute or rent a jeepney, traveling time can take maximum of 1 hour up to Sinapsapan. Your ride will only bring you until a junction and from there (there is no landmark), you need to hike for about 30 minutes (depending on your pace) until you reach the beach area. This is a semi-private beach resort so few people visit here. You should not expect any first-class accommodation when you get here. There is no hotel, no electricity and flowing water (just imagine being stranded to a beach like Tom Hanks or Leonardo DiCaprio). The sources of Freshwater would be the deep and artesian wells. There is no stores or restaurant where you can buy food but you can ask the caretaker of the beach resort to prepare food for you.
10. Roca Encantada
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By Scrattie - Newcastle, Australia
Roca Encantada or Echanted Rock in Spanish is located along Navalas Beach in Navalas, Buenavista, Guimaras Island. It is a nice Mansion built on top of a rock island connected to the Mainland of Guimaras. It is, however, privately owned by the prominent and wealthy Lopez Family who are industrialists and owners of media outfit ABS-CBN. A private visit may require special permits and arrangements to enter the mansion. It overviews the Iloilo Strait and the Islands of Siete Pecados.
Visitors can typically observe the mansion from the outside, either along the beach of Navalas or by taking a boat on an island hopping tour, with a swing-by at this mansion. Some of the locals mention that one can enter the premises by paying an entrance fee of 50-100 pesos to the security in charge of the place.
Navalas Beach can be reached by taking a jeepney transport from the town proper of Buenavista, or by a chartered tricycle from the town proper or from either entry ports of Jordan or MacArthur. jeepney fares from the town proper to Navalas is 13-15 pesos (0.5 AUD at current rates) one way, whereas tricycles from MacArthur Port to Navalas may vary from 150-200 pesos (5-6.5 AUD at 2016 rates) one way.
Boat tours may offer a stop or swing-by at this area upon arrangement with the boat operators.
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