Guimaras Island, Philippines: A Local’s Guide to Mangoes, Monasteries, and Quiet Beaches

The ferry from Iloilo City cuts through the gentle waves of the Guimaras Strait in the Philippines, its engine humming a familiar tune that locals have heard for decades.

As the small island of Guimaras emerges from the morning mist, I find myself leaning against the railing, anticipation building with each nautical mile.

This isn’t my first visit to this island, but something about this destination feels different—more intimate, more authentic, like stepping into a story that tourism brochures haven’t yet learned how to tell.

Mango Paradise

Guimaras, often called the “Mango Capital of the Philippines,” is one of those rare places that wears its reputation lightly.

Yes, the mangoes here are legendary—so sweet and perfect that they are exported to Japan and command premium prices in Manila’s finest hotels.

But to reduce this island province to its most famous fruit would be like describing a symphony by its opening note.

There’s so much more to discover beneath the surface of this 604-square-kilometer paradise nestled between Panay and Negros islands.

My journey begins at Jordan Wharf, the island’s main port, where the familiar chaos of Philippine transportation hubs greets me with a warm embrace.

Tricycles line up like colorful beetles, their drivers calling out destinations in melodic Hiligaynon while passengers negotiate fares with the easy familiarity of people who’ve done this dance a thousand times.

I choose a tricycle driven by Joaquin, a weathered man whose smile reveals a gold tooth that catches the morning sun.

“First time in Guimaras?” he asks, already knowing the answer from my wide-eyed tourist demeanor.

As we weave through the narrow roads of Jordan municipality, Joaquin becomes my impromptu guide, pointing out landmarks with the pride of someone showing off a beloved family home.

We pass the Provincial Capitol building, modest but dignified, and the public market where vendors arrange their produce with artistic precision.

The mangoes, of course, are everywhere—golden orbs that seem to glow with their own inner light, each one a testament to the island’s volcanic soil and perfect climate.

Roca Encantada, Buenavista

Our first stop is Buenavista.

As I wander along Navalas Beach, something extraordinary catches my eye—a magnificent mansion seemingly floating on water, perched dramatically atop a rocky outcrop.

This is Roca Encantada, the “Enchanted Rock.” I’ve heard whispers from locals.

Approaching the entrance, I pay the modest 50-peso fee, my excitement building with each step toward this architectural marvel.

Built in 1910 as a tribute to Doña Presentacion Hofilena Lopez, this three-story summer retreat of the Lopez clan stands like a fortress against time itself.

Though the interior remains off-limits—still privately owned by the Lopez family—I am mesmerized by the mansion’s exterior grandeur.

Standing on the grounds, I gaze up at the structure that has weathered over a century of island storms and sunshine.

The panoramic views from this vantage point are breathtaking, offering unobstructed vistas of the surrounding azure waters.

In that tranquil moment, surrounded by the gentle lapping of waves and the whisper of the sea breeze, I understand why they call it enchanted.

This isn’t just a house—it is a gateway to Guimaras’ storied past.

Alubihod Beach, Nueva Valencia

We continue to Alubihod Beach.

The moment I step onto its shores, the fine white sand and peculiar yellow rocks take my breath away.

The clean blue sea with gentle waves laps peacefully at the shore as I settle into this pristine cove in Nueva Valencia.

The cool, coral-sand beach feels soft beneath my feet, while this launching point for island-hopping adventures promises countless memories.

The water is crystal clear, shifting from jade near the shore to deep sapphire where the sea floor drops away; the atmosphere is quiet and serene, making this hidden gem the perfect escape from city life.

Flavors of Nueva Valencia

Lunch takes us to a local eatery in Nueva Valencia, where I experience what may be the most perfect meal of my Philippine travels.

The star, naturally, is the mangoes—not just as dessert but integrated into every course.

Fresh mango salad with dried fish and tomatoes, grilled bangus stuffed with mango slices, and finally, the pièce de résistance: halo-halo topped with chunks of Guimaras mango so sweet they seem more like candy than fruit.

The restaurant owner, Rosa, sits with me as I eat, eager to share stories about her family’s recipes and the island’s culinary traditions.

She explains how the volcanic soil of Guimaras doesn’t just produce superior mangoes but enhances the flavor of all the island’s crops.

The vegetables taste more vibrant, the rice has a subtle sweetness, and even the coconuts seem more fragrant.

It is as if the island’s very essence has been distilled into its food, creating flavors that exist nowhere else.

Trappist Monastery

Late afternoon finds us back in Jordan at the Trappist Monastery, home to a community of monks who have been part of Guimaras’ life since 1972.

The monastery, officially called Our Lady of the Philippines Trappist Abbey, sits on rolling hills overlooking the strait, its simple architecture designed to harmonize with rather than dominate the landscape.

The monks here practice sustainable agriculture, producing some of the Philippines’ finest cashew products, mango preserves, and the famous Trappist cookies that have become sought-after homecoming gifts throughout the Visayas.

The monastery speaks softly about its philosophy of living in harmony with the environment.

Their organic farming methods have helped preserve the island’s ecosystem while providing a model for sustainable agriculture that other communities are beginning to adopt.

As I sample their mango jam—made from fruit grown in their own orchards—I taste not just sweetness but intention, care, and a deep respect for the land that produces such abundance.

The monastery’s chapel is open for quiet reflection, and I spend a peaceful hour watching the light change through simple stained-glass windows while listening to the distant chanting of evening prayers.

There’s something profoundly moving about this intersection of spiritual contemplation and natural beauty, as if the monks have discovered the secret of living in perfect balance with their surroundings.

Ave Maria Islet

The next morning finds us preparing to see Ave Maria Islet.

Standing at Jordan Wharf with the morning sun warming my face, I negotiate with local boatmen for my island-hopping adventure.

After some friendly haggling, I’ve secured a motorized outrigger for P1,500—a fair price for a two-person private journey to Ave Maria Islet and surrounding gems.

Our boat captain, a local with knowing eyes, guides us through the crystalline waters toward Barangay Lawi.

The 20-minute ride feels like floating through paradise as we pass other islands dotting the horizon.

I can see Ave Maria’s distinctive silhouette growing larger, its pristine white-sand beach beckoning from across the azure expanse.

As we approach the islet, our captain announces we’ll need to jump into the shallow waters—the boat can’t reach the shore directly.

With my life jacket secured, I plunge into the warm, crystal-clear sea, wading the final meters to the powdery sand beach.

Standing on Ave Maria Islet, completely surrounded by turquoise waters, I understand why this tiny paradise captured so many hearts.

The 30 minutes I’ve spent here feel timeless—swimming in the pristine lagoon, exploring the coral formations, and simply absorbing the untouched beauty of this Guimaras treasure.

As we return to Jordan Wharf, Joaquin shares his dreams for the island’s future.

He speaks of sustainable tourism that preserves rather than exploits, of young people finding ways to stay and contribute to their community rather than leaving for Manila or overseas work, of Guimaras maintaining its character while embracing carefully chosen progress.

Reflections on Guimaras

The return ferry to Iloilo that evening carries me away from Guimaras, but the island continues to resonate in ways that surprise me.

It’s not just the sweetness of the mangoes or the beauty of the beaches—though both are exceptional.

It’s the feeling of having visited a place that knows itself, that has found a way to be both welcoming to visitors and true to its own identity.

Guimaras doesn’t try to be anything other than what it is: a small island blessed with extraordinary natural gifts, inhabited by people who understand the value of both tradition and innovation.

In a world where many destinations seem to lose their souls in the pursuit of tourist dollars, Guimaras offers something increasingly rare—authenticity that doesn’t feel performed, beauty that doesn’t feel manufactured, and hospitality that doesn’t feel calculated.

As the lights of Iloilo City grow brighter and Guimaras fades into the darkness behind us, I realize that I’ve experienced something precious: a reminder of what travel can be at its best—not just movement through space, but connection across cultures, stories shared between strangers, and moments of genuine wonder that no photograph can fully capture.

The sweet taste of Guimaras mangoes will fade from my palate, but the memory of this gentle island and its people will remain, calling me back like a half-remembered song.

Related reading: Burials in the Sky: On the Trail of the Hanging Coffins of Sagada, Philippines

If You Go

From Manila Airport, fly to Iloilo City (around 1 hour and 45 minutes), then take a ferry from Ortiz Wharf or Parola Wharf (around 20 minutes) to Jordan, Guimaras.

Stay in Jordan town or Alubihod Beach resorts in Nueva Valencia for easy access to famous mango farms and pristine beaches.

Browse these top-rated resorts in Guimaras.

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Author Bio: Junfil Olarte is a travel writer and author from Southern Philippines who has dedicated over two decades to chronicling the lifestyle and cultural destinations of Southeast Asia, particularly the Philippine Islands. His extensive portfolio includes collections of travel guides and personal essays that capture the essence of his adventures throughout the Philippine archipelago. He is a member of England’s International Travel Writers Alliance.

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