If you’re ever in Iloilo and craving a quick adventure filled with good food, sweet mangoes, and a touch of magic—Guimaras is the perfect day trip. It’s budget-friendly, spontaneous, and packed with stories you’ll want to tell again and again.
We started our day with a jeepney ride from our hotel to the Iloilo River Wharf (also known as Ortiz Wharf). The fare? Just ₱15—a nostalgic nod to simple, local travel. From the port, we hopped on a pump boat (ferry) bound for Jordan Port, Guimaras, and at ₱30 per head, it was a scenic 15-minute ride across calm waters and into the charm of the island.
As soon as we arrived, a line of tricycles greeted us with offers for day tours. For only ₱1,600, a group of four can enjoy a personalized tricycle tour around the island—with a very informative kuya driver as your unofficial tour guide-slash-photographer. You can also haggle a bit depending on the stops or duration.
1st Stop: San Lorenzo Windmills
We headed straight to the San Lorenzo Wind Farm, where gigantic wind turbines stood tall and proud, overlooking fields of green and the coast. It was peaceful, breezy, and very Instagrammable. Just standing there made us feel like little specks under the sky.
Lunch at The Pitstop
Of course, no trip to Guimaras is complete without a bite of their famous Mango Pizza—yes, you read that right! We had lunch at The Pitstop Restaurant, where sweet mango meets savory cheese and sauce. Surprisingly good and definitely a must-try when you’re on the island.
A Touch of Magic at Guisi Lighthouse
Next stop: the Guisi Lighthouse, an old Spanish-era lighthouse that whispers stories from centuries ago. The view from the top is breathtaking. Nearby, there were vendors selling wood pieces from what locals call the “miracle tree.” Legend has it that if you gift this wood to someone, it brings protection and healing. Naturally, we each took a piece home—with stories to tell and hopes to keep.
Cathedral Blessings
What made it even more special? We brought our pieces to the Guimaras Cathedral (St. Michael the Archangel Parish) for a short prayer and blessing. It felt symbolic—carrying a little island magic back home, but now, spiritually sealed.
Guimaras Provincial Capitol & Man-Made Forest
We also passed by the Guimaras Provincial Capitol, admired its well-kept grounds, then made our way to the Man-Made Forest—a dreamy road lined with trees that made us feel like we stepped into a movie scene. We stopped for photos, of course!
The Sweetest Ending: Mango Shopping
Before heading back, we dropped by a roadside mango stand to buy their world-famous sweet mangoes—the kind that melts in your mouth and makes you want to hoard a box or two. Fun fact: Guimaras mangoes are the only ones served at Malacañang Palace!
Final Tips:
• Be ready for a full day of travel, walking, and sun!
• Bring cash (some vendors and spots are cash-only).
• Don’t forget sunblock, water, and your OOTD for all the scenic stops.
• Ask your tricycle driver for extra stops—locals always know the best spots.
Guimaras reminded us that magic isn’t always in faraway places. Sometimes, it’s just one jeepney and ferry ride away. 🌿💛