top of page
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
Search

The Ultimate Guide to the Guimaras Manggahan Festival

If there’s one fruit that Filipinos take absolute pride in, it’s the mango—and nowhere in the world does it grow sweeter, juicier, or more legendary than on the island of Guimaras.

Every year, thousands of food lovers, culture seekers, and tropical adventurers head to this paradise in the Western Visayas to experience the famous Manggahan Festival (the Guimaras Mango Festival). From street dancing and agri-trade fairs to the viral Eat-All-You-Can Mango Challenge, this is an island celebration you cannot miss!

🎬 Watch Our Guimaras Vlog!

Want to see what taking on the Eat-All-You-Can Mango Challenge actually looks like? Watch our full video below to join the fun!

(Don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave your guess on how many mangoes we ate!)

🗓️ When Should You Expect the Festival Yearly?

The Manggahan Festival is a month-long celebration held annually every May.

  • Month-long Festivities: Events usually start in late April or early May with local food fairs, sports competitions, and cultural showcases across different municipalities.

  • Peak Festival Week & Highlights: The absolute best time to go is mid-to-late May—specifically leading up to May 22, which marks Guimaras’ official Provincehood Anniversary.

  • The Mango Eat-All-You-Can Challenge: The main attraction—where you pay a small fee to feast on unlimited Guimaras mangoes within a set time limit—typically runs for several days during this peak anniversary week at the Guimaras Provincial Capitol Grounds in Jordan.

Pro Tip: Because dates for specific activities shift slightly each year, check the official Province of Guimaras announcements around March or April when planning your travel itinerary.

✈️ How to Get to Guimaras Island

Getting to Guimaras is surprisingly quick and easy, whether you're traveling from Manila, Cebu, or internationally.

Step 1: Fly to Iloilo City

  • From Manila / Cebu / Davao: Catch a direct domestic flight to Iloilo International Airport (ILO). Flight time from Manila or Cebu is around 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Step 2: Head to Parola Wharf in Iloilo

  • From Iloilo Airport, take a taxi or shuttle van to Parola Wharf in Iloilo City. The drive takes about 30–45 minutes.

  • If you are driving a private vehicle: Head to Lapuz Wharf / Fort San Pedro to take the RoRo (Roll-On/Roll-Off) car ferry instead.

Step 3: Take the 15-Minute Passenger Boat

  • At Parola Wharf, buy a ticket for the passenger motorboat or modern ferry to Jordan Wharf in Guimaras.

  • The ride takes only 15 minutes and costs roughly ₱40–₱50 per head. Boats run continuously throughout the day!

Step 4: Getting Around the Island

  • Upon arriving at Jordan Wharf, land transport is readily available. You can hire a local tricycle or jeepney to take you straight to the Provincial Capitol in Jordan where the main festival grounds are located!


🏨 Where to Stay: 6 Great Hotels & Resorts Near the Festival

Depending on whether you want to stay right next to the town center, relax at a beach resort, or base yourself in Iloilo City for quick day trips, here are some top recommendations:

1. Zemkamps Chalet (Jordan, Guimaras)

  • Best for: Convenience & Proximity.

  • Located right in Jordan, this boutique stay is the closest convenient option to the main Manggahan Festival grounds and Jordan Wharf. Perfect if you want to be right in the middle of the action without long rides.


2. Raymen Beach Resort (Alubihod, Nueva Valencia)

  • Best for: Beach lovers & island hopping.

  • Situated in Nueva Valencia, Raymen is one of the most famous beachfront resorts on the island. You get white sands, easy island-hopping tour boat access, and a relaxed beach vibe after a day of mango feasting.


3. Andana Resort Guimaras (Nueva Valencia)

  • Best for: Premium comfort & modern amenities.

  • A higher-end luxury resort nestled on the coast featuring stunning ocean views, a pool, and resort amenities—ideal for travelers looking for a comfortable retreat.


4. The Lazy Tiki (Buenavista, Guimaras)

  • Best for: Tropical relaxation & intimate vibes.

  • Located in Buenavista, this boutique property offers a relaxed pool atmosphere and private beach access. Great for relaxing away from the festival crowds.

5. La Puerta Al Paraizo (Nueva Valencia, Guimaras)

  • Best for: Nature lovers & peaceful views.

  • Located along the southern coast in Nueva Valencia, this quiet getaway offers scenic cliffside ocean views and a peaceful environment surrounded by nature.


  • Best for: Modern city luxury + Day-trippers.

  • If you prefer staying in a 4-star city hotel and taking the 15-minute ferry over to Guimaras for day trips, booking a hotel near Iloilo’s Atria or Megaworld district gives you the best of both worlds!


💡 Quick Tips for Visiting Manggahan Festival

  1. Book Accommodations Early: Rooms on the island fill up fast during May!

  2. Bring Extra Cash: Most small vendors, tricycle drivers, and local stalls accept cash only.

  3. Pace Yourself at the Challenge: The mangoes are ridiculously sweet, but they fill you up fast! Take your time during the Eat-All-You-Can event.

  4. Respect Local Quarantines: To protect Guimaras’ pest-free mango crops, strictly do not bring outside mangoes into the island. (You are, however, free to buy and take Guimaras mangoes home!)

Are you planning a trip to Guimaras soon? Let us know in the comments, and don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel for more Philippine travel guides and food adventures!

Comments

bottom of page