Review #8: Alubijod Cove Beach Resort - A Relaxing Haven on Guimaras Island

Alubijod Cove Beach Resort. Photos by Flickr/Jep

Located along Alobijod Beach Drive in Nueva Valencia, Alubijod Cove Beach Resort is a great destination for travelers looking to unwind by the serene shores of Guimaras Island. The resort’s secluded location, while far from the port, offers guests a tranquil escape and a taste of island life.

Getting There from Iloilo City

Guimaras is an island between Panay and Negros islands. Both bigger islands have airports that connect to Manila. From Iloilo City, take a ferry or pump boat from Ortiz Wharf or Parola Wharf to Jordan Wharf in Guimaras (a 15 to 20-minute ride). At Jordan Wharf, you have several transportation options to reach the resort:

Tricycle: A budget-friendly option but not the most comfortable. It can be a bumpy ride, especially if you’re traveling with a group or heavy luggage.
Multicab: Offers slightly better comfort than a tricycle, though still non-airconditioned with limited seating.
Private Van: Airconditioned and spacious, though pricier. Negotiating the cost might help bring the price down.

The journey to Alubijod Beach takes around 30 to 40 minutes, offering scenic views of the island's lush landscapes along the way.

Booking and Reservations

Securing a booking at Alubijod Cove Beach Resort requires some patience. While the resort has an online presence through its Facebook account, it lacks an online booking system. They are more responsive to phone calls and text messages, and sometimes to Facebook Messenger. Reservations require a security deposit via GCash, so it’s best to book early, especially during peak periods, as this resort is popular yet reasonably priced.

Accommodations and Facilities**

The resort offers a variety of room types that can accommodate 2 to 6 guests, as well as day-use cottages. Upon check-in, guests are provided waterproof wristbands for easy identification. Essential amenities include a grilling area (charcoal available to purchase at nearby sari-sari stores just outside the gate), an in-house restaurant, and a cafe/bar by the beach. You can buy big jugs of mineral, distilled, or purified drinking water, and other items from the sari-sari stores just outside the resort's gate.

Dining options at the resort cater to various preferences:

Alubijod Restaurant: Great for family-style orders, though ordering ahead is recommended.
Hanol Cafe/Bar: Casual dining with stunning beach views. Offers all-day breakfast, individual meals, fruit shakes, cocktails, and coffee. For a unique experience, try the netted hammock-like area by the beach. The mango shake is a must-try.
You can also bring your own food, though corkage fees may apply.

Activities and Entertainment

The resort offers plenty to keep you entertained:

Water Adventures: Enjoy the swimming area cordoned off for safety and free from jellyfish and debris, thanks to nets fitted to the buoys. You can also rent water sports equipment.
Island Hopping: Book a tour through the resort or visit the island-hopping station near the beach to join group tours to nearby islets like Ave Maria and Turtle Island.
Karaoke Nights: If you are in the mood for some Karaoke, they offer a good deal on their KTV rooms where you only pay for the consumable fee, and you can spend all of that on food and drinks, and you get the use of the Karaoke machine for a set time. You can extend your stay, but at an additional cost. I think that this was reasonably priced.
Relaxation: Simply lounge on the beach or join casual games like beach volleyball.

You can also arrange for road trips to explore what the island has to offer. You can hire a van, tricycle, or multicab or rent a motorcycle to explore the island at your leisure.

For those seeking connectivity, be warned that mobile signals are ~~abysmal~~ weak across the island. The best place to catch a signal is along the beach.

Despite its remote location and booking challenges, Alubijod Cove Beach Resort is a worthwhile destination. Its balance of relaxation, adventure, and affordability ensures guests leave with unforgettable memories of Guimaras Island.