Guimaras: A Perfect Holy Week Getaway

A Promdi Blogger’s take on life in the Philippine countryside.

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18 March 2008

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Yes, I may sound very sarcastic at times but I do reflect on Lent. This Good Friday, I’m planning to ask friends to go with me to Balaan Bukid in Jordan, Guimaras for the Way of the Cross. On the peak of Balaan Bukid or “Sacred Mountain” is a chapel (Ave Maria Purisima) and a huge white cross which is visible in most parts of the province and some parts of Iloilo City facing Guimaras. Jordan is the location of the Holy Week ritual called “Ang Pagtaltal sa Jordan”, the annual reenactment of Christ’s Passion performed by local actors. Every year, thousands of Catholic pilgrims flock to the island-province for the Way of the Cross and to witness the Pagtaltal. Even though it will be covered by local TV stations and I expect the place to be crowded as always, experiencing it will be totally different. The idyllic scenery of Guimaras is likewise a breath of fresh air from the hustle and bustle of city life.

How to get to Balaan Bukid

Guimaras is nestled between Panay and Negros Islands and accessible from both islands. The island-province can be reached via Iloilo City and via Pulupandan, Negros Occidental. Small pump boats ferry passengers from Ortiz Wharf in Iloilo City to Jordan throughout the day, taking only 15 minutes. Just ask the locals at Jordan Wharf for a tricycle to Balaan Bukid.

Side Trips

Those on pilgrimage may also want to visit the Trappist Monastery in Brgy. San Miguel, Jordan, Guimaras which is accessible from Balaan Bukid by tricycle and passenger jeep. The monks are making and selling home-made delicacies which tourists can bring home as pasalubong. The silence at the monastery is perfect for meditations and reflections.

Trappist Chapel

This island-province is blessed with picturesque white sand beaches, diving spots and rich marine biodiversity. Resorts at this time of the year are often fully booked thus prior reservation is needed. Some of the popular resorts are:

Raymen Beach Cottages
Baras Beach Resort
Costa Aguada Island Resort
Nagarao Island Resort
Isla Naburot Resort

photo credit: paulshaffner

The world’s sweetest mangoes can also be found in Guimaras. In fact, Guimaras mangoes are the only Philippine mangoes which are exported to mainland USA. Just a reminder, the whole island is being quarantined and bringing of mangoes from outside is prohibited. But no one will stop you from buying as much mangoes as you can.

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8 Comments »

gladita (author) said:

I’ve been to Guimaras several times but there’s more to discover. One, I haven’t been to Pagtaltal, Two, haven’t been to the marine reserves. Three, haven’t been to any island resorts.

Siquijor is definitely on my list of places to visit. Enjoy your Holy Week too.

# 18 March 2008 at 7:38 am

clare said:

wow, ang ganda naman ng photos!

# 18 March 2008 at 10:21 pm

gladita (author) said:

@Clare - Yup, maganda talaga ang Guimaras. Put in on your itinerary when you visit Visayas.

# 19 March 2008 at 9:36 am

sigroid75 said:

oh wow! thanks! actually i have been to guimaras already, but it was only for a day trip. i haven’t really enjoyed the beach. maybe next time. this holy week, we had a road trip to sipalay in negros occidental, which ended in san jose negros oriental. we drove more than 600 kms and spent more than p2k in gas…hehe and never had the chance to swim. anyway, hehe thanks for sharing the pixes.

sigroid75’s last blog post..White Shirt with Vest

# 24 March 2008 at 8:22 pm

gladita (author) said:

@sigroid75 - I envy you! It must have been fun. Been wanting to go to Sipalay myself. I hope one of these days I will be able to visit the beaches there.

# 25 March 2008 at 9:22 pm

A Short Holiday Trip To Guimaras | Promdi Living | Philippine Provinces, Filipino Life & Culture said:

[...] of Guimaras is best known for the sweetest and most succulent mangoes in the country and for the Pagtaltal during the Holy Week. And of course, who would forget the Guimaras Oils Spill in August 2006. That [...]

# 3 January 2009 at 10:29 am