In Parola Port, Ilo Ilo, bound for Jordan Port in Guimaras; Behind is "Hollywood" |
"Hollywood" ride to Guimaras from Parola Port in Ilo Ilo |
It’s already mid afternoon when we got to Guimaras. Not much
time for haggling, questions, etc. There is a tourism desk right at the port
where they ask travellers to register (though they don’t really ask for any
fee). From there, several tricycle drivers would flock to offer touring service
at P250 (standard for Trappist, Mango Plantation, and Alubihod). While I
thought it was expensive, I was looking at taking the jeepney ride instead.
However, it will eat too much of our time, and maybe, we won’t even make it for
the 7pm last trip. So, jeep wasn’t really an option. At the same time, I
thought P250 was too much; Thought that perhaps, If i just walk further, I
might find some other tricycle drivers who can offer lower.
one of the "less loaded" tricycles around Guimaras; I've seen some carry about 11 passengers in one trip |
Trappist Abbey in Guimaras |
Ian & ivy with a monk in Trappist Abbey in Guimaras |
One of the tricycle drivers in the port kept following us
though. I went back to him, Kuya Dodeng, and asked if he can lower the price
down. By then, he was already asking P450 for the round trip. He said the P250
was rather one way drop, and from Alubihod, we’ll get another service to drive
us back to the port.
Since we don’t really intend to stay long, and even if we
wished so, there isn’t any time; We asked if he can just charge us P250 for the
back and forth trip, anyhow, he’ll have to go back to the port anyway. He was asking
for P400 but I said, all I can afford was P300. Another tricycle driver came in
probably thinking he can agree to our bargain, but before he did so, Kuya
Dodeng said Yes. So.. off we were.
Kuya Dodeng, our Guimaras Tour Driver cum Guide |
Nueva Valencia, Guimaras Welcome/Thank you Arc |
The Mango plantation was our first stop. All the while, I
thought we’ll be able to get in, right down the trees and see mangoes hung
around. I was surprised when Kuya Dodeng put his tricycle offside in the
highway. That was already the mango plantation (viewdeck). It was noticeable
that while Guimaras is known for Mangoes, there isn’t really alot of mangoes
around. There will be some occasional mango trees, but Kuya Dodeng said, the
Mangoes sold are only grown in that Plantation (and is government owned).
From there, our next destination was Trappist. When I asked what it was all about, he said it’s a convent of monks. Didn’t know what to feel as I am not a practicing Christian, but for the heck of it, so be it.
Alubihod Beach in Guimaras |
The huts of Rico Beach Resort in Alubihod Beach in Guimaras |
The other side of the Alubihod Beach including Rayment Beach Resort in Nueva Valencia, Guimaras |
Island hopping happens there |
When we got to the monastery, oh yes, there are monks,
dressed in their legendary costume. As a matter of respect, before going
anywhere else, we approached the monk and introduced. He offered to give us
blessing to which I submitted since I’m technically asking favour for being in
their place. After his blessing, we went inside the church; My friend said her
prayers while I scrutinized around.
After the trappist, then we head to Alubihod, straight to
Rayment beach resort.
souvenier vendors in Alubihod Beach, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras |
It’s a small cove that covers about 4 resorts. From there,
it was like Hundred Islands in Pangasinan. The real itineraries are off the
shore, requiring some boating. And of course, we didn’t have time for that. Instead,
we feasted on the creamy fine sand, the rock formations and hut on the side,
and spoke to the souvenier vendors. I really regret we didn’t have 4 hours at
least. The souvenier vendor’s story of the places to check makes me frustrated,
i didn’t leave early for Guimaras.
Raymen Beach Resort beachfront in Alubihod Beach, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras |
Raymen Beach Resort Boat Fees in Alubihod Beach, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras |
Hut Accomodation in Raymen Beach Resort in Alubihod Beach, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras |
see what you can scout and rather forget in your luggage |
room accomodation in Raymen Beach Resort in Alubihod Beach, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras |
ITINERARY:
3:05 PM Boat
leaves Parola Port
3:20 PM Guimaras
(Jordan/ said: Hordan) Port; Take trike cab to destinations
3:55 PM Arrive
in Trappist Abbey;
4:10 PM Leave
Trappist Abbey
4:15 PM Arrive
Mango Plantation
4:17 PM Leave
Plantation
4:27 PM Arrive
in Nueva Valencia
4:43 PM Arrive
in Raymen Beach Resort
5:30 PM Depart
Raymen Beach Resort
5:53 PM Drop
by in a Cozy Restaurant along the hi-way for Batchoy
6:05 PM Back
on the road
6:20 PM Buy
Mango
6:46 PM Arrive
back in Jordan Port
Add:
*For those who’d like to contact Kuya Dodeng for
pre-arranged trike service, you can call the tourism desk and ask to be
transferred: 0948 152 3629 or 0948 532 8292.
In case the tourism desk offers other trike drivers, insist that you have been
recommended to Kuya Dodeng.
Alternatively, you may also contact him through this no: 0927 570 7185 (owner
of the motorcycle to whom he pays his boundary).
*Parola Port to Jordan Port Fare is P14; The return trip is P20.
*Price of commodities in Rayment Beach Resort is fairly affordable: Red Horse 500ml was P38. Marlboro lights is P25/halfpack. Piattos was P18. They did not have (small; not litro) softdrinks then, and red horse is their only bottled drinks :-)
*for the jeepney service in Guimaras, from Jordan port, take
the jeeps bound for Nueva Valencia and get off in Crossing. Fare is P40/head.
From Crossing, take a trike to Alubihod, Fare is P30/trip. Jeep ride will take
more than an hour as it will fill from stop to stop.
Town Proper in Guimaras |
Batchoy Restaurant in Guimaras |
Mango stores in Guimaras |
Jordan Port, Guimaras |
WOW! 4 hours in Guimaras! that's an amazing race! hehehe!
ReplyDeleteit was.. parang masabi lang na nakapag guimaras ako. :-)
ReplyDeletewhen did you visit Guimaras, just recently? How's the weather at that time? We're planning to have trip there too next week but we're cautious on the weather as it is raining lately and plans to do an island hopping in the morning...
ReplyDeleteHow far also is Jordan Port to Alubihod via tricycle back & forth per way?
HI Ian.. did our Guimaras trip last weekend of June '12. From Jordan to Alubihod will be, via chartered trike, 45-mins to an hour. for the jeepney, the tourism desk in the port said it may take 1.5hrs as it will be taking and dropping passengers along the way, plus there's a short stop within the trip. The jeep drops you at the "crossing" in nueva valencia, and you'll have to take a trike from there..
Delete