Ortiz Wharf, Iloilo City
Last December 30, 2009 I was in Guimaras for a 1 day trip with fellow SSC forumers. First stop was Jordan as our gateway to the Island from Iloilo Ortiz wharf. Good thing there was a Tourist Information Center right at the Jordan wharf so we decided to get in and squeeze some ideas on where to go for such a limited time. The tourism ushers are very friendly and accommodating. My friends intended to go to Navalas Church but it was in Buenavista and we should have taken the Parola to Buenavista route. Guimaras has two major points of entry; the Buenavista Wharf from Parola in Iloilo City and Jordan wharf from Ortiz.
Balaan Bukid
Jordan wharf
Iloilo City panoramic view
Guimaras – Iloilo City panoramic view
Port of Iloilo City panoramic view
It would have been less costly for us if we go back to Iloilo City and take the other route to Buenavista than taking it by land from Jordan. However we were already there, so we decided to just visit one of the nearby popular pilgrimage destination, the Balaan Bukid in Jordan. From the wharf a tricycle took us to the foot of Balaan Bukid for P30 and we haggled if he (driver) can fetch us after an hour because we can hardly find a ride back to the wharf. Then we started trekking the rocky hills until we get to the top for an hour where a chapel and a gigantic cross greeted us overlooking the busy city of Iloilo. After being mesmerized by the enchanting panoramic vista of Iloilo and taking loads of pictures we went down hill and went back to the wharf to have our lunch.
Road to Navalas Church
Navalas Church
El Retiro Beach Park
View of Roca Encantada from El Retiro Beach Park
Roca Encantada
View of Guimaras’ Beaches from Roca Encantada
The islet next to Roca Encantada
View of Siete Pecados from Roca Encantada
Buenavista Wharf (pumpboats bound to Iloilo City)
The same tricycle offered to take us directly to Navalas Church from Jordan wharf for P300, so we sealed the deal and proceeded to the next destination. We had a pitstop at the newly constructed Buenavista Town’s Hall to hit some shots and to find out that the tourism officer is on duty at that time (supposedly a holiday). So we had some orientations on what to see near the Navalas Church, suggesting that we head to Roca Encatada and nearby beaches.
Navalas Church is the oldest edifice in Guimaras built in 1880 by the local residents. After grasping a little bit on Guimaras’ history we headed to the nearby El Retiro Beach Park in San Miguel, Beunavista to get info on how to get in to Roca Encatanda.
We paid P50 per person for the Roca Encantada entrance at the El Retiro resort. Roca Encantada is built on a huge rock in 1910 as the rest house of the Lopez clan of Iloilo. The Siete Pecados Islands is viewed perfectly from the terraces of the picturesque mansion. After relaxing and be amazed we decided to go the Buenavista wharf to catch a boat ride back to Iloilo City as it was already dusk. We paid P500 to the tricycle driver who serviced us all the way and patiently waited for us.
