Guimaras Inland Tour

Originally, our plan was to have our Guimaras inland tour after having lunch at Raymen, and after we had some rest. But due to time constraints, Kuya Mai suggested to pass by the Guinness Book of World Records’ smallest plaza in the world – Jordan Plaza on our way to the resort. 

The quaint plaza is also the starting point of the famous Ang Pagtaltal (local version of the Passion of the Christ) which usually ends at Balaan Bukid (holy mountain). It is, as the name implies, a small plaza with just a statue and a few plight of stairs. We just passed by to take a photo and off we went to our next destination: Galvez eatery where we ate lunch (will be discussed in one of my future posts.)

After eating lunch, we went to the Trappist Monastery – the only men’s monastery in the Philippines under the Cistercian Order. I have two main goals here, one to write my petitions, and another, to hoard  some mango butterscotch!

The compound is so serene. It is one of the places on earth that you would want to go to to have some inner peace. It is surrounded by verdant trees and all you can hear is the chirping sound of the birds around. 

We went inside the chapel to say a little prayer. I don’t know but I just felt that I have been here before (though it’s my first time here). Perhaps, it’s because the chapel resembles a church I used to visit in Tagaytay or Batangas. It just looks familiar.

After visiting the chapel, Kuya Mai introduced us to Brother Peter, who then asked us to write our petitions on a piece of paper. He also said a little prayer for us and blessed us before we left.

We also checked out some sweets at the Trappist Gift Shop. I bought (read: hoarded) some mango butterscotch. After I had tried these precious mini mango bars from my colleague before, each time I eat the plain butterscotch I feel there’s something missing. The mango butterscotch is just so divine.

We also got some crinkles and other sweets. Everything here looks yummy. You can also buy these stuff at the Guimaras Information Center at the same price.

At the exit door of the gift shop, we found two ladies selling cashew nuts and these pieces of wood which they call “Sinukuan”. It is like an amulet that they believe to give you protection against evil spirits and even against people who are planning to do something bad on you. 

Sinukuan

Our next stop is the Valle Verde Mountain Spring Resort. It is an eco-resort situated atop a cliff where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Guimaras. There is also a spring pool should you wish to indulge. Entrance fee for the view deck is Php 10/pax.

A panoramic view of Guimaras from the Valle Verde view deck

We also dropped by at the Camp Alfredo adventure park but we did not bother to enter. There’s a short zipline there if you want some adrenaline rush. I heard from Kuya Mai that entrance is around Php 450/pax.

And finally, we stopped again to see this nice view of Guimaras. After this, we asked Kuya Mai to drop us first to Raymen before we head to the Guisi beach and lighthouse.

Our tour is priced at Php 1,200 (3 pax via a tricycle). You may reach Kuya Mai at 09236389891.

Up next: Guisi lighthouse and beach