Mabuhay Magazine, Jan 2011
LAGAW ILOILO KAG GUIMARAS
A 3D/2N suggested itinerary for budget travelers who love the journey more than the destination. A heritage tour down south of Iloilo, beach bumming in Guimaras or just a walking tour along Iloilo City’s old streets plus food suggestions along the way.
“Lagaw” means “wander” or “travel” with special focus on the experience while on the journey and less on the destination itself. Are you ready to make “lagaw?” Tara at mag-lagaw-lagaw na sa Iloilo kag Guimaras (C’mon and let’s wander in Iloilo and Guimaras).
DAY 1 (Southern Iloilo Heritage Tour)
Lapaz Batchoy is a must!
Start the day right and early for you are bound to experience the Southern Iloilo Heritage Tour. But before that why not sooth yourself with some hot batchoy (pork or chicken noodle soup) for breakfast. Ted’s and Deco’s always come to mind whenever I’m in Iloilo. After that soup you are now ready to go South.
Take a jeepney, the most popular mode of transportation to San Joaquin, at the Supermarket, Iloilo City. Go ask the locals to be sure of you’re destination. The signage tells “San Joaquin.” San Joaquin is about 54 kilometers away or about an hour ride from Iloilo city proper. Along the way, you will observe the old churches and might be tempted to get off and take those souvenir pictures. Please don’t, you will stop at those beautiful sites going back to the city. For now enjoy the trip to the southernmost part of Iloilo.
First stop, San Joaquin Church. There are at least two places you should
San Joaquin Church
visit in San Joaquin- the Old Catholic Church and Campo Santo. A lot of tourists miss this place because they end their trip at Maig-ao, so you’re one of the lucky few who will see for yourself this hidden gem. The Church of San Joaquin took a decade to finish (1859-1869), the only church in the Philippines with a militaristic motif on her façade, it is said to be that this beautiful artwork is done to honor the architect’s father who was part of the war between the Christians and the Moors. Go touch with your bare hands this living monument of a charged bygone era.
Travel Tip: I went to San Joaquin Tourism Office and ask for more information about San Joaquin. The officer is more that helpful to discuss more of their town’s attraction.
Campo Santo, San Joaquin
Second stop, Campo Santo. Literally, the Field of Saints, Campo Santo sits atop a hill about a kilometer away from the Old Church on your way back to Iloilo City. This 19th century cemetery is still being used by the locals to bury their dead. Well, if you’re not terrified I think this is a perfect place to do your pre-nuptial photo shoot. Overlooking the vast sea on the south, this place is heavenly (of course, you’re surrounded with saints)!
St. Thomas of Villanova Parish
Third stop, Miag-ao. After the white tombs we are now off to the famed yellow UNESCO World Heritage Church of Miag-ao also known as St. Thomas of Villanova Parish. Built in 1786, this church has a “Pinoy” frontage because you will see a uniquely carved banana and papaya trees on its façade, supported by two high belfries on each side. This fortress church is used by the locals to defend themselves from the Moro raids replete during their era.
Guimbal Church
Fourth stop, Guimbal Church. Built in 1774 this yellow sandstone church of Guimbal is a must visit too. They say that the natives were required to bring chicken eggs to be used as bonding material to the stones as they are building their parish.
Fifth stop, Tigbauan Church. I learned an invaluable lesson on judging the church by its façade, yes it’s a sad story. Anyway, I don’t want you to miss this last stop before having your much awaited dinner. The Parish of Saint John of Sahagun houses the most intricate of statutes and mosaics inside so don’t be fooled by its unadorned façade.
Dinner: Tatoy’s Manokan and Seafood at Villa. Eat to your stomach’s content and enjoy Iloilo’s chicken inasal and some grilled seafood.
Go back to your hotel or pension house to freshen up, take a power nap for you still have to experience Iloilo’s night life at Smallville. If you’re not into that, rest for tomorrow beach trip.
DAY 2 (Beach Trip at Guimaras)
Maayong aga! Now ready for the next adventure. Why not pack your
A Mango Vendor a Manggahan
swimsuits and board shorts for we are going to the beach. Let’s start early and head towards Ortiz Wharf in Iloilo City. There we will find pumpboats going to Guimaras, it would not take you 15 minutes before you find your slippers stepping on another island- Guimaras. This Island Province boasts not only the sweetest mangoes in the world but also unexplored and unspoiled white beaches so please don’t leave your trash anywhere.
From Jordan Wharf, Rizal, Guimaras find jeepneys going to Nueva Valencia (1 hour ride). Take that and tell the driver to bring you to Guisi Crossing, from Guisi Crossing you will find lot of motorcycles “habal-habal” that will bring you to Guisi Lighthouse and Heritage Cottage (PhP20/each).
Mango Jams
If you want to buy something from along the way, have a quick stopover at the Trappist Monastery and buy mango jam or flavored piayas.
Now let’s go back to Guisi. I encourage you to spend a night here in Guisi, it will be your most unforgettable experience while doing this trip, (trust me, I’ve been there). The Heritage Cottage can fit 6 people for only P1,500 not bad even if you are only 4. You would also notice 
the old lighthouse built by the Spanish to guide their ships navigating off Iloilo Strait. If you’re not yet convinced to stay here, how about imagining yourself waking up with the stunning view of clear blue sea and the three lighthouses built just near each other.
Anyway, spend the rest of your day beach bumming and snorkeling on the golden yellow sands of this beach. Play with the shells like when you’re 5-year old and wait until the sky turns violet and orange during the sunset. How lovely!
Locals learn how to fish at a very young age, Guisi Cove
DAY 3 (Iloilo City Walking Tours)
Leave early and go back to Iloilo City. Just trace back how you get to Guisi- take the jeepney going back to Jordan Wharf and then go back to Ortiz Wharf, Iloilo City. When you’re back in the city try doing…
D-I-Y Iloilo City Walking Tour. Start at Km.0, visit the Iloilo Museum beside the Provincial Capitol then walk along Muelle St. enjoying the Iloilo River on your left. Turn right to Arroyo St. and feast on the Chinese stores, these stores have been doing business for decades now, find something for pasalubong. Continue walking and go towards JM Basa St., if you are keen enough you notice the long lines in Roberto’s Siopao. You should buy their Queen Siopao and bring some more home. End the walk when you see Plaza Libertad. Here you can now take a jeepney to Jaro.
D-I-Y Jaro Walking Tour. While on the jeepney tell the driver to drop you to Nelly’s Garden along E. Lopez St., continue your walking tour northbound until your reach Antillan Old House and then the magnificent White House of Ramon Lopez. You can have your lunch near the White House or get caffeinated before continuing to the Cathedral and the Old Belfry (in the afternoon, home-made bibingkas are being sold in front of the
The White House on the backdrop
old house just beside the Cathedral, you will love it too) just near the Plaza and ending it the Lopez-Jaena’s birthplace.
By now, I think you are ready to go back to Manila. Take a taxi that will bring you to the airport while savoring the memories of a nice vacation. You can now review your shots while waiting for your flight back home.
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I believe that this itinerary would be of great help to you. This is especially made for budget travelers and those who want to explore these two stunning provinces on their own. Just be sure to travel light to enjoy the trip.
Recommended Pension Houses in Iloilo: Le Cateau D’ Iloilo or El Jardin Café & Inn
Guisi Lighthouse and Heritage Cottage Contact Person: Ms. Amparo Buncad/Ms. Henrietta Dulla (0928-9611031/0917-7305874/0920-5470288)
JourneyingJames is backpacking the Philippines (and Southeast Asia). One day he dreams to write (or co-write) a book on “Backpacking the Philippines: Off-the-beaten-path destinations.” He is open for commissioned travel works. Read more about his travel discoveries and adventures at journeyingjames.com
Malagaw daw ako dyan sa iloilo, at susundan ko ang itinerary mo dito 🙂
haha… namit ang iloilo kag guimaras! enjoy sa lagaw
Ikaw na James! Ikaw na ang hari ng itinerary. I’m really impressed. Dami mo published work. Following your footsteps!
hahaha, i really hope i can make lotsa itinerary for newbie travelers. this is the only way i know to encourage them to travel without the “travel package” in mind. 🙂
thanks a lot! i’ll follow your india adventures too
very informative, and it surely is a great itinerary! galing man! namiss ko bigla ang ilo-ilo! gusto ko ng bumalik. siyempre pati guimaras!
thanks bosing jerik! may ibang charm yung iloilo, then iba din naman experience sa guimaras.
great stuff James! This will be helpful for our trip in March.
yeah! enjoy your lagaw-lagaw!
great work James! dapat makagawa rin ako ng ganito! kahit dumaguete man lang. hehe. pwede ba magcontribute sa Mabuhay? kaso walang PAL sa dgte. hehe
yup, gawa kana… i think pwede naman, ikaw pa! wala palang PAL dun? i wonder why? palexpress?
LIKE!
anu to facebook?! hahaha thanks!
this was part of your 14day backpacking trip with P250 budget right? yun kasi 1st post mo na nabasa ko kaya lagi kong naaalala. good job!
sikat ka na frnd! 🙂 hanep! dameng contribution! ikaw na backpacker! 🙂 Iloilo is a place close to my heart and I feel like sa Pinas, isa ito sa may mga pinaka hostpitable na mga mamamayan. Parang never ako naka-feel ng takot magh-ikot ng mag-isa dito.
galing mo james. hanggang pier lang ng ilo-ilo dati. hope to scroll and stroll the other side of Iloilo. Congrats on this james. More travel tips pa pre. Maayong Aga sa inyo to!!!
theres more to see in Iloilo but this is a great itinerary for first timers… nicely done!
na-miss ko tuloy ang batchoy…. ti, kita-ay nlng ta sa lagawan! 🙂
there’s more to see and do in Iloilo, but this is a great itinerary for first timers.
na-miss ko tuloy ang batchoy.. ti, kita-ay nalang ta sa lagawan ha! 🙂
Thank you for posting this very helpful travel guide! Kudos to your travel site. ^_^
thanks for taking time to comment sheryl, enjoy iloilo and guimaras.
ingat! spend less, travel more!
thanks for sharing! =)
pleasure is mine sir BON! enjoy Iloilo and Guimaras. dont forget to see guisi beach.
Lagawan/Latagaw! Hehe!
Duro pa ang wara guid makit-an sa Iloilo kag Guimaras ya. Daw asta pa lang sa mga simbahan kag pagkaon pa lang ang mahatag although pagkadamu sang kaladtuan digya sa amon. Sa norte nga daad, duro to beaches. Sa Barotac Nuevo pwede ka man to kabisita sa ila plaza lantaw sang futbol, kag madamu pa.
Maayad lang nga nasadyahan ka magistar sa amon. Nugon kay wala ko da para nabuligan ta ka. Anyway, enjoy da bords! 🙂
Translation: The sojourn! Haha!
Dami pang hindi pa nakikita sa Iloilo at Guimaras. Hanggang sa simbahan at sa pagkain ang usual things pero marami pang pwedeng puntahan sa amin. Sa norte, may mga beaches. Sa Barotac, pwede kang manood ng football sa plaza, atbp
Masaya ako’t masaya ka sa paglalakbay mo sa amin. Sayang kasi wala ako para natulungan kita. Anyway, enjoy pre!
thanks bernie! yes, i only scratched the surface, would love to be back and immerse in the culture. also, would love to learn ilonggo.
madamu gid nga salamat!
We’ll travel to Iloilo this November and this post is very helpful.. Thanks alot for sharing..
pleasure is mine! glad that what i’m doing is proved to be helpful to fellow travelers. enjoy iloilo kag guimaras!
how much did it cost you for the whole trip? just the estimates…thanks
not including the accommodation, 250 a day… so its 750 only.
I’m amazed. I’m sure you’re paid to travel? That is my dream job. I wonder how I could apply as a travel writer in magazines like Mabuhay. 🙂
hi ybiang! i wish i am paid to travel. i wrote for Mabuhay because I pitched this article to the editor. you can too by writing the editor.
wow! everything i need to know is already here.. two thumbs up bro! will be in Ilo-Ilo/Guimaras/Bacolod next month.. cheers!
Any idea kung kelan ang Manggahan festival 2012?. My friends and I are planning to visit guimaras. Gusto lang sana namin mataon sa festival. 🙂
Hi,
I found your Guimaras/Iloilo article helpful. My friends and I, the five of us, will be having a Guimaras/Iloilo 4d/3n trip this June 2012. Hence, I would like to seek your inputs on a few things:
1. Do we need to hire a tour guide and rent a boat to go around Guimaras?
2. How did you visit the different tourist spots in Iloilo? Via jeepney or can you also hire a van? It comes across to me that the spots in Iloilo are not close with one another.
Would appreciate your inputs.
Many thanks!
namit gid ang lumpiang shanghai ng robertos! kamiss
yep, i like that too, but i like the siopao more! haha
Very helpful.. My brother & I will be going to iloilo-guimaras on August for my birthday celebration.. Nagpa quote ako packages sobra mahal.. Good thing my ganito.. Good job james 🙂 more power to you.
keep coming back sa blog, glad this was of help!
How did you visit the different tourist spots in Iloilo? Via jeepney or you hire a van? Those places are not close to one another right? Dalawa lang kasi kami, and it’s not money wise if mag rent kami ng van. If via jeep lang, please help how to go to those places. 🙂 pleaseee
bosing, i wrote it there, “Take a jeepney, the most popular mode of transportation …” pakibasa nalang po ulit, paki-check narin po sa mapa ng iloilo. 😉
Nice! Hmm, how much it cost? As in yung whole itenirary? Kasi I’m considering to get a tour guide that cost almost 6k all in all slash the food.
half of the 6K you are saying 🙂
Two Words!
FIRST STOP!
Why? Because I stop here first before I embark on my journey!
Iloilo is going to be my second solo trip, and again you are the man for information!
maraming salamat dude! 🙂
pleasure is mine thelma, glad the article helped! 🙂
Hi James! May updated number ka ba ng Guisi Heritage Cottage? Wala kasi akong makita over the net and yung mga numbers dito hindi na gumagana. SALAMAT! 🙂
wala po sir. but i guess you can go directly sa guimaras tourism office.
Hi, What can you recommend? We are planning an Iloilo-Guimaras trip for our parents during the Dinagyang Festival on January 25-27. However, since they are already in Iloilo, we were thinking that it is also good that they could visit Guimaras as well. What can you recommend that we plan for this kind of trip? If you could have an itinerary and also a tour package for this, it would be most appreciated. Thanks. 🙂
Iloilo indeed is beautiful. It is a city of love where both its old and new charms harmoniously blend. For free tour of the city kindly me @ 09228585964. Thank you James for visiting and promoting our city. Dakbanwa sang Iloilo bugal ko! Kudos!
I now have an itinerary for my Iloilo trip. Thank you for sharing this information, James, this is very helpful. Tara na at mag-lagaw! 🙂
enjoy iloilo! been wanting to explore iloilo and guimaras again
Thanks for visiting and appreciating Iloilo..you’ve been to the souathern part of the province and you enjoyed a lot..hope next time try to go to the north..and visit Isla Higantes..check my blog..http://pidyi.blogspot.com/2013/07/isla-higantes-carles-iloilo-comfort.html..:)
Hi, nice.. try nyu din ang Isla de Gigantes sa Iloilo.. Thanks..
Hi James, Im planning to do this kind of trip! Thanks for sharing
Any suggestions for affordable hotels in Iloilo? I do really want to visit this province.