Believe it or not, with all the wonders and beauty that I've seen from this paradise called Guimaras, I, myself, cannot believe that our last stop, Guimaras Museum, would be the most disappointing part of them all. Taking the fact that this sad place holds the collection of this paradise's history - really, really sad to see.
FYI, I wrote this blog not because I wanna throw dirt on Guimaras, if you'll read my previous blogs about my first visit here, you'll feel how I enjoyed the province. I wrote this to call the attention of their local government or probably the national government to help the province preserve what's left for them - their rich culture, their simple yet colorful history.
Run by monks of the Cistercian Order of the Strict Observance, whom we found really strict, with their actions, diction and facial expressions, ones' visit to this well-graced province, Guimaras, wouldn't be complete without paying a visit to Trappist Abbey.
If you are staying to Raymen Resort, Rico Beach Resort or even in Baras Resort, you don't have to worry, because you'll be passing by here, and it'll be hard to miss because since this is the best place to buy "pasalubong", so your driver will surely point yo here. ^_^
Upon our arrival, we immediately sensed how solemn the whole place, a perfect epitome of the whole province of Guimaras. With nicely trimmed lawns and wonderful mango trees all over the place, one can enjoy the serenity and solemnity of the place.
I've been dreaming to go to Guimaras for a long time, thank God, it was answered last June 30 when I and two of my superfriends decided to spend our post-summer trip there.
I have big expectations about this province, really, because after that oil spill thing, I've read how the province gained back its glory and I can't really wait to see it.
We flew from Manila to Bacolod via Cebu Pacific piso fare then we took to boat rides from Bacolod to Guimaras. The first boat ride was a SuperCat ferry ride, which is Php250.00 one-way and Php400.00 two-way. Since our return flight for this vacation was from Bacolod to Manila, we booked the two-way trip from Bacolod to Iloilo, Iloilo-Bacolod. Van drivers from the New Bacolod-Silay Airport were all familiar as to where the SuperCat Terminal, so you don't have to worry about that, you just have to inform them what terminal you are going. I believe there are also other ferry companies that offer rides from Bacolod to Iloilo and back, so it's really up to you which one suits you best.
The ride from the airport to the ferry terminal is roughly an hour, and the schedule of the ferry from Bacolod to Iloilo can be checked at their websites, so you can really plan your trip there. From the Supercat Terminal in Bacolod to the SuperCat Terminal in Iloilo is another one-hour ride. I suggest to have something for your tummy before taking the ferry.
