Other destinations of my Iloilo trip 2011:
Trappist Monastery
Mt. Taripis Dayhike
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| Balaan Bukid viewpoint overlooking Iloilo City |
One of the highlights of my Iloilo trip is a visit to Guimaras’ highest point… Balaan Bukid in Jordan. Rising at nearly 160+ meters above sea level it affords one a view of the Iloilo City and the Iloilo strait in between.
Balaan Bukid is a famous pilgrimage for devotees across Panay…it’s their version of Mt. Banahaw of Luzon. The road to the top is adorned with Stations of the Cross, beginning at the jumpoff point. We were told by locals that the trail can get congested during the Holy Week.
ROAD TO BALAAN BUKID
After we were dropped off by the tricycle to the jumpoff, we repacked our things and bought several supplies. During that time a mango peddler offered the fruit for P30 a kilo. We all know that Guimaras is famous for their sweet mango plantation. I would’ve bought a kilo had he offered it later when we got down.
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| the road is not paved... |
The road trek is a fairly easy one. A fast-paced hiker can reach the top in 10minutes while a leisurely trek depends on the comfortable pace of the hikers.
From the jumpoff point it is a trek on a cemented road with varying elevations. The trail gradually changes to rocky brown soil. It's also marked by the 15 stations of the cross (trivia for me since I initially thought there's just 12, lols).
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| first station |
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| 2nd station |
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| 3rd station |
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| Obviously the 6th. =P |
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| lookit! just like a sidewinding snake |
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| felt like i'm on a different dimension |
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| it's the 9th.... we're almost there! (methinks it's till 12th only) |
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| so near.... yet so far! |
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| the 10th |
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| i happen to like this tree |
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| mystical trail |
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| we there yet? |
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| not quite... but who would mind? |
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| eeerrr we go.... one moar! |
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| wtf? another turn? |
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| oooowwww. red land... |
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| 12th. This it? |
At nearing the summit/highest point, the trail is made up of loose rocks. I was careful on the descent of this trail as it is really slippery. There’s also toilet at the rest stop before the final summit trek. At this location, a large cross from afar is visible by now.
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| huge tree |
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| this is it! |
A few meters before the summit is a viewpoint to the right, marked by 3 wooden cross. The trail is now made up of sharp rocks.
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| 3 wooden cross |
Finally, the chapel became visible after a few minutes from the viewpoint, and after the 15th station. There were cemented steps leading to the chapel. To my right is the large cross, but there’s a fence with “no entry” signage on it.
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| getting closer.... |
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| omigosh there's a 13th? |
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| and the 14th.... |
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| view of the port |
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| rocky trail |
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| the chapel |
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| sideview of the cross |
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| strong wind that greeted me |
ON TOP OF GUIMARAS ISLAND
When we arrived, there were just a handful of tourists taking pictures in the area. The sky is foreboding rain, and the wind is a bit strong when I first took pictures of Iloilo City from this viewpoint. A few minutes more, there arrived a wave of youngsters… and then the rain started to pour.
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| solemn park |
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| eerie silence is comforting |
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| meditating.... |
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| chapel facade |
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| inscription outside |
We went inside the chapel to let the rain pass, and at the same time took photos of the interiors.
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| burning candles |
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| church interiors |
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| trusted pals |
By now there’s a flock of students making commotions in the place. We decided to go down to get to town as we intend to visit other destinations like Trappist Monastery, also in Jordan.
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| green waters. likey! |
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| the calm |
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| the other side |
The descent was a swift one. When we reached the jumpoff, it rained a bit. We walked a few meters before we got a ride back to the highway. We then proceeded to our next destination, the Trappist Monastery.
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| slippery trail |
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| ratrat mode na |
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| almost there... |
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| almost...... theerreeee.... |
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| road back |
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| water garbage |
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| marsh |
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| deserted road |
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| oopppsss not so deserted |
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| there's hope for a good trip! |
HOW TO GET TO BALAAN BUKID
From Iloilo City, ride a jeepney to Ortiz Port. (php7.00)
From the port, ride a motorized boat to Jordan Wharf. (Php13.00)
From Jordan Wharf, arrange a tricycle to get you to Balaan (Php30.00-2pax)
From Balaan, ride a tricycle for Php10 back to Jordan Wharf
Note: If you have questions you can head directly to the Tourism desk at the port. They will happily assist you. I think they are collecting fees I forgot but if I remembered it right it’s around 5-10php pax. They will also give you the tourist rates for the hired transport. When I asked the boat driver about the tricycle fare he quoted around php20.00 for the hired ones, but the Tourism desk gave us Php30.00. I don’t want to hassle myself with the unsubstantial difference so I just let it pass.
I have been looking for a place to have an annual pilgrimage. Guimaras is a candidate.
February 25, 2011
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