3D2N Bacolod Iloilo Guimaras DIY Itinerary
Are you a travel junkie or one of those who are truly hopped-up to complete the 81 provinces of our beloved Philippines? Well, I'm fond of travelling, a budgetarian I must say and I don't usually get to count the number of provinces I visited but what's enticing me to travel a lot is to experience diverse cultural heritage, learn about interesting histories and outlook scenic places that never fail to amaze. Filling my sight with awe and reverence is more than just enough a rubberneck could have.
Iloilo, a city in the Visayas Region known as "Heart of the Philippines" and "City of Love" has been a bucketlist of mine. Whenever I hear about Iloilo, first thing that pops into my mind is the famous Isla De Gigantes with its scenic beauty and picture-perfect spots from islands, sandbar, lagoons, cave and rock formations. Apart from it, is a breathtaking view of Garin Farm that brings paradise and heaven on earth while experiencing the pilgrimage, a journey from Creation to Ascension and to savor their famous "Batchoy". A worth sharing experience indeed.
This trip wouldn't be complete without hopping to the "City of Smiles", Bacolod City which is an hour away from Iloilo and Island of Guimaras famous by their juicy mangoes. There are so many tour destinations Negros has to offer, from beautiful islands and gorgeous white sand beaches, adventure resorts, natural lakes/springs, incredible and interesting historical sites. The famous of them are Campuestohan Highland Resort, The Ruins, Lakawon Island in Cadiz, Perth Beach Resort in Sipalay and Pope John Paul II Tower.
Guimaras Island is also a great place to visit similar to Iloilo and Negros, what's more alluring once you stepped on the island is to have a good taste of their famous "mango pizza" at the Pitstop Restaurant. One thing I wont forget while in Guimaras was to climb and on top of the second oldest lighthouse in the Philippines, next to Pagudpud and the oldest windmills - the San Lorenzo Wind Farm. What a remarkable travel experience riding the tricycle on tour and ferry boat to and from, truly I must not forget. If you're one of those on-the-go backpackers and wanted to experience 3 provinces in 3 days, check this out. Here's how I traveled and wandered to the three different provinces in Visayas.
Guimaras Island is also a great place to visit similar to Iloilo and Negros, what's more alluring once you stepped on the island is to have a good taste of their famous "mango pizza" at the Pitstop Restaurant. One thing I wont forget while in Guimaras was to climb and on top of the second oldest lighthouse in the Philippines, next to Pagudpud and the oldest windmills - the San Lorenzo Wind Farm. What a remarkable travel experience riding the tricycle on tour and ferry boat to and from, truly I must not forget. If you're one of those on-the-go backpackers and wanted to experience 3 provinces in 3 days, check this out. Here's how I traveled and wandered to the three different provinces in Visayas.
SUGGESTED 3D2N DIY ITINERARY TO BACOLOD, ILOILO, GUMARAS
Day 0
4:50PM. PAL Departure MNL (NAIA Terminal 2)
6:00PM. Arrival ILO (Iloilo Int'l Airport) Hala Bira!
6:15PM. ETD to SM Iloilo via Van Shuttle
6:45PM. ETA SM Iloilo (Travellers Lounge)
7:00PM. Festive Walk Iloilo, Megaworld Business Park
7:45PM. Head back to SM Iloilo, take jeepney bound to Mandurriao (Robinson's Place)
8:00PM. Ong Bun Pension House
8:30PM. Dinner
10:00PM. Lights off
HOW TO GO TO SM ILOILO & FESTIVE WALK
Take shuttle from Iloilo Int'l Airport to SM Iloilo, Fare is Php 50.00. Approximate travel time is 30-45 minutes. Festive walk is located at Megaworld Business Park 8-10 minutes walk from SM Iloilo, a newly opened strip with lots of shops, restaurants etc. that will satisfy your craving taste buds.
HOW TO GO TO ONG BUN PENSION HOUSE
From SM Iloilo take Jeepney (Robinson Mandurriao) and alight at Robinsons Mall or tell the driver to drop you off at Ledesma St. Ong Bun Pension House, fare is Php 7.00. The Hotel is walking distance from Robinson's Place, 7-eleven, SM Delgado and Iloilo City Terminal Market.
EXPENSES:
Shuttle Van Airport to SM Iloilo: Php 50.00
Jeep SM Iloilo to Ong Bun: Php 7.00
Ong Bun Pension House: Php 330.00
Dinner Meal sa tabi-tabi: Php 150.00
TOTAL: Php 537.00
Day 1
Bacolod Day Tour
4:00AM. Wake up Call
5:00AM. Breakfast
5:30AM. Head to Iloilo Fastcraft Terminal
6:05AM. ETD to Bacolod City
7:30AM. Bacolod City (Dumangas Port)
7:45AM. City Tour Kunyare (Walk Lang)
10:00AM. ETD to Campuestohan
11:00AM. Campuestohan Highland Resort
12:30PM. ETD to Diotay Resto
1:00PM. Lunch Diotay Resto Hauz
2:00PM. ETD The Ruins
3:50PM. Buena Park (Meeting with Relatives)
4:45PM. Bacolod Ferry Terminal
5:40PM. ETD Iloilo
7:00PM. Iloilo Ferry Terminal
8:00PM. Ikot-ikot sa Iloilo proper/Dinner at Toto Batchoy
9:30PM. Back to accommodation (Ong Bun)
WHAT TO SEE, THINGS TO DO AND TOURIST SPOTS IN BACOLOD
Walking distance from the FastCraft Terminal. You may opt to take a tricycle for Php 10.00.
SM City Bacolod
Negros Museum (Mon-Sat)
Negros Occidental Provincial Lagoon
Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol Grounds
Pope John Paul II Tower
Bacolod City Public Plaza
Centennial Bell
San Sebastian Cathedral
Bacolod City New Government Center
WHERE TO EAT, RESTAURANTS AND PLACES TO EAT IN BACOLOD
Bacolod has been known for Chicken Inasal where it all started, first thing that pops out of my mind is the Chicken Bacolod Inasal where I and my friends used to have breakfast after loads of tasks and after a long day. Being famous for chicken farms (Manukan) and diverse natural tourist destination I can say, I love Bacolod.
We had our lunch at Diotay Resto Haus which has similarity to Dampa in Manila (Macapagal), you have seafood options and chicken inasal too. It's a little bit pricey, but its worth it. You may opt to eat at SM City or nearby fast food chains if you're on a tight budget.
EXPENSES
Fastcraft Ferry Iloilo to Bacolod: Php 250.00
Fastcraft Ferry Bacolod to Iloilo: Php 250.00
Terminal Fee (Iloilo): Php 30.00
Terminal Fee (Bacolod): Php 15.00
Entrance Fee to The Ruins): Php 100.00
Entrance Fee to Campuestohan Highland Resort: Php 150.00
Foods/Meal: Php 300.00
Ong Bun Pension House rate: Php 330.00
Rent a Car or Taxi: Php 600.00-700.00 (daanin mo na lang sa charm). Grab a car is cheaper going to the Ruins or Campuestohan.
Dinner at Toto Batchoy: Php 120.00
TOTAL: Php 2245.00
HOW TO GO TO ILOILO FASTCRAFT FERRY TERMINAL
Since I'm staying at Ong Bun and the ferry terminal is just 1.7KM away, I decided to take a walk via Ledesma St. straight ahead to Arroyo St. crossing Drilon Bridge.
If coming directly from the Airport, take the Shuttle Van to SM Iloilo, and take a jeepney with signboard Mandurriao, Robinson's Mall (Ledesma St.) from there you can walk or take a tricycle (2KM distance). If you're on a day tour better purchase roundtrip tickets to avail of their promo fares.
HOW TO GO TO BACOLOD'S THE RUINS & CAMPUESTOHAN HIGHLAND RESORT
The best time to visit The Ruins in Bacolod is late afternoon when the sun is about to settle down. You can hire a car or taxi going there but expect it would be expensive, rate ranges from Php 400.00-600.00 (just use your charm and power of bargaining).
For those who have a tight budget, going to Campuestohan Highland Resort, you can go to BATA, drop off point is in front of Jollibee. However, shuttle vans going to Campuestohan Resort are rare especially during off-peak season. Shuttle van fare is roughly Php 100.00.
More tourist spots, destinations to visit, and what to see in Negros
Bantug Lake Ranch
Bukal-bukal Spring
Mambukal Spring
Lakawon Island in Cadiz
Perth Beach Resort in Sipalay
Day 2
Isla De Gigantes
3:00AM. Wake up call
4:00AM. Taxi to Tagbak Terminal
4:05AM. Van to Balasan
6:25AM. ETA Balasan, take tricycle to Bancal Port
8:30AM. Start of Day Tour
9:30AM. Pulupandan Island
10:30AM. Cabugao Gamay Island
11:00AM. Bantigue Sand Bar
11:30AM. Lunch Guigantes Islands Guest House
12:30PM. Snorkeling at Antonia's Island
2:00PM. Puting Baybay Gamay - Little Boracay
2:30PM. ETD Back to Bancal Port
4:00PM. End of Tour
4:35PM. ETD Carles, Iloilo
7:00PM. Back to Iloilo Proper
8:00PM. Dinner
10:00PM. Lights off
GUIMARAS ISLANDS TO VISIT FOR DAY TOUR
Pulupandan Island
Cabugao Gamay Island - The Famous PicturePerfect Spot of Isla De Gigantes
Bantigue Sand Bar
Gigantes Islands Guest House
Antonia's Island - Snorkeling spot
Puting Baybay Gamay - Little Boracay
Tanke Lagoon has been temporarily closed since August 20 so we were not able to swim and enjoy cliff diving. But still it was worth it and a memorable experience.
EXPENSES
Daytour Package: Php 999.00 w/Free Lunch
Taxi Ong Bun to Tagbak: Php 150.00
Shuttle Van Tagbak to Carles: Php 150.00
Tricycle to Bancal Port: Php 100.00
Shuttle Van Bancal to Tagbak: Php 200.00
Breakfast Meal: Php 75.00
Shower & CR: Php 25.00
Ong Bun Pension House: Php 330.00
Jeepney to Jaro Plaza/SM Jaro: Php 10.00
Dinner: Php 99.00
Taxi Jaro to Ong Bun: Php 40.00 (shared)
TOTAL: Php 2178.00
HOW TO GO TO GIGANTES ISLANDS IN ILOILO
It's 4AM when I reached the van terminal, I'm the only one travelling to Carles, Gigantes and the minimum passengers should be 4 pax so they can go directly to Bancal Port. But I had no choice and need to go on 2 ride. I took the Shuttle to Balasan and from there tricycles for hire await, it can be shared. Solo trip ranges from Php 250.00-300.00. God is good, I had shared it with two other tourists.
Alternative transport mode is via Ceres Bus line direct to Bancal Port, Carles and approximate travel time 3-4 hours. Fare is Php 169.00. Last trip of shuttle vans and buses going to Iloilo City is at 4:00PM or 4:30PM.
CONTACT PERSON FOR GIGANTES ISLAND TOUR PACKAGES
Rhett Paul Bolivar
Contact: +63 998 981 6812
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100012850036661
FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/Gigantesislandtour/
Day 3
Iloilo (Garin Farm) & Guimaras
4:00AM. Wake up call/Check out Hotel
5:00AM. Travel going to San Joaquin
6:30AM. San Joaquin Proper
7:00AM. San Joaquin Church
7:30AM. Garin Farm
9:00AM. Miag-ao Church
11:00AM. ETA Iloilo
11:15AM. Parola (Temporary Boat Terminal)
11:30AM. Guimaras Island (Jordan Wharf)
12:00PM. Start Guimaras Tour
4:00PM. End of Guimaras Tour
4:15PM. Pump Boat Guimaras to Iloilo
4:30PM. Molo Church
5:00PM. Esplanade
6:00PM. SM City
7:00PM. Iloilo International Airport
8:45PM. Departure
9:45PM. Manila (NAIA Terminal 2)
11:00PM. Home Bound
HOW TO GO TO GARIN FARM RESORT ILOILO
- From Ong Bun/Iloilo Proper. If you are staying at Ong Bun or nearby hostels in Mandurriao, head to Iloilo City Terminal Market at the back of Robinson's Place few blocks away from the pension house. Distance from Iloilo to San Joaquin is 47KM and that's roughly 1 hour and 30minutes travel time. Fare is Php 60.00. Take the San Joaquin bound jeepney, earliest trip is 4:30AM and tell the driver to drop you off at the parking area for tricycles that will take you to Garin Farm. While waiting for the jeepney to depart you can eat breakfast first at the nearest Tebz Batchoyan. The route will pass by towns of Tigbauan, Guimbal and Miag-ao, so if you have time then don't miss to visit them.
- From Iloilo International Airport. You can take the shuttle van from the airport to SM Iloilo City. You can drop your baggage at the Travellers lounge if you wish to come back. From SM Iloilo City, ride a jeepney bound to Mandurriao (Robinsons Place), alight at the mall head right to Supermarket or Iloilo City Terminal Market. At the terminal, take the jeepney with signboard San Joaquin. Tell the driver to drop you off at the tricycle parking area going to Garin Farm or at the San Joaquin town proper, there are several tricycles that will take you to the farm and fare is usually Php 10.00 unless you will rent if going solo. You may also opt to take a 10-15minute hike (1.3KM).
- From San Joaquin Town Proper. Take a tricycle ride and tell the driver to take you to GarinFarm, Brgy. Huna. Brgy. Huna is a 3-5minute ride from San Joaquin town proper.
You can also read: Travel Guide to Garin Farm Resort in Iloilo
Garin Farm and Resort San Joaquin, Iloilo
Brgy. Huna, San Joaquin, Iloilo, Philippines 5024
Telephone Number: +63 033 314 7555
Mobile Number: +639166676851
Email: info@garinfarm.com / bookings@garinfarm.com
DIRECTIONS / HOW TO GET TO GUIMARAS:
- From Iloilo International Airport. You can take the shuttle van from the airport to SM Iloilo City. You can drop your baggage at the Travellers lounge if you wish to come back. From SM Iloilo City, ride a jeepney bound to Mandurriao (Robinsons Place), alight at the mall head right to Supermarket or Iloilo City Terminal Market. At the back of Robinsons in front of Mang Inasal, there are several jeepneys that will take you to Parola Wharf. Usually pump boats going to Guimaras are located in Ortiz Wharf near University of Iloilo but was temporarily transferred to Parola.
- From Iloilo Town Proper/Ong Bun Pension. There are several jeepneys at the back of Robinson's Place Iloilo in front of Mang Inasal that will take you to Parola Wharf. On the other hand, Ortiz Wharf is accessible by tricycle ride or by walk.
WHAT TO SEE, TOURIST SPOTS, WHERE TO GO IN GUIMARAS
Smallest Plaza
Holy Family Hills
San Miguel, Jordan (Fresh Mangoes/Delicacies)
GTIC Pasalubong Center/Museo
The Pitstop Restaurant (Famous Mango Pizza)
NMRDC (Mango Research Facility)
Trappist Monastery
Southern Orchard Mango Plantation
Sitio Alubijod, Beach Areas
Guisi Lighthouse
San Lorenzo Wind Farm
EXPENSES:
Jeep Iloilo to San Joaquin: Php 60.00
Jeep San Joaquin to Miagao: Php 15.00
Miagao to Supermarket: Php 50.00
Tricycle to Garin (2 way): Php 20.00
Garin Entrance: Php 150.00
Jeep Mandurriao to Parola : Php 7.00
Pumpboat Iloilo to Guimaras: Php 14.00
Pumpboat back to Iloilo: Php 14.00
Mango Pizza Double: Php 245.00
Donation (Guisi Lighthouse): Php 20.00
Ice cold Buko: Php 60.00
Entrance Andrew's Beach: Php 25.00
Taxi from Molo to SM City: 80.00
Shutte SM Iloilo to Airport: Php 70.00
Meal: Php 150.00
Guimaras Tour Package: Php 1200.00
Terminal Fee: Iloilo to Manila: Php 200.00
EXPENSES: Php 2380.00
CONTACT PERSON FOR GUIMARAS TOUR PACKAGE
Kuya Joel Guileño
Guimaras Motorcycle & Tours
Smart: +639093809752
Globe: +639267633190
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/guimarastricycle.joelguileno
FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/Guimaras-Tricycle-and-Tour-479474015590870/
WHERE TO STAY and CHEAP HOTELS IN ILOILO
I stayed at Ong Bun Pension House which offers affordable rates for backpackers. The hostel is located in Ledesma St. and is walking distance from Robinson's Place Iloilo and SM Delgado. Accessibility to ferry terminals going to Bacolod and passenger boats to Guimaras, jeepney terminals bound to Garin Farm, Jaro and Isla de Gigantes is one of the advantages when staying at the heart of Iloilo.
ONG BUN PENSION HOUSE ROOM RATES
Fan Room Common CR:
Good for 1 or 2 pax: Php 330.00/night
Airconditioned Room w/ Private Bathroom:
Standard Single: Php 385.00 (+Php 50.00 w/ TV)
Deluxe Single w/ TV: Php 495.00
Deluxe Double w/TV: Php 580.00
Deluxe Triple w/TV: Php 720.00
Executive Room (Led TV): Php 750.00
Suite Room: Php 930.00
Note: Rates are subject to change w/o prior notice.
MORE CHEAP HOTELS AND INNS IN ILOILO
Urban Inn near Lapaz Market. SMS or Call +639088749976, +639175292754
Tribu Hostel, backpackers' hostel near Gaisano City La Paz. It's clean, comfy, creatively designed and affordable. SMS or Call +63 906 276 8184
Maria orosa pension haus
Jaro Pension Haus
North Inn View
Sportside Hotel
Budget Inn
Note: Contact numbers are subject to updates or changes, you may visit their facebook account or site and search them in google.
RT Ticket (Philippines Airlines w/ Snacks onboard): Php 1330.00
TOTAL EXPENSES: Php 7340.00
GRAND TOTAL: Php 8670.00
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Looking for a tour package for Iloilo, Bacolod and Guimaras? We have a partner accredited travel agency that offers a very affordable rate for you. Send me a message via mariaronab@gmail.com for more details.
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Looking for a tour package for Iloilo, Bacolod and Guimaras? We have a partner accredited travel agency that offers a very affordable rate for you. Send me a message via mariaronab@gmail.com for more details.
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We know this is obviously a long travel guide for Guimaras, Iloilo and Bacolod. Why we did not to include introduction to each of the spots we mentioned. Stay tuned though because I will post separate blog articles for Bacolod tourist spots, Iloilo tourist spots and Guimaras tourist spots.
A neverending gratitude to Jem Enck Sharpe for sharing his 3 day trip to us. You can follow him at his social media links and contact information below:
Facebook/Page: https:/www.facebook.com/MountainNars & @tolitslakwatsero
Instagram: instagram.com/iamtolitslakwatsero Twitter: www.twitter.com/jemzrn Email address: jemrn021286@yahoo.com.
Mobile: +639178664400
Mobile: +639178664400
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