Iloilo and Guimaras on a budget p3

Our first day at Guimaras, we were able to put in island-hopping before the day closed. Christine was determined to enjoy the beach so a trip to Alubihod was set. The resort itself wasn't really impressive as the place looked like any other beach resort I've been to before. The sand wasn't as white or as pure as that of the beaches in Boracay or even Batangas but the island-hopping services was affordable (Php300 for the first hour) and relaxing. We made a total of 6 stops, I think, and didn't really take more than a couple of hours so the tour cost us Php475 total. The Turtle Island was one of the places we visited and though we missed the "nesting" season, we did see about 20 young pawikans (or (would-be) giant turtles). The Baras bat cave was another site and though sightings of the creatures were brief, the noise they made inside the dark cave was quite an experience.

The next morning, we had breakfast at the Pitstop. It was the island's version of a local fastfood chain, so we dined on burgers and hotdogs before heading to the capitol. We got helpful information at that place and I was able to buy a decent polo shirt with an embroidery of Guimaras Island for only Php250. From there we headed to the Kenyama beach resort. The place was much better than the Alubihod in my opinion and the water was so much clearer there. We did make a trip to one of the falls but I'll have to detail on that later since I forgot the name of the place though I recall very vividly the aches and pains in my legs after an unexpected hike to get there. The Guisi (pronounced gi-si) boasted of another beach resort and an old lighthouse. Entrance to have pictures taken there was just Php10 so it wasn't so bad. Because the actual lighthouse was old, climbing to the top of the tower was prohibited. The view would've been just the ocean so it wasn't much of a loss. Villa Igang was a welcome trip though entrance to see the place set us each back Php100. The rate was fair, I suppose, as it gave us free reign to see the so-called butterfly farm (I say "so-called" since I didn't really see any butterflies), the mangroves (where we got to walk along a narrow bamboo walkway), and more bat caves. The sun was already fading and we were already exhausted so we decided to forego the caves. On our way back to the chalet we'd decided on our dinner. We went back to the Pitstop for the Mango Pizza the proprietor suggested we try out then ordered takeout from the eatery fronting the chalet. Christine and Mitzie had decided to buy mangoes (which Guimaras was known for) but unfortunately, it was off-season so they ended with slightly sour pieces.

I'll end here and finish my rewind of our trip in my next blog. As was the case in my last post, I have to answer to nature's call. ;P

Iloilo and Guimaras on a budget p2

I promised I'd expound on my latest getaway so I'm doing another short cut on what went down last December 10-12, 2010.

As agreed with Christine and Mitzie, I met up with them at the McD's along Q.Ave at 6am. Eventhough I had not had any sleep (coming from work on a 4pm-130am shift), I'd made it on time and had just bought a light breakfast of pancakes when Christine arrived. Mitzie followed a few minutes later and we soon headed out via cab to NAIA. Although travel was fairly smooth and continuous, the cab driver took the long route causing us to spend more than expected. Mitzie actually paid the exact amount on the meter, which undoubtedly was the reason for the driver's tsking sound when we got off, but I didn't feel bad since I felt he'd duped us anyway by taking the longer road.

We checked in and had enough minutes to spare so some monetary exchanges were made to settle our fares. It really boggles me why there are some people who like to rush at the airport when seats are almost always reserved and shelf space for hand-carry items are most often sufficient for the passengers. There was a moment when I felt mildly annoyed at this lady who cut in front of me during check-in then caused me delay when she had to take off her socks before getting through the "customs" lane. Muttered beneath my breath to let her know my irritation, natch, then just shot daggers at her with my sleep-deprived eyes. Anywho, we got to Iloilo and found the shuttle service easily enough that would take us to SM. The ride was short and cost us Php50 each but it was comfortable enough. Wanting to try one of the suggested batchoy places, we had our lunch at Ted's. We all felt really disappointed that it fell way below our expectations. The broth was not as tasty (I honestly think I get more flavour out of those instant Lucky-Me La Paz Batchoy at the grocery) and the toppings not as impressive as the pictures. Mitzie was dissatisfied enough that she had to buy a pastry at a stall nearby the bookstore.

We took another cab to the port and sadly encountered another driver that thought to cheat us by taking another convoluted route. Since we weren't familiar with the place, we had no other alternatives but to keep to it. The ferry that would take us to Guimaras was soothing despite the slight drizzle, enough that it lulled me to doze off and on. There wasn't much of a view but I suppose Christine and Mitzie thought it picturesque enough to take some scenic shots. Getting off was a trial in patience as we were (as is common in provincial ports/airstrips) hounded by relentless drivers hoping to get us to contract them for an exhorbitant fee. Thanks to Christine's affable approach to the port lady and Mitzie's determination to spend cheap, we managed to ward off all the offers and arrange to take a simple pedicab to our hotel. It was a bit of a drive and cramped but we made it. We missed our "hotel" the first trip out but the driver was solicitous to take us back around and drop us off right in front of our destination. The Zemkamps Chalet is beautiful, don't get me wrong (especially during the evening when the lights are on and the night sky is clear) but it's really pretty easy to miss because of its not quite facing the road and it's sign is small and slightly inconspicuous.

The service was commendable and the people working there were very nice. The place didn't offer in-house dining but they did have a local eatery in front which offered delivery. After the much needed rest and deliberation on what to do now that we were there, Christine and Mitzie finally decided to see what we could of Guimaras Island while we still had a few hours of daylight left to us. We hailed a trike and managed to strike a good bargain with the manong driver, Jerry. Because he seemed the likeable sort, we decided to stick with his touring services the rest of our Guimaras stay.

I'll have to share part 3 of this in another date as nature calls...

Iloilo and Guimaras on a budget p1

I didn't think it was possible for me and I swear I had my doubts...but surprisingly, I actually managed to have a mini-vacation and not spend too much for it. I can't take credit for any of it, of course, as I did very little to help haggle with trike drivers and shop owners. Still, to have come out of the trip flush with half of what I'd originally budgeted is something even I wouldn't have expected.

Christine, Mitzie, and I were originally slated to go to Iloilo some time last November. Actually, I wasn't in the original roster but since their travel buddy backed out, the open flight slot was offered to me. Back in October, when they had first begun to map this trip out, I had thought to juggle schedules and finances just to be able to make it. Due to unforeseen events, I suddenly found myself with a lot of free time but with very limited spending capacity. One thing led to another and soon, plans were pushed back until it was too late.

Determined to get one last hurrah before the year closed, and thanks to CebuPac's budget flights (Php899/pax GoLite), we were able to work around our respective schedules and book new tickets to Iloilo. After much deliberation and rough sketches of what our itinerary was going to be like, we ended up half following our outline and half just winging it. Being the OC people that we are, we armed ourselves with research on the best spots and the greatest deals to maximize our time and money. I don't know if it was sheer luck or charm that worked for us, but we actually managed to get even lower prices for some expenses than what other bloggers said were already good deals. I'll have to expound on this at a later date since I've work to see to...work that will inevitably sponsor my future trips.