Why go to a farm, when
you have all the city leisures??? From time to time, work, house, work is such
an endless routine. That’s why some people get bored and sometimes leave
workplace because of the wrong impression that they are bored of it… which may
sometime true but not most of the time. As individual we need a time to self
generate. Reflect and just be with the nature. As in individual, me myself also
had that experiences but all started to change when I got to Garin Farm. A place
for Agriculture, PILGRIMAGE, and LEISURE of course…I believe after reading this
full blown content you would definitely tag your friends along and go for an
adventure @ Garin Farm.
Together with
my colleagues in one summer day, we were invited to have a one day tour at GARIN FARM, San Joaquin, Iloilo with a private vehicle from Pilar, Capiz. We hit the road at around 6:00 am, And
reach Iloilo City by 9:00 o'clock. Our journey is actually just to climb the cross (literally). We reach San Joaquin town @ 10:30 and still need to travel for about 10-15 mins to reach the farm.
Garin Farm can be
reach with 1 and half ride from the city of Iloilo. It is the last town in the south of the
province of Iloilo. For commuters, you can ride a San Joaquin Jeepney at the Iloilo “Super” Market in the city proper or
from Mohon Terminal, (fare would be probably
around 50-60 pesos. Ask jeepney driver to drop you off the parking area for
tricycles going to Garin Farm. The tricycle fare is usually Php10.00 per person
unless you will rent it.
For private
transportation, from the city it is a 53.5km drive taking the Iloilo-Antique
National Road. It will take you about 1 and half hour. There will be signage
and billboards of directions along the highway going to Garin Farm to lead you.
Upon the The entrance.
Fee is Php150.00 per
person. Just to set proper expectation, as people always says in order for us
to reach Glory(Himaya) we must undergone struggles. So upon entering the
entrance gate you will be welcomed by awful smells from the different animals likes
chickens,ducks,goats,etc. You have been warned. If you cannot take it, try to
smile, the biggest smile possible. Smiling suppresses gag reflex which will
make you less nauseous. :)
After a 10-15 minute walk
along the pathway of struggling odor, you will be rewarded with the magnificent
view of a 5,000 sq metre, beautifully designed, soothing to the eyes man made
lagoon. On an elevated area, just above the lagoon, is Garin Farm’s swimming
pool. There are cave-like cottages near the pool where you can leave your
things.
If you plan to stay
overnight, they have meticulously designed and landscaped glass-walled rooms
with an astounding view of the ocean or the mountains – A spot where you can
really feel that you are one with nature.
So???listed here are tons of activities that
you can try in this 14 hectare inland
resort. Look for it and Enjoy! Garin Farm.
For water activities,
you can go kayaking or boat paddling with a partner in the lagoon. You can swim
in their swimming pool with a man made falls. If you are up for a more
challenging activity, you can try the 300 metre zipline across the lagoon. And
if you want serenity and to reflect, you can climb 456 steps going up to the
Divine Mercy Cross. I swear, it is going to be worth it. Not to mention the
calories you will be losing along the way, the top most part promises another
breathtaking view of the entire resort, the mountains at the back, and even the
bell tower of San Joaquin’s Church from afar. On your way up, there are
different life size statues of the different biblical scenes such as The Last
Supper, The Agony in the Garden, The Crucifixion and Ascension of Jesus and a
lot more.
Check out the Inland Resort
Amenities and their Rates:(Rates may change)
Amenities:
Restaurant, Canteen, WiFi Access, Laundry Service, 24-Hour Security, 24-Hour Electricity
Entrance Fee: Php
150 per person
- Excluding children below 1 year old
- Senior Citizen discount is applicable to cardholders only
- Strictly no outside food and drinks allowed
Activities and Fees (
Prior to change):
- Hilltop Swimming Pool
– Php 80.00
- Hilltop Fishing: Php 30.00/kilo
- Billiards: Php 60.00/hour
- Hilltop Horseback Riding: Php 60.00
- Zipline (300 meters X 2)
- Sitting: Php 250.00
- Superman: Php 350.00
- Golf Cart (3 Pax ride)
- Entrance to Pavilion: Php 60.00
- Pavilion to Cross: Php 90.00
- Executive Conference
Room (15-20 Pax): Php 2,500
- Hilltop Boating:
- Single Kayak: Php 40.00
- Double Kayak: Php 90.00
- Pedal Boat: Php 90.00 for 2 pax
- Rubber Boat: Php 120.00 for 4 pax; Php 240 for 8 pax
- All-Terrain Vehicle
(20 minutes): Php 200.00
ROOM RATES:
Hilltop Family Room: Php 3,500.00
Hilltop Twin Room: Php 2,500.00
Hilltop Single Room: Php 1,500.00
- Fully Air-conditioned
- Extra Bed: Php 350 with breakfast; Php 200 without breakfast
- Available for Family & Twin Rooms only and limited to 2
extra beds.
- Check-in guests have complementary breakfast and free use of the
hill top pool.
Tips in Visiting Garin Farm:
- Bring umbrellas or
wide-brimmed hats, and wear sunblock to protect your skin from the rays of the
sun, (especially if you visit at lunch time)
- Drink a lot of water
before of while climbing the stairs going to the cross.
- Do not be in a hurry.
Enjoy every moment, every spot of the farm. This is a vacation not a race.
- Stay safe.
- If you want to witness
Ilonggo Heritage, visit their Church, just a 5 minute drive from Garin Farm,
and the Camposanto which is part of their cemetery.
______________________________________________________________IT ENDS HERE!!!!
Iloilo (Hiligaynon: Kapuoran sang Iloilo; Kinaray-a: Kapuoran kang Iloilo) is a province located in the region of Western Visayas in the Philippines. Iloilo occupies a major southeast portion of the Visayan island of Panay and is bordered by the province of Antique to the west, Capiz to the north, the Jintotolo Channel to the northeast, the Guimaras Strait to the east, and the Iloilo Strait and Panay Gulf to the southwest.
