This post is long overdue but hey, sharing summer experiences are never boring. Eversince we were kids, we were always asked by our teachers, "So how did you spend your summer?" And we would think of the most interesting stories that we could boast for the whole class.
Summer wouldn't be complete without hitting the beach, drenching yourself in cool, clear waters amidst the prickling heat of the sun. When in Iloilo, one of the best, practical options of experiencing an island adventure would be crossing the river going to Guimaras, a mountainous land surrounded by a vast, beautiful sea. It has an array of pristine beaches whose shorelines are carpeted with white sand. This summer, my friends and I decided to just take a break in one of the province's resorts - Baras Beach Resort.
From Iloilo, we took a 10-minute boat ride going to Jordan port. There, we picked a multicab for a 30-minute ride going to a wharf where we would be fetched by a pump boat that would transport us to Baras. But while we were in the cab, we invigorated ourselves with the abounding coconut and mango trees that intermittently passed our eyes. Mountainous fields with artistic rocky edges were also awe-inspiring as we pass by hilly roads. Indeed, Guimaras is still a virgin town compared to the urbanized cities we are acquainted to. Your nostrils will be treated by fresh air and not by dirty, foggy smog caused by pollution.
Arriving at the small port, picture-perfect were these fishermen's boats floating by the shore. For quite, I imagined myself driving one, hopping every untouched island Guimaras possesses. So much for daydreaming. Our ride going to Baras already arrived and we had to prep for another 15-minute ride going to our final destination. Thrilling indeed!
As we were sometimes roughly rocked by the boat because of big waves, we remained still. My friends on the front corner were somewhat getting splashed by the waters that slapped on the boat's exterior. Nonetheless, we enjoyed every minute of the ride. The dreamy, captivating islands that revealed in front of our eyes wowed us. It's a surreal feeling seeing pure, peaceful nature when you are used to cross busy streets and brave crowded highways.
Arriving at Baras island made me feel I'm going to turn into a castaway for a day. The resort wasn't your typical high-class, sossy beach getaway. However, what's unique about it was the feeling that you seem to own the island. I guess they just allow a certain number of customers to be booked so that that place wouldn't get so crowded. Nearing the island, one would notice its cottages being built on different locations right above its coast. This is to offer visitors the perfect view of the vast, blue sea. If one wanted a time for solace and reflection, this must be a cool place for that.
As we stepped foot on the resort's sand, we climbed up to reach our reserved room. Our friend, Jo, had already contacted the beach personnel beforehand so that everything is settled and so that we could communicate with them while we are on the way to the island. However, we were told that as 10 pm strikes, the generator that ran the electricity in the place would be cut off. With that, we just hoped that it would be windy enough for us to sleep comfortably at night.
Our room was equipped with three double beds, however there was no electric fan to cool us down during that one humid day. Night came and we prayed that it would rain or even a cold breeze would swift through our windows but summer was taking its toll until evening.We had a hard time sleeping since it was so hot. Mosquito nets were available yet we decided not to hang it since it would make us feel hotter during that night. We should have lighted the kerosene lamp inside our room but we didn't bother. We ended up fanning ourselves just so we could slumber.
Morning came and the sun gleefully illuminated our faces. Though we didn't quite have a good sleep, we were excited to swim in the beach and do boating. The resort lets you borrow their boats for free and you can roam around its surrounding waters. You can also try snorkeling yet I guess a 100-peso fee will be charged per person.
Boating was a super fun activity since aside from it being a good exercise, you will learn to appreciate Mother Nature more. We kayaked going to an islet just across the distance and to the other islets nearby where we stopped over to rest and drench. As we enjoyed rowing with all our might, the dogs that welcomed us when we arrived at the resort and watched over us the last night also followed our trail as we boated through. I was impressed how these friendly askals were so good in swimming and how their stamina could handle such an exhausting work of guarding us. I couldn't imagine how deep the water was when we were already far from the shoreline but the two dogs were brave enough to thread alongside our boat. Just how sweet was that. Were they not afraid to drown?
For safety, one can borrow life jackets from the management. While my friends rowed their way from the shore going across another islet and past the sturdy mangroves, I preferred using a paddle board following their direction. Although I was about slow at first, I managed to discover the technique later so I was able to keep up with them. It was just refreshing and mesmerizing seeing the coral beds above the clear waters. If only we had the time, we could have asked the management to tour us going to other noted destinations such as the island where we get to interact with the Pawikans.
We left the resort with all smiles. Instead of traveling back to the small port where we were fetched by a banka going to Baras, we were brought to the Alubihod beach resort where pedicabs were accessible.
We were again transported by the pedicab back to the Jordan port. Truly, I and my friends enjoyed our one little adventure in Baras Beach Resort. Although we had not slept quite well, the company of friends, the good time, and being one again with nature had compensated it all. Next stop? I don't know. Only time and our pockets can tell. Lol.
Tips in spending a memorable time in Baras
1. Bring your own water, food, and other snacks to lessen your expenses. You can even cook your own beach-perfect dish to satisfy your tummies.
2. Group your friends into two teams and have fun playing volleyball.
3. You must not miss kayaking. Just remember to borrow life vests for your own safety.
4. Bring mosquito repellants and fans to have a sound sleep.
5. Take pictures!!!
6. If you have extra money to stash, try snorkeling or have a tour to other popular island destinations in the area.
Summer wouldn't be complete without hitting the beach, drenching yourself in cool, clear waters amidst the prickling heat of the sun. When in Iloilo, one of the best, practical options of experiencing an island adventure would be crossing the river going to Guimaras, a mountainous land surrounded by a vast, beautiful sea. It has an array of pristine beaches whose shorelines are carpeted with white sand. This summer, my friends and I decided to just take a break in one of the province's resorts - Baras Beach Resort.
From Iloilo, we took a 10-minute boat ride going to Jordan port. There, we picked a multicab for a 30-minute ride going to a wharf where we would be fetched by a pump boat that would transport us to Baras. But while we were in the cab, we invigorated ourselves with the abounding coconut and mango trees that intermittently passed our eyes. Mountainous fields with artistic rocky edges were also awe-inspiring as we pass by hilly roads. Indeed, Guimaras is still a virgin town compared to the urbanized cities we are acquainted to. Your nostrils will be treated by fresh air and not by dirty, foggy smog caused by pollution.Arriving at the small port, picture-perfect were these fishermen's boats floating by the shore. For quite, I imagined myself driving one, hopping every untouched island Guimaras possesses. So much for daydreaming. Our ride going to Baras already arrived and we had to prep for another 15-minute ride going to our final destination. Thrilling indeed!
Arriving at Baras island made me feel I'm going to turn into a castaway for a day. The resort wasn't your typical high-class, sossy beach getaway. However, what's unique about it was the feeling that you seem to own the island. I guess they just allow a certain number of customers to be booked so that that place wouldn't get so crowded. Nearing the island, one would notice its cottages being built on different locations right above its coast. This is to offer visitors the perfect view of the vast, blue sea. If one wanted a time for solace and reflection, this must be a cool place for that.
Our room was equipped with three double beds, however there was no electric fan to cool us down during that one humid day. Night came and we prayed that it would rain or even a cold breeze would swift through our windows but summer was taking its toll until evening.We had a hard time sleeping since it was so hot. Mosquito nets were available yet we decided not to hang it since it would make us feel hotter during that night. We should have lighted the kerosene lamp inside our room but we didn't bother. We ended up fanning ourselves just so we could slumber.
Morning came and the sun gleefully illuminated our faces. Though we didn't quite have a good sleep, we were excited to swim in the beach and do boating. The resort lets you borrow their boats for free and you can roam around its surrounding waters. You can also try snorkeling yet I guess a 100-peso fee will be charged per person.
Boating was a super fun activity since aside from it being a good exercise, you will learn to appreciate Mother Nature more. We kayaked going to an islet just across the distance and to the other islets nearby where we stopped over to rest and drench. As we enjoyed rowing with all our might, the dogs that welcomed us when we arrived at the resort and watched over us the last night also followed our trail as we boated through. I was impressed how these friendly askals were so good in swimming and how their stamina could handle such an exhausting work of guarding us. I couldn't imagine how deep the water was when we were already far from the shoreline but the two dogs were brave enough to thread alongside our boat. Just how sweet was that. Were they not afraid to drown?
For safety, one can borrow life jackets from the management. While my friends rowed their way from the shore going across another islet and past the sturdy mangroves, I preferred using a paddle board following their direction. Although I was about slow at first, I managed to discover the technique later so I was able to keep up with them. It was just refreshing and mesmerizing seeing the coral beds above the clear waters. If only we had the time, we could have asked the management to tour us going to other noted destinations such as the island where we get to interact with the Pawikans.We left the resort with all smiles. Instead of traveling back to the small port where we were fetched by a banka going to Baras, we were brought to the Alubihod beach resort where pedicabs were accessible.
We were again transported by the pedicab back to the Jordan port. Truly, I and my friends enjoyed our one little adventure in Baras Beach Resort. Although we had not slept quite well, the company of friends, the good time, and being one again with nature had compensated it all. Next stop? I don't know. Only time and our pockets can tell. Lol.
Tips in spending a memorable time in Baras
1. Bring your own water, food, and other snacks to lessen your expenses. You can even cook your own beach-perfect dish to satisfy your tummies.
2. Group your friends into two teams and have fun playing volleyball.
3. You must not miss kayaking. Just remember to borrow life vests for your own safety.
4. Bring mosquito repellants and fans to have a sound sleep.
5. Take pictures!!!
6. If you have extra money to stash, try snorkeling or have a tour to other popular island destinations in the area.
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