Guimaras Island Hideaway - Baras Beach Resort

Canon 40D, EF24-105mm L IS USM, f/11, 1/500, ISO400 

For two consecutive mornings, I woke up and rose to this sight. The bed in the cottage I was occupying has been cleverly positioned in such a way that the foot-side faces the veranda where this view greets the occupant when one arises from sleep.

It has been a long trip.  Thanks for the direct flight of Cebu Pacific from Cagayan de Oro to Ilo-ilo and their promo sale, direct travel between these two cities by air has become a reality.  After arrival at the airport I took the van that goes to the SM Mall and got off the area where jeepneys going to the Ortiz Ferry Terminal pass-by.  The 30 pesos ride on board the 40 seater motorized banca to the Jordan Port of Guimaras somehow gave me time to relax before another long trip towards my final destination, the Baras Beach Resort.  

Canon 40D, EF24-105mm L IS USM, f/5.6, 1/1250, ISO400

20-30 minutes later, I was making my way out from the Jordan Port but not missing this very important notice in the docking area. 

Guimaras needs to protect their most important produce, the mangoes.  

As per instruction, I have to take a tricycle from the Jordan port towards the Alubihod Port in Nueva Valencia where I will be met by a resort representative who will ferry me to the resort.  The 300 pesos I paid the tricycle driver included a tour and stop-over of the few interesting places on the way. 

Canon 40D, EF24-105mm L IS USM, f/10, 1/100, ISO400

Canon 40D, EF24-105mm L IS USM, f/11, 1/800, ISO400

I skipped the rest of the stop-overs, except for the Trappist Monastery.  I spent a few minutes inside their church, just trying to feel the serenity of the place.  











I got the chance to chat with one of the monks who informed me of their 'pasalubong' center down the path.  Their 'salabat' powder was good and of course, their mango jam.

Canon 40D, EF24-105mm L IS USM, f/8.0, 1/1000, ISO400

I arrived after an hour or so, including the stop overs in the monastery and other areas on the way. The road from Jordan to Alubihod was almost deserted. 

Canon 40D, EF24-105mm L IS USM, f/11.0, 1/2000, ISO400

The resort banca was still on its way, so I took the time taking pictures of a few interesting scenes at the jetty. 

Canon 40D, EF24-105mm L IS USM, f/8.0, 1/2000, ISO400

- of the deep-sea fishing boats moored for the day, awaiting the high-tide later that evening to bring them to the farthest part of the sea.

Canon 40D, EF24-105mm L IS USM, f/11.0, 1/1250, ISO400

- of the workers beside the jetty, turning over sheets after sheets of salted fish making sure they dry perfectly.  

Scenes uncommon in the bigger cities ...

The boat ride took around 15 mins. Baras Beach Resort is hidden in a sheltered inlet. Upon entering the bay, you will see several cottages built on the cliffs each hovering on the coast overlooking the sea and surrounded by verdant foliage. The resort has a total of 10 cottages with rates starting at P700. 

Canon 40D, EF24-105mm L IS USM, f/11.0, 1/400, ISO400

There was only the group of Australian tourist, 4 of them, and me who were in the resort, so we kind of owned the place for that weekend.  I skipped the snorkeling, boating, and other water sports activity available.  All I wanted was to relax, eat and relax.  That was the MAIN purpose of this particular trip.

Canon 40D, EF24-105mm L IS USM, f/11.0, 1/500, ISO400

The resort has one of the better places in the area to witness sunsets.  I was joined by the other guest as we watch the sunset over the horizon.  

Canon 40D, EF24-105mm L IS USM, f/11.0, 1/80, ISO400

At the resort, it was back to basics.  Electricity was only available from 6pm-10pm through generator power.  No TVs and the likes. Cellphone signal was weak that you'd be discourage to receive and make calls.  Its just you and nature.  

Canon 40D, EF24-105mm L IS USM, f/8.0, 1/30, ISO400

Breakfast in the resort was the typical 'silog' type. Fresh seafood cooked in a variety of ways was my lunch and dinner during that weekend-stay, healthy-eating as they say.

Jing-jing, the 4 year-old grand daughter of the owner became the guest-relation-officer during that weekend. She would gladly approach any guest and strike a conversation or two, much to everybody's delight.  She was even game to pose for the camera!

Canon 40D, EF24-105mm L IS USM, f/4.0, 1/320, ISO400

As i was discussing with the staff about my return trip to Ilo-ilo, I cant help but start missing the place.  I am comforted by the fact though, that I am fully rejuvenated and ready once more to face the fast paced city life. I surely will come back here in the near future.  

Canon 40D, EF24-105mm L IS USM, f/11.0, 1/160, ISO400