Nueva Valencia

Short Description

To discover the municipality of Nueva Valencia you'll need at least one day. Two days would be much better. Most of the interesting spots are to be found at the end of a road. So you will have to drive back again. There are several beach resorts where you can sleep. Something special would be a night in the guesthouse of the Trappist Monastery near Santa Teresa.

Time and Distance

You can do this trip in 1 day. but then you won't have time to sit down or to swim. The distances aren't very long, about 30 to 40km. The main road from Jordan to San Miguel and then Nueva Valencia is very good. But the roads going to the sight seeing spots are often very rough and you drive at pedestrian's speed.

Equipment

Swimming gear, hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.

What to see

First stop should be the Macopo Falls near Santa Teresa. But after a heavy rainfall, the road is awfull and you will have to walk for about 30 minutes (one way).

Also interesting is the new Museo de Guimaras in San Miguel. This new museum is built within the cultural complex. But unfortunately the doors seem to be closed very often. So we just could peep through the glass-dors.

On your way to Lawi you will pass by or better stop at the Trappist Monastery "Our Lady of the Philippines". Trappis monks are known world-wide for their delicious food products. You may taste and buy them in the souvenir shop. Unfortunately the monks in the Philippines do not brew the famous Chimay beer as their brothers do in Belgium.

If you wish, you may stay a night in the Monastery's guesthouse. Call Frather Bruno on his cellphone: +63 918 421 2852. This could be a unique experience.

In Lawi you will visit the Lawi Marine Turtle Rescue Center. It is built on bamboo out in the bay. You reach the platform over a long bamboo bridge.

You are allowed to hold a 16kg turtle in your hands, but only for a minute for not to stress it too much. You are also allowed to play with the "kissing" fish. You pay no entrance fee but a donnation is welcome to help the work of the center.

On your way to the lunch break you pass on the hills of Barangay Ravina where you have a scenic view over the bay of Lawi. Raymen Resort in Alubihod is a fine place for your lunch. After lunch you may want to swim on the beach.

In the afternoon you continue to Guisi Point with its 3 light-houses. The oldest one had been built by the Spaniards. Only a rusty skeleton and remains of thick walls still stand there. The second lighthouse had been built by the Americans and is still standing in the bush. The newest one is a modern state-of-the-art lighthouse with all technical equipment for modern navigation.

There is a nice beach near Guisi Point where you can refresh in a well kept resort and beach restaurant.

If you still have enough time, you may continue to the southernmost point and San Isidro and Sebaste. But please keep in mind that your tricycle needs about 2 hours to do this and if you came over from Iloilo, you should catch the pump-boat before 6:00 PM. Afterwards you need to hire a boat to get back to your hotel.

What to do

Discover nature and history.
Highlights are the Museo de Guimaras, the Marine Turtle Sanctuary and the Trappist Monastery.

Enjoy the sights and the beaches.

Costs

Transportation:
Rent a multicab PHP 1000 to 2000, half day/day)
Tricycle PHP 1000 for the full day.

(We recommend to invite the driver for lunch and if he has been good, give him a decent tip at the end).

Entrance and others:
none