Garin Farm, San Joaquin Iloilo 2023 Travel Guide

Take a break and reflect how good your life is as you take a 360 degree view atop Garin Farm Pilgrimage Resort in San Joaquin, Iloilo.

Garin Farm Pilgrimage Resort is a 14-hectare land managed by Mr. Oca Garin uniquely designed to offer you a variety of awesome scenery and fun-filled activities as it is a farm, resort and pilgrimage resort in one. The location is quite accessible from any point of departure in the sixth largest island of the Philippines, Panay Island. This has been a part of backpackers’ and travelers’ itinerary should they explore the island per se, including Aklan and Antique.

WARNING. Foul odor approaching. Don’t worry, though, for it will not be all around the place. It’s just at this path covered with greens for there are livestock on each side of it. If you don’t want to prolong the ‘agony’, you may take the golf cart from the entrance up to the foyer. 10 to 15 minutes of going through the path by foot or 5 minutes by the cart, you can reach the five-hectare lake, restaurant and the entrance to the pilgrimage.

There are several activities that you can try on your visit to the resort. This includes ziplining, kayaking, fishing, swimming and boat paddling. Should a day be not enough for these activities, you can always stay for the night in their uniquely designed rooms.

Bow, human, as you enter the pilgrimage site. This is the idea of low lying entryway at the foyer – you have to bow down as a metaphor or a sign of humility.

Lo and behold! Prepare to be amazed as you finish your literally breath taking 480-step journey from the creation to ascension. Yes, you’d have to take 480 steps up to the top. For a moment, you will be joining the dark side. Don’t worry, though, for you will be guide by these little blue lights. Upon your exit from the path full of darkness is quite a visually arresting scene! There you’ll see portrayal of biblical scenes including the creation, passion of the Christ and others not to mention the angelic chorus singing hallelujah as you enter the gates of heaven. I had goosebumps, actually. There are life size statues of people and angels with their glorious trumpets hailing you as you approach the gates to Christ and the cross of the Divine Mercy. The experience, I guarantee you, is quite heavenly. You won’t even get to recognize the skyline because everything is insanely white not to mention the clouds from afar. 

If you’re curious about the statues, nope. They’re not made of ice and it’s not even cold in here. It’s windy upon our visit yes, but most of the time, according to the staff, it’s quite hot in here. So bringing of umbrellas, hats or anything that would protect you from the sun is a must.

From Kalibo, Caticlan or San Jose, Antique

1. Ride a Ceres bus or van going to San Jose de Buenavista, Antique. If you’ll be coming from Kalibo/ Caticlan, it might take you 5-6 hours of travel time depending on your point of departure as well. Should you luckily catch trips straight to Iloilo, you may take this one as long as it’s via San Jose de Buenavista, Antique. Fare also varies depending on the ride that you’ll take and the place you’ll be coming from. From Caticlan to San Joaquin, fare is more or less Php 200.00 by van. From Kalibo it might range from Php 300.00 to Php 400.00.

2. Get off San Jose (Antique) Terminal.

3. Transfer to a bus or van bound for Iloilo City

4. Alight at San Joaquin (tricycle parking to Garin Farm)

5. Ride a tricycle to Garin Farm (10php per head)

From Ilo-Ilo City

1. from Molo Terminal, take a jeep bound for San Joaquin.

Option: You may also take buses/ vans bound for San Jose, Antique

2. Alight at the tricycle terminal to Garin Farm

Things to Remember when Visiting Garin Farm

1. Bring sun protection stuff like umbrellas, cap and hats to protect you from the scorching heat of the sun most especially if you plan to go up to the Divine Cross.

2. Bring something to keep you hydrated

3. Expect foul smelling odor. Bear with it. It’s a farm.

4. Food and drinks from the outside aren’t allowed to be brought inside.

5. If you’ve got heavy loads, worry no more, you can safely leave it at the entrance for free.

6. Other activities such as ziplining, boating, kayaking, fishing and others are not included in the Php 150.00 entrance fee

Rates and Fees

Below are the rates for their services and use of amenities.

Excluding children below 1 year old

20% off discount for senior citizens is applicable to cardholders only

Strictly no outside food and drinks allowed as they have their own restaurant inside as well.

Activities and Rates

1. Hilltop Swimming Pool – Php 80.00

2. Hilltop Fishing: Php 130.00/kilo

3. Billiards: Php 60.00/hour

4. Hilltop Horseback Riding: Php 60.00

5. For two-way 300-meter zipline:

Sitting: Php 250.00

Superman: Php 350.00

6. Hilltop Boating:

Single Kayak: Php 40.00

Double Kayak: Php 90.00

Pedal Boat: Php 90.00 for 2 persons

Rubber Boat: Php 120.00 for 4 persons; Php 240 for 8 persons

7. All-Terrain Vehicle (20 minutes): Php 200.00

They also have the following services and amenities:

Restaurant/ Canteen

Executive Conference/ Function Room (15-25 Pax): Php 2,500

Function Hall (150-190 persons)

Barracks Type Dormitory which can hold up to 64 persons

Gazebo for 50 persons

WiFi Access

Laundry Service

24-Hour Security

24-Hour Electricity

Overnight Accommodation

For those who would like to stay overnight, below are the following 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.

Contact Details

For more details and booking, you reach them through the following:

Email address:

info@garinfarm.com

bookings@garinfarm.com

Official Website:

http://www.garinfarm.com

Official Facebook page:

https://www.Facebook.com/GarinFarmInlandResort/

Contact number/s:

+63916 667 6581