TRAPPIST MONASTERY (JORDAN,GUIMARAS ISLAND, ILOILO PHILIPPINES)

Are you looking for a retreat venue, or a peaceful place for self meditation, group spiritual retreat well there is a beautiful and perfect nice place for you in Guimaras. I’m not kidding since I’d been visiting their place  twice already. There are a lots of improvements and new facilities at Trappist Monastery compound. The Trappist coffee shop is the  newest  one stop coffee shop situated along the road and it’s perfect to hop or drop by to drink and taste their  very delicious and original coffee. The Trappist gift shop was transferred nearby the road just beside the coffee shop where every  car buses can just  stop and buy their favorites sweet mangoes products and other gifts.

The Trappist Monastery grounds is a peaceful and sacred enclave in Guimaras run by the Monks of Cisterian Order of the strict observance. I was invited to observe their way of life for almost one week.

During my visit to them I was able to talk with four of the Monks. They’re all friendly and are full of wise thoughts and things to contemplate about while you’re spending your time in serenity. The chapel is always open daily. There are also guest houses available at reasonable prices per  day including foods for your stay and for those who would want a retreat from the stresses of life.

The monks earn a living by selling souvenir items and processed foods such as jellies, jams, candies, piyaya and more, which are sold in a small shop within the monastery grounds. All the products are from ingredients grown in the Trappist grounds. The newest store was a coffee shop located just beside the souvenir store and they serve all local all time favorite coffee and the aroma is really good.

Location and how to get there

        The Trappist Monastery is located in Bgy. San Miguel, Jordan Town in Guimaras island . From Iloilo, Jordan, Guimaras . The last time I went there was last February 18, 2019. This place can be reached  via:

 Airplane – In my case I  booked  my ticket  from Cebu pacific air since it’s

        cheaper than other airlines. From Manila Terminal 3 airport  it takes 1

        hour to reach Iloilo International Airport. From the Airport there are  

        stand by shuttle van going to SM city proper, the fare is P50.00 each

        going back to airport from SM City fare is P70.00 each.

 boat -        From Manila and other  places in the Philippines you can booked 

                  your tickets via To Go Travel  and fare vary depending on your places

                 of origin.

 Bus-         There are buses from Manila and other  places of  origin in Philippines

                 going to Iloilo.  

First Option:

Once you reached Iloilo International Airport you can take taxi  going to Ortiz where a  pump boat is waiting for passengers going to Jordan, Guimaras Island. When you reach Ortiz wharf terminal just proceed to the booth and pay P15.00 and they will give you the ticket and name of the pump boat, just  write your name on the passengers logbook then proceed to your respective boat. Then from Jordan Port, one can arrange transportation to the Trappist Monastery with the help of the Provincial Tourism Office Outpost. It is approximately a 20-30 minute multicab / jeepney ride from the Jordan Port. For Tricycled fare is P150.00 and for jeepney P20.00 each. In my case I choose tricycle  for P150.00  it’s easy no need to wait for other passengers.

Second Option:

          From Iloilo International Airport you can  ride a shuttle van going to SM City proper  fare is P50.00 each. From SM city  just ride a jeepney  with a signboard SM City proper fare is P8.00 it will pass Ortiz  just tell the driver that you are going to ride the boat at Ortiz.

GETTING AROUND GUIMARAS

Once in Guimaras, you have the following options to get to any point from Jordan.

Jeepney – It leaves when it is full and may require a motorcycle transfer. Not really suggesting this due to inconvenience.
Tricycle – If you don’t have problems with this mode of transpo then you’ll be fine. Your butt is sure to hurt if you’re not used to sitting in non-cushioned seats though. Haha!
Chartered Car – There are private charter available as you arrive. This will be ideal if you’re in a group.

ACCOMMODATIONS

If you want a more quite and a more private  experience, I highly recommend a Trappist Guest House because it is just along the road and easy access.  Starting  P1,000 per day  with foods you can enjoy your stay here. For more update please contact the guest house office of Trappist.

THE GARDEN AT TRAPPIST COMPOUND

PLACES TO VISIT IN GUIMARAS

According to the tricycle driver  you can tour  all of the following places below for a fee of P1,500.00 for tricycle service. The tricycle driver  is kind and  polite. This is very good idea for those who have no private car.

*San Lorenzo Windmills
*Balaan Bukid Shrine
*Mango Plantation
*Trappist Monastery
*Guisi Lighthouse
*Guisi Beach
*Alubihod Beach
*Floating Cottage