October 16, 2018 Monday
I had a one hour Guimaras Island quickie adventure. My husband and his classmates were island-hopping around Guimaras but that was only exclusive to their school batch. I wanted to see Guimaras too so I went by myself.
I took a cab from Marriott Hotel to the pantalan, Ortiz Wharf.
Fernando, the taxi driver, was just too happy to be my driver, bodyguard, tour guide, dialect interpreter, porter, and photographer.
Although the sun was bearing me down at least the sea was calm and I didn’t have to worry about choppy waves.
It was my first time here and I didn’t know what to expect. What the conditions and sizes of boats. My gameplan was: if the boats were small, I would rent two boats. One as a back up in case our boat stalls, at least there’s an instant back up. If the boat is big enough , then I won’t need another back-up boat.
Fernando said we didn’t have to rent a whole boat to cross the channel. He said it would only cost P14 / person to ride a boat. I didn’t want to share a boat with other passengers.
A motorman approached us and offered to bring us to Jordan Wharf with this big boat for P500 only. I said yes! The boat looked big enough to make me feel confident. Maarte talaga ako kasi takot ako sumakay sa banca.
I was calm and excited. I didn’t feel any worry at all.
My husband didn’t know I was going to Guimaras, I didn’t tell anyone. If I get lost, only the taxi driver would know where to look for me.
I chartered this boat that’s good for 42 passengers.
All for me.
The boat ride was short, smooth and sweet.
We reached the Jordan Wharf in 15 minutes.
Before we left the Ortiz Wharf, I was made to sign a manifesto. As soon as we’ve landed, we registered at the tourist information desk. I was impressed that they are monitoring the coming and going of visitors. Boracay should follow this process.
I asked how I could best spend my one hour. Where I could go. It was so init and I didn’t want to spend more than an hour here. My goal was not to cover the whole island. I just wanted to hop in and out, take some photos as proof I’ve been here. This’ the tricycle driver that would bring us to and from wherever. The tourist desk noted down the driver’s name and ID number. She also gave him instructions regarding my short tour itinerary.
I was excited to ride the tricycle. I was excited to see what Guimaras is all about.
