Going into Garin Farm is a whole experience in itself. If you’re a city dweller you will be bowled over by the warm greeting from assorted farmyard animals like ducks, chickens, pigs and cows to name but a few; you are also assaulted by their requisite odors, but then that’s no worse than a lot of city places lol:). As you move further into the farm your sensual experiences broaden not only on the animal front but also visually as the lagoon, swimming pool and cottages hove into sight.
It all brilliant and a well thought out from the point of view of both the short-term visitor or longer term.
For the longer term visitor, just near to the pool area, are some rather fun rooms with funky glass-paneled rooms and jaw-dropping views across the shimmering ocean and onto the towering mountains. If your full of get up and go there are a pile of activities to get involved with, most of which are water-based and include kayaking, other boats for 2 or swimming in luxurious, waterfall designed pool.
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If you’re not a water-baby, then perhaps you might be more suited to land, and air, based activities. Air? you say? what’s that all about? Simply put it’s dangling in the air traveling at breakneck speed, hurtling towards a distant point which you know is salvation! Yes, Ladies and Gentleman the ever adrenaline pumping zip line ride, which in this case is about 300 meters long and over water (luckily not shark infested!). More the more sedate there is a climb, not quite equal to an ascent of the Himalayas, but nevertheless a substantial hike up nearly 500 steps. The reward for this gargantuan effort is to behold the Divine Mercy Cross and more assaults on the visual senses with breathtaking views.
A symbol of humility, the entrance has a low beam so that anyone who enters must bow down. 
A rendition of the Garden of Eden 
a flight of 400 stairs towards a gigantic Cross
The rewards for all these physical activities by land, sea or air, can be had in the Farm’s restaurant and in particular, I would not miss the Carabao Milk Ice Cream – I mean where have you had a chance to try that before?!
In summation, Garin Farm is a fun-filled, visual and sensually stimulating day out or longer and an experience that will linger with you for eternity. Go get the experience.
High above the mountain where one can almost touch the heavens.
HOW TO GET THERE:
From Caticlan/Kalibo/Antique: -Take a bus or van ride to San Jose, Antique. -Then transfer via bus or van going to San Joaquin, Iloilo.
-Ask the driver to drop you off the parking area for tricycles going to Garin Farm. The tricycle fare is usually Php10.00 per person unless you will rent it.
From Iloilo International Airport: – You can take the Shuttle Bus going to SM City, Iloilo. – From SM City, Iloilo, take the SM Mandurriao jeepney and take a stop at the nearby intersection under the overpass and ride the Oton bound jeep going to the jeepney terminal located in Mohon, Oton.
– In Mohon Oton Terminal, there will be several San Joaquin jeepneys ready to take you to GarinFarm for 60 pesos only.
From Iloilo City Proper – Take the San Joaquin bound jeepney from Super terminal, Iloilo City. – You can also take buses going to Anini-y or Dao Antique in Molo Terminal. Tell the bus conductor to drop you off in San Joaquin.
-Ask the driver to drop you off the parking area for tricycles going to Garin Farm. The tricycle fare is usually Php10.00 per person unless you will rent it.
From San Joaquin Town Proper:
– Take a tricycle ride and tell the driver to take you to GarinFarm, Brgy. Huna. Brgy. Huna is a 2-minute ride from San Joaquin town proper.
TIPS FOR VISITING GARIN FARM:
- Few pointers not to get caught out on, one of which is obvious to all people of the Philippines, but for our welcome visitors, always carry an umbrella (the rain can appear from nowhere!), wide-brimmed hats (fashion allowing) and sun cream to suit your skin’s needs!
- Needless to say, the usual hydration rules apply and this is especially true when exercise is involved, so carry a lot of water and hydrate fully before starting and there is no water available while on your climb up to the Divine Mercy Cross.
- Fees charged are ONLY entrance and anything else you want (like zip-line, swimming etc) IS extra and take cash NOT cards.
- Around and about Garin Farm it’s worth visiting San Joaquin and their 19th Century church built in 1896 by the Spanish and unusual in its almost militaristic design and the San Joaquin Cemetery is known as the most beautiful Spanish colonial cemetery in Iloilo and in the Philippines.
- Finally and most important, take the time to enjoy and absorb what’s around you and be safe.
Where to stay in Iloilo
INLAND RESORT AMENITIES :
Entrance Fee: Php 150 per person
- Excluding children below 1-year-old
- Senior Citizen discount is applicable to cardholders only
- Strictly no outside food and drinks allowed
Hilltop Swimming Pool – Php 80.00 Hilltop Fishing: Php 130.00/kilo Billiards: Php 60.00/hour
Hilltop Horseback Riding: Php 60.00
Zipline (300 meters X 2)
- Sitting: Php 250.00
- Superman: Php 350.00
Golf Cart (3 Pax ride)
- Entrance to Pavilion: Php 60.00
- Pavilion to Cross: Php 90.00
Executive Conference Room (15-20 Pax): Php 2,500
Hilltop Boating:
- Single Kayak: Php 40.00
- Double Kayak: Php 90.00
- Pedal Boat: Php 90.00 for 2 pax
- Rubber Boat: Php 120.00 for 4 pax; Php 240 for 8 pax
- Water Bike: Php 40.00
- Waterball: Php 50.00
All-Terrain Vehicle (20 minutes): Php 100.00
- Restaurant
- Canteen
- WiFi Access
- Laundry Service
- 24-Hour Security
- 24-Hour Electricity
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 complimentary breakfast and free use of the hilltop pool.
Garin Farm at San Joaquin
Brgy. Huna, San Joaquin
Iloilo, Philippines 5024
Telephone Number: +63 033 314 75 55
Mobile Number: +63 916 667 6851
Email: info@garinfarm.com / bookings@garinfarm.com
See Full Itinerary here:
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Travel Guide to Garin Farm, Iloilo
