Guimaras : Balaan Bukid Shrine

Ave Maria Chapel

Balaan Bukid or Holy Mountain is a popular pilgrimage site in Guimaras during Holy Week. But on any other day, it is an average 30-minute trek on a shady trail leading to one of the highest point in the island where the view of the sea separating Iloilo and Guimaras can be seen.

The Cross from the Distance

The Cross Up-Close

During the Lenten season and in observance of the annual Ang Pagtaltal sa Guimaras on Good Fridays, Pilgrims flock this place while praying on the station of the cross that starts from the foot of the mountain in Brgy Hoskyn (some 3 kilometers away from the town proper of Jordan) leading to the Ave Maria Chapel right on top of the mountain. Pilgrims shall experience sacrifice because of the rocky and steep trails that lead to the peak. 

View from the Top

Chapel at the Top of the Mountain

There are fourteen stations along the way depicting the sacrifices in the life of Jesus. At the summit, visitors shall be greeted by the panoramic view of Iloilo City from across the Iloilo Strait and the scenic view of the entire province of Guimaras on the other side. The gigantic cross greets the trekkers that marks the shrine of Ave Maria Purisima, a small chapel on top of the holy mountain.

 The Balaan Bukid Shrine trip is among those included in the land-tour itinerary of Guimaras. However, if you are no fan of trekking, you can skip this part because due to arduous terrain of the mountain is not fit for any kind of vehicles. Walking is a requirement, so bring your trekking shoes. Also, it would be better to bring a bottle of drinking water during summer because it could get hot. And during rainy days, the trail could be muddy and slippery so heed extra caution.


This is my contribution to the weekly meme My World Tuesday. To see other amazing places around the globe, please click here.