GarinFarm Pilgrimage Resort by Cocotel — Hotel in San Joaquin

Garin Farm, located nearly two hours from the Iloilo International Airport, is a well-known destination for both tourists and locals. The drive itself is relatively smooth, with decent road conditions. However, one must exercise caution as many tricycles tend to occupy the inner lanes, which can be unpredictable and potentially hazardous.

Upon arrival, Garin Farm presents an intriguing mix of agriculture, leisure, and spiritual attractions. However, the experience is somewhat inconsistent especially when comparing expectations with the actual visit. One of the first things visitors may notice is the pungent odor permeating parts of the property, largely due to animal feces around the farm area. It can be overwhelming, particularly for those sensitive to strong smells.

Transportation within the site is another point of concern. The farm offers a golf cart service, but the pricing feels steep. Visitors are charged ₱150 for a ride from the entrance to the middle section of the property, and an additional ₱150 if they wish to ride from the middle to the top attraction. Considering the short distances involved, the service feels overpriced and could be more reasonably bundled.

The main attraction the “Heaven on Earth” installation at the top aims for a dramatic, spiritual experience, but the execution falls short. The path leading up is muddy and unkempt, detracting from the intended pristine, all-white aesthetic. The intense brightness, amplified by the white paint and sunlight, can be harsh on the eyes, so wearing sunglasses is highly recommended.

Another notable feature, the meditation room, lacks any form of signage or warnings. While it may have been intended as a space for quiet reflection, its dim lighting and eerie atmosphere may be unsettling especially for individuals prone to anxiety or sensory triggers.

In summary, Garin Farm is a place full of potential, with a unique concept that combines faith, agriculture, and recreation. However, practical issues like cleanliness, odor, pricing, and lack of thoughtful signage create a gap between vision and execution. It’s an okay experience overall, but one that may leave visitors feeling that reality didn’t quite live up to...

It was an awesome experience. The farm animals were a good and learning experience for the kids. The food in the restaurant was also very delicious. There are food and drinks available that were harvested from the farm. The goat call, bird call, fish call, turkey call were also very exciting. You can view it during lunch time near the resturant. The kids or even adults may also participate in feeding said animals. The pilgrimage part was also fulfilling. As we walked to the top, we can pass by creative representations of God's story from creation to the birth of Jesus to the Crucifiction until the ascension. Seeing the pure white clouds stone structures made us feel we were really on top of the clouds. There were also carts available for those who may feel easily tired after walking for a short while. This is very ideal especially for familes with senior citizens. The farm also had enough signages to remind the tourists that we are entering a farm with various animals and to expect foul odors.

My favorite part was going near the goats. Some of them seem to come from different countries since their breeds were not familiar and some of them does not have the body structure of a Philippine goat. It was also my first time to see sheep up close.

It would be great if they would offer more food made from organic materials or ingredients since they have the capability to grow some. It would also be awesome if there were some activities that the tourists can do near the Bahay Kubo.

It is a great place to spend some quality time with your family. You can also buy some souvenirs and delicacies near the entrance...

I booked for a solo room at Garin Farm on April 27, 2018, overnight. For 1,500Php, with free breakfast, the price is ok for me. The room is not as wow as expected but it offers a great view of the sea and the farm, thanks to the curtain wall (glass wall). The bed is ok, not too soft, just right. I wish they had a thicker blanket though, because the one they provided was like that of a school uniform white fabric. The tv was ok. They also have electric kettle. No ref. In the toilet, there's bidet hose. There is hot shower but the water supply wasnt strong enough for the heater to function.. That will force you to use the tabo and timba which is alread provided. Toiletries are basic, shampoo, toothbrush/paste, soap. The restaurant was more of a canteen from the tita's office.😂 nothing special, but food was cheap and so so. The 4ft pool was small for the huge lot space but enough for the number of maximum guests the hotel can have. There is also a kiddie pool for the kids and young at heart. The 480 steps of the pilgrimage/ way to cross was not actually as hard to take as expected because each riser step is low, around lower the half of an ordinary step. But along the way up, the view gets better and better. The peak where there was the big cross and reli statues were in between surreal and creepy. At the peak there was a loud music being played to make you feel more like you were heaven. 😂 Avoid going there at peak hours for you wont be able to enjoy the peak. You can try visiting the cross at around 5am to 7am to avoid the crowd. They usually arrive...