Islas de Gigantes – All You Need to Know Before You Go
Islas de Gigantes, also known as Gigantes Island and Isla Gigantes, is a paradise on Earth. Thanks to its breathtaking landscapes, crystal-clear oceans, and pristine beaches of white sand. In addition to the long stretches of white sand beaches, intriguing caverns and caves, rock formations similar to those seen in Palawan, and beautiful, broad blue seascapes are just a few of the reasons why people travel to this location.
Gigantes Islands consists of 2 major islands (Gigantes Norte and Gigantes Sur) and ten Islets, namely: Balbagon, Bantigue, Bulubadiang, Cabugao Gamay, Cabugay Daku, Gakitgakit, Gigantillo, Gigantona, Ojatras, and Waydahun.
The municipality of Carles in the province of Iloilo in the Philippines is home to a group of islands and islets that are together referred to as the Islas de Gigantes or simply the Gigantes Islands.
Although the Islas de Gigantes have started to draw a good number of tourists from both domestic and international locations, it is still free from the typical beach party scene that the majority of the most popular beach or summer destinations offer.
How to go to the island of Gigantes (Carles)
Through the Roxas Airport, Roxas City, and Capiz
If you are flying in from Manila, the most convenient route to opt to get to Gigantes Island is via the Roxas Airport in Roxas City, which is located in the province of Capiz. You can take Ceres buses (Vallacar Transit) with Estancia Route by traveling to Roxas City from there.
Via Iloilo International Airport, Iloilo City
In the event that there are no flights departing from your point of origin to Roxas Airport, you have the option of using Iloilo International Airport, which offers access to a greater number of destinations and flights.
Take a van bound for Iloilo City from the Iloilo International Airport, and then take to another van bound for Tagbak Terminal in the Jaro District when you get there. You have the option of taking a taxi directly from the Iloilo International Airport, which will take roughly twenty to thirty minutes depending on traffic.
You have the option of taking the Ceres Bus (Vallacar Transit) or a van from the Tagbak terminal, and either will get you to Carles or Estancia.
Traveling by bus may take three to four hours and cost around 200 pesos per passenger, however traveling in a van could cut travel time by thirty minutes and cost 350 pesos per passenger.
Via Kalibo Airport/Caticlan Airport (Boracay)
People traveling from Boracay will have to make their first stop in Kalibo, which should take around an hour of travel time.
If you are traveling from Kalibo, the only way to get to Carles or Estancia is by way of Roxas City because there are no buses or vans that travel between Kalibo and either of those two places.
From the Bancal Port to Gigantes Island
The Bancal Port in Carles is both the most convenient and well-known departure point for trips to the island of Gigantes. You’ll locate a Tourism Office at Bancal Port, which is where you’ll make your payment for the environmental charge. You may also inquire about receiving some support while you are in this office.
The travel from Bancal to the Gigantes Islands takes roughly one to one and a time hour and covers 14 nautical miles.
There is one trip each day on a regularly scheduled local passenger pump boat that travels from Bancal Port to Gigantes Norte Island. The pump boat leaves Bancal Port around 10 in the morning and arrives back at Bancal Port at 2 in the afternoon. Those who purchase the tour packages, on the other time, are given access to unique excursions provided by the tour operators at predetermined times.
Gigantes Island Tour
Taking advantage of the island’s tour packages is the most convenient and time-efficient way to enjoy Gigantes.
2 Day/1 Night Tour Package; PHP 1,699 Only
The following items are included with the purchase of this bundle:
- Complimentary private service to and from Bancal Port and the island.
- The lodging included in the package is a Fan Room. Do not have fantastic accommodations in mind, thank you. However, the nipa hut that was presented to us as a gift was already satisfactory and adequate. However, the bathroom facilities for the lodging included in this tour package are shared or public. If you would like to be upgraded to a room with air conditioning and a private bathroom, you can discuss this with the personnel at the resort for an additional fee, of course.
- All of your meals during the tour will be provided for you. One thing that you need to keep in mind is that they provide good access to a food of delicious food, including crabs, scallops, squid, grilled fish, Coke, and a lot more. Snacks are not provided; therefore, if you are accustomed to eating something in the time between meals, you should bring your own food.
- Both the entrance fee and the environmental fee are already included in the price of the Gigantes Island package.
Gigantes Island Itinerary
FIRST DAY
- Assembly at Bancal Port Carles from 8:30 to 8:45 a.m.
- 8:45 am to 9:00 am Registration can be completed at the Tourism office. Because island hopping begins as soon as you leave Bancal Port, participants have the option of donning their swimming clothes and relying solely on cover-ups for the remainder of the day.
- 9:00 am Departure for the island of Gigantes. Please be aware that the following schedule is subject to change depending on the weather and the sea conditions.
- Pulu Pandan – Photo op
- Tanke (Enchanted Lagoon): While you’re there, you can go swimming or cliff diving.
Check-in and lunch at the resort will begin at 12 NN.
- Cabugao Gamay. On Gigantes Island, this place is widely considered to be the most photogenic point.
- Snorkeling and swimming, in addition to shooting pictures, may be done at Antonio Beach and Bangui Sandbar.
- At Antonia Beach, you can take a ride on a banana boat for PHP 200 per person, with a minimum of 5 people required, and you may rent a jet ski for PHP 2,000 per hour. The Gigantes Island bundle does not include these rides as of the most recent update.
- Return to the resort
- Dinner at seven o’clock
- Free time at eight o’clock
SECOND DAY
- 7 AM breakfast.
- Bakwitan Cave offers a caving experience that lasts for two to two and a half hours. The activity involves things like boulder climbing and trekking, among other things. This activity’s level of difficulty ranges from moderate to difficult based on your current level of physical fitness. When going caving, I wouldn’t recommend bringing your children with you. Those who struggle with their physical health might decide against participating in this sport.
- Lighthouse. Since the history of the lighthouse dates back to the 1800s, I would say that it is important to visit the place when you are on Gigantes Island.
- Mini Boracay. Sand comparable to talcum powder can be found at this place.
12:45: A speedy shower, and then lunch
1:30 pm: travel back to the port of Bancal.
