Isla de Gigantes Travel Guide & Tips, Plus Full Itinerary
A Travel Guide For First-Time Visitors To The Gigantes Islands
The province of Iloilo is not only abundant in history and culture, but it is also famous for its natural formations and beaches with sands that are white in color. Islas de Gigantes, or known simply as the Gigantes Islands, is one of the top attractions in the province of Iloilo. It occupies a portion of the municipality of Carles in Iloilo, Philippines, which is found in the most northern part of mainland Iloilo.
The Islas de Gigantes is well endowed with a lot of natural wonders, including pristine beaches with pure white sand, incredible rock formations, delicious locally caught seafood (particularly scallops), and much more. It wasn’t until after the destruction caused by Typhoon Haiyan, also known as Super Typhoon Yolanda, that the media was able to witness the island’s natural beauty.
A visit to Gigantes is not truly worthwhile unless it includes at least one island hopping tour so you can explore some of the magnificent and breathtaking islands in the area. The island of Cabugao Gamay, popularly known as Selfie Island, is consistently ranked as one of my top choices among all of the islands in the Philippines. This is the location that attracts the most photographers throughout the Gigantes Group of Islands. It has dunes that are pristine white, water that is turquoise, and rock formations that are amazing.
The Tangke Saltwater Lagoon is another beautiful location that is ideal for taking photographs. It is an enclosed lagoon that is encircled by rock formations and provides a swimming location with shallow waters that are clear. It is highly recommended that you pay this location a visit throughout the week. Weekends and holidays are likely to have more people out and about.
The majority of travelers will begin their tour of the island on Pulupandan Islet. The fisherman who embarks on long journeys to sea takes refuge in the humble huts that dot this quaint and unpretentious island.
The beach of Antonia is home to a number of eateries in the area, many of which provide fresh seafood, in particular scallops, which may be purchased individually for just 1 peso. You may also buy here what the locals call wasay-wasay, which is steamed crabs and oysters.
To Do
You can go island hopping, swimming, free diving, caving, spelunking, rock climbing, boating, and eat your way through the islands, among many other things. The islands provide a wide lot of activities, both on land and in the water, that are guaranteed to make your trip to Gigantes memorable.
Where to stay (Resorts and Accommodations)
Near the Gigantes Islands, there are many places to stay that are not expensive. The majority of these resorts can be found in the Estancia and Carles areas.
Chateau de Aow provides comfortable accommodations in a setting that feels like home. It is the greatest location to unwind and calm out while lying in the cozy and vibrant hammock that is provided.
Solina Beach and Nature Resort is currently the best resort that Carles has to offer. It is the first and only upscale accommodation of its kind in Carles, Iloilo, and it is the best starting place for excursions to the Gigantes Islands. There is also the New Beach Head Resort, which is another hotel that you should consider staying at.
Mundo Hostel is is another great place to stay in Carles. It offers budget-friendly, convenient, and relaxing accommodation.
How to go to the Gigantes Islands
The travel by land from Iloilo to Carles, where boats depart for Gigantes Island, can take up to four hours; while it takes only one hour and a half to two hours from Roxas City.
Iloilo City to Carles
It is recommended that you arrive at Iloilo City by air travel.
- Take a van or a cab to travel to Tagbak Terminal in Jaro district. It shouldn’t take more than an hour to get there.
- To go to the Bancal port in Carles from Tagbak Terminal, you can take a bus or van in that direction. Fare is P200 per passenger. It takes about three to four hours to travel. It will only take two and a half to three hours via van.
Roxas City (Capiz) to Carles (Iloilo)
Fly to Roxas City in the province of Capiz.
- Ride a tricycle to the Roxas City Integrated Transport Terminal.
- Ride a bus from Ceres headed toward Estancia and get off at the Balasan stop. The Ceres bus has a fare of P100 per passenger. The travel should take approximately two hours of your time.
- Take a tricycle or a motorcycle taxi (habal–habal) for one hundred (P100) to two hundred pesos (P200) all the way to the Bancal port in Carles from Balasan.
3D/2N Isla de Gigantes Itinerary
This is a sample itinerary only.
Day 1
- 6 a.m. – Tagbak Terminal in Iloilo City to Carles via bus/van
- 10 a.m. – ETA in Carles
- 10:15 a.m. – Hotel/Resort Check-in in Bancal
- 12 noon – Lunch
- 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. – Half-day tour
Day 2
- 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Gigantes Island Hopping Tour
Day 3
- 9 a.m. – Resort Check-out
- 10 a.m. – enroute to Tagbak Terminal via bus/van from Carles
Islas de Gigantes is a wonderful place to visit if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the Metro and find a place where you can unwind, relax, and take pleasure in the straightforward way of life at the beach. You can’t go on your future travel experiences without experiencing the Islas de Gigantes.
Joiners’ Package
Day tour for as cheap as Php 999 per head includes a licensed island-hopping boat to the Gigantes Islands, DOT-trained professionals, all entrance and environmental fees, a seafood lunch by the beach, complimentary steamed scallops, and unlimited drinking water.
