Las Islas Gigantes escapade

A must see Gigantes Island
If you are looking for another get away, this trip must be added to your bucket list. Gigantes island is located at the northern part of Iloilo. It consists of 10 islands which I should explore.[/caption]

How to get there

From Roxas City you can ride a bus going to Estancia Port in Carles (estimated time is 2 hours)


from Roxas to Carles Port

From Estancia Port to Gigantes Island you will ride a public boat (cost PHP 80 per way)

Schedule of public boat:

Estancia port to Gigantes Island – 2:00 PM

Gigantes Island to Estancia port – as early as 6:00 AM

This is the only boat schedule going and leaving the island so you must be on time before you miss the boat or else you will wait until the next day. It might ruin your itinerary.

But what we did was we came from Caticlan, Boracay going to Estancia Port, Carles. We rented a van from Caticlan which cost us PHP 400 per person (we are 10 pax and paid PHP 4,000). The price was not expensive at all because it is more convenient than commuting going to Carles. It was a very long ride when left Catliclan by 10:00 AM in the morning. We reach the Estancia Port by 4:00 PM (including the stop over lunch).

We paid PHP 75.00 on the Estancia Port for Environmental Fees before riding a boat (for tourist only).

We had a private boat because it is included in the package from a resort (dela vega beach resort) that we availed before going there, so the schedule of boat is not an issue. It was a 1 hour boat ride going to the Gigantes, island. The owner of the Hotel warned us that there is not signal in the Island. What??? So beware.

Dela Vega Beach Resort

How to get around

The main transportation in the Island is a single motorcycle. So we opt to ride motorcycle going to our Hotel. Riding in tandem.

What to do

Island hopping ..the gang is complete

Island hopping is the main attraction in Gigantes Island. We failed to explore all the islands because of the Typhoon Kabayan and the condition of waves is really rough. So we were just able to explore the Bantigue sandbar, Antonia beach, Cabugao gamay island (most popular in pictures). I was disappointed because the reason why I went to Gigantes Island is to see the Tangke Saltwater Lagoon. But the island hopping was fun though, and I guess I will visit again this magnificent remote island to see the Tanke Saltwater Lagoon.

BANTIGUE SANDBAR

Bantigue sandbar




ANTONIA ISLAND
Antonia island



Heading up to the secret cave at Antonia Island

The creepy cave





CABUGAO GAMAY ISLAND

Cabugao Gamay Island



the way going up





Also there is an old light house in Gigantes, Island. Sunrise is the best time if you want a spectacular view.

THE LIGHT HOUSE

the light house
while watching the beautiful sunset

old structure around the area





PROS:

• Very remote island (far from internet)


• The seafood’s are very affordable (more scallops)


• The accommodations are affordable.

CONS:

• The electricity is limited and shut off every 6:00 AM – 3:00 PM


• There is no signal in the Island


• The boat ride is 1 hour and there is a schedule

TIPS:

• Be on time if riding a public boat


• Better to travel during summer season


• Avoid rainy season because of heavy waves going there


• More sunblock


• Prepare some canned goods such as corned beef, spam, etc. (seafoods overwhelmed me and I need canned meat)


• Bring more water for the island hopping.

Plan you itinerary now to see this magnificent island! Thanks for reading my blog! Cheers!