Iloilo | Island Hopping Adventure in Islas de Gigantes

Islas de Gigantes is the best place to go to when you want to maximize the summer season. It is a group of islands found in the northeastern section of Iloilo, Philippines. This group of islands is a famous all-year-round destination for Filipinos and foreigners alike.

Going to the Gigantes Islands is what many consider to be one of the best experiences they have had because of the very unique sceneries one would get to see here. From the beautiful white and smooth sandy beaches down to the shimmering and clear waters, every single aspect and every single view of the area is breathtaking. This is the reason why people love it here so much.

There are many different tour packages you can get when going on a trip here. The one we got included the places below.

PULUPANDAN ISLET

Also known as ‘one-tree island’ because there is literally only one standing coconut tree in this adorable little island. It seems like a deserted island but still gives it this beautiful isolation feel. Because the island is really remote, it makes it such an Instagram perfect view of a peaceful paradise. 

We only stayed for a short period in the island because there is not much to do in it however; it is nice to sulk in the serenity it brings because of the clear blue skies, the clouds that pass by, the white sand and the blue waters.

Eastern side of Pulupandan Islet, turquoise water and instagrammable rock formations  

TANGKE SALT WATER LAGOON

This beautiful lagoon is located within an island that has high and towering limestones. At first it may not look like such a place to see given that the trail to it is quite rugged. However at the end of the trail we were surprised to see such a strikingly jaw dropping and scenic saltwater lagoon. The water has an aquamarine shade to it which matches perfectly when the sun glistens on it. Plus, the green vegetation which surrounds makes it even more perfect.

Towering limestone walls of Tangke saltwater lagoon

Low tide beauty of Tangke saltwater lagoon

ANTONIA ISLAND

The rock formations found in the islands are one of the most unique structures you’d see in the area. There are twin shorelines found here that give a very beautiful and different scene for visitors to see. One of the things we enjoyed the most was going to their view deck and just taking in the mesmerizing view. It was so stunning to see the island from that view deck, where you can see island’s white sand beach and as how it is surrounded by clear turquoise water. If you want to go snorkeling, this would be the place to do it in out of all the other islands.

A rewarding sight from the view deck of Antonia Island

The southern side of the island is perfect for snorkeling

boats, beach and beauty!

BANTIGUE ISLAND

This would probably not the longest sandbar you would see in your life but, it feels like no matter how far your eyesight can see, it still stretches far longer. This place is a delight to be in given that as you can how the sandbar stretches; you can also see how it meets with the sea and how they both create a gorgeous view that you just have to take a photo of. Being here during the sunset would make you forget about all your worries in life.

Plus, this is where we actually had lunch. Of course, the dishes we had were all seafood that were fresh and delicious. We ordered inihaw na tanigue and scallops, which is actually very cheap! Would you believe that the scallops we ordered were only Php1.00 PER PIECE! Not only was it cheap but the flavors were exploding inside our mouths.

Approaching in the scallops capital, Bantigue Island

Jennifer, 13 years old. Instead of playing and enjoying the summer vacation, this young girl sells souvenir items made from seashells

Bantigue Island's long stretch of sandbar

Who would say NO to grilled fresh tanigue for lunch!

Bantigue Island means unlimited scallops!

CABUGAO GAMAY 

This is the last one mentioned on the list because it truly is our favorite, and most people’s favorite, stop from all of the islands. This small rocky hill it has on the island sets it apart from all the other islands. It is extremely beautiful here, it looks very unique and it really shows a different side of Mother Nature. You can also opt to go to the viewing deck to see such an amazing view of the island. Everything about the island is picturesque and serene. 

Wordless! Cabugao Gamay is paradise!

While Bantigue Island is famous for its scallops, Cabugao Gamay is abundant on this kind of seashell called locally as wasay -wasay

A group of tourists enjoying freshly steamed wasay-wasay

TRAVEL NOTES

You will not regret going out of your way to see all these places. But here are some tips you can keep in mind as you island hop the Islas de Gigantes.

• Only smart and sun networks have signals in the area, so better get yourself some prepaid sim for them if you use other networks

• Better bring your cash with you because there are no banks or nearby ATM machines

• Protect your skin by bringing and using sunscreen

• There are sari-sari stores nearby but better be safe to bring some snacks

• Bring your own toiletries and maintenance medicine

• Keep yourself hydrated; bring water

• Charge up your cameras and bring extra batteries so you can take tons of pictures

• NEVER EVER LITTER! LEARN TO KEEP YOUR GARBAGE IF THERE IS NO TRASH CANS

The next question you probably have in mind is “how do we get there?”

HOW TO GET THERE

The first thing you need to know is you need to get to Town of Carles and Estancia wherever you are because from this town, you would ride a ferry going to Islas de Gigantes or you can charter a boat to get there.

If you’re coming from Iloilo, Roxas, or Boracay, you can easily find buses that directly go here from those places. 

So what if you are from places such as Manila, Mindanao, Cebu, etc?

From Manila

Ride a plane going to Iloilo from there, follow the instructions above.

From Mindanao

Ride a plane or hop on a ferry going to Iloilo, then follow the instructions above.

From Cebu

There are daily flights from Cebu to Roxas, Caticlan and Iloilo City, then follow the instructions above.

Other option is to ride a bus going to the Maya Port (northern Cebu). From there, you can ride a boat going to the Town of Carles. From there, you may already follow the instructions above. 

Well that is all that there is to it. You now know where to go, how to get there, and what to do. I hope you enjoy Islas de Gigantes as much as we did!

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