Islas de Gigantes | Exploring Iloilo’s Tourism Giants
Islas de Gigantes of Iloilo is blessed with white sand beaches, interesting limestone rock formations, and seascapes brimming with almost untouched marine life.
UPDATE: AS of Jan 13, 2022, only vaccinated tourists will be accommodated. If coming from Manila, an RT-PCR test is required, and if from within Western Visayas, no test is required.
The Giants of Bakwitan?
Islas de Gigantes is located at the northernmost municipality of Iloilo – off the coasts of Carles and Estancia. It is composed of about ten islands namely: Gigantes Norte and Sur, Antonia, Bantigui, Cabugao, Gigantillo, Gigantuna, Tanguingui, and Turnina Islet.
Before it was then named Islas de Gigantes, locals called the island group Salauag. Moreover, it was named after the species of tree abundant in the area.
As the Spanish arrived, the name was changed to Gigantes. Subsequently, the name change is because of the giant sets of bones found inside the coffins in Bakwitan Cave – one of the 73 caves throughout the island group. It was said to be of Higante Tay-og who lived in the hills of Beheya.
On my third visit to Iloilo, my brother ventured with me north of Iloilo City. Just a few hours later we passed the town of Estancia before arriving in Carles. These towns are far from the busy and chaotic life of the city.
Cabugao Gamay
After a quick registration, we hopped on one of the boats to start the day tour.
The first stop on our trip is the iconic Cabugao Gamay Island. To be honest, the sand isn’t as fine as compared to other white sand beaches in the country.
But, all of those beaches do not have this, a spectacular stretch of sand hugged by the sea on both sides. To add, the island is cut by lush vegetation on the end.
Not far from Cabugao Gamay Island is the stunning Bantigue Sandbar. This long stretch of cream-colored sand is pretty wide with the turquoise waters splashing on both sides.
Piso Scallops, Anyone?
Antonia Island was our next destination. This is a private resort with amenities for tourists.
Just beside the main beach is an interesting rock formation as if the fault line slipped to the surface and made this. From the top of this rock, you can view the twin beaches of Antonia Island.
To be honest, the main draw for us to visit Islas de Gigantes is the extremely cheap scallops offered on the island. A local we met at Antonia Island gave us a shot of gin after we availed one of their Scallops and Wasay-Wasay for 1 peso each! How is that?
As we neared noon, we transferred to Lantangan Beach to have lunch. This is part of the package tour at 1600php, but with this kind of lunch, should I say more?
Our guide then served us overflowing portions of Chicken Binakol, Scallops, Buttered Shrimp, Oysters, Grilled Fish, Liempo, and soda. even the rice tasted better with just soy sauce in it!
I can now say that when in Panay Island, the cheapest seafood is not in Boracay, Kalibo, or Roxas, but Islas de Gigantes.
Tangke Lagoon
Not far from Gigantes Sur is the Tangke Saltwater Lagoon. Climbing over one of the stone cliffs where our boat docked took us inside the “Tangke”.
Also, this saltwater lagoon is formed by monolithic karsts surrounding a lagoon filled with seawater once the tide rises.
The Tangke lagoon itself boasts of clear blue-green waters that reach up to the thigh during low tide. Also, one can enjoy cliff diving outside tangke for thrill-seekers, which we did!
We got back to Iloilo around 08:00 PM and had a quick dinner before calling it a day.
How to Get There
- Islas de Gigantes is located off the coast of Carles and Estancia, Iloilo with the Port of Bancal in Carles as the easiest option
- By Air, Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines flies daily to Iloilo City
- From Iloilo City, take any Ceres Bus or Van bound for Carles then transfer to a tricycle to Bancal Port (3.5-4 hours,)
- If coming from Roxas City (3 hours) or Kalibo (4-5 hours), take any Ceres Bus bound for Estancia then alight at Carles, then transfer to a tricycle to Bancal Port
- The most common way to explore Islas de Gigantes is via an island-hopping tour. We availed the day tour package of Rhett Paul Bolivar (0998 981 6812/ 0956 512 4927) of Gigantes Islands Tours and Services.
- Facebook Page: Gigantes Islands Tours and Services
- 2D1N Tour: starts at 1,699php/head
- Day Tour: starts at 999php/head for joiners
Where to Stay
- Solina Beach and Nature Resort, Carles, Philippines
- Ludy’s Pension House Gateway to Islas de Gigantes, Carles, Philippines
- Gigante Island Homestay – Balay sa Gigante, Carles, Philippines
Islas de Gigantes | Exploring Iloilo’s Tourism Giants
Updated December 30, 2017
