The Paradise at Isla de Gigantes

Last January 2013, we never expect to see paradise that is located in the province of Iloilo. Breath-taking views that will truly captures your heart. Scenery that truly outlays the beauty, hand-made by God. It is the Isla de Gigantes that can be found in the town of Carles, Iloilo. It is few of the many small islands situated in the province. Each islands have its own uniqueness and beauty that can amaze tourists from locals and foreigners. 

Cabugao Gamay Island

Carles is a second class municipality in the province of Iloilo, Philippines. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 62,690 people.  This place is not crowded by tourists. You have to intentionally plan your gateways if you decide to visit the place. The Isla Gigantes Sur, one of two big islands that comprise Isla Gigantes, located approximately 25 kilometers northeast or an hours travel from Estancia Port by boat. A kilometer stretch of white sand beach, where a small village settlement is located, greets first time travelers to the island. On the right is a glimpse of the steep cliffs that characterize the southern coast of Isla Gigantes Sur.

With my friends from Cebu

The Bus

There’s a daily passenger ferry (pumpboat) service from Estancia fishing port to Brgy. Lantangan in Gigantes Sur Island. From Iloilo City, you can catch a 3 to 4 hour bus (Ceres Liner) to Estancia at the Tagbak Bus Terminal in Jaro District (P171 bus fare). Estancia can also be accessed by a 1 to 2 hour bus ride from Roxas City, Capiz. Dropping off at the integrated bus terminal, it is a 10 minute tricycle ride to the fishing port (P8 tricycle fare).

The Boat
The boat leaves only once a day at 2 PM. Take the Saint Micheal boat because it goes directly to Gigante Norte where the resort is located. You should be at the port at least 30 minutes before the trip if you don’t want to miss it. The journey takes 2-3 hours,  The most comfortable place to sit down is by the window. (80 pesos).
I would always advice to take the passenger boat because its bigger than the package boats hired by the resorts to pick you up from the Estancia port.
- See more at: http://www.islandgirltraveller.com/how-to-get-to-isla-de-gigantes#sthash.kcQ2f8lc.dpuf

The Boat

The boat leaves only once a day at 2 PM. Take the Saint Micheal boat because it goes directly to Gigante Norte where the resort is located. You should be at the port at least 30 minutes before the trip if you don’t want to miss it. The journey takes 2-3 hours,  The most comfortable place to sit down is by the window. (80 pesos).

I would always advice to take the passenger boat because its bigger than the package boats hired by the resorts to pick you up from the Estancia port.

Tangke

 In our case, we rented the pump boat from Carles Port going to the different islands and resorts around. It cost P4,500 for an exclusive day tour.

Rock Formations, entrance of the Tangke

at the Antonia's Beach Resort

There were locals living in the Antonia's Beach that will cater your needs. The island's electricity is powered by generator and is only available at night, so be ready for your back-up battery. There is potable water from the spring if your stomach can take it, so better bring with you enough purified water supply. You can stay overnight in the island, they have small cottages and enough sea foods for your meals.

Seawater on each sides

Cabugao Gamay Island

Here is the suggested tourists spots that you should not missed:

• Tangke Salt Water Lagoon, Gigantes Sur
• Pawikan Cave, Gigantes Sur
• Cabugao Gamay Island, Gigantes Sur
• Puting Baybay (Lumpatan Rock)
• Antonia Beach, Gigantes Sur
• Uaydahon Island
• Bantigue Sandbar (Best during sunset)
• Balbagon Island
• Balay ni Mayor
• Langub Beach and Cave, Gigantes Norte
• Spanish-colonial lighthouse (parola), Gigantes Norte

Bring your family and friends to Carles, and you will surely have fun. One full day may not be enough time to explore all of the sights in Isla de Gigantes.

The Boat
The boat leaves only once a day at 2 PM. Take the Saint Micheal boat because it goes directly to Gigante Norte where the resort is located. You should be at the port at least 30 minutes before the trip if you don’t want to miss it. The journey takes 2-3 hours,  The most comfortable place to sit down is by the window. (80 pesos).
I would always advice to take the passenger boat because its bigger than the package boats hired by the resorts to pick you up from the Estancia port.
- See more at: http://www.islandgirltraveller.com/how-to-get-to-isla-de-gigantes#sthash.kcQ2f8lc.dpuf