[ DAY 2 ] ILOILO : Isla Gigantes, beauty of the enchanted islands unveiled

Northern part of Iloilo province is the least explored part of the Panay island. Unlike the bustling city in the southern part, roads leading to the town of Carles, Ilo-Ilo will remind you the simplicity of life in the countryside.

Isla Gigantes (or Gigantes island) has to two main islands: Gigantes Norte and Gigantes Sur. Though, the set of islands is part of the town of Carles, the town of Estancia is more equipped with boats and port facility to transport goods and transfer people from mainland Iloilo to Isla Gigantes.


This is it! Our journey to the enchanted archipelago started at 6AM. With constant communication with Joel, we met our trusty boatman with the tour guide.

It was a two-hour boat ride from the town of Estancia before reaching Isla Gigantes. The water is a bit rough compared to other island hopping adventure I did.

Dakit-Dakit island
As arranged, we began our island hopping adventure before lunch to maximize the whole day.
Our first stop is a small island wherein there are squid traps are placed and some black limestone formations bordered the island. The limestone here reminds of the lava rocks along a volcano. The island also has a white sand shore line with chunks of corals and shells.
The guide said that there is a fishermen who acts as the care-taker of the island.

squid traps standing by the island

Tangke Salt Water Lagoon

Protected by high limestone cliffs, the "Tangke" which means water tank/tank in English, is a swimming pool like scenery. The water came from the sea through the small openings in the limestone formation under the sea.
There is a hut with the care taker asking for 10-peso donation for the cleanliness of the place. They keep the place free from any form of trash brought by tourists like candy wrappers alike.

I was in awe when I saw this majestic scenery. The water was crystal clear and anyone cannot resist having a dip.

Cabugao Gamay Island

White sand beach at its finest, turquoise waters...
The famous "spot" is a the grand prize on having to rock climb at the other end of the island.

panoramic view from the famous "spot"

Check in and Lunch at Gigantes Hideaway Tourist Inn

Notice that I did not mentioned that we ate breakfast? Yup, we didn't ate a meal instead we ate our cupcakes and crackers we brought from Manila. Good thing, we will be checking in to the resort and having lunch after Cabugao Gamay island.

The Higantes Hideaway Tourist Inn is in Gigantes Norte island. The shoreline near the village is not swimmable due to the aquatic plants and the discarded scallop shells. The main source of livelihood in Carles, Iloilo is seafood; in Gigantes islands in particular, they harvest minimum of 2 tons of scallops per day.

tons of discarded scallop shells

barangay outpost facing Gigantes Norte shore

up close the scallop shells

The Resort is situated in front of the Elementary school. During our arrival, the pupils started coming out of the school gate and waved at us saying hello. :-)
The entrance of the resort is full of trees making a natural shade. There is tree house on top of Balite tree which we learned that was built for the Korean couple who used to visit the resort yearly. The guide told us that the couple stayed for a minimum of two weeks and became family with the resort owner and personnel.

the tree house

Our non-aircon cottage was a small hut, slightly elevated with a sitting area in front. Not knowing that during the night, there was a bonus, a tuko or gecko.... hahaha
What I love about our cottage was the spacious toilet and bath. The rate is P200.00 per night (food not included). The resort serves the food. Upon check out, the food consumed will be computed down to the oil used. In case you bought any seafood outside the resort, a corkage fee will be added to the computation.
The whole island has limited electricity from 3PM - 11PM. A generator provides electricity from 11PM to 6AM. Limited signal coverage also; they have an area called the call center. This area is where you can "call" and "text" with a good signal reception.

scallop shells as decor of the bathroom walls

Our first meal in Isla Gigantes included: Fish tinola, steamed crabs, and sizzling scallops. Since everything is fresh, they all tasted great.

the gadget used to crush the claws of crab

The adventure continues....

A unique "sliced" rock formation 

Bantigue island

The Bantigue island is a long stretch of curved sand bar and nice shore line great for swimming. Great for Jump shot and photo ops. At the end of the sand bar is a small fishing village.

the sand bar

shell fish vendor in the sand bar... Only in the Philippines!

we bought some clams for dinner

Antonia Island

Snorkeling time!!! I admit, I'm not a good swimmer. But since its been a long journey going here, well, might as well give it a try. For P50.00 rent for the snorkel, off we go under the sliced bread like rock formation.
Lots of small fishes and plants in this area of Isla Gigantes. The sand is like with that of Boracay's minus the green moss at the shore.

Rocky Tasty Bread

can't resist the white sand of Boracay, but hate the touristy ambiance? Go to Antonia island, Isla Gigantes

Langub beach and Cave

Located in Gigantes Norte, its about five minutes habal-habal ride from the resort, fare is P10.00.
After a short trip in the woods, the trek to the mouth of the cave is quite a challenge. Our adrenaline is half way now after all the island hopping we did.

In the cave, some locals found burial jars and remains of early settlers of the island. Unfortunately, since the people did not know about preservation of such artifacts and due to the need for money, the guide told us that many of the jars excavated here were sold to collectors and other foreigners who went to the island before.

Aside from that, some of the stalagmites and stalactites were cut and as per our guide, sold for some amount. The amount is fairly cheap compared to the thousands, or if not millions of years needed to produce such nature.

Nature rebuilding itself

holes in the ceiling... nests for Balinsasayaw birds

the other side of the cave sweating cool water.

cooling down

holding roots that penetrated the cave

these roots came from the trees on top of the cave.

After the cave, we went back to the resort to freshen up. We will be heading next to the parola or the Spanish Lighthouse of Gigantes Norte to catch the sunset.
Getting there, it was a 15-minute habal-habal ride. The fare is P60.00 per person, back and forth the resort. The road to navigate the island is still under construction hence another 10-minute walk is needed to reach the lighthouse. The construction of the parola is similar with that of in Capones island. The building in front of the lighthouse is made of bricks and with steel gates.

stairs to the top of lighthouse

Low tide

the nocturnal solar panel is about to make its magic at 6PM 

rustic lighthouse building

one of the magnificent sites I ever seen during this trip

the sun saying good night

We were in a hurry going back to the resort since there are no light leading the way to the concrete road.

Upon arriving in the resort, the shell fish and clams we bought with the manong in the sand bar was served.
We were very hungry though we did not finished all the rice they served. Below were the pictures of our exotic dinner, hahaha...

masarap pulutan!!! promise!!

Feeling full after few bottles of Tanduay ice... We head to the cashier, Joel's sister, to pay our dues for this trip. I am too lazy to write 'em down so I scanned the computation,hehehe...

After buying a shirt for souvenir, we slept early as the boat will bring us back to Estancia at 6AM the next day. We will have a short side trip to Jordan, Guimaras before going to Bacolod city.

Keep Calm and Day 3 post is coming.... :)