Weekend Getaway in Islas de Gigantes

PROVINCE OF ILOILO—From afar, the majestic silhouette of Northern Iloilo’s little-known jewel radiates a feeling that somewhat a giant is waiting to be either conquered or explored. Braving the rough sea and the wild clash of the big waves, I managed to set foot at last in this province’s last frontier—Isla de Gigantes—which is brimming with natural wonders ripe for the world to see.

Lodged in the northeastern part of Panay Island, Isla de Gigantes boasts of pristine and raw beaches that are exuding charm and mystery. Legends and folklore immediately speak as I arrived in the island at night. Legends have it that the Gigante Islands are reigned with “giants” way back then, and this is supported with artifacts found in one of its many caves. I didn’t see real giants when I stayed there; what I saw instead are warm people standing tall and proud like a giant with their prized possession: the islands itself.

And this is where I experienced my first solo backpacking trip—in this little-known place and undoubtedly a hidden gem that’s poised to carve its name in tourism circles for its enchanting charm. 

One would surely fall in love with its group of amazing islands like the Cabugao Gamay which is my favorite. Here, you can climb in a rocky hill where you’ll have a fantastic vista of the whole island itself. Up there, the sight of fisherfolks resting on midday is a worthwhile experience while witnessing viewing the frantic union of the white sand and the blue-green water. This explodes into white foam as it reaches the shore. 

Traveling Louie on top of the Cabugao Gamay Island in Isla de Gigantes, Carles, Northern Iloilo.

Snorkeling is a fun thing to do in Antonia Island where you’ll be able to swim with a school of colorful fishes above the coral reefs. This is also where I braved the scorching heat of the sun to have a swim. Except for my tour guides and the island’s caretaker, it was only me swimming in the island in midday, savoring the sea after a sumptuous lunch. 

Not far from Antonia is the Bantigue Sandbar which is also a magnet for tourists. It offers a good view of a fiery sunset during low tide which is the only time you’ll be able to see for yourself its snake-like formation.

The biggest star in this island escapade is the Tangke Saltwater Lagoon which is formed by a surrounding wall of monolithic cliffs. The place looks like an oasis of comfort. During the habagat season, it would be very difficult to reach this place due to the big waves that clash with the stones in its entrance. Notwithstanding the huge waves, we managed to cross the threshold and under the flares of the sun, we basked in its glory. 

The Tangke Saltwater Lagoon

Big waves hinder us from exploring the rest of the islands in the area like the Uaydahon, Sicogon, Gaket-gaket, Pulupandan and Balbagon—places that would surely bring me back to this place. Summer would surely be the best time to go back, when the sea is calm and the sun rises up to the mightiest. 

The travel to these islands which are located mostly in Gigantes Sur is a treat in itself where you’ll witness fishes putting up a show: flying up a bit and get some air. 

Thing is, Gigante Islands is a world within a world. It has its own way of slowing down things and nature spoils you for a choice. This is a place for those who want to relax or finish an almost forgotten song or to enjoy the mouth-watering seafoods! Oh-la-la! There’s no signal in the island so forget about the harsh world and let yourself relax through music or by reading a book. 

Gigantes Sur

Appreciate silence in Antonia Island

A world within a world

The New Lighthouse in Asluman, Gigantes Norte

The Old Structure of the Gigantes Lighthouse in Barangay Asluman, Gigantes Norte

A coffin measuring measuring 8 feet in length found in one of the caves of Gigantes Norte. It could be true that the islands are once inhabited by giants! 

Sunset in Barangay Granada, Gigantes Norte

Sunrise in Asluman

Gigantes Norte is known to be the Scallop Capital of Carles. Here, children pose with scallop shells which are forming hills in many places in the island.

Seaweeds

Lunch will truly be nice here, right?

Tourism development barely started a year and a half ago, according to Carles Tourism Officer Joel Decano who also owns and operates the island’s lone inn that accommodates tourists: The Gigantes Hideaway Tourist Inn. There’s really a big room for improvement but given more time, Isla de Gigantes would surely be a giant name in Philippine tourism. By the way, Gigantes Norte also hosts within its soil numerous caves which make it very cool. Water is not a problem in the Gigantes Hideaway Inn as it has developed a system that gets spring water directly from its mountains and it’s for free. Electricity turns on by 5 in the evening and shuts down by 11 but the inn has a generator. 

The amenities of the Gigantes Hideaway Tourist Inn... sort of like a home-stay. It's great.

Isla de Gigantes, without a doubt, is a giant waiting to be explored. I already did and it’s high time that you, too, should see for yourself its majestic islands colored by fiery sunrises and sunsets and bask in full glory in its pristine and raw beaches.

Louie.

GETTING THERE

From Manila or Davao, take the earliest flight to the City of Iloilo. From Iloilo International Airport, hire a taxi that will take you to Tagbak Northbound Terminal in Jaro District in Iloilo City (fare: 380 pesos). You can either take a bus or a van to get you to the coastal town of Estancia. The van is the most preferred mode of transportation because of its fast mobility. By van, it would take two hours to reach Estancia compared to bus’ five hours. Tagbak to Estancia would cost you 150 pesos.

Upon arrival, take a motorcycle (fare: 10 pesos) to the Port of Estancia. Here, a motorized pumpboat leaves for Asluman, Gigantes Norte every 2:00 PM everyday. NO other trips will take you there so it’s better that you should be early in the port. The same boat leaves Asluman at about 9:00 AM in the morning everyday. Islas de Gigantes is 18 kilometers off the coast of mainland Panay Island or two hours away via the pumpboat.

Upon arrival at Asluman, ride a habal-habal (fare:10 pesos) to Gigantes Hideaway Inn in Sitio Hayahay.

CONTACT PERSON: Mr. JOEL DECANO, Municipal Tourism Officer of Carles, Iloilo
                                    Owner, Gigantes Hideaway Tourist Inn
                                    09184685006

Once there, request for MR. JOFER DECANO to be your tour guide. He was my tour guide when I was there and he’s really nice and he is also a good photographer who can take you a decent picture if you are traveling solo. His contact number is 09199739477.

Special thank you’s to the DECANO FAMILY who are very warm and accommodating as well as to the boat owner (I forgot to ask his name) who let me hitch a ride in his cargo pumpboat because I was 30 minutes late going to Gigantes. I almost did not see the wonder of Isla de Gigantes. I’ll be forever grateful.