Travel Guide: Gigantes Islands, Iloilo

The Gigantes Group of Islands, popularly known as Islas de Gigantes or “Islands of Giants” in Spanish are a remote cluster of islands in the northernmost part of Iloilo province in the Philippines. The Gigantes Islands consists of about ten islands: the two largest being Gigantes Norte (North Gigantes) and Gigantes Sur (South Gigantes).

Because of their remote location, the Gigantes islands offer that off-the-beaten track appeal, with uncrowded beaches, a lagoon hidden within karst rock formations and all-you-can-eat seafood. Though the islands have become more popular among backpackers and budget travelers in recent years, the vibe here is still simpler and more laid-back compared to the usual party beaches. 

Gigantes offers an alternative getaway to the crowds, where you can just relax and enjoy the unhurried, simple beach life and find scallops that only cost one peso each.

Where exactly is Gigantes?

The Gigantes Group of Islands are located in the Northernmost part of Iloilo province on Panay Island in Western Visayas, Philippines. Though geographically located in Iloilo province, the islands are closer to get from Roxas City in Capiz. Land travel from Iloilo to Carles (the jump-off point for boats) can take 3 to 4 hours while only 1 hour and 45 minutes from the Roxas City.

What to do / Where to go in Gigantes

Go Island-Hopping

Island-hopping is the main attraction at the Gigantes Group of Islands. Including travel time, you should allot at least a whole day to to visit all the main sites. Package rates for island-hopping tours differ depending on the tour operator, type of boat used, and number of passengers availing of the tour, with larger groups benefiting from cheaper rates. Our tour was handled by Las Islas Travel & Tours, a DOT accredited agency advocating responsible tourism. 

Cabugao Gamay Island

The most photographed spot of the Gigantes Group of Islands, Cabugao Gamay offers a stunning view of two sides of the beach visible from a view deck constructed on top of rock formations. I wish I had visited years ago when the view point was only reachable by cliff scrambling on the rocks. But to cater to the influx of tourists, the view point is now reachable by a concrete stairway with wooden handrails. Entrance fee: P50 per head

Bantigue Island

An island where the shape of the sandbar shifts depending on the current. This island offers a nice spot for swimming and snorkeling. It’s also possible to camp out on the island here.

Antonia Beach

Another popular snorkeling spot, Antonia Beach is also called Sandwich Island. It’s best to bring your own snorkeling gear. The beach is designated as a lunch stop area for some island-hopping tours. Entrance fee: P40 her head

Tinagong Dagat

Locals liken this spot to a “mini-Boracay” because of the white sand and stunningly clear water. It’s a very small rocky little beach with a small but picturesque stretch of sand.

Tangke Saltwater Lagoon

Another spot made popular by social media, Tangke Saltwater Lagoon is an enclosed lagoon surrounded by rock formations offers a serene swimming spot with shallow waters.

Locals named it “tangke” or tank as because of the gap among its boulders forming an opening. We visited in the afternoon when the water was shallow, but it’s best viewed in the morning during high tide. Entrance fee: P20/head.

Pulupandan Islet

The first or last islet where visitors can make a stop. This tiny islet with one tree is considered a resting place of fishermen who go out to sea.

Visit the Gigantes Norte Lighthouse

For those staying overnight in Gigantes Norte, one attraction you can visit is the Gigantes Norte Lighthouse, the ruins of a Spanish-era lighthouse. It is prohibited to climb the lighthouse tower. Roundtrip fare for motorcycle taxis to take you to the lighthouse is P60 per person including waiting time.

Go Spelunking

If you have more time, you can visit also several caves in the vicinity including Pawikan Cave and Baktiwan Cave, which was used as a refuge during the surge of typhoon Yolanda. Baktiwan Cave is a spacious cavern with rock formations resembling wings, cross, and even a shark. A Bakwitan Cave Tour usually costs P500 for the cave guide and P200 for the roundtrip motorcycle taxi transfer.

What / Where to eat in Gigantes

There are not a lot of touristy dining options or fastfood joints yet in Carles or the Gigantes islands. There are various carinderias or you can buy fresh seafood from the public market. Most island-hopping package tours include a seafood buffet lunch as part of their offerings.

Antonia Beach is renowned for selling scallops that cost just 1 peso each! This is an absolute must-try. We weren’t able to finish the serving we got for lunch, so we had everything packed and snacked on the rest on the boat.

Aside from the one peso scallops, you can enjoy steamed crabs and oysters locally called wasay-wasay (the local dialect for axe because of its distinct shape). These are pretty good too, with substantial meat. Some of the oysters had baby crabs trapped inside.

During our visit, a cafe at Carles Port called Gigantes Cafe, specializing in seafood and local delicacies was still under construction, but we got a sneak taste of one of the specialties they plan to offer: Scallops Aglio Olio Pasta with chili flakes and parmesan cheese. The cafe plans to launch by April 1 to cater to the summer & Holy Week crowd. Yum! Look out for this!

Angga Restaurant, the in-house restaurant at Solina Beach & Nature Resort in Carles offers the best place to enjoy a wide range of seafood and Ilonggo specialties before or after your island-hopping trip. Try their Kilawing Hipon (Shrimp Seviche), Beef Lauya (Ilonggo beef stew flavored with Batwan) and Seafood Platter. 

Where to stay in Gigantes

Rustic resorts can be found in Gigantes Norte Island, the main village where most residents live. Most offer basic accommodations catering to budget-conscious travelers. It’s also possible to camp out in tents at Antonia Beach and Bantigue Island, though it is not really encouraged during peak season because of concerns for the water supply for the locals.

Take note that there is no public water line in the islands and fresh water for bathing and personal needs have to be brought in by barrels and containers from the mainland or from island springs and deep wells. Camping fees usually cost P200/pax for those staying in tents. Electric power is also limited on Gigantes Norte Island and runs at scheduled hours and may be cut-off at night. Some resorts may have generators.

Se-San Beach Resort offers clean, comfortable and relaxing accommodations in Gigantes Sur for those who want to sleep on the island. Aircon rooms with private CR start at P1,500 per night (good for 2). 

Solina Beach & Nature Resort is a newly opened resort in Carles, that offers the most luxurious gateway to Gigantes. It is the only high-end beachfront accommodation in the area, offering eight duplex villas totaling to 16 rooms, eight pods good for two persons each, and 25 glamping-style cabin tents that can accommodate couples and small groups of four to six.

Each room at Solina has a private comfort room with hot and cold shower, complete vanity, and toiletry kits. Price range is P5,500 – P 11,500 per night depending on room type and number of guests per room.

How to get to Gigantes Island

From either Roxas City or Iloilo, the official jump-off point and fastest way to get to islands through the Bancal Port in the town of Carles in Northern Iloilo. With daily commuter ferry trips and a Municipal Tourism Office to assist visitors, this has been established as the official jump-off point.

While it is possible to also get here through Estancia (via Estancia Feeder Port), it is not recommended since travel time is longer and there is currently no tourism office established. It is mandatory to pay the environmental fee of P75 per person and other entrance fees at the Carles Tourism Office.

Carles can be reached by land from all major transport hubs in Panay Island including Iloilo City, Roxas City and Boracay (Caticlan)/Kalibo. Boat trips via Carles are preferred as travel time is 30 to 45 minutes faster compared to than those originating from Estancia.

Because of the various transfers needed, if you’re traveling in a group and want to save time, it may be more convenient to charter a private van and private boat for the whole trip. Some tour agencies and hotels can arrange shuttle services directly from airports.

Via Roxas City

• Travel by air to Roxas City, Capiz. Travel time from Manila to Roxas City is about 1 hour.
• Ride a tricycle going to the Roxas City Integrated Transport Terminal. Fare is about P100 – 150. Travel time is 10-15 minutes.
• BUS: Ride a Ceres bus going to Carles and alight in Balasan. Fare in the Ceres bus is P75.  Travel time is about 2 hours.

• VAN: Ride a van bound for Carles and alight in Balasan. Travel time by land is about 1 hour 45 minutes. Fare in the van is P65. Trips in the van start from 6 am and ends 6 pm.

• From Balasan, board a tricycle (P50) or motorcyle taxi (habal–habal) (P100-150) directly to the Bancal port in Carles.

  Alternatively, you can wait for a bus from Iloilo bound to Carles. Buses usually pass every 30 minutes to 1 hour. Balasan to Carles is 12 kilometers. Make your way to the Bancal Port.

Bancal Port

• Passenger boats run once daily from Bancal Port to Lango Beach, Gigantes Norte (where most of the homestays are located), departing at 10:00 am and arrriving at 11:30 am. The same boat departs at 2:00 pm at arrives at Bancal Port at 3:30 pm.

• There are no passenger commuter boats between the different islands in Gigantes Islands. You can charter island-hopping tours from Gigantes Norte with the help of homestays and resorts.

• For day tours, a convenient option is to charter a private boat that can take you to all the Gigantes Group of Islands from Bancal Port, which can leave depending on your preferred schedule.

• Travel time from Bancal to Gigantes Islands is about 1 to 1.5 hours.

Via Iloilo

• Travel by air to Iloilo City, Iloilo. Travel time from Manila to Iloilo is about 1 hour.

• Ride a taxi going to Tagbak Terminal in Jaro district. Travel time is 20 – 30 minutes.

• Catch either a bus or van bound for Carles and get down at Bancal Port.

   

  • BUS: Ride a Ceres Bus bound for Carles. Fare is P170 – P180 per passenger. Travel time is 3- 4 hours.

   

  • VAN: Ride a commuter shuttle van bound for Carles. Fare is P150 per passenger. Travel time is 2.5 hours.

Via Boracay (Caticlan) / Kalibo

• There are no direct passenger bus or van routes from Boracay (Caticlan) or Kalibo in Aklan to get to Carles or Gigantes Islands. You would need to transit through Roxas City.

• Take a bus or van from the Caticlan Port to Kalibo. Travel time is 1.5 to 2 hours.

• From Kalibo, board a Ceres liner bus or van to Roxas City. Travel time is 1.5 to 2 hours.

• Follow instructions above from Roxas City to get to Carles and Bancal Port.

NOTE: Aboard land and ferry connections, travel time to Gigantes (via Carles) takes around 5-6 hours from Iloilo City, 3-4 hours from Roxas City and 6-7 hours from Boracay/Caticlan.

Tour Operator: Las Islas Travel & Tours

Because of the multiple transfers involved, for groups that want hassle-free travel, it may be more convenient to avail of the services of a tour operator. I highly recommend Las Islas Travel & Tours, a DOT-accredited travel agency advocating responsible tourism.

They are currently offering All-in Day Tours for as low as Php 999 per head for joiners inclusive of licensed island-hopping boat to the main destinations, DOT-trained professionals, all entrance and environmental fees, seafood lunch by the beach, unlimited steamed scallops and unlimited drinking water. 

Las Islas Travel & Tours handles tours all around Panay Island including Capiz, Aklan, Antique and Iloilo. Aside from this trip around Gigantes Islands, I’ve availed of their services around Capiz. If you’re coming from Roxas City, you can extend your stay for a couple of days to explore the province more. For inquiries, please contact them directly:

• Las Islas Travel & Tours
• Address: 1st Floor, Bancal Public Market Building, Bancal Port, Carles, Northern Iloilo, Panay Island, 5019
• Globe: 0995-335-7310
• Smart: 0929-595-8870
• Website: http://lasislas.ph/
• Email: info@lasislas.ph
• Instagram: @LasIslasTravelAndTours