The Perfect Escape: A Comprehensive Guide to Isla De Gigantes
If you are in search for an offbeat location with lazy mornings, amidst nature, then Gigantes Island is a perfect solution for you.
Tucked away in the north-eastern part of Visayas, in Visayas Sea, Isla De Gigantes is a chain of secluded islands. The Island is at an approximate three hours drive from Iloilo city followed by a two hours boat ride from Estancia. Gigantes Island comprises about ten islands with Gigantes Norte (north) and Gigantes Sur (South) as the largest one. From a tourist perspective, Gigantes Norte is the one with accessibility to resorts and local sightseeing.
The place is yet to become a mainstream tourist destination. This makes it much more special for someone like me who prefers quiet beaches than crowded clubs.
Things to do
This is not your regular tourist spot with innumerable water sports activities, eating joints or relaxing spas. Everything you need has to be customised as per the requirements, with whatever limited resources are available. If you are not the kind of person who adjusts to situations, Gigantes may be a wrong place for you.
Gigantes can be a weekend affair to recharge your batteries.
Bantique Sand Bar
A beautiful stretch of the white sandbar surrounded by crystal clear water makes it an eye candy for any beach lover. The island is relatively small with few people living on it. Take a moment, exhale fresh air, feel the calmness of the sea (with no one to bother you, literally!!). This can become a quick stopover before you head towards the famous Cabugao Gamay Island.
Cabugao Gamay Island
Just Cabugao or Cabugao Gamay is by far one of the most featured islands of Gigantes. Why so? The first look of it can really take your breath away. This jewel is tucked away in the north-eastern parts of Iloilo and is uninhabited (except for one shop that sells coolers and lemonades to the tourist and collects fifty pesos as an entrance fee to maintain the place).
Its peculiar shape with curvy beach lines on both sides makes it unique from other regular islands and makes it one of the most sought-after spots in Gigantes. From a photographer’s perspective, this is the place to drool for. The island is a long curvy stretch of sand with rock formation on both sides and palm trees to enhance its beauty. You can expect crystal clear waters with rarely any humans in sight (especially if you plan it as an early morning trip.)
Tangke saltwater lagoon
Enough with the sand, sun-tan and ocean? Time for you to relax in Tangke water lagoon.
Tangke is a natural saltwater pool, located between steep cliffs. The place is approachable from only one side.You may have to hop from one boat to another if there are other tourist boats lined up, though that’s an adventure in itself. The lagoon changes colour depending on the tide.
During low tides, it is greener, while during high tides you can see a deep blue reflection, which is expected towards sunset (approximately around 5:00 pm).
All the above three spots can be done in a day tour, using a local boat. I rented one from Arjan resort, on North Gigantes, which cost me around Php 2,000 for the whole boat, with a guide and lunch included. Definitely, it’s a cheaper affair if you are in a group of four to five people.
North Gigantes Island Lighthouse
You can try to keep it as a next day option.If you running short of time, it can become a part of same day itinerary. The lighthouse is located on the extreme north end of north Gigantes. Though I was advised to take a guide along due to the sorry condition of the road, being a biker I preferred to do it my way. Please don’t try it if you are not comfortable riding on broken roads made of sand and rock!
I rented a geared bike (better ground clearance than gear-less scoopy) and did the tour in the evening. Please remember, if you get stuck on the way, you are on your own. Please make sure you know your machine well.
The lighthouse is one of the twenty-seven lighthouses commissioned by Spaniards, during their era in the Philippines. After being destroyed in 2008 typhoon the main lighthouse was replaced with one that runs on solar power (donated by Japan).
The Light House stands next to a single storey building, depicting Spanish era style architecture. With the sea on one side and a mix of lush green trees and ruins, it does make a good photography location.
How to Reach?
If you are coming from Iloilo, then all you need to do is take the Ceres liner from Tagbak Terminal. It takes three hours and 150 pesos per head to reach Estancia.
There are no super cats from Estancia terminal. What you get is a normal pump boat (generally owned by resorts to transport food supply and use the extra seats for passengers, or resort guests). It takes two hours for the pump boat to drop you at north Gigantes terminal, which doesn’t feel like a port but just a drop off point on a beach.
In case, you planning to do Boracay and club Gigantes along, then all you need to do is ride from Kalibo to Estancia ( or stop overnight at Roxas).I landed late noon in Kalibo and drove in a minivan to spend a night at Roxas.
The roads are barely four feet wide. Just enough space to allow a two-wheeler. So do not expect any cars and pack accordingly. Everything has to be backpacked or carried on two-wheelers.
Stay Options
There are few options to stay, but my preference was Arjan Resort. The resort is barely two km from the port and the owner was easily approachable on the phone to book in advance.
Air con rooms were around PhP1,500 and the non-air-con was Php 200 per head (with minimum four people). The room itself was a simple one with necessities such as a clean room and perfectly working air-con. As far as I can remember, the electricity was only available from 6 pm until morning. The highlight of the place was its location and their fresh seafood!
Going Back to Town
Though the boat is expected to leave every day morning for the town, there is no guarantee. It just happened that sometimes they skip North Gigantes and dock on south Gigantes 🙂 . I have had the first-hand experience when I end up paying 300 pesos to a boatman to help me catch the city boat which he barely did, while the vessel was undocking from south Gigantes.
The place is a must visit for anyone who wants to get away from regular tourist location or the much-hyped Boracay. Yes, it has no nightlife, no proper food joints or even transportation, but it compensates all that with its pristine serenity.
