#TheHappyFeetBackpacker: Islas de Gigantes Travel Guide

The addiction of beach is going crazy with this trip, I can be a beach bum if the beach is as beautiful as like the Gigantes.

The reason why i went to Iloilo was to experience Dinagyang festival and visit Islas de Gigantes.

The trip was kinda long but getting there was worth the long drive and long boat travel.

Our friend contacted kuya for the trip package. Just the three of us, the package cost us P2,200 pesos for the island hoping, with five islands to visit and a free lunch.

Carles, Iloilo is located at the northern most of Panay Island. The estimated time travel is three hours from Iloilo city, but our driver drove it for just 1 hour.

At the port, we went to the restaurant to have our breakfast and meet our operator. After that, we went to the Tourism Office for registration and pay for our environmental fee amounting to P75.

Since we have our private boat, we departed earlier than the scheduled trip. Two hours of travel going to the island was scorching hot so don’t forget to apply your sun block and wear rash guard or anything that can cover you up.

White sand beaches and clear water is the main attraction of the islas.

So here are the five islands that we visited:

Cabugaw Gamay Island

This charming island is the most photographed island in Islas de Gigantes.

Tangke Lagoon

It is called Tangke Lagoon because it is located in a hidden spot just behind cliffs of Islas de Gigantes. You can swim here but unfortunately the lagoon is in its low tide when we visited it.

The Sandbar

Pulupandan Islet

Antonia Island

After our island hopping, we went to the main island for our seafood and local for lunch.

From the seashore, we ride a habal-habal going to the Gigantes Hideaway to have our lunch.

This beautiful laidback hideaway is so peaceful and relaxing. You can just sleep in a hammock swing and relax all day.

Our Itinerary

04:00am – 04:30am – to Tagbak/Van

04:30am – 05:30am – Carles, Iloilo

05:30am – 07:30am – Bancal, Port/Breakfast/Registration

07:30am – 09:30am – to Islas De Gigantes

09:30am – 10:00am – Tangke Lagoon/Picture

10:00am – 11:00am – Cabugaw Gamay Island/Picture

11:00am – 11:20am – the Sandbar/Picture

11:20am – 11:40am – Antonia Island/Picture

11:40am – 12:00nn – Main Island/Lunch

12:00nn – 12:10pm – to Gigantes Hideaway

12:10pm – 01:30pm – LUNCH

01:30pm – 02:00pm – Pulupandan Island

02:00pm – 04:00pm – to Bancal Port

04:30pm – 07:30pm – to Iloilo City

07:30pm – 08:00pm – Hotel

HOW TO GET TO ISLAS DE GIGANTES FROM ILOILO CITY

From Iloilo City, ride a taxi going to Tagbak. Estimated taxi fare is P150. It is where the terminal of the van going to Carles, iloilo is located.
Ride a van going to Carles, Iloilo (Bancal Port). Fare is P200 each with 14 passengers depending on the capacity of the van. But if you want to rent the van exclusive for you or your group, the rental fee is P2,500/van.
Make sure that you have already booked your island tour, contact Kuya Darius of Hideaway Resort for your tour package (091856855006).
From Bancal port ride, booked private boat going to Islas de Digantes main island.

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About the Author

Kenette Brill Rabago

Brill is a true blooded Ilocano/Bigueno. He is a traveler and coffee lover. He is passionate about culture and arts, and in music. He believes that unplanned trip is the best.