Thumbs Up Isla Gigantes

Discovering another famous island in the Philippines. Isla Gigantes is one of the tourist destinations that really captures the eyes of not just foreigners but also locals. It's just like paradise that you wanted to stay even if there is no internet connection or even electricity. Well, it's not just one island that you will discover when you visit the region/province, see it below.

This is not my first time in Iloilo City but its my first time to explore the famous island. People that you travel with, also added the wonderful experience during this trip. It was a long planned trip that organized by Tropang Lakwatsero(a group that started in social media that shares same interest through travel).

It is also my first time to meet and greet for those traveler came from different places in the Philippines. As I used to be solotraveller, there's a shyness when meeting them, but nothing to worry as we are all there to enjoy.

On the first day/night, all of us met to have dinner at Emilion Japanese Restaurant and have time to get acquainted as all of them are new people to be part of my life story. It's a Dutch treat during our dinner and it was fun listening to their stories and somehow it inspires me to explore more around the Philippines.

TropangLakwatsero group picture

I don't know whats the name of the food but what I only know is that all of these are delicious. I was also surprised that there is no service charge and they don't accept tips as well. This restaurant is recommendable. You can check it out when you visit Iloilo City.

After the sumptuous dinner, we took time to relax a bit and freshen up before we hit the dance floor. The trip wouldn't be complete without the party. There are several clubs and bars that you may check in Iloilo City but for us, we went to MO2 bar/club. It's a night before we dapart to Isla Gigantes so drink moderately.

Party at MO2 Club

Then the first day/night was ended with fun and enjoyment. I went back to the hotel with smile to Grand Tower Suites and them to the Ongbun Pension house.

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On the next day, departing to Carles from Iloilo City will take around 3 hours of Van travel. Since we did party previous night, the call time of 5:00 AM turned to 6:00 AM.

Time is so precious when travelling so nothing to worry if you were drunk from last night party. Just take advantage to sleep when you are travelling to next destination, specially if it is a long drive.

We departed from Iloilo City at exactly 6:00 AM and we arrived in Carles Iloilo at 9:00 AM. Our boat to use for the tour to Isla Gigantes was not yet ready during our arrival so we took time to have our breakfast.

We have a member that is from Iloilo so good thing for us because he knows what/how/where in our trip. We hired a van since we were a big group. For commuters/DIY travelers, you can take a bus/van from Iloilo City North Terminal to Carles. Just let the driver know that you are heading to Isla Gigantes. Don't be shy in asking questions and add some charm when you ask. If you are not able to get tour packages prior from your arrival, nothing to worry since the tourism office can provide you when you are in Carles. Just hope and pray that the weather is good in your travel dates.

In our time, the ocean seems to be angry as the waves were really huge. It somehow made our travel time stretched when we were in the middle of the ocean. It was scary but fun. Even the waves were mad, it didn't stop us of exploring the islands.

1st island - Walangforever Island 

Waves may big, so we better decided to go to the resort (where we stay) to have our lunch first.

One of the important items on your checklist if you are a backpacker traveler is the accommodation where you will be staying during your travel. If you are on a tight budget, you need to consider and review everything in your list of beaches, resorts and hotels. Good thing our group is under a package including the island hopping, accommodation with meals and transportation. MJ's Beach Resort in Isla Gigantes is one recommendable accommodation in the island.

Having our lunch before continuing the island hopping.

Our room good for 16 pax

After our lunch, we freshen up and settle our things to our room. We continued our island hopping at 1:30 PM. Moments are precious, so don't waste your time when you are on tour. Because of the strong wind and huge waves, we didn't visit other island because we are running out of time.

Aside from Walang Forever Island which is the smallest and the first Island that we visited, here are the other islands that you will truly amazed.

Antonia Island

Bantigue Island Sandbar

Cabugao Island

It was a long day full of adventure and happiness during our island tour. Some took beautiful photos and some were enjoyed swimming and the breeze of the ocean every time we arrived each of the islands. For me, it was full of memorable experience and moment that I will treasure in my whole life. Travelling alone and travelling with the group only differs with the numbers, but the happiness will be there depends on how you deal with it.

For videos/clips, please go to my youtube channel: Junpinoy

or here is my Isla Gigantes Vlog: Click Here

How to travel to Isla Gigantes?

The towns of Carles and Estancia are the main jump-off points, which can be reached by land from all major transport hubs in Panay Island including Iloilo, Roxas City, and Boracay. 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.

Bancal Port in the town of Carles is the most convenient jump off point and fastest way to get to Gigantes Islands. Passenger boats from both Carles and Estancia run once daily leaving around noontime to Gigantes. Alternatively, tourists can also charter a boat to get to and around Gigantes from either seaport.

To travel between islands in Gigantes, you need to charter a boat since there are no options for commuting. The bigger islands, Gigantes Norte and Gigantes Sur, have narrow inland roads connecting different villages on the island.

Through Iloilo International Airport.
From the Airport, you may: 

• a. Take a Van to SM City Cebu
• b. Take a Taxi to Tagbak Terminal

If you choose option "a" above, then you may:

•  a. take a jeepney bound to Leganes and drop to Tagbak Terminal
•  b. take a taxi to Tagbak Terminal

From Tagbak Terminal, get a bus bound to Estancia. 4 Hours Travel Time. PHP 185-200
Take a tricycle from Estancia Ceres Terminal to Estancia Feeder Port.
Public Boat is available in the port going to Isla Gigantes

For Accomodation 
Contact MJ's Beach Inn via 09989816812 and look for Paul
For Island Hopping and Tour: Contact Gigantes island Tours and Services
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Gigantesislandtour/
Website: www.gigantesisland.com
Contact Number: 09157595000
For Van Services (Iloilo City to Port/Vice Versa) : Contact Alog via 09103105624

One last thing, each meal in our accommodation is unlimited. Seafood is the most common meal that they will serve, so if you have allergies, please make sure to bring anti-allergy or you may request another kind of dish.