Islas de Gigantes is a group of
island located Northeast of the Panay Island, off the coast of Carles and
Estancia; towns in Northern Iloilo. Islas de Gigantes is a place of pristine
islands and islets with astonishing rock formations, unspoiled white sand
beaches with hidden natural pools and fresh seafoods for export quality.
The Gigantes island consists of
about ten islands that includes the two largest; Isla Gigantes Sur (South
Gigantes) and Isla Gigantes Norte (North Gigantes) which are situated 18 kilometers
from the mainland. In addition to the main islands, the Gigantes group includes
the following minor islets: Bulubadiang, Gigantillo and Gigantuna are islets
southeast of Gigantes Norte while Antonia, Bantigui, Cabugao, Tanguingui and
Turnina are islands and islets southeast of Gigantes Sur.
Islas de Gigantes used to be called Sabuluag or Salauag, which a specie of a
tree endemic on the area. During the Spanish conquest in the Philippines, it
was renamed Islas de Gigantes because of local myths that coffins found inside
the Bakwitan cave contains gigantic sets of human bones.
How to Get There:
Major jump-off points to Islas de
Gigantes includes Estancia Port and Bangcal Port. Both ports are located in Northern
Iloilo. However, land travel to Bangcal Port takes longer compared to Estancia
Port but sea travel from Bangcal Port to Islas de Gigantes is shorter because
of the closer proximity. Transiting through Bangcal Port is a great alternative
for travelers with private transportation.
- Via Roxas City, Capiz
Travel time is approximately 1 to 2
hours. If traveling solo or in small groups proceed to Roxas City Integrated
Terminal located at Pueblo de Panay, Roxas City. Take a van going to the
Municipality of Estancia. Dropping off at the Estancia Integrated Terminal,
getting to Estancia Port takes only 10 minutes tricycle ride. But if traveling
in big groups (more than 10 pax) then rent a van to save time.
- Via Iloilo City
Travel time is approximately 3 to 4
hours. If traveling solo or in small groups proceed to Iloilo Integrated
Terminal in Tagbak, Jaro, Iloilo. Take a bus/van going to the Municipality of
Estancia. Dropping off at the Estancia Integrated Terminal, getting to Estancia Port takes only 10 minutes tricycle ride. But if traveling in big groups (more than 10 pax) then rent a van to
save time.
Travel Tips:
- Bring enough food, water and other necessities since only limited supplies are available in the island (sari-sari store stype).
- Electricity is powered by a generator and runs at selected hours of the day/night.
- No/limited telecommunication signal but you can try hanging your mobile phone on a higher surface. You may be able to receive some text messages. If you’re desperate to make a phone call or send a text message, the resort caretakers can accompany you to a higher area within the mountains where there is a signal.
Activities:
Swimming
Enjoy the long stretch, undeveloped
beaches and cool turquoise waters that the island has to offer.
Snorkeling
Feast your eyes on the amazing
scenery. Snorkel and get a glimpse of the thriving sea life.
Cliff
Diving
Brace yourself if you want some
extreme adventure. Be brave enough to try cliff diving. It is a once in a
lifetime adrenaline rush experience.
Spelunking
Stunning stalagmites and stalactites
formations, the sight of the gaping mouth and the dark abyss and the trail of
uneven carved steps will entertain you.
Beach Volleyball
Bump, set and spike your way to some
intense calorie burning as you soak up the sun. Beach volleyball is a
fast-paced beach activity that works your entire body in all planes of motion.
Bonfire
They say fire is the main comfort of
the camp. It is one perfect way to relax after tiring island activities.
Island Hopping
Explore the neighboring islands and
islets and savor the amazing sceneries.
A
must visit islands and islets:
Tangke Salt Water Lagoon
Tangke is a stunning natural salt
water lagoon located within Gigantes Sur. It is surrounded by majestic star
shaped limestone cliffs with crystal clear emerald water. It is one of the most
famous attractions on the island.
Many myths surround this interesting
natural attraction. One of it states that the waters would magically rise every
year on June 24 during the feast of St. John the Baptist. It is also believed
inhabited by the enkantos.
Bantigui Island Sandbar
A sandbar is a deposit of small
pebbles and sands that usually emerges from a body of water during low tides.
Basically, sandbars are built up by currents and waves in a river or in other
coastal waters.
Bantigui
island sandbar is one of the many pristine and secluded sandbars in the
Philippines. This sandbar is compromised mainly of pebbles and stunning white
sands, surrounded by turquoise clear waters. Bantigui island sandbar has a
lovely C-shape that changes from time to time most likely due to seasonal
currents and Amihan winds blowing during dry season or summer.
Cabugao Gamay Island
One of the Iloilo’s most popular
island-hop spots is Cabugao Gamay. It is surrounded by azure waters excellent
for diving and snorkeling. A glimpse to a twin beach with rocky hills on both
ends and coconut trees lining inland and dividing the beaches on both sides
captivates the heart of every tourist because of its breathtaking view. A climb
to a rocky hill is worth the effort.
Antonia Beach
Twin beaches are a long stretch of
romantic settings and a haven for adventure and a sanctuary to those who seek
refuge in paradise. Another twin beach to explore – Antonia Beach. A very
similar configuration to the postcard perfect Cabugao Gamay Island however,
Antonia Beach is twice the size of it.
The western side of the beach where usually the
boat docks offers calm waters and a coral reef teeming with aquatic species
that serves a perfect spot for swimming, snorkeling and diving. On the other
hand, eastern side faces the open sea.
For more photos kindly visit: Island Escapade 2014: Isla Gigantes
This is where I want to be next year!
ReplyDeleteThis is a must visit place. It would be better if Roxas ang jump off point mo. Mas malapit siya kaysa sa Iloilo.
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