8 THINGS TO DO | ISLAS DE GIGANTES TOUR PACKAGE

 ABOUT ISLAS DE GIGANTES

Islas de Gigantes the official name of the group of island islets in the Municipality of Carles, Iloilo, Philippines. The place is also called variously as Islas Gigantes, Gigantes Islands, Isla Gigantes and  Higantes group.  Islas de Gigantes is composed of 10 Island with   Gigantes Norte (North Gigantes) and Gigantes Sur (South Gigantes) being the largest.

In my recent visit to Islas de Gigantes, I listed 8 Things to Do while visiting the place. All of these activities were included in the Islas de Gigantes Tour Package which I availed.

Click here for the Comprehensive Guide in Islas de Gigantes Island 

8 EXCITING THINGS TO DO | ISLAS DE GIGANTES TOUR PACKAGE

 1. Islas de Gigantes Island Hopping

Since Islas de Gigantes is a group of Island, the only way to enjoy it fully is through Island Hopping. If you availed any Islas de Gigantes Tour Package, Island hopping is definitely part of their offering. However, if you want your visit to be a DIY, you can just rent a motorized boat while at the place.

2. Swimming and Snorkeling

Of course when you are at the beach swimming and snorkeling are a must. Snorkeling paraphernalia is available in some resorts for a fee.

3. Take Your selfie at Cabugao Gamay island

Gabugao Gamay is most publicized place in Islas de Gigantes. Cabugao Gamay has a place wherein you can take a photo of the Island at its best angle.

4. Islas de Gigantes, Bakwitan Cave

Another thing to do and maybe one of the prime points of interest at Islas de Gigantes is the Bakwitan Cave. Locals also called the place as Pawikan Cave.

According to the legends, as described by the locals, some coffins were found inside the Bakwitan Cave having a gigantic set of human bones.

Spelunking at Bakwitan Cave may take 2- 2.5 hours. Since the cave is located on the hills, I don’t recommend bringing kids when visiting the place. Spelunking includes a short trekking and some boulder climbing. Proper footwear is also required when visiting the place. This place I should say is a must-see destination. So don’t forget to visit this place when in Islas de Gigantes.

5.  Tangke Lagoon 

One of the places which you will visit when getting the Islas de Gigantes Tour Package is the Tangke. Located in Gigantes Sur, Tangke is a saltwater lagoon surrounded by beautiful limestone cliffs. Visitors can do cliff diving while at Tangke.

 6. Islas de Gigantes Lighthouse

The Islas de Gigantes Spanish lighthouse is located at Gigantes North and erected during 1895. In 2008 however, the lighthouse was damaged by Typhoon Frank and was replaced by the solar-powered medium-sized lighthouse donated by Japan. Visitors were allowed in the past to climb the lighthouse and see the glorious vistas of Islas de Gigantes. However, it was close to the public to avoid getting rusty.

Beside the lighthouse is the beautiful keeper’s house in bricks. However, its roof is already made out of corrugated galvanized iron sheet because the original ones were also destroyed by Typhoon Frank.

7. Banana Boat Ride and Jetski

While enjoying the activities offered by Islas de Gigantes Tour Package. We drop by Antonia Beach Resort which offers some water sports like Jet Ski and Banana Boat.

8. Seafood

Islas de Gigantes Tour Package does not offer only tours to beautiful spots around the place. It also offers gastronomic experience featuring the great bounty of the sea like scallops, crabs and fresh fish.

ISLAS DE GIGANTES TOUR PACKAGE AND TRAVEL BUDGET

The Islas de Gigantes Tour Package which we availed was a 2-day and 1-night tour around the around the Gigantes Islands, you could stay at the S15Hotel.com Accommodation but that would be an extra. The PHP 1,699.00 includes transfer to and from Bancal Wharf and Gigantes Island, Environmental Fee, entrance fees to all the destinations, overnight stay in one of the resorts, food, and Island hopping. You need not spend any amount while in the Island except if you wanted to have some drinking during night time.

So if you are planning to visit the place, just add your transportation cost and that would be all your budget for the trip.

TRAVEL TIPS WHEN VISITING ISLAS DE GIGANTES

• Only Smart and Sun Cellular have signals on the Island.
• Bring enough sunscreen.
• No ATM Machines on the Island, so bring cash.
• No established drugstore can be found on the island, so better bring your emergency kit.
• Bring extra battery packs and memory cards especially when doing Island Hopping. You might want to get more photographs around the place.
• A bottled water when doing Island Hopping. You can just have it refilled at the resort.
• Energy bars especially to those who are experiencing hypoglycemia.

 HOW TO GET TO ISLAS DE GIGANTES

By Air Via Roxas Airport, Roxas City, Capiz

The nearest airport to Islas de Gigantes is the Roxas Airport. From Roxas City, you can take the Ceres buses (Vallacar Transit) with Estancia Route. Most people coming from Manila opt to stay overnight at Roxas City especially if there are no early flights going to the airport. Please take note that pump boats going to Islas de Gigantes depart 9 AM. Most Tour Packages also begins at this time.

By Air Via Iloilo International Airport, Iloilo City

Iloilo International Airport offers more flights and destinations. From Iloilo International Airport, take a taxi going to Tagbak Terminal for 20-30 minutes.  From Tagbak bus terminal, you can take either Ceres Bus (operated by Vallacar Transit) or Van going Carles or Estancia.

Travel time by Ceres Bus may take 3-4 hours going to Carles at PHP 190/pax. Travel time by Van is faster by 30 minutes and would cost  PhP 200/pax.

By Air Via Kalibo Airport | Boracay

If you are coming from Boracay, you need to travel first for 1 hour to Kalibo. From Kalibo, you then travel to Roxas City for no buses or vans are traveling directly to Carles or Estancia.

From Bacolod City

From Bacolod City, take the fast craft to Iloilo City. Then, take a taxi to Tagbak Terminal at about PHP 150. From Tagbak Terminal you can choose between Ceres bus or Van going to Carles at PHP 190/pax.

If you are traveling as a group and wanted to save a little more, you can take the Ferry for 2 hours to Dumangas Port at Php 96/pax. From Dumangas port proceed to  Tagbak Terminal and ride a bus or van to Carles.

GOING ISLAS DE GIGANTES

The most popular jump-off point going to Islas de Gigantes is the Bancal Wharf in Carles. At Bancal Wharf a Tourism Office is prominently situated to give any guests some assistance.

Bancal Wharf to Islas de Gigantes boat transfer will take 1 to 1.5 hours.