ISLAS DE GIGANTES, CARLES ILOILO | Splendor Beauty At Its Finest

Barangay Asluman, Gigantes Norte, Carles Iloilo

"Nothing is ever lost. It just begins again."

Finally, after 2 consecutive days of rain showers, a peek of  sunrise in its most conservative way showed up.

ISLAS DE GIGANTES

Islas de Gigantes, an enchanting island, is settled beautifully within the Western Visayas Region and Visayas Sea. Bundled with several islets and jaw-dropping rock formations, making it a real stunner for any one who sets his eyes on it.  

It is believed that two giants were the first to inhabit the place; with two huge ancient wooden coffins measuring about 8-11 feet, comprising of long anatomical bone structures previously found and taken as evidences by archaeologists. Eventually the place was named after these giants; Gigantes Norte (man) and Gigantes Sur (woman); the islets that are spread throughout the sea are believed to be their offspring.

Islas de Gigantes is divided into two major rock formations – Sur and Norte. Gigantes Sur is where exciting sea activities can be done while Norte boasts equally exciting land activities – spelunking and a side trip to the historical lighthouse. 

HOW TO GET TO ISLAS DE GIGANTES

From Roxas City Airport

1. Upon exiting Roxas Airport, several tricycles are already lined up. Hail one or go try if you can join other passengers bound for the same route - Ceres Bus/ Van terminal. Travel time is approximately 30 minutes; fare depends on the driver but it should not be more than a hundred bucks.
2. Once the terminal is reached, you have the option of riding a non A/C bus or an A/C van. If you have enough time and sure that you can reach Estancia Port before the boat leaves, I'd say take a bus. To let pass the opportunity to see the beauty of Roxas City is such a lamentable miss. Non-A/C buses can give you a nice view of the town's green scenery and mountains as you traverse bound for your destination. Travel time is 1 1/2 hours; fare is less than a hundred pesos. If you opt for the van; travel time is a lot faster - just an hour; fare is Php 75.
3. Get off at the entrance of Estancia Port; no need to ride a trike because the boats which are ready to depart can be reached with a five-minute walk. If you must ride a trike; fare is Php 10.
4. Ride a boat bound for Gigantes; travel time is 2 hours; fare is Php 80. 

P.S. The public boat bound for Gigantes leaves on a fixed daily basis at 1300 H or earlier. Failure to catch this scheduled trip would mean of hiring a private boat which could rip off your pockets; about 3-4 thousand pesos (too bad) or find a place where you could spend the night and just travel the next day (too hassle).

STAY | Hideaway Tourist Inn Resort

Hideaway Tourist Inn Resort is one of the first resorts established in the island. At present, there are numerous resorts that you can choose from, offering almost the same usual basic accommodation for travelers.

Depending on your preference, the resort can offer you different types of accommodation; an open cabana (al fresco style) with several budding plants hanging and are intertwined is really tempting; for those who wish to have more privacy, a concrete A/C rooms are available which I rather find too comfortable for my liking;and of course, the tree house which was a love at first sight without a doubt!

The only tree house available in the resort I have ever had the honor of occupying.

The house, perched high and flanked by several branches and roots of an old tree, gives you almost certainly a spectacular bird's eye view of the island. Being able to be inside, simply rekindles a childhood dream, more so, impedes maturity. It was a perfect Disney picture, a castle in miniature version or quite similar to that of Amazon jungle. At noon time, I would find reading as a luxury as the gush of wind sporadically blows a few hair strands away from my face. When the sun has finally come to peace, I would stare at the ocean as some fishermen dock their boats offshore. And when the night has finally come to settle, when you hear crickets chirp and when desolation becomes darker and deeper, I would let the emptiness consume me and be instantly amazed on its mystery.

Feet selfie
(you heard about the great view from atop; pulling yourself up and down is another story)

open-air dining/siesta area

Mangroves in Gigantes Norte

 Crippled sand revealed when the tide is low.

Exploring the mangroves of Gigantes Norte.

ISLAS DE GIGANTES | The Scallop Paradise

Islas de Gigantes, having an advantageous location in the Visayas Sea, is considered as the scallop capital of the Philippines. This is where you would feast on almost every type of seafood throughout your stay – squid, fish, crabs, shell fish and yes, scallops. You would get to experience scallops cooked in million ways! – omelet scallops for breakfast, baked scallops and  scallops curry during lunch, come dinner there would be bicol express scallops! It was insane, because even after leaving the island, you would still trace scallops when you burp or pass gas. :p

During one of my habal-habal (motorcycle) afternoon trips, it was noticeable that   a huge pile of scallop shells are arrange on the shore and on every backyard of the locals. I was told that these shells are being assembled for art byproducts of many kinds. These are also being scattered on top of their soil as it will eventually pulverized and would give a whitish grainy effect (similar to white sand). 

Daing na isda, fried egg and scallop omelet

Steamed crab, bicol express scallops and chili garlic shrimp

"wasay-wasay" a flat elongated  type of shellfish which has the closest resemblance to oysters.
It tastes like the sea, it is moist and tender; its juice, when combined with a spicy vinegar dip could be addicting. Very addicting.

Reference:

• ROOMS | Accommodation per night is Php 200/pax; regardless of the type of room you choose to stay.
• STAY | Staycation package comes with 5 meals (seafood feast!), island hopping and transfers to/from the resort.
• PACKAGE | Hideaway Tourist Inn offers cheap staycation package if you are travelling as a group
• CUSTOMER SERVICE | Staff who manage the resort are extremely polite, respectful and accommodating.
• BEST BUDDY | Upon arrival, you will be given a tour guide who will ensure that all your needs are addressed and met.

NORTH GIGANTES ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE | Gigantes Norte, Carles, Iloilo

The historical lighthouse of Gigantes, built during the Spanish era, strategically served as a compass for marine navigation. In 2008, typhoon Frank left the Western Visayas devastated and causing the lighthouse and the keeper’s inn ruined. The aftermath of the catastrophe left the island and commerce in distressing condition. Soon, Japan had donated a new lighthouse for the reconstruction of the place. At present, Gigantes Lighthouse is operating via solar power assisting in maritime aid.

North Gigantes Island Lighthouse

I have always been a fan of vintage structures, North Gigantes Lighthouse for one, makes one travel in different points in time and space or what not.

The original structure was built using primarily of coral stones.

Ruins caused by typhoon Frank in 2008.

Keeper's inn, previously served as an office during the Spanish era.

Vintage feel of the keeper's inn facing the Western Visayas Sea.

Coral stones stacked one after another to make pillars.

UAYDAJON ISLAND | Carles, Iloilo

View of the Uaydajon Island from the lighthouse.

BAKWITAN CAVE | Gignates Norte, Carles, Iloilo

Bakwitan Cave, where the legendary coffins with huge bone structures were found, is located on the topmost area in Gigantes Norte. As typhoon Yolanda strucked the Philippines in 2013, this cave served as a refuge for many families. 

A good 15 minute hike would get you at the entrance of the cave. I f you want to put your adventure a notch higher than usual, you may do spelunking which could last for almost 2 hours. The view from atop after spelunking will leave you breathless.

"Entrada," an expedition or journey into unexplored territory.

Awesome rock formation inside the cave.

"Let there be light"
A surprising hallow area from atop that provides light amidst the darkness.

Tunay nga ba na saging lang ang may puso?

One of the caves in Gigantes Sur is a great spot for swimming!

This is the cave I have had the pleasure of swimming in.
It was too clear that you get to see all those little creatures and structures below.

BALUBADIANGAN ISLAND | Concepcion, Gigantes Sur, Carles, Iloilo

The beautiful sand bar found in Concepcion, Gigantes Sur was a side trip since visiting the top 3 tourist spots - Tangke Saltwater Lagoon, Antonia's Beach and Cabugao Island; was impossible due to typhoon. It has white sand and the water is really clear which makes it a great spot for swimming and snorkeling. 

Front view of the Balubadiangan Island.

Strong waves coming in too strong making the sand bar to sink little by little. 

The death-dealing boat ride.
 I, with the boatman and a tour guide, traverse the open sea of Visayas and was led to this beautiful sand bar.
You know the drill.
 Solo picture, anyone?

The beautiful children of Gigantes Norte in Barangay Asluman

"Always smile back at children. 

To ignore them is to destroy their belief that the world is good."