Islas de Gigantes | Exploring the Giant Islands in Iloilo

indayclara (74)in Worldmappin • 3 years ago (edited)

I've been missing the beach lately... No, I've been missing that time where I get to travel to anywhere I want. Damn, it's going to be three years since this damn pandemic. Although I get to go on mini adventures here at my place, it's different when you visit far-off places! And for that reason, I'm here to share with you a hidden paradise in the Philippines which I want to visit again.

Islas de Gigantes or also known as Gigantes Islands is situated in the northern tip of Iloilo province or you can simply check where I pinned it in pinmapple. 😉 Most tourists would have to fly to Iloilo from Manila or Cebu to get here. From the Iloilo airport, it's another 4 to 5 hours of drive. Is going there worth it after all that hours of travel? Hell, yeah!

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To enjoy Gigantes Islands, it's best to join tour packages. Saves a lot of time and energy. That way you get to enjoy nature at its finest. I availed a 2D 1N tour package with my parents. This was my treat to them after having my first job. 😊 At this point, I was living in Iloilo for work so I booked them a flight from Cebu. Well, they were extremely happy with this adventure.

Gigantes Islands consists of 10 islands. Two of which are bigger ones called Gigantes Norte and Gigantes Sur. There are other islets worth visiting as well. Locals living here boast its white-sand beaches and crystal clear waters. Throw in mysterious caves, dreamy sandbars, magnificent rock formations, and mystical lagoons! You won't get enough of this all-in-one must-visit hidden gem in Iloilo! They also take pride in their delicious seafood, especially scallops!

In the meantime, let me take you there virtually...

Pandan Island

Pandan Island was already our 2nd stop for our tour. A small landmass that seemed nothing special at first glance. Said to be a resting place for fishermen thus the small nipa huts found in the middle of the island. Some also call this place "one tree island" because there is literally one coconut tree found here.

Dad went in for a swim. I and mom walked around. The sand was noticeably fine and I like the spot where there was a bit of rock formation on one side of the island.

Tangke Lagoon

This beautiful lagoon is one of my favorite spots. A miniature Palawan should I say. Its towering limestone rock formations were not only captivating from afar but were jaw-dropping upon close-up. The tour guide already informed us beforehand that if the waves were strong we will not be able to dock here. Luckily enough, the weather and the sea were cooperative that day.

I was so excited once we set foot in the docking area. It was still a little trek among huge sharp rocks. Extra caution was needed here. Once my eyes finally set on the lagoon, I was blown away! Emerald green waters, rock formations encircling the lagoon, and the lush vegetation among its walls. No wonder, they also nicknamed the place "Enchanting Lagoon".

Mom and Dad enjoyed its calm waters and serene surrounding. For me, it's a magical nook tuck away for only the lucky ones to enjoy. We were one of the lucky ones. Even if we were able to enter the lagoon, there are chances that we wouldn't get to swim there if it was low tide. Luckily, the water was high enough that day. I and JV went to a much higher ground to get this awesome photos of Tangke Lagoon.

The Lighthouse

Even before docking, this lighthouse with its white color stands out from the edge of the island. Located on the far northern tip of Gigantes Norte Island, it took about 40 minutes to get there from Tangke Lagoon. This lighthouse was built during the Spanish colonial period. Thus, the place is a historical site. The original lighthouse was destroyed by a Super Typhoon in 2008 and was replaced with a modern-looking one. Regardless, the adjacent keeper's house with Spanish architecture is still intact and worth exploring.

The path leading to the lighthouse was short. A girl was selling seashells on the side. Not sure if the gate is still the original one but the two side posts are still standing but a thin white rope holds it intact. The keeper's house was converted to a café. Dad couldn't resist and ended up trying their coffee.

As for me, I admired the interior of this old building. The walls were constructed well despite the cracks. The hardwood floor and the window design were a Spanish influence. There is something romantic with old historical sites. I insisted on walking barefoot inside. Coming to the outside of the building, the lighthouse was just close by. Already fenced, we just watched it from the side of the building. I guess they are still using that lighthouse to this day.

Mini Boracay Beach

Situated in Gigantes Sur Island, this mini beach is tucked away among giant rock formations. Dubbed as the "mini Boracay", sadly I wasn't impressed. Yes, it has white sand and crystal clear water, but aren't all beaches are like it here? The rest of the passengers took a dip in the waters. Luckily, we didn't stay long here.

Bantigue Sandbar

A bit popular compared to the rest. Its sandbar stretches far and wide. It's picturesque view is perfect for sunset shoots. A few nipa huts can be found nestled in between hills. Adults and children can be found enjoying the beach under the afternoon sun. As for me and my parents, we were just amazed by its gorgeous view. We could have stayed there until sunset however we still had to get to our last destination for that day.

Cabugao Gamay

The most photographed island in Islas de Gigantes. Famous for its unique island shape, white sand, and scenic view, no wonder this island is always the last island to visit so that you can experience its beauty during sunsets. As we landed on its shore, I and my parents didn't waste our time. We made our way to the viewing deck on the north side of the island. Zen stones can be found along the beach. A lot of stones were stacked on top of one another creating this unique spot on the island. Well, we couldn't resist taking photos.

The bamboo steps to the viewing deck were steep but manageable. There was a limit as to the number of guests who can stay at the top. Others had to wait a couple of minutes before their turn. Luckily, as the last passenger boat on the island, you can say we had the island all to ourselves.

As we reached the deck and saw a panoramic view of the island, we fell in love with it. True to its garnered fame, Cabugao Gamay island was a spectacle to see. A narrow island with beaches on each side separated by coconut trees that provide shade against the sun. Being here a sunset was the perfect day ender for all of us. I bet you would also swoon over this beautiful view if you got to witness it firsthand. Aside from Tangke Lagoon, Cabugao Gamay is another favorite!

Pawikan Cave

A tour in Islas de Gigantes wouldn't be complete if one isn't able to explore its caves. So on the 2nd day, our guide brought us to the Pawikan Cave (Turtle Cave when translated in English). Situated in Gigantes Sur Island, it was just a 30 - 40 minute hike from where we stayed overnight. The tour guide could have prepared us by telling us it was a much longer walk. Initially, he said it was just 15 minutes. 😅 Anyways, it wasn't an exhausting climb but the path becomes steeper as we got nearer to the cave. The trees provided us shade against the morning sun. There was a spot with a clearing where the view of the beach was seen. It was refreshing.

Pawikan Cave was said to get its name because of turtle egg-shaped rocks found at the heart of the cave. This might be fact or fiction but these egg-shaped rocks were already gone a long time ago. Tales also include that the Japanese used those egg-shaped rocks as markers for where they buried their treasures. Regardless, this cave is worth checking out. Compared to other caves I've visited, this one doesn't require safety gear and lights. It's safe to explore. Even local kids randomly play here.

Arriving at the mouth of the cave, we rested for a little while. The entrance chamber already evokes mystery and excitement. It was already inviting us to get lost in another world beyond its mouth. As we explored the inner chambers, we were in awe of its magnificent cave openings and rock formations. Walls were high and random openings on its ceiling rendered ample lighting for mere visitors to be drenched in its beauty.

We also visited Antonia's Beach Resort but I wasn't able to get photos of the place. For our overnight stay, we stayed at MJ's Beach Resort which was also included in our tour package. The rooms were decent and comfortable enough so I can't complain. Even their staff were so accommodating and kind. If I remember it clearly, it was $30 per person for that trip. They even offered an unlimited seafood meal for lunch just before we left the island. My parents were happy about that. Their scallops were big and delicious.

Islas de Gigantes should be on your bucket list. It's an amazing travel destination complete with beautiful beaches, a mystical lagoon, historical sites, and remarkable caves. Which specific spot from the ones I've visited you liked the most? Let me know on the comment section below!

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#adventure #travel #islands #gigantes #beach #lagoon #cave #iloilo #philippines #hiveph

3 years ago in Worldmappin by indayclara (74)

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seancallow (66) 3 years ago

What an amazing trip. The beach and everywhere looks just so beautiful. It makes me want to visit there even more now. I think the pictures of inside the caves were my favourite!