The Island
Isla Gigantes is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Iloilo. Its pristine white sand beaches are popular among the island hoppers that made one of its islands (Cabugao Gamay) into the list of the most beautiful places in the world by Forbes.
Visiting Isla Gigantes has been made convenient for everyone since there are DOT accredited tour operator available in the town of Carles, Iloilo to cater tourists.
The experience
Before visiting the island, we make sure that everything is fine and in place. Our first tour booking was cancelled due to misunderstanding with their booking policy despite several attempts to settle the issue. We tried to talk with their booking representative, but they keep refusing us since the slots are already full for the number of joiners on that day. However, we are still lucky to find a more reliable booking agency- the Gigantes Island Tours and Services.
The tour provider- Gigantes Island Tours and Services
Every time I book our tour, I always make sure that it is accredited by the Department of Tourism and with license from DTI. Gigantes Island Tour Services have the most number of pump boat that could accommodate flock number of guests.
Their staff is impressively accommodating. They provided us an option if we wanted to be picked-up by a service van in Iloilo City that could cost for 350/head (one way). Though it is also a joiner van, it is spacious enough for us to set comfortably.
The Isla Gigantes experience
Upon arrival in Bancal (seaport of Carles), we first confirm our attendance to the staff of the tour agency (They have table in front of Tourism Building). Then, we ate breakfast while waiting for the other joiners.
It is almost 9:00 in the morning when we left Bancal, Carles. The other joiners who are from Manila are all excited for the island hopping (I must admit, we too).
The first Island we visited is the Cabugo Gamay that was tagged as one of the most beautiful islands in the world by Forbes. It has pristine white sand beach and crystal clear beach water. We are lucky enough that time since there are no other guests in the island. Everyone is amazed and took a lot of selfies while some prefer to swim to enjoy the beach.
Long after we rest at Cabugao Gamay, we then proceed to Bantigue Sand Bar. It may be the longest sand bar in Isla Gigantes. Everyone is surprised with the beauty of the sand bar. We swam at the beach and took a lot of selfies. Well, it is all worth to keep the memories of visiting Gigantes Island.
Our tour guide seems packed a lot of energy to entertain us. He had a lot of explanation regarding the story of every place we visited.
The next spot we visited is the Antonina or Antonia Island. We were told regarding the fun fact about the Island that its name originated from the local dialect “Aton-Ini-Ya” which means “this is ours”. The Island has also a white sand beach, a coconut tree, and a rock formation. While having a short rest (and again a lot of selfies), we ordered the adobong scallops as it was recommended by our tour guide to try in the island. Well, it tastes like abobo of course with shrimp paste.
Before taking our lunch, we passed on Tangke Lagoon- the famous lagoon in Isla Gigantes. It is surrounded by rock formation and some trees. The lagoon is a nice swimming spot during high tide. We saw monkeys swinging up a tree in the area.
The sea food
It is passed twelve (12) noon and everyone is hungry. We ate our lunch in the mainland of Gigantes Sur. They served us a lot of scallops (unfortunately it triggered my allergy), some steam crabs and shrimps, fried fish, soup, adobong squids, and a small bottle of soft drinks. Well, for some who have seafood allergens, it is better to request meat ahead of time than just to eat what have been served.
The last Island- Pulupandan Islet
The last islet we visited might be the first one to explore by the other tourists since it is the nearest spot from the port. It just have a coconut tree and a small nipa hut. However, the islet was surrounded by a clear sea water. It was a good spot to swim and enjoy the beach indeed.
Back to the port
It was pass 2:00 in the afternoon when we left Pulupandan Islet. Everyone is tired and want to rest after a long day of adventure. We used to sleep for an hour before we reached the port. There, we took a shower with a minimal fee to use the facility. Our Van is already waiting to fetch us back to Iloilo City.
Isla Gigantes Itinerary
Inclusion of Php999/person joiner day tour package
Island hopping destination to
-Pulupandan islet
-Bantigue Sandbar
-Antonia Island
-Cabugao Gamay
-Mini Boracay
-Tangke Lagoon
Terminal fee
Environmental fee
SEAFOOD LUNCH
ISLA GIGANTES ITINERARY:
03:40am I took a bus ride bound to Bancal Carles at Ceres Bus Terminal
07:00am ETA I arrived in Bancal Carles
07:00am – 8:30am Breakfast
08:30am – 9:00am Assembly time (briefing)
09:00am – 10:00am Bancal to Gigantes
10:00am – 12:00pm Island Hopping
Pulupandan Islet, Tangke Lagoon, Bantigue Sand Bar
12:00PM -01:30PM LUNCH
01:30PM – 03:30PM Island Hopping
Mini Boracay & Antonia Island
03:30PM – 04:30PM Travel back to the mainland
05:00PM – 7:30PM Carles to Iloilo (Van)
How to get there in Isla Gigantes?
To get there, you may opt to book a tour (as a joiner or private tour) through the DOT accredited tour provider in the Municipality of Carles.
Joiner: Php999/person (food, boat transfer, entrances, and other fees)
Boat Rental: Php 5,000 (not included: food, entrances and other fees)
Transportation fom Iloilo City- Bancal Carles: Php350/one way (you may coordinate to your tour provider if you want to be picked-up by a van in Iloilo City).
Our gratitude to the friendly and accommodating staff/ tour guide of Gigantes Island Tour and Services specially to Nong Don2x. 
Ilonggo Traveler 
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