Isla Gigantes Travel Guide for 2025 – Carles, Iloilo | Ilonggo Traveler
Isla Gigantes is a remote island group off Iloilo, Philippines, known for stunning cliffs, white sand beaches, and fresh scallops. This guide covers how to get there, when to go, what to do, and practical tips.
Quick Facts
- Location: Carles, Iloilo (Western Visayas)
- Main Islands: Gigantes Norte and Gigantes Sur
- Population: ~14,300
- Best time to visit: November–May (dry season)
- No ATMs or strong mobile signal; bring cash and Smart SIM
How to Get There
Fly to either Iloilo or Roxas City. From there, travel by bus/van to Carles’ Bancal Port, then take a boat to the islands.
| Route | Transport | Time | Cost (₱) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iloilo → Bancal Port | Van or Ceres Bus | 2.5–4 hrs | ₱300–₱350 |
| Roxas → Bancal Port | Bus + Tricycle | ~2 hrs | ₱125 |
| Bancal → Gigantes | Pumpboat | 1.5 hrs | ₱100 |
Island Hopping Tours
Joiner for day tours cost ₱1,100–₱1,200 including boat, guide, lunch and fees. Private boats are ₱3,500–₱6,000 depending on group size. Highlights include:
- Cabugao Gamay – the iconic selfie island
- Tangke Lagoon – limestone-framed brackish pool
- Bantigue Sandbar – lunch stop with seafood buffet
- Antonia Beach – snorkeling and relaxing
- Pulupandan Islet – one lonely palm tree
- Tinagong Dagat – mini-Boracay beach (if time allows)
Suggested 2-Day Itinerary
Day 1
- 8:30 AM: Arrive at Bancal Port
- 10:00 AM: Boat to Gigantes
- Visit Pulupandan, Tangke, Cabugao, Bantigue , Antonia
- Your lunch will depend on your tour agency, either at Bantigue Sandbar or Lantangan Beach
- Overnight on Gigantes Norte or return to Carles
Day 2
- Morning hike to Bakwitan Cave
- Visit Gigantes Lighthouse
- Optional swim at Tinagong Dagat
- 2:00 PM: Boat back to Carles
Where to Stay
- Carles (mainland): Solina Beach Resort, Beach Head, Ludy’s Pension
- Gigantes Norte: Hideaway Tourist Inn, Red Mandarin Beach, The Beach House
Electricity is generator-based on the islands. Bring flashlights and power banks.
Food
All tours include a seafood buffet with unlimited scallops. You can also buy grilled fish and kinilaw (ceviche). Scallops are as cheap as ₱1 each.
Isla Gigantes DOT and LGU Accredited Travel and Tours
- Gigantes Island Travels and Tours Services: Brgy. Bancal, Carles, Iloilo (Contact: 09989816812 or email: gigantesislandstravelandtour@outlook.com)
- Ashventure Package Tour Services: Brgy. Abong, Carles, Iloilo (Contact: 09517374251)
- Muong Travel Agency: Brgy. Bancal, Carles, Iloilo (Contact: 09922444675)
- Higantes Travel & Tours Services: Brgy. Bancal, Carles, Iloilo (Contact: 09566338846)
- Isla Viajero Travel and Tours: Brgy. Bancal, Carles, Iloilo (Contact: 09122417018)
- Zydrei Travel and Tours: Brgy. Bancal, Carles, Iloilo (Contact: 09128041318 or email:reservation.zydrei@gmail.com)
Travel Tips
- Bring cash – no ATMs on the islands
- Only Smart/Sun mobile networks work
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen, hat, rash guard, and waterproof bag
- Power is limited – charge overnight and bring a power bank
Ilonggo Traveler 
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