Tangke Lagoon: A Tourist and Ecological Jewel
Tangke Saltwater Lagoon – a hidden pool framed by limestone cliffs in Barangay Gabi (Gigantes Sur) – is the most famous tourist attraction in Carles, Iloilo. It draws nearly all visitors to the town; roughly 95% of Carles’ tourists make the trip to see its crystal-clear waters and white sands. Local lore even touts Tangke’s water as having healing powers, underscoring the lagoon’s special place in Gigantes culture and ecotourism. The Gigantes islands as a whole are rich in biodiversity, hosting many endemic species of birds and reptiles found nowhere else. Protecting this fragile ecosystem is a key concern of local officials.
Executive Order and Closure Details
Under Executive Order No. 94, Series of 2025, the Municipal Government of Carles has mandated the temporary closure of Tangke Lagoon from September 1 to September 30, 2025. The order (signed by the municipal mayor) follows a long-running practice; previous orders have closed the lagoon each year for similar purposes. City advisories note that this measure is “a regular practice to allow the lagoon to rehabilitate,” ensuring the site remains safe and well-maintained. In announcing the closure, authorities emphasized that it applies only to Tangke – all other Gigantes attractions (such as Cabugao Gamay, Bantigue Sandbar, Antonia Island and Pulopandan Islet) will remain open to visitors. Tourists are asked to plan accordingly and to support the town’s conservation efforts.
Reasons for Closure: Safety and Conservation
The official rationale for the closure centers on environmental protection and visitor safety. Tangke’s temporary shutdown allows the local government to conduct maintenance and rehabilitation work (including clean-up and silt removal) to preserve its natural beauty. An earlier government report noted Tangke was closed “for environmental protection and preservation,” and that the local unit would carry out maintenance to keep the lagoon clean. Mayoral statements make clear this is an annual step: “We close the lagoon once a year, on September or October, because we give time for it to be kept clean,” one official explained. The cleanup work involves removing debris or trash left behind in the lagoon to maintain its pristine condition.
Safety is another key concern. September falls within the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) season when waves around Tangke can become very high. The mayor has said the closure helps “keep the tourists safe from any harm as ‘waves are high’ in the famous tourist spot at this time”. Indeed, previous orders have explicitly cited the high waves and accident risks as a reason to bar swimming during this period. By suspending access for a month, the LGU aims to prevent accidents and give nature a chance to recover, balancing tourism with the lagoon’s long-term health.
Sustainable Tourism and Local Support
Officials stress that the closure supports sustainable tourism. By giving Tangke time to recuperate, the order helps preserve the lagoon for future visitors and protects the broader Gigantes ecosystem. Carles authorities are inviting tourists to enjoy other local attractions while Tangke is closed, saying there are “a lot of pristine beaches, sandbars, and different spots” on Gigantes to visit. The municipal government also explicitly asked visitors to support the environmental effort, apologizing for any inconvenience and thanking them for helping “preserve the beauty of the Gigantes Islands”. The effectiveness of these measures will be seen when the lagoon reopens in October – ideally in even better shape for residents and travelers alike.
Ilonggo Traveler 
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