Islas de Gigantes is a group of islands that offers an all-in package of mysterious caves, endless lagoons, stunning rock formations, sand bars, affordable seafood, and white sand beaches – paradise in one place.
While it’s not an island where giants live, as the name suggests, it came from the time that locals discovered coffins of huge human skeletons. They assumed they were skeletons of actual giants, hence the name ‘Islas de Gigantes.’
This group of islands and islets is located off the coast of Western Iloilo. It is garnering popularity as of late because of the beauty it carries. If you loved El Nido of Palawan or Boracay of Aklan, then you should add Islas de Gigantes to your future vacation itinerary.
To jumpstart on your research before visiting this majestic place, read this article to know everything there is about it.
Easiest way to get to Islas de Gigantes
Skip the ardent hassle there is on public transport. You’re on a vacation, so avoid the stresses there are before you can even arrive there! Avail a car rental service with a driver from us, so you and your vacationing dabarkads can rest easy on the back seat while we deal with sending you off to the Island of the Giants.
Wherever you are in Panay Island – we can pick you up and send you straight to Carles! With a rental, you’re not only saving money but also cutting some precious time spent on travel.
It won’t be a problem whether you are a small group or a big crowd! With our distinguished collection of rental units, we can cater to all of your possible needs!
Book with us now through our Booking Page.
You can also contact us through the following:
[Globe]: 0965 129 6777 or 0955 872 3883
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Email: info@iloilorentacar.com
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From Iloilo City to Islas de Gigantes
1. Ride a taxi heading to Tagbak Terminal located in Jaro District
2. From there, ride a bus (4 hours) or commuter van (3 hours) heading to Carles.
3. Get off at Bancal Port in Carles and ride a boat heading to Gigantes Island.
From Roxas City to Islas de Gigantes
1. Take a bus in Lawaan Transport Terminal heading to Estancia.
2. Get off in Balasan then ride a tricycle heading to Carles.
3. Drop at Bancal Port and ride a boat heading to Gigantes Island.
Things to do at Islas de Gigantes
1. VISIT THE TOP DESTINATIONS
Tangke Saltwater Lagoon – a natural pool surrounded by towering limestone cliffs.
Bantigue Island – have a long powdery white sandbar.
Tinagong Dagat – comparable to Boracay thanks to its fine white sand.
Antonia Beach – their pristine white beaches are distinguished by the large boulders on top of each other along the shore.
Pulupandan Islet – it does not have the same powdery sand as the others, but the view is unbeatable.
Pawikan Cave – named after the large egg-shaped rock formations, its subterranean appeal evokes an other-worldly feeling for visitors.
Gigantes Norte Lighthouse – built in 1895, this originally Spanish structure is no longer in use. It offers a panoramic view of the ocean and the nearby islands.
Pulupandan Island – what used to be a wrecked islet after Yolanda is now a sought after tourist destination with its pristine white sand and clear blue waters.
2. EAT, EAT, EAT!
– You can taste the fresh and extremely affordable seafood offered in the Antonia Beach or Bantigue Sandbar. Most of the islands and islets of Islas de Gigantes sell them at very affordable prices.
3. CLIFF DIVING
– Go and set for cliff diving in Tangke Lagoon.
4. WATCH THE SUNSET
– Gigantes Norte is the right spot for you to catch the sunset.
5. SWIMMING
– You can swim on any island but don’t forget to ask a local or your guide on the safe and recommended spots for swimming.
6. CLIMB ROCK FORMATIONS
– There are several rock formations across Gigantes that are safe for climbing so get your chance to have an epic photo of the view.
Rates and Fees
Bancal Port Environmental Fee – ₱ 75 per person
Boat Rental Island Hopping – ₱ 1,500-2,000 good for 10 people.
Guide – ₱ 500
Island and Beach Entrance Fee – ₱ 20 per person per island
Bakwitan Cave Tour Guide – ₱ 500
Habal-habal or Motorcycle fees – ₱ 50-200
Accommodation in Gigantes:
Fan Cottages/Rooms – ₱ 300+ per person per night
Airconditioned Cottages/Rooms – ₱ 2,000 – 3,000 per cottage or room good for 2-4 people
Interesting Facts
– Isla de Gigantes is a chain of 10 islands that are 2-10 minutes away from each other.
– The best time to visit is during the dry months of late February to June with the seas void from the rage of typhoons.
To bring when visiting Islas de Gigantes
1. Bring a light rain jacket if you visit during the Habagat Season.
2. Use Aqua shoes because most destinations are wet.
3. Bring a dry bag so your items are safe from the water.
4. Pack your phone inside a waterproof phone case.
5. Bring your power bank because only Gigantes Norte and Gigantes Sur have electricity 24/7. Pack this just in case.
6. Bring your own snorkel gears should you plan to go snorkeling.
7. Bring cash for your entire trip because there are no ATMs within Islas de Gigantes.
Reminders when visiting Islas de Gigantes
1. Respect the environment and hold onto your trash until you find a proper disposal bin.
2. Always ask permission before you climb into a cave or dive into a spot in the sea because the locals know it the best.
3. Do not pack any sand or shells from the tour, only take photos or buy souvenirs.
4. Signal strength is poor for most networks.
Useful Phrases to Learn
Ma-ayong Aga: Good Morning
Ma-ayong Hapon: Good Afternoon
Ma-yong Gab-i: Good Evening
Pila ini: How much is this?
Makahambal ka sang Tagalog?: Can you speak Tagalog?