Things to do in Gigantes Island, Carles, Iloilo

The Travel Cuddler "success pose" with the most photograph island in Islas de Gigantes -- the Cabugao gamay Island.

We have our own ways of entertaining while educating ourselves. Some are satisfied drinking a cup of coffee  or tea in a cozy and friendly cafe. Some people reward themselves with an unforgettable international concerts. Some would love to go out of the country and experience grandeur of the historical cultures these many countries offer. This post is about being different in thoughts. Though beachin' is quite common especially during summer vacation, I find my very own trip unique and addicting. Hurray!

Gigantes Island, a.k.a 'Islas de Gigantes' is a well-known travel spot in the Philippines. Islas de Gigantes is an island chain within the larger Western Visayas archipelago in the Visayan Sea. It is part of the municipality of Carles, Iloilo, Philippines, and the northernmost part of Iloilo province.

Social media is now making most places a trend. Thanks to Facebook, where I got our affordable promo package for 6 (contact me if you need assistance). The accomodation wasn't bad. The room was nice and the bed comfortable. Also, they provided a padlock and a key, so no worries! Kindly check my photos below, read the captions as I show you around the wonders of Carles, Iloilo called 'Islas de Gigantes'. Enjoy reading....

1. Balbagon Island - Home of the tiny coconut trees.

This island is simple, dominant with short trees and long sandy beach shore. 

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This is just actually the first island we hop on during our joiners trip. I mentioned I got a promo for 6 pax, yes right, and good thing about being in a joiner's trip is that, we can get a chance to meet new people not just from Iloilo, but travelers coming from Davao and Manila. 

The photo above is called Balbagon Island - the home of the tiny coconut trees. The sand was amazingly fine as sugar, water as clear clear and the air was fresh. Take a look at our photos...

Gigantes Island Photo: This was me under the tiny coconut tree in Balbagon Island.  

Photo taken by our friendly Tour Guide named Armel. / 05.15.17

2. Pulupandan Islet

After 30 minutes of picture taking, a little swimming and nature-viewing, we departed the first island, we prepared ourselves for the second spot. We went to the nearest mini island called Pulupandan Islet. The island was not big as its name implies. The sand was a little bit rocky and corals on it are dominant. There was 'Lonely Coconut Tree' standing on the islet. And on its other side is a huge formation of rocks ideal for picture taking and snorkeling. 

The lovely coconut tree on a sandy surface.

That coconut tree in the middle of the islet is called "The Lonely Coconut Tree". Well, most probably, years ago, it is not the only tree living in the islet. Other trees were probably blown away during the disastrous typhoons, and one of it was Bagyong Yolanda. 

I felt extremely happy while playing with the stones and corals in the shore.

I was like a kid swimming endlessly. 

Anyways, I enjoyed swimming and playing in the shore. This islet was just our second spot. Watch out for more adventures.

3. Unlimited Seafood for Lunch 

Unlimited Scallops for lunch.  

The word 'unlimited' do really exist here in Gigantes Island. We were delivered to our lunch area  after two first spots, where our rooms were located too. We ate unlimited scallops, crabs, squid, chicken binakol, La-uya (a native dish) with fruits and non-stop sodas. Dishes were distributed per meal and it was totally mind-blowing!

Gigantes Island (main) overlooking the Town of Carles, Iloilo.

4. Tangke

After lunch, we went to Tangke. This is one of the place here which I have been looking forward. At last, I was able to see it with my own eyes. It is really pretty. The superb beauty of this clear body of water, a friendly nature pool is enough for me traveler to be grateful. Life offers a lot of wonders, and one of that is this place that everyone would love to hang-out with.

We really thought Tangke was located somewhere else. It is actually just located on the huge same island we're stayin'. It has an entry where tourists may pass through. Locals already provided a floating bar for safety purposes.

I don't wanna get out from the water. I'm good in back floating, but not a pro. I am truly amazed.
I did not come here just for Instagram photos nor for Facebook posts but to feel the goodness of life and to swim. 

Some would spend a lot of time achieving ideal Facebook photos and all, but in my case, I was crazy over the enticing water. It was cold and fine. Such a lovely place.

5. Sand Bar

This island was long and has its white sand. We went swimming and and a little snorkeling on the shallow part. In some areas of the water was a bit dangerously deep due to the current of water. In my case, since I am not a pro in swimming, I managed to enjoy the dangerous water area. I worn my life vest and went floating and just really had fun. I got no picture in this place, but just imagine a long white beach called 'sandbar'. Really nice.

6. Cabugao Gamay

According to the internet, this is the most photograph island in Gigantes Island. Well, yes it is! The island is very unique, adorable clear water, lively coconut trees and friendly locals. There is one spot wherein you can dramatically capture the whole image of the island. What a wonderful world!

This photo is also and actually my cover photo for this blog post, for it is again the most photograph island in Gigantes. Don't forget to take your selfies here!

Before I go to take my 'famous selfie' with the island someone looking good took a photo of me. I was stunningly feeling hot under the king sun. Fun! 

7. Antonia Island

This is where you can do some water sports. You can have your Banana Boat Ride with a minimum of 6 and a max of 8. Uhmmm yes, I did really pay attention. You can also have Paddle Boating, Jetski and some minor sea sports. We're suppose to and was excited to get off from the boat, transact and do our ride, unfortunately, coast guard won't allow to operate anymore coz' it's was already past 4:30 pm. So remember guys, if you want to go banana boating or whatever, you have to inform your tour guide to come to the island earlier. I guarantee know, they know what the ideal time is.

During our not so short, not so long stay in the said island, someone asked us to try his freshly steamed scallop for free. And oh my god, yes, we were enticed again. We ordered 100 pieces of scallops in our own expense and few bottles of soda. If you are in the island, you can buy P 1/scallop.

Watching from Antonia Island in Gigantes, Carles Iloilo.

 

Just like what I told you, you can order your beer, soda and some 'pulutan' here in the island. People in the picture includes my friends. 

8. They call it Gigantes Island's "MINI BORACAY"

It was proudly called by the locals as their 'Mini Boracay" because of its really fine sand texture and clear water. You can swim well without having any fear coz' the water level is just friendly and cool. It was the last spot we visited  during our day 1 tour.

This is just the only 'cool' photo that I have for this place. I swum like a mermaid and played with the sand. This is something that you must experience. Swear! Look at me, I looking great after swimming, right?

The place was totally amazing! The experience you'll get is extremely nice and unforgetable.

9. Trekking & Caving 

This is must do. Exercise is everywhere, and this is one way. We went trekking for more than an hour and vice versa. We went crawling, sliding and all just to finish the show. The path was of course -- challenging. Just a note, you have to be physically and emotionally ready. It was an amazing experience for me and for some of my friends. Let me show some of our pictures. Look...

Trekking is love.

Great photos right?

I think, this would be all for today. I hope you enjoyed reading my blog post. Are you envy of the unlimited seafood and activities? You have to try!

If you have any question or if you need my help, don't hesitate to hit my inbox. I am more than willing to help you, especially if you want to arrange a trip with me.

Regards, The Travel Cuddler. Gina - Cuddles ***