DIY Travel Guide to Islas De Gigantes, Iloilo, Philippines
The scallops capital of the Philippines, a hidden paradise comprising of a remote group of islands located in the town of Carles, Iloilo. Also known as Islas de Gigantes, is one of the must-see places here in the Philippines. A four to five hours travel from Iloilo can never be compared to the beauty that this island could offer.
The original name of the island was Sabuluag or Salauag but was later on changed to Islas de Gigantes as it was believed that coffins found in Bakwitan cave contained a gigantic set of human bones. It is comprised of about ten islands, but the two largest and commonly known are Gigantes Norte and Gigantes Sur.
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Table of Contents
Facts About Iloilo
Iloilo’s name came from the word Irong-Irong which means nose-like. It is because the location of the city is on the banks of the Iloilo River and the body of water forms itself into a nose-like shape.
Iloilo Customs House is the second biggest customs house in the country just after the Aduana de Manila in Intramuros.
The popular and delicious La Paz Batchoy originated from Iloilo.
Iloilo City is known as the City Of Love.
Things To Do on Islas de Gigantes
1. Try Fresh Seafood
Isla de Gigantes will not be known as the Scallops capital of the Philippines for nothing. Shells will greet you upon arrival on the island. And your escapade to this island wouldn’t be complete without trying out their fresh seafood. Yum!
2. Island Hopping
Since you’re already on the island, why don’t you try exploring some other islands? There are some beaches and islands located nearby that are equally beautiful as Gigantes Island. The tour usually includes Bantigue Island and Antonia Beach.
Suggested Tour: Isla De Gigantes Day Tour from Iloilo
3. Spend Time At The Beach
The best thing to do while you’re on an island is to spend some time at the beach. As mentioned, there are beaches on Gigantes Island that are truly beautiful.
4. Explore Caves
Locals say that the easiest one to explore is the Bakwitan cave. It was named like that as it was believed that it has been an evacuation area for many locals during the war. The name of the Islas de Gigantes was also changed because of the gigantic set of human bones found here.
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Not all of the guests could manage to exit the cave as there are some obstacles that needed to pass through. If you wouldn’t want to crawl or do some challenging adventure inside, then tell ahead your guide to go back to the entrance.
5. Do Cliff Jumping
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If you’re an adrenaline junkie, then you better not miss the cliff jumping in Tangke. This would give you a more memorable experience while on the island.
Where To Stay in Iloilo, Philippines
Budget Hotel
ZEN Rooms Basic Iloilo Paraw Resort
ZEN Rooms Basic Iloilo Paraw Resort features accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, a bar, and a shared lounge. At the hotel, the rooms have a desk and all rooms have a wardrobe. The nearest airport is Iloilo International, 23 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Price: Starts at PHP 605 per night plus taxes and charges for Twin Room.
Mid Range Hotel
Urban Sands Iloilo features an outdoor swimming pool and a spacious terrace. Each room will provide you with air conditioning, a cable TV, and a minibar. They also offer free parking facilities for guests who drive. A variety of local and international cuisines can be enjoyed at the in-house restaurant. Free WiFi is also available throughout the hotel.
Price: Starts at PHP 2,925 per night, taxes, charges, and breakfast included for Standard Queen Room.
Luxury Hotel
Zuri Hotel provides accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool, and a fitness center. It’s a 5-star hotel that offers a concierge service. A continental breakfast is also available daily at the hotel. Furthermore, Zuri Hotel offers 5-star accommodation with a hot tub. The nearest airport is Iloilo International Airport, 15 km from Zuri Hotel.
Price: Starts at PHP 5,213 per night, taxes, charges, and breakfast included for Deluxe Room.
Where To Stay on Islas de Gigantes
Most of the resorts on Isla de Gigantes offer an all-in package already like the Gigantes Hideaway. The packages usually include:
- A round trip Passenger boat ride
- 3 Days 2 Nights full board, all in expenses, including five meals (family-service seafood buffet meals/ unlimited rice)
- Private Boat for Island hopping plus tour guide
- Island tour in 5-6 Islands
- Island entrance fees
- The habal-habal fare for three days activity.
Where To Eat in Iloilo, Philippines
Have some of the fresh seafood in town at Tatoy’s Manokan and Seafood. Whether you want to satisfy your tummy with some seafood or taste a delicious chicken, this is the best restaurant to go to.
Address: Villa Beach Santo Nino Sur, Iloilo City, Iloilo Province 5000 Philippines
Schedule: 07:30 AM – 9:30 PM – Sun to Sat
Netong’s Original Special La Paz Batchoy
Iloilo is known to be the home of Filipino’s favorite, La Paz Batchoy! And you can try one of the best La Paz Batchoy at Netong’s. The food is served with either puto or pandesal.
Address: Rizal Street La Paz Public Market, Iloilo City, Iloilo Province 5000 Philippines
Breakthrough Restaurant Iloilo
Considered one of the best restaurants in Iloilo, locals and tourists love going here at Breakthrough Restaurant Iloilo. They offer a wide range of Filipino cuisine and seafood. Not only that but the restaurant’s location overlooks the sea which gives you a great view while eating.
Address: Molo-Arevalo Boulevard Sto. Nino, Villa Arevalo, Iloilo City, Iloilo Province 5000 Philippines
Schedule: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM – Sun to Sat
About the Writer
Hi there! I’m Fatima. My first major travel was in 2016 in the beautiful city of Cebu. After that, I got interested in traveling. Now I enjoy learning languages and other country’s cultures. My goal is to visit at least one country each year and to share my experiences with other people through writing or blogging. Witness my journey by following me on Instagram.
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Hi, thank you for the information.
My friends and I will be travelling to Iloilo this July and would love to visit Gigantes Island. Can you please provide which travel agency you get your package?
We are arriving in the evening so I would like to ask them if it’s possible to travel at night. Also, can you please confirm the boat schedule from Estancia to Gigantes and vice versa. Looking forward for your response. Thank you and God Bless.
Mace 🙂
I will be in Isla Gigantes this July.I haven’t called the number yet,but already sent a messsage to their fb,kaso walang response.I’ll be calling the resort soon to confirm..Question: Is the van also in Tagbak terminal? thank you
Hi do u have any contacts. I am planning to go there alone….
Hello Ken 🙂 Maybe you can search for the contact number of Gigantes Hideaway Resort in google or facebook. It’s where our writer stayed during her visit in Islas de Gigantes 🙂 Safe travels ❤️
Hi,
Do you have any contact person & # nung all-in package nyo na Phh2,350.00? we only have 1 &1/2days kc on April 23&24 for gigantes.
Thanks so much in advance.
Hello! How can I contact the Gigantes Hideaway Resort? 🙂 Nabayaran niyo ba is 2350pesos/ person? 🙂 for 3d 2n and all in package na? 🙂
You can find it po on their official Fb account. Thanks ❤️ Happy travels 🙂
your package is so cheap. i just texted him this afternoon asking for a package of 2pax. his rate is 3665each.. 7330 total bat ganun mas mahal pa kami compared sa 3pax? 2350 total 7050 🙁
how did you book your stay? dun na ba mismo or nagpareserve po kayo
Maybe it has something to do with the season po. Peak season po ba kayo pumunta?
Just a suggestion. Estancia is the seafood capital. From my personal experience, we arrived estancia a bit early like 10am then walking distance from the terminal are native restaurants. we enjoyed grilled seafoods for lunch and finished off 12nn. This gives ample time to prepare for the 2pm boat trip to asluman.
Hi my friend and i are planning this coming dec. For an island experience on dec 8 to 11 for a island hoping experience. How to book the timing. Please we need assessment. Thanks
Finally, full details of this tour.. Been planning for my bday this january and it’s taking me forever to figure out everything but because of this blog, i can rest na tonight as i have already found all that i needed to know. God bless you generous people who make blogs for others’ convenience
Hi! Saan resort kayo nag check in na may all in fee na P2350 each for 3 pax. Kindly send me the contact information of that resort so we can book ahead of time of travel. Thank you in advance for your feedback
Hi … where ro what travel agency did u booked ur gigantes tour package. . Can u please send it to me for booking coz i can’t find one as cheap as the one u had .. tnx
HI! Where and how can I get the tour package? I will be travelling to Kalibo this Aug 5, 10am and I was planning to visit the Gigantes island. Kaso 2 ra mi and our budget is only 2 each. Is it possible?
Thank you for visiting the majestic Islands of Gigantes! However, for those who are interested in going to the said islands, may I suggest that from Roxas Ceres Bus Terminal instead of taking the bus bound to Estancia it would be more convenient to take the bus to Carles. The Carles bound bus will ultimately bring you directly to Bancal port.
In comparison: Estancia bus will bring you to Estancia bus terminal so you still need to get on a tricycle going to Estancia port. Meanwhile, the Carles bus will bring you directly to Bancal port. Also, Estancia is 18 nautical miles or 2 hours away to/from Gigantes while Bancal Port is only 13 nautical miles/45 minutes-1 hour away to/from Gigantes.
Hi, if were coming from TAGBAK TERMINAL, what van or bus do we ride so we get to arrive at CARLES?
How about the boat?kapag nasa bancal port na marami bang pwding macontrata roundtrip
Hi i dont know how to get the contact number of gigantes hideaway resort.Do you have one?
contacts for your travel operator please? Or how did you find them? thanks
Hi there.. Id like to ask where did u avail your package on ur isla de gigantes tour? Tnx..???
Thanks for posting!!! =D
Can you recommend the best time to travel there?
We also availed of the package offered in Gigantes Hideaway Tourist Inn. If you’re in a big group, rates per head are lower. If you’re traveling solo, look for other groups you can join going on the same dates. 🙂
hi Ms Andrea I’d like to ask if you know van rentals from Dumangas to Estancia ?
If ever, can we have a contact number of Joel, the tour guide? Thanks! 🙂
Hi! Can i pm you po? For more details and how to get cheaper package for islas? ?
Hi, do you have the contact numbers of the tourism people in Gigantes? and do you have a recommendation where to stay?
hello you could stay at Gigantes HideAway Resort.
You can contact Mr. Joel Decano he is the owner of the resort. He is very accommodating and they are not asking for any deposits or down payment for tour. You can contact him at 0918-468-5006…
They also have the best tour guides / Mr. Everything… and mind you they serve scallops in every menu 🙂
Hi, do you have the contact numbers of the tourism people in Gigantes? I have a lot of questions din sana, hope you can reply. Haha! Thank you!
Mr. Joel Decano at 0918-468-5006
He is the owner of Gigantes Hiseaway Resort…
may email ba sya? Thanks
Hi!! 🙂 I love your article, hopefully me and my friends can also travel to Islas De Gigantes by next year 🙂
just wanna ask if how much did you pay for your roundtrip airfare from Manila to iloilo?? 🙂