Everyone wants to get tanned once in a while. A vacation to beaches has already become common to most travelers around the world. But you may also consider having a look with this breath-taking island located in the Philippines. A lot of foreigners have been captivated by its beauty. If you oftentimes inhale stress, this island getaway may be a remedy for you.
The best thing about Isla de Gigantes is that it’s a group of Islands. According to the residents, giants exist here a long time ago. But there is no evidence that has been found yet. Rock formations in here aren’t usual and it makes most people believe that it was purposely carved by giants.
Tips before travelling to the beach:
· Make sure your clothes are enough and fit for travel.
· Bring your vitals or supplements with you. You need an extra energy for the trip.
· Do not forget you sun block. It is very essential since you’ll be exposed more to sunlight
· Bring extra cash. You may want to buy home-made crafts or souvenirs in the island
· Bring power banks. Note that the island has no electricity during day time.
The total inclusions of your tour package would be:
· Roundtrip boat fares estancia-Gigantes-Estancia
· 3-days and 2-nights’ accommodation
· Meals (day 1 dinner, day 2 breakfast, lunch and dinner, day 3 breakfast)
· Island hopping tour via private boat (including Island fees)
· Island tours (including transport and guide)
How to get there
Prepare and book for your tour early and avail promo packages. The availability of boats going to the island is only 10am and 1pm. Isla de Gigantes is a 5-hour ride from the city of Iloilo. You will be riding a van for 3 hours and 2 hours by a motor banca.
The moment you arrive at the Estancia Port, you will have to contact the assigned tourist guide for you. He will accompany you to the boat until you reach the island. While you are on the ride, mountain and island sceneries will please your eyes. You will more likely to appreciate the simplicity of life. If you strived hard on your job lately, you have enough time to take a rest since the travel would take long.
Isla de Gigantes Hideaway
This tourist inn of the island gives a seemingly close to nature ambience. Most of the cottages are made of bamboo and some are built on top of trees. During the meal time, they serve deliciously cooked and fresh sea foods. This is the cheapest but most accommodating place to stay in the island. And since this island is far from the electric company, their only source of electricity is a generator which functions from 6pm to 6am. Mobile phones signal are shut down so it would be a retreat to get away with the toxic of city life. This might be a perfect relaxation from your stressful working days.
The Lighthouse
A visit to the lighthouse would definitely be your first adventure in the Gigantes Island. This is a dramatic place to watch the sun going down. You must conquer your fear to climb the lighthouse before you could witness the sunset along Jintotolo Channel. This structure was built during the Spanish colonial era. So the stairs going to the top may be a little rusty and creepy. But it is very picturesque that would make your trip worth it. You could also see the surrounding islands from the top that would create a refreshing feeling in you.
Tangke Saltwater Lagoon
The Tangke has been one of the famous attractions in the island. With its astonishing natural saltwater lagoon, lots of tourists put this on their wish list. The lagoon is surrounded by star-shaped limestone cliffs with the crystal clear emerald water. Having to swim in its waters will likely to renew yourself as well as looking-up the wonderful rock formations. You would feel like you want to climb it up.
Aside from its beauty, a lot of myths are also connected to this. It’s been a common tale from the residents that this lagoon is inhabited by enchanted creatures. The waters also magically arise during the feast of John the Baptist on the 24th of June. Until now, it still just remains a mystery.
The Cabugao Island
This island has gotten most of the attention of the tourists for its white sand beach topped with hills and rocks on the other side. You haven’t been here when you do not take a photo of yourself having this as the background. No wonder it was considered as the world’s 14th most beautiful place.
Fresh Sea foods
Most definitely, the meals in Isla de Gigantes will make you more excited in your adventures. After the Island hopping in the morning, you will be heading for lunch. The huge crabs and shells won’t failingly full your stomach. They also have a cook that you can hire if you want him to do a certain meal for you. The fee would probably go around P200. If you wish to eat scallops, they have a plenty of it at P1 each. No doubt it has become the country’s Scallop capital.
Live to explore, this is what most of the adventurers say. If you find yourself too much drenched to work, find time to regenerate.
