I have said this on my previous posts, but I really did not have any itinerary for my #YOLOilo / Panay Island trip. I just had a pep talk with myself (I talk to myself a lot); reminded me to be careful, don’t die, and stop being a klunk. *coughs Maze Runner*
Good that. At least I knew for a certain that I wanted to go to Gigantes Island.
Coming from my adventure in Tibiao, Antique, I went back to Iloilo. My original plan was to rent a budget-room in an inn, but God made a way for me to meet Ate Cassey, my ever-beautiful, lovely, accommodating big sister I met during a medical mission in the same city. We grew closer because of the one for the books encounter with the rebels in the mountains of Leon, Iloilo.
I slept in their home and had to wake up early at 4AM. Ate Cassey had their subdivision’s guard on duty call a cab for me.
First thing to do if you’re coming from Iloilo, go to Tagbak Terminal and ride a Van to Bancal Port, Carles, Iloilo. Fare is Php 200.
Four-hour sleep-depriving ride and I arrived at the port at roughly eight in the morning. Little did I know that I was with a very friendly travel blogger. Visit Noriel Sanvictores’s blog here.
Two days before my flight to Iloilo, I looked online on how on earth would I get myself to the island. I was actually browsing about Gigantes online while reviewing for my MA candidacy exam. Then I stumbled upon a blogpost recommending Gigantes Island Tours and Services (Contact them through +63 9 989816812 and the link is their Facebook page). It didn’t disappoint.
For Php 1700, you’ll get the package inclusive of:
- 1n/Two-day Island Hopping
- Private Charter Boat Service from Bancal Port vv
- Tour guide fee
- Environmental fee
- Island entrance(s) fee
- Full board meals (Srsly I AM SO HAPPY WITH OUR MEALS because unlimited scallops!!! I looked forward to each)
- Beach-front accommodation (fan room but you can request for an AC room, with a minimum additional fee)
As long as you coordinated properly with your chosen “travel agency”, you’re good.
It did not take too long for us to wait for our equally-jolly travel- buddies. Yes, they instantly became buddies because I could not ask anything from their company. My trip to Gigantes Island was amazing because of them.
It was a wavy one-hour boat ride from the port to the resort we stayed at. Basing from my newly-found friends’ expressions during the ride, the waves were somehow scary. I was at ease because it was not even half of the wave I encountered during my mission to Homonhon Island. Not even close.
My undependable short-term memory is always failing me, or that I was too tired to take [mental] notes but we went to an island first before advancing to the resort.
We also hopped in to Tanke Lagoon.
Finally to the most-awaited part of the island hopping event: LUNCH.
I can tell that the beautiful people I was with are also foodies. We were really happy for our seafood (not all) lunch. Every meal included (different versions of cooking) scallops but I am not complaining!
I/we stayed here:
And I had a fan room all to myself!
Gigantes Island indeed boasts of white sand beaches. Though a remote group of island located in the coast of Carles and Estancia, Iloilo, the island feel does not dismay.
Sure, I still choose El Nido over the island, and I was more amazed of Malalison, and it might not be as astounding as the beaches of Hawaii, but Islas de Gigantes still remarkably offers breathtaking, awe-strucking island views. Like probably the most picturesque island in the islands, the Cabugao Gamay. (Caution: get ready for my vanity photos).
The weather was really gloomy. It even rained the moment we set foot in the island. But the Universe maybe loved me that day because when it was our turn to take photos in the designated photo spot, Mr. Sun said hi! Hence, these minimally-edited GoPro photos.
After taking too many photos, we went to other islands that I swear whose names I can no longer remember. The photos are in order, though — from an island to the next.
I climbed a.. uhm, cliff? Mountain? Rocky.. hill? Whatever. I braved it, imagine! All for the view!
That was the last island for the day. Then again dinner plus so much fun with the jolly people I was with.
Ate Zen and Kuya Christian, a very beautiful couple (shouts goals!!!) bought these in the last island we went to. We snacked on it during the ride back to the resort and even had it for dinner.
THE NEXT DAY
I actually haven’t adjusted to waking up early because of my month-long vacation. Just like that day, I woke up too early but coffee was available then. Sipping coffee by the shore overlooking the beach is always a great idea, right?
The first thing we did was to hike, ending to a cave (forgive me people, I really don’t know the name. Please google it for me).
After the hike, we went back to the resort, had our breakfast, and set off to little Boracay (HA! At least I remember this island’s name). We had the island for ourselves so unlimited photos!
My vanity ends here.
I am so bad or my GoPro is just unreliable when it comes to group photos because I cannot find a photo of our group. So I “stole” from their albums! Of course, we are now friends on Facebook.
I was just a joiner but I never felt alone (as I always feel from most of my solo trips) that time. These amazing people are really very fun to be with; making jokes that made me laugh my hardest for the longest time. The Lazaro/Ablanza family (Ate Karen Ablanza; Ma’am Grace; Jason) equates to sunshine because it was a never gloomy conversation to every one of them.
The two pairs of lovely couples are indeed considered goals. I pray for a healthier and longer relationship to them: Ate Zen & Kuya Christian and Ate Kristine and Kuya Alvazer; and I wish Noriel more places to travel to for more blogging experience.
I could never thank these kind souls for knowing exactly that them being bubbly is what I mostly needed as I took a toll away from the stress of graduate school requirements.
Looking forward to being with them to another travel soon. *winks*
Neyziellewanders 