It used to be just a fishing village more than 10 years ago, until a friend suggested to a local to start a resort and promote the beauty of surrounding islands. Since then, many tourists have come afar to visit. But probably I was one of the only few Malaysians to have visited the island.
One the 1st day of my arrival, I walked instead of taking a motorbike along the east coast of Gigantes Norte from Gigantes Hideaway Resort where I stayed. Just a few hundred metres away, I chanced upon the locals peeling the fresh scallops at almost every household. Every local is as friendly as ever and is willing to strike a conversation even with a stranger. The same goes to the schoolchildren who would not hesitate to say Hello when seeing a stranger. After about 2 hours of walking, chatting and resting, I reached the iconic lighthouse. The lady in charge of the registration is also very friendly and offered her help to snap some photos of me. I had a wonderful hot cup of coffee from the cafe, sipping it slowly on the varandah, overlooking the sea. Then, I proceeded to a nearby beach to watch the beautiful sunset before I took a motorbike ride back to the resort. I had a delicious fresh scallop and fried fish as my dinner on 1st night
On the 2nd day, I joined a group of Filipino friends for island hopping. The first island we stepped on was the Bantigue Island Sandbar, where there is a wide stretch of sand and the water is clear for a swim. Next, the famous Cabugao Island, with the great viewpoint overlooking the sunny sandy beach with perking coconut trees. The 3rd island hopping destination is the Tangke Lagoon, an impressive lagoon with sometimes dried land surrounded by cliffs. There is even a spot for a cliff diving for those dare souls. 4th destination is a mini sandy beach know as 'Mini Boracay'. Finally the key highlight of the island hopping, the Antonia Beach, where a scallop is sold as 1 peso per piece. The minimum order is 100 peso, which comes in a tray. Besides enjoying fresh boiled scallop, one can even go snorkeling at a designated beach area. Our island hopping ends by noon.
In the afternoon, I walked to the nearby popular Baktiwan Cave, instead of taking a motorbike and a tour. It is a nice cave with some uphill climb and great stalagmites and stalactites. However, to explore deeper, it is recommended to go with a caving guide. As I was alone, I did not venture inside.
On the 3rd day, I took a motorbike ride early in the morning to another barangay (village), to hike a small hill called Mt Calvary of Isla Milagrosa. This is the hidden gem of the island for hikers. It is only 40 mins up for slow hiker like me and you will be rewarded with 180 degree view of the island with beaches. After resting for 1 1/2 hours, I decided to say goodbye as the sun shined brightly. Upon reaching the foothill, I decided to continue my adventure of walking, exploring the northern and western part of the island, before making a round trip back to the resort. As I walked, I discovered a quite new resort called North Coast Resort with a nice beach view. However, as with most other resorts, it was closed due to a typhoon that striked on 24 Dec 19, a month earlier that destroyed most houses. I also met a young newly married couple selling some snacks on the roadside, where I had an hour conversation with. As mentioned, the people here are truly friendly.
In the afternoon, I walked again to the lighthouse for a solitude hour, enjoying the seaview and feeling the breeze with the sun obscured behind. Then I proceeded to new extension of Gigantes Hideaway Resort nearby, to enjoy a final sunset view on the island.
As the people here are happy go lucky, fiesta is a must. Coincidentally, there was a 3 day fiesta in the barangay with non stop dancing from 9 pm till wee hours for 3 nights. That night was the first night, where children were expertly dancing with the hot boogie music, followed by adults later. My last night in Gigantes Island ended with some dance, chatting with the resort owner and a motorbike ride back to the resort where I stayed.
Tips:
How to go to Gigantes Island from Iloilo:
- take a van (260 peso including pick up from hotel) or bus to Bancal Port, 3-4 hours away
- take a shuttle speed boat from Bancal Port to Gigantes Norte (300 peso, 9.30 am and 4 pm), 40 minutes. The shuttle speed boat back from the island is at 7am and 2pm
Motorbike ride on the island: 30 peso one way
Island Hopping: 1500-2000 peso per boat (can share if manage to find other small group)
What I like about the island:
- friendly and helpful people
- crystal clear water, even at the backyard of the house
- cheap food and drink
- beautiful islands around
- relaxing, back to basic lifestyle