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Gigante Island

Gigante Island

Gigante Island
4.5
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Duration: More than 3 hours
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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles240 reviews
Excellent
167
Very good
60
Average
6
Poor
1
Terrible
6

Hemaji
14 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2014
How to get to gigantes island from malaysia penang island need an advice. Am I need to book manila or cebu ? Which is the nears to the island
Written 3 April 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Tere B
Valenzuela, Philippines52 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2013 • Family
Having seen pictures of this majestic islands from blogs, i was very eager to view the sites with my very eyes...
The long journey from air, land and sea was worth it!!! One has to be adventurous enough to climb the cliff to see the over-looking view of Cabugao Gamay island. Swim in the calm waters of the Tangke. Try their delicacies - scallops, clams, oysters, and other sea shells.

Being in the island makes you appreciate the tranquility and simplicity of life.

It is truly one of the MUST visit place when in Philippines!!
Written 28 June 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

gianjouseff
Dubai, United Arab Emirates75 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2014 • Friends
A pristine sand, shells, sea water and rock formations. All beautiful! refreshing hopping experience together with my barkada. It was a long trip, but worth waiting. Advice to bring food and drinking water enough during boat picnic while enjoying views and you can see big fish beside the boat, first trip leaves at 5:30am, I suggest morning trip because almost two hours of travel from estancia port to gigantes, we decided to bring portable speakers, monopad, guitar, flashlight and casino cards for games or anything that you won't get bored while boating. Arriving on the island habal2x rides is waiting, lead us to the accommodation area because breakfast is ready that taste crispy and can't wait even more for the next meal because of unlimited delicious seafood,. kind and honest tour guide brought us first to tangke salt water lagoon, the natural swimming pool and if your into sports like beach volley and snorkelin, antonias beach is for you. Sunset session you go to sun bar, climb on top to cabugao island where you will see left and right beach clear water, perfect view for pictures and can't wait the next day to visit the tower on a 30-35 steps circular stairs. People around the island sincerely thanks us because tourism is the one part of income and it really helps their job grow, and it was big lost for them when northern Iloilo was heavily damaged by Typhoon Yolanda November last year. An island full of hopes.
Written 9 July 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

sahge
52 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2013 • Friends
One of my best vacation! Though a bit far from the city, Isla de Gigantes didn't disappoint. The food is sooo cheap. You can have all the seafoods you want at rock bottom prices. Our 3 days food for a group of four "pig-eaters" costs us less that 2,500 pesos! I would definitely go back and stay again at Hideaway Inn.
Written 20 April 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Ricca Z
Manila69 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2015 • Family
We spent 2 days and 1 night around this group of islands. It is worth the long banca ride. The limestone cliffs are simply stunning. The white sand beaches and the serenity of the place would make you think that you are in paradise.

There are some places that can be crowded though. Like Antonia Beach (especially during lunch hour) and Tangke Island.

Things to bring:
-Sturdy flip flops or beach shoes > Some islands have very sharp rocks, so it's best to bring sandals with velcro (I don't know what they're called) to protect your feet
-Rash Guard-better than bikinis because you will be exposed to a lot of sun. Please make your kids wear these.
-Sunglasses
-Sunblock
-Waterproof bags (especially for your gadgets)
-Powerbanks > Limited supply of electricity
-Drinking Water
-Garbage bags > I need to make a point about this, you have to be responsible when it comes to trash disposal. Please.

Tips for travelling there:
1. Start early so that you can buy very cheap and freshly caught seafood at the Estancia Port.
2. Any banca size will set you back by P5,000, so choose a bigger and sturdier one for safety purposes
3. Give your bankeros a bonus and include them in your meals, you would be much happier for it.
4. Make sure to have extra batteries for your mobile gadgets.
5. Secure your bookings for home stays or hostels as they are almost always fully booked.
6.. There are no restrooms in some of the islands, so I guess you just have to be careful with what you are eating.
7. And PLEASE, take nothing with you but pictures, leave nothing behind but your footprints. Let's do our parts in preserving the beauty of the place.
8. Have a great time!
Written 24 August 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

qhunnyb
San Juan Capistrano, CA747 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2015 • Friends
Came here with my hubby and cousins last February 2015. From Manila we took a plane to Roxas City, tricycle to the bus station, a public Van to the port, and a boat to the island. Total travel time including time waiting for the Ferry was about 12 hours. The weather turned as we were out at sea and the swells got really, really big. This place is still pristine, untouched by heavy tourism thus, it's still very idyllic and beautiful. We stayed at Jesa's resort which is a quick habal-habal (motorcycle) ride from the port of the island. The resort is small but clean and the food is fantastic. Being the Scallops Capital of the Philippines we had many meals consisting of this type of clam. The cook Jenny prepares fantastic and scrumptious meals. The resort has a volleyball court and outside cabanas that is fun to hang out in. They also have a fire dancer on the house that provided entertainment nightly. We went to the lighthouse that provided a beautiful view of the island. I have to say what I love most are the people, especially the children. They are super friendly and so innocent. I loved talking to them and playing volleyball with them. We also hiked Bakwitan cave on the island. This was such a fun adventure for us. We had to crawl like snakes on some areas of the cave and pull ourselves up on others. Our guides helped us so it made it easy. We hung on some vines like Tarzan as we were trying to get back to our starting point. There is a gigantic Balete tree that covers this area. It's beautiful! We did an island hopping tour starting at the Tangke Lagoon, this place is pretty unique but once you are there, there's really not much to do. The most fun thing was jumping off the cliff to get back to our pump boat. This is not a required activity just something I opted to do. Next stop was the sand bar in Bantigue Island. This sand bar is pretty special, it's a crescent shape and at the very tip three swells meet. This is a very nice photo-op area. We went to Cabugao Gamay island next. This is where we had our lunch. The beach here is beautiful and the view at the top of the hill is equally gorgeous. This is a very, very small island but stunning. We opted not to go to Antonia Beach as the weather looks like it is turning again. We did not want to get caught in gigantic swells in a small pump boat.
Written 30 March 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Graceofdeveron
Iloilo City, Philippines9 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2015 • Friends
I've been meaning to visit Gigantes island for a very long time but something always came up like the bad weather or something else needed to be attended to.

This time I decided to really do it. I invited a few friends and relatives ranging from ages 16 to 61. There were 11 of us departed from my house in Iloilo city in a hired van which was very new (a good start). We left at 4am and instead of the usual 3 hrs. Road trip we we were in ESTANCIA in half the time. We were invited by relatives to have breakfast while someone looked for a boat we could
Hire exclusively for us.
Left ESTANCIA at 7:20 we were blessed with a fine weather despite the start of the moos on season. 8:30 we reached our first Island where the famous "Tanke"(reservoir) is found . It's the most beautiful sight of a lagoon hidden inside several hills. We tied the boat on the side of the rock and walked/climbed inside to the lagoon. We swam around in this natural swimming pool... we then boarded our boat for a 15 minutes ride to our resort. MARUJA beach resort located in a quaint white sand strip of land in the middle of the ocean. We were met by the owner MARUJA Reyes and her staff. The island is called CABUGAO small. The resort is welcoming and unspoilt. They had tables and benches made of bamboo and trucks of coconut trees.they had a small gazebo which serves as their reception restaurant and store. There are 4 rooms . One single with a toilet and shower. One 4 bedded ensuite,one room with 3 beds and a beach front room to sleep 8 pax with a shared shower and toilet. Cost was so minimal compared even to a 3 star hotel. Place was clean with fresh sheets. We tool our own towels. We decided to take all the rooms so she made the resort exclusive to us for 2 days and a night! A treat!
The island has beach access from both sides. It has a beautiful lookout point which is a challenge to go up to but if a 61 year old can make it there....
Once on the top you are greeted with a view like no other. Plus you get a good signal for mobile phones so make all your calls up there.
We took some frozen meat and chicken and some bread. The seafood can't get fresher than what they give you. The staff goes to the beachfront and dives to gather a shell called Wasay Wasay (axe...because of its shape. And taste like an oyster ) the fishermen brings fresh catch everyday.
We spent the whole day "Island hopping because the islands are a stone throw away and numerous and with white sand beaches. We swam to our heart's content . When the tide changed,a strip of sand bar appeared just like magic from heaven. We swam until our arms and legs could not take any more and until our brown skin turned deep brown.

We watched the sunset as we were eating our dinner Al fresco out in the beach.
The resort has a generator for power and the owner was kind enough not to turn it off the whole night (normally power is off by 10pm).
I woke up at 4am the next day to watch the sunrise with a cup of coffee sitting on the beach Alone.
To me this was the BEST HOLIDAY EVER.. I would recommend anyone to go before the place becomes commercialized and spoilt. Visit GIGANTE ISLAND now...
Written 2 July 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Aizee
manila109 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2013 • Friends
As soon as I see the picture online of Isla de gigantes, I knew right there and then, I WANTED TO GO TO THIS ISLAND.
It was supposedly a group tour but I ended up going to Iloilo alone and met up with my friend who lives in Iloilo.
I must say, this trip is really worth it!
Despite the distance of the island, everything else will just leave you in awe!
Electricity in the island starts from 5pm up to 11pm only but the Gigantes Hideaway Resort have their own generator so the guests can still enjoy using electricity overnight.
The whole experience is just something I would want to do again.

Please refer to my blog for the sample itinerary that might help your future travel
http://aizeykim.wordpress.com/2013/09/12/isla-de-gigantes/

I just hope, Isla de gigantes will always be maintained by the residents there.
The simplicity of their lives and their hospitality makes me want to go back there the soonest.
Written 10 December 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Germai
Quezon City, Philippines92 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2013 • Family
Its been 2hours travel from Barotac Nuevo Iloilo going to estancia, The palace is queit and cool, visiting this place you need to stay for the island for one day,but if u are groups travel you can make it as day tour. Easily way Manila to Roxas and roxas to estancia, but if ur from Island of boracay, indulge Iloilo city the pack your things to Estancia.

Cheers
Written 23 March 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

keyistoenjoylife
Düsseldorf, Germany135 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Family
I am taking the time to write a review because as I was planning on my trip, there was little if not no information I can find on the net.

Whenever I visit the Philippines, I always try to have some beach holiday. This time it is the Gigantes Islands. Me & my sisters traveled from Manila to Roxas City. I just concluded for myself that Roxas City is the most convenient airport to start our trip. This is specially if you don't want to waste your time. We flew Cebu Pacific. Careful guys, I booked 1 20kg baggage allowance, but we only brouht cabin trolleys. We were not allowed to check in 2 bags that equals to 20kg. Unlike last year, we could. We decided to have the 2 bags cellophaned together. Cost 200P. We got to check it in as 1 bag.

As you leave Roxas City airport you can find a queue of tricycles with a fix rate of 100P/pax, that can take you to the Bus Station or Van Station going to Carles. Carles is where the Island hopping boats start from. We opted for the van as this is quicker with less stops. I'm guessing it is a 12 Seater & the fare is 100P/pax. The van leaves when it is full. So, they don't really follow a time table. But there are enough vans waiting one after the other.

We were staying Solina Beach & Nature Resort. I love the resort! The place is very chill. Breakfast buffet is amazing with lots of choices on food for everyone. Dinner was also good. Portions are for sharing with 2 persons. Prices were reasonable.

The hotel booked our Island hopping tour. We went for the joiners, which cost us 999P including drinks & lunch. We were brought to the pier. The staff at the pier were well organized. The formalities were arranged by the hotel crew, we only had to wait at the waiting room until it was time to board the boat.

Tour was okay with 5 island stops? Touristy as it is. The level of adventure 7 out of 10. One time we had to walk for about 200 meters to the shore because it was low tide & the boat couldn't anchor nearer. Lunch was good, fulfilling the promised unli-scallops! The level of adventure/hike was not as taxing as El Nido islands. All in ll still worth seeing.

We spent 3 days in Carles, the took a van from the bus station to Iloilo City. There were no traffic, it only took us 2 hrs to get there.

Iloilo is great mixture of an urban new city, with a few old spanish homes. Lots of restaurants, malls, & cafes to hang out. Excellent infrustructure & lots of taxis!

Hope you get some tips from my review.
Written 19 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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