We tried to contact Joel Decano, Tourism Officer of Carles (09184685006/09166690596)days before the trip and everything went smooth and hassle free. Only 5 of us in the group pushed through and 2 of us travelled all the way from Bacolod taking the 615am trip (php 530/roundtrip ticket/pax). After an hour we went directly to Tagbak to get the 9 am Aircon Bus (php 183/pax) to Estancia. The yellow bus was labeled with “free Wifi on board” but wasn’t working at all. But anyways, the 3 hour trip went very smooth and comfortable. Since we arrived around 12 noon at Estancia downtown area, we got our take out lunch at Andok’s before proceeding to the fishing port. There, we were welcomed by our boatmen and started our journey to Islas de Gigantes.(the pumpboat could accomodate 15 pax for php 4500/whole trip inclusive of our roundtrip ride to Estancia-Gigantes plus island hopping without time limit).

The first four islands we stopped over were Pulopandan, Gigantes Sur’s Cabugao Gamay, Antonia’s beach and the Sandbar. They provided us with our personal tour guide/waiter/runner who went with us throughout the trip (tip ranges from a minimum of php 300 and up depending on the tourists’ generosity). Photo opps, swimming, rock climbing and snorkeling were just a few things these islands can offer. We headed off to Brgy. Asluman, Gigantes Norte while the sun sets where the Gigantes Hideaway Inn is located. The villagers there welcomed us with warm smiles and unselfish greetings (we were like celebrities then). The inn was still in the developing stage but the 2 star accomodation was way beyond our expectations since this this place only started a year ago and this was their first summer. Accomodation was only php 200/pax, electricity is up from 4pm til 11pm and is replaced by a generator overnight.

For your meals, the inn offers a wide array of seafoods especially scallops (the island is the scallops capital of Panay) at a very very affordable price. Before getting to bed, we had some few beers which were also available.

At 530am the following day, we fixed ourselves and headed of the to the lighthouse (parola)via a motorcycle for php 60/pax round trip. There, we were greeted by a Spanish old house and ground remains of the old parola. Few feet away is where a modern lighthouse was built and anyone could safely climb up to the tip to see the panoramic view of the gigantes norte island and Masbate on the other side. Afterwhich, we went back to the Inn and prepared ourselves for a caving adventure. We rode thru a motorcycle again for php 20/pax roundtrip to the foot of the mountain/cave. The caving took more than an hour. In this adventure, you had two options. It’s either you go back after reaching the mid part of the cave or continue towards the exit. Our group chose the exit way. With that, we had to do spelunking by climbing a vertical 2 storey wall without harness. But thanks to our guide who patiently taught us the detailed steps on how to do it. Fortunately, we all did it and went out through the exit way. I thought the challenge was over but going down wasn’t easy at all. We have to pass through sharp stones doing some rock climbing maneuvers. Twas tiring but the total experience was unforgettable! Then we headed back to our Inn to prepare for the last island to visit–the “Tangke”.

It took around 30 minutes from Norte to Tangke and upon seeing the place…Wow!!! was very first word I uttered. Twas very beautiful. We stayed there for an hour and went back to our Inn for our lunch. Our total expense for the tour was php 1500/pax (personal boat,accomodation,meals) and remember, we were only five in the group.

We left Gigantes at 3pm and arrived at Estancia at around 430pm just in time for the last Bus trip of the day back to Iloilo.

I strongly recommend Islas de Gigantes!!!

A piece of advise from our boatmen–avoid habagat seasons because seas are rough during these times

How long it takes to carles from lloilo airport by taxi. How much is it?
How long from carles to lloilo city and how much ?

i think romanesque features are the ceiling and other arc stuff inside the church, its gothic are mostly by the altars the pointed thingy etc..

Si Fe po ito Salamat po

I referred your inquiry to Megaworld International Marketing.

What are available , loft/ studio; 1 br, 2 br .
what is the size ? ( sq ft)

I referred your inquiry to Megaworld International Marketing.