The islands of Gigantes Sur and Gigantes Norte, collectively known as Islas de Gigantes, are located at the northeastern part of Iloilo (approximately 18 kilometers off the coast of mainland Panay). Although part of Carles town, the main jump-off point to Islas de Gigantes is Estancia Port, which is the primary seaport in Northern Iloilo. Known for having one of the richest fishing grounds in the Philippines, Northern Iloilo (including Islas de Gigantes) also has a lot of white sands beaches and places of interest, which hold much potential for leisure travel. Unfortunately, tourism is largely undeveloped in these areas and is very inconvenient for tourists to get to. Only travelers willing to go the extra mile can experience the beautiful sights of Islas de Gigantes.
How to Get to Estancia
There’s a daily passenger ferry (pumpboat) service from Estancia fishing port to Brgy. Lantangan in Gigantes Sur Island. From Iloilo City, you can catch a 3 to 4 hour bus (Ceres Liner) to Estancia at the Tagbak Bus Terminal in Jaro District (P171 bus fare). Estancia can also be accessed by a 1 to 2 hour bus ride from Roxas City, Capiz. Dropping off at the integrated bus terminal, it is a 10 minute tricycle ride to the fishing port (P8 tricycle fare).
Isla de Gigantes Sur Ferry from Estancia Port
Estancia Fishing Port
The passenger ferry, which is basically a pumpboat (motorized outrigger), departs once daily from Estancia fishing port enroute to Brgy. Lantangan in Isla de Gigantes Sur (P150 fare). Facing the Visayan Sea, the ferry is stationed at the left side (northern end) of the fishing port. Just ask the locals that you’re looking for the pumpboat (“M/V Three Sisters” or “M/V Romel” ) going to Gigantes. The boat usually arrives at Estancia port around noontime and departs at around 2PM (better be at the port much earlier) . It takes approximately 2 hours sea travel to get Brgy. Lantangan in Isla de Gigantes Sur.
Closing in on Isla de Gigantes
Getting around Gigantes Islands
Brgy. Lantangan in Gigantes Sur Island
Brgy. Lantangan is the most populated area in Gigantes Sur and has its own 1Km+ white sand beachfront. The ferry docks at the southern end of Lantangan. There are single motorcycles available for hire to get to the other parts of Lantangan or to Brgy. Gabi at the other side of the island facing Gigantes Norte Island (P10 fare).
To travel back to Estancia, the boat leaves Brgy. Lantangan early morning at around 7-8am.
There are many local fishing boats for hire at Lantangan if you wish to go on an island hopping tour in Gigantes Sur and surrounding islands. Whole day rental could cost P2,000 per boat (depending on your negotiation or haggling skills).
Tips on traveling to Isla de Gigantes
The main concern when traveling to Gigantes is the lack of available accommodations in the islands. Visitors usually spend the night with the locals since there are no resorts or hotels in the area. If you’ve got no relatives living in Gigantes, ask your friends if they know one, or head directly to the barangay hall for assistance. It is also suggested to buy food (for the first day), water, and other necessities in Estancia since the stores in the island are only limited to sari-sari type establishments. On your second day, you could buy fresh seafood at the barangay but be sure to go to the selling area early morning since the locals usually send most of their catch to the mainland. Better bring enough drinking water for the whole duration of your stay. There’s potable spring water in the island if your stomach is up for it. Electricity is powered by a generator and runs only at night (7PM to early morning).
Suggested Itinerary for Islas de Gigantes
Since the ferry leaves Estancia port at around 2pm, this leaves visitors with enough time to take the early morning bus to Estancia from Iloilo City. The first trip leaves Iloilo City at around 5:30AM. Arrival at Estancia would be 9 to 10am. Head directly to the fishing port and ask about the boat bound for Gigantes. Have early lunch and buy all the stuff you need at the Estancia market area.
Estancia Market
If taking the passenger ferry, spend at least 3 days / 2 nights in the island.
Islas de Gigantes 3 days / 2 night itinerary
- Day 1
- Ride jeep / taxi to Tagbak Terminal in Jaro District, Iloilo City
- 5:30AM – Ride Ceres liner bus to Estancia (P171 fare); Drop off at Estancia Bus Terminal
- 9:00AM – Arrival in Estancia Bus Terminal
- Ride tricycle to Estancia Fishing Port (P8 fare)
- 9:10AM to 12:00NN – Buy food, water, and other necessities at the market; Early Lunch
- 12:00NN – Board Gigantes ferry at the fishing port (P150 fare)
- 2:00PM – Departure from Estancia
- 4:00PM – Arrival in Brgy. Lantangan, Gigantes Sur
- Day 2
- Island Hopping Tour. Places of interest:
- Tangke Salt Water Lagoon, Gigantes Sur
- Pawikan Cave, Gigantes Sur
- Cabugaw Gamay Island, Gigantes Sur
- Puting Baybay (Lumpatan Rock)
- Antonia Beach, Gigantes Sur
- Uaydahon Island
- Bantigue Sandbar (Best during sunset)
- Balbagon Island
- Balay ni Mayor
- Langub Beach and Cave, Gigantes Norte
- Spanish-colonial lighthouse (parola), Gigantes Norte
One full day may not be enough time to explore all of the sights in Isla de Gigantes. For more places of interest in Isla de Gigantes visit our Carles Guide.
- Day 3
- 7:00AM – Board ferry going back to Estancia
- 9:00AM – Arrival in Estancia fishing port
- Travel back to Iloilo City
Budget: This is a do-it-yourself itinerary so expenses will vary. For reference it should cost at least P1,500 to P2,000 for a group of 5 persons.
Alternative Travel Plan – Overnight at the Carles or Estancia Mainland
If you prefer to spend the night at the mainland where there are a handful beach resorts and hotels, it is possible to travel to Gigantes Islands as a day trip. Just go to the fishing port and ask around for available pumpboats for hire. Pumpboat rental for the day could cost up to P5,000 (or more).
Taking this alternative, it’s actually better to stay at mainland Carles since Gigantes Sur is just one hour away from Carles town proper / poblacion. Resorts such as Carles Shangri-la Family Resort have their own pumpboat service for guests wishing to go on an island hopping tour of Isla de Gigantes.
If you’ve been to Isla de Gigantes, please do share your travel tips / contact in the comments section. Your inputs will be very helpful to those who are interested to visit the Enchanting Gigantes Islands.
hi guys if you are planning to visit islas higantes.you can drop by in our place before going to the islands, we offer accommodations, food and drinks and also island package tour. we are situated near Bancal port(walking distance) Carles, Iloilo. the boat ride will just take you 45min to 1hr going to islas de higantes. check our page. thank you. :)
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chateau-de-Aow-Resort/380487678631216?fref=ts
This place is really amusing ILONGGO’s like me should be proud of!
PS: How much will i spend if i will go in this place?
I’m planning to go there tomorrow morning by myself. I do really have no idea how to get there and worried much on how much will I spend. I think 1 night is not enough for this place..
Hello adventurer people arround the world, this island is waiting for you… i can tour you arround the island and discover the secret caves…. 09073174611 for interested…
hi,any info about sa accommodation one night only.
hi
Hi Marcos, please help me with our itinerary. I’m really bothered if we can make it for a 3D2N trip in Isla Gigantes considering the pumpboat schedule. We’ll be arriving in Roxas around 11:05 am via Cebupacific, and our flight back on the 3rd day is around 11:35AM. Can you suggest an itinerary? Thanks a lot!
Arriving 11:05am, you’ll have a very slim chance of catching the regular passenger boat on the same day. I suggest spending the night at either Estancia or Carles on your first day then hire a pumpboat the next day to take you to Isla Gigantes and do the island tour. If you do spend the night in Gigantes, you can take the early morning boat back to the mainland on your third day.
Hi,
How did you know the trip schedule of passenger boat? are you living in GIGANTE? anyway i admire you being adventurer…. maybe we can meet soon in this island….. i’m from Brgy. Granada, Gigante Norte, Carles, Iloilo…
gud am. thank you very much for these very helpful informations. hoping to be here sooner, hopfully with my husband as we celebrate our 13yrs fruitful marriage. i,ve already been to estancia port not knowing that from there, marami na pala pwdng pasyalan. much thanks;)
thanks for the helpful tips. would love to be there soon…
good day to the admin..its just am looking for a friend which I’m searching his name, the Island of Gigantes appeared b 4 his name…(BOYET MAGALLANES)he really lives in this island..I wonder if he is the admin….just to say HI!
Hey, who wants with me in this summer to GIGANTE ISLAND? swimming ability is a must… accomodation is free… kung walang budget sa travel expense??? mag-ipon muna…hehehehehehh may bahay kami doon and my relatives are living there…….
Ako pwedi?Im lookin forward to go there din eh.Im from bacolod.How much i can spend kaya?txt me 09187033383
txt me 09187033383
count me in! pls. let me know when :-) siguro nman hindi natin lalanguyin ang buong island :-D
I’m quite interested… just keep me updated of the chosen date and if I’m available on the said date I could participate and join the group.. I would really like to stay longer if possible to enjoy and explore the islands.
Thanks..
Do u guys have a date yet ? Puede ka upod… :-)
i will surely love the place…
i like this page. very imformative. hope to visit it soon if i have some free time. im from iloilo but never been there yet.
Hi all, we are going to this beautiful island this coming Dec. 13 – 15. We are only 2 and would love to share the experience and boat expense with fellow travelers also. Anyone interested in joining us?
We are the traveler/backpacker type of people who are just happy wherever we are. In case you are interested, you can email me at karldelacruz99@gmail.com. Thank you very much.
hi! i saw from the post of Kris, that Joel’s family can accommodate people in their place..is there anyone who has a contact number? we are planning to visit maybe last week of December or first week of January.. :) or any suggestions for a place to stay..we are a group of max 10 people..thanks!
@bea: how much is their island hopping through the tourism office and the average per night rate of accomodation in Carles? Thanks!
By the which is much better to Isla de Gigantes via Estancia or Carles?
Carles mainland is closer to Isla de Gigantes but there are more transportation options (pumpboats) in Estancia. If you’re commuting, Estancia is the only port with commuter boats that go to Isla de Gigantes. If renting your own boat (pakyaw), Carles is an excellent choice, though, passing through Estancia is also not that bad (especially because it is closer and more accessible if coming from Iloilo City).
Hi,
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 ?
Good day! We are planning to spend our honeymoon there on April 2013. Can you give me any contact details prior to our inquiries.
Awaiting reply. Tnx po.
I’ve been to Gigantes twice. On March 2012 I stayed in Paon Beach in Estancia and did a one-day island hopping to Gigantes. I went to the following islands: Gaket-Gaket, Bantigue, Cabugaw Gamay (rock climbing and snorkeling), Antonia (snorkeling), Uaydahon (snorkeling), Tinagong Baybay Daco, Tangke and Balbagon (though we didn’t dock at this island — just a drive-by/sail-by since we were running out of time). Early this week I went back with friends but stayed for 2 nights in Gigantes Norte (decent accommodation at Gigantes Hideaway Inn, they serve meals too and their tap water is potable, you just have to get used to the taste but it’s not that unpleasant). This time around, aside from the islands I already mentioned, we also visited: Tinagong Baybay Gamay, Cabugaw Daco and Balbagon (went down for photo-op and not just a sail-by as before). We went to the parola (lighthouse) via habal-habal (motorcycle) and we also saw how they shuck the deep-sea scallops. The most convenient way to get there is via Estancia. We tried via Carles but the trip is complicated since you ride a bus/van from Roxas to Balasan then jeep to Carles town proper then take a tricycle or habal-habal to the seaport (Bangcal? sorry I forgot the name of the port) if you fail to catch the bus from Roxas that goes directly to Carles seaport. There is a van that goes straight to Estancia from Roxas so its more convenient. Travel time from Estancia to Gigantes Norte is 30 minutes longer than from Carles mainland (or so the locals say, I can’t know for sure because it took us longer to get to Gigantes Norte from Carles mainland than when I came via Estancia, but maybe that’s because the weather was a bit bad when we went through Carles mainland). Contact Carles Tourism Officer — Joel Decano, 0918-4685006 if you want to stay in Gigantes Norte or want to go island hopping. Don’t expect him to answer your call but he will reply if you send him text — this is because they have erratic cellphone signals in the island. Sometimes it takes him half a day to reply to my text but he does reply, just wait. You can also stay overnight in some of the islands but you have to bring all your supplies, especially drinking water since not all the islands have fresh water. Not all the islands have electricity too — and those that have only have it at certain times of the day. The long and winding travel to Gigantes is not for the faint-hearted since the trip by land is a bit daunting (either via Roxas or Iloilo City–I tried both ways) and the sea could get rough — but I’ve seen it as calm as a swimming pool, even the open seas. After a punishing travel to the islands, you’ll get a most peaceful and beautiful reward and I’m sure if you have the time (no flight back home to catch), you’ll stay an extra day or two.
very informative. I’m planning to visit Gigantes Island this coming May. I was mesmerized by one of the pictures of my friend she posted on her wall. I think it’s one of the Islands in Gigantes. looking forward for this trip. thanks a bunch.
the other day, i mean the nxt day,,
@Johann I’ve been there last week and the place is really beautiful. FYI: there is a place where you can stay for 150/head. The place is owned by Joel’s family (almost all boatman know him). Electricity is available from 3PM to 11PM and their gen set stays on until you need it. There is unlimited supply of water fresh from the mountains so you can have your shower as long as you want-free of charge. There is no wet market in the area though. They will serve whatever is the catch for the day. The good thing is, you will only pay the amount as priced by the fishermen. There is a “sari-sari” store a few steps away. The resort owner will not ask you for additional charges. You just need to give some amount to the “chef” a hundred or two will be enough.
Once you go for Island Hoping, you can even ask someone or even Joel to deliver your brunch in one of the islands there.
We hired a “pump boat” from Estancia going to Isla Gigantes. We paid 3,500. This is good for a “round trip” travel, including Island Hopping. In our case, we visited 4 Islands and a cave. We hired the pump boat for more than 24 hours for only 3,500.
hi…how many of you went in that island??how much did u spend per pax????pls send me some info…tnx :-D
hi kris…can i have joel’s number coz we are planning to go in the island this coming may 4, 2013…tnx
i want to have some camp fire in one islet. pwede po bang mgpahatid sa bangka tpos dun nlng ako mg set ng tent tpos sunduin nlng ako ng same boat the other depende sa usapan namin? is it possible? i love camping po kasi..tnx
Rebie yes true a big help indeed . With this website , we discover a Prestine Beach of Iloilo …
..thanks much for this article. i’ve been looking for info on how to go there as i’ve been wanting to go and this is such a big help! ;))
be blessed
Tin , Conception to Estancia is more than 1 hour and Estancia to Gigantes have only 1 trip per day … Iloilo City to Guimaras is around 15 minutes boat
and from iloilo city, how long it will take to reach guimaras?
many thanks!!:)
would u know if there is a place to stay at isla de gigantes like at least a cottage where we can sleep overnight? my family are planning to get there by lunch from concepcion then proceed for island hopping in the afternoon then rest. thanks in advance.
helo. will be there this 27th of jan. we will be leaving iloilo @ 11am. is it still possible to cath-up for the trip to isla?
@frances, helo there, i am bit confused what you trying to say and what is the object of “this” due to the absense in any of your sentence. But i have in mind , that you mean there is your trip to Isla Gigante, you may correct me here,another thing that confuses me is what you mean “OK ” . Is it 1. Affordable 2. Convenient 3. less hassle frances
hey there! if we do this sa holy week, okay ba ang transpo? any idea? thanks
@Kirsten…. youre welcome… you can just put tent in there on the shore or atop of plateau overlooking the beach in Antonio if you wish to spend the night …( you can see Marcus post on Beach Antonia just recently) as long as its strong enough to withstand the Gush .. but I’ m sure most tents do….you can watch you-tube for tips on how to survive the camping on places where there’s no access to food or water and many things…best to spend it with someone else too and you know i prefer to nightcamp during the Full-Moon( new Moon)we will have bigger moon on the last days of July…. and when the sky is clear… much better…
We’re used to camping in remote islands here in the Philippines. Might do that again too when we finally push through with our mountain climbing plans :)
Thanks once again! You’ve been a great help! :)
@Vic: Good thing I’m not! I’ll take note of your suggestions. :) BTW, is there a place in Gigantes where we can just pitch our tent? If I understood it right, there are no inns for travelers.
@Kirsten… i suggest you would eat at the sea food restaurant in San Dionisio..its very very delicious (preska) and very very cheap …try their sizzling squid…. very tasty and sinigang na tanguigi… its just stood right beside the Sea Plus–Fish Factory…in Poblacion … In Estancia… Bayuyan has plenty of restaurant too… where I used to eat sinigang na shrimp….hope youre not allergic to sea foods
I appreciate it, Vic! I’m now working on our itinerary, yay! :)
Thanks to Marcos as well. This article is a big help! I’m a fan of his blog! :)
@Kirsten…. either way works well and it is primarily depend on what convenience you choose from …. if you decided to be closer to Iloilo City on your return… better off to make Carles first and be your last destination is Conception … if you choose your first vacation place is heavy and eventful… follow the Conception-first-Carles-next sequence…
Hi Guys!
We have an upcoming trip to Iloilo early next month. We want to experience both Carles and Concepcion. Is it better to go to Carles or Concepcion first? Suggestions please.
Thanks so much!
if you searching memorable and exciting mountain climbing, try the stone mountain of Langub, Gigantes Island…… almost 900 feet high.. take care….
@ristof… make an itinerary..after you have fix the date of trip and duration, quantify the expenses and things to bring… if you take it by plane… its like 1500… by sea..its like the same then…youll get here Iloilo City as entry point… you’ll stay at least one day to simmer down especially when your arrival is in the afternoon… youll stay in the City pension house… that would be like 300 something … youll have party out on the night time 8pm-12am… and you return home in the morning 1am… at dawn 6am you do some jog in bordwalk… and have the breakfast at 8am and check out…as soon youll get to Tagbak Terminal at 10am and ride the Bus to Estancia your arrival is like 1pm,, youll take lunch … you are in once-a-day boat to Gigantes… around 2pm… and get there around 4pm…you still have time to move around and enjoy the beaches… and then at dusk..you’ll buy foods in some stores…and at night… you started to put up your tent and campfire… and you need whiskey to kick in you way to sleep… and so on …
hi boyet!
Naida Decin, Hello…. its been a long years since our younger years in college…. Hope to see you again soon….
Hi, if didn’t forget my real name!!!! just search me in facebook… i can’t give you any number in this public conversation… thanks and GOD BLESS…. take care…..
how i wish to visit the place. i’m a lone trekker from bukidnon. surely, this is a very memorable place to visit. iloilo is my father’s hometown. any tip for a solo trekker will be highly appreciated.
@celden margarico…. are their any alternative for a less expensive one?— i believe Paon is beautiful because they have this leisure garden chairs right beneath the cliff-deck past the shore….
I would recommend you guys to stay at paon beach resort..the place is nice and they got a swimmin pool..its in estancia…they arrange boat rental for groups…cost aroud 6000 pesos for a day tour around the islands….
@Marcus…you are welcome… and you came just in time just as when I am expecting what is common incidence these past few months . You would notice someone here chronically harassed , verbally abused , character assassinate those who inquire , comments or give a though on your post . Obviously, he/she is here with aim to damage , to discredit , stir trouble and humiliate , disrupting the harmonious and meaningful conversation of certain places, events and everything which is happening in Iloilo … Noticeably , I believe you know who exactly that under-sanctioned person … I maintain to the policy that which necessitates to execute certain degree of civility and sensible inputs, interwove with practical humour and wit …
This is a warning to those fond of using the comments section for personal attacks and off-topic statements. Comments will be moderated accordingly. Continued abuse will be sanctioned. Thank you.
this is detailed….
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One thing to make spring water potable is a 3 drops of potassium hypoclorite in all leading pharmacy …
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@mur2s……The place is the best setting for your own personalized Blue-Lagoon Fairy-Tales …. wow ( nostalgia) hahahahaha…
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@billy … im sure if you get into this Island…you would personify Jack Black in Gulliver-Travel 2010 kind of guy.
that island for me is heaven…i spend my childhood n that place…
This place is very nice to have your vacation. ROSEWOOD resort in tabun-ak, Brgy. Granada, Isla Gigantes Norte can accommodate.They have rooms with aircon.
Just Contact Ayesha. 09088741936 or 09287128091
Care taker Nong Panong: 09079551099