Does the photo above appear like it was taken from the amazing islands of Palawan or Thailand? It is actually a photo of Tangke, a natural salt water pool, located in a hidden spot behind the steep cliffs of Isla de Gigantes Sur in Carles, Iloilo. Travelers and locals of Carles visit tangke to swim in its refreshing shallow waters and gaze at the beautiful rock formations.
Visitors have to make a short climb on the rocks to get to tangke
A tourist takes a rest on a big rock in the middle of the pool
One of the towering rock formations that surround tangke
Many myths surround this interesting natural attraction. One such story says that during the feast of Saint John the Bapist (San Juan de Bautista) on June 24, the water level inside tangke would magically rise significantly. Locals also warn visitors not to make too much commotion and noise in tangke as this would disturb the enkantos, or enchanted beings, which could cast nasty curses to those who upset them.
Click the image to have a closer view
Tangke is located in South Gigantes Island (also called Isla Gigantes Sur) in the town of Carles, Iloilo’s Northernmost town. The jump-off point to South Gigantes Island is in Estancia town’s seaport. From there, tourists can hire a pumpboat to go to South Gigantes Island/Tangke. Travel time is approximately an hour.
Location Map
Learn more about Iloilo
Iloilo, Philippines
Iloilo is a province of the Philippines, located at the center of the Philippine archipelago. The province comprises the southeastern part of Panay Island with island-province of Guimaras just across its coast. Iloilo’s rich heritage is showcased in multifarious festivals.
Iloilo Tourist Spots | Iloilo Transportation Guide | Iloilo Hotels and Resorts
MARCOS! The site almost made my eyes poped off my eyesockets!!! I can’t believe that Iloilo has this site. Never mind Thailand, it’s next to Palawan’s! Probably not as massive as the latter but comparable enough. Great, Tangke will be in my hit list next time..it looks like it’s within the proximity of Sandbar, Pan de Azucar, Gigantes Island and Sicogon Island. Thanks Marcos for discovering this place! I bet, a lot of people are dicovering Iloilo thru your website…more power to you!
It’s like a little brother of Palawan then :) Next time you visit here Lee, make sure to visit this area … it is unlike what most people perceive of Iloilo. Gigantes and Sicogon are near to each other. Pan de Azucar is a bit far already but you can see the it in the horizon if you’re in Carles.
Definitely, I will, Marcos! How deep is the deepest part of the lagoon? I’m thinking if it’s safe to jump off to the water from one of the cliffs around it! What a crazy thought, eh! Maybe, I’ll just do snorkeling around… hahaha… a lot safer! Are there tropical fishes in the lagoon, as well?
The part’s I’ve swam to are relatively shallow, probably around 4-5 feet. I’m not sure where the deeper parts are. You could just from the low cliffs but you’re definitely crazy if you’d jump from the very top,hehe.
greetings!
wow! An alternate to El Nido,Palawan.Looks like Phuket ah! have been to Phuket eh.hehe. nami ba! will visit it soon.
Thanks for the PIC-info.
marque
It does look like those destinations.. and it’s in Iloilo, not many poeple know that Iloilo has these kind of destinations.
I hope that DOT will promote this location, iloilo has a vast number of tourist attractions, specially in northern part, It is so exciting that iloilo will be the next palawan or additional tourist spot.
I think the only problem is promotions , and the local goverment, whaa I here alot of things there in northen iloilo, coruptions and palakasan system, they use ther own ( local official) power to gain money also, and sad to say, that place is not safe for roaming arround specially if your are new , I am right? I;’m talking about Sara and the close municipal area,
Indi bala mga taga Sara? and concepsion and carles? becuase of muslim, the world is getting worst.
Actually, I do not feel the great effort for tourism in Northern Iloilo Destinations … kanugon. LGUs there are still traditional and focuses on agriculture and fisheries. Tourism development there is very slow if not stagnant.
The only reason I got from locals why it may be dangerous for first timers to visit this place is because of enkantos and other mythical beliefs. I’ve not heard that it’s because of muslims, pirates, or kung ano man na mean mo. Maybe you could enlighten us :)
what I mean is politically those area are not safe when you are roaming in the place that I mention, well I’m talking about town area, kay teh if ang management manami lang if ang nagamanage maayo or serbisyong totoo, , muslim because one of the wife of official there is muslim and now muslim are getting muad sa lugar nga ni, its not good effect because this place are not safe like before , bata2x system is getting rampant, now mga teenager boys are getting lazy to explore becuase of support locally by official and this support is not good for this guys becuase it turn into bad effect , they know how to keep fire arms ellegally and they dominate this place by monopoly kind of business, well i dont want to put some bad things tani di s explore iloilo but, sorry gid ,
i’ve just express my point of views, its a nice place tani ang northen part of iloilo,
ahh amo na gali da. please pardon my ignorance. Politics is always the biggest hindrance to development in our country.
i agree wid u mark..our place at the northern part might somewhat beLieved to be whimsical, but still tourist can’t get enough of the breath-taking views.. the more the place is enchanted, the more people wanted to explore it in anyways..we have a secret place somewhere at the boundary of capiz and iloilo..this place is still untouched, no resorts around so the family get to swim for free.. the water is great, the sand is even whiter than boracay..and we love to go there every summer..i hope the gov’t give time to fund for the beautification of carles.
my kind of place in Iloilo. I hope to visit the place one of these days. Cheers Marcos !
Definitely worth a visit Kirby! nice to see you dropping by here again :D
I will try to visit the place next time I goes home to Iloilo. Btw, I always lurk here in your website to get more updates, ets. Cheers.
does anyone have a number of a place to stay in Carles or Estancia?
We will be in Iloilo from May 15-19, 2009 and we cant find a place.
The numbers for Shangri-La Family Resort are out of service…
pls help…
just giving you guys a heads-up, Carles Shangri-La Family Resort has changed its numbers to the following:
Resort : +63 33 3962081
Iloilo : +63 33 5096589
Mobile: +63 09279339155
you can also check out their Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/search/?q=Ma+Teresita&init=quick#/pages/Carles-Shangri-La-Family-Resort-Iloilo/269123806956?ref=ts
and their blog (as their site is currently under maintenance) : http://carlesshangrila.wordpress.com/
thanks!
Chy, pila gastos pakadto dira from the city? Kag ano kadalum ang tubig?
basta there were around 10 of us and we spent P1,500 each. That already includes transpo and food. We stayed with a family that my friend knows so libre accommodations.
The parts where I swam were around 4-5 feet. I didn’t get to the deeper parts.
Hi, is it hard to climb going to Tangke? Advisable bang magpunta rito ang mga taong walang experience sa climbing? Thanks! =)
If you are chubby, its better not to climb. Baka ma-uka ang mga bato na hahawakan mo or maputol ang lubid. hehehehehehe
Just known that Iloilo has this place also. It certainly is one of the attractions of iloilo needing publication.
Hi.. tnx sa pgpost u nang some of the beautiful spots of Gigante Sur..
I’m From Carles and a residence of Brgy. Gabi, Gigante Sur…
I’m proud of my place..!!!!!
Hi! Nice pics… This place is really great… I Had visited this for several times… I’d lived in gigante norte for 3 years… quite short time indeed, but, i had a lot of fond memories in that place…. especially in brgy. gabi… i’d met a lot of friends there….
nice place!!but u know wat?even tga sara aq pro wla gd q kkdto sa carles…..jeje…
hello. do you have a suggestion re: itinerary, accomodation, & boatman for this trip? thanks!
hello. do you have a suggestion/recommendation re: itinerary, accomodation, & boatman for this trip? thanks!
Try contacting this number 09095888163. It’s not my personal contact but they have a house in Isla Gigantes Sur. Please update us with the developments of your trip.
wow! never thought may amo ni sa iloilo :D Just wish na makakad2 ko di next month. Me and some friends are planning nga makad2 sa Paraw Regatta then tour iloilo eh :D
Wow! This place is magical! It’s a good thing I bumped into your site. Does Tangke have an accomodation or a nearby place to stay for overnight trips? Thanx.
Wow! This place is magical! I am so glad I bumped into your site. Does Tangke have an accomodation or a nearby place to stay for overnight trips? pls send contact info. Thanx.
ive been there!
its wonderful!
CARLES LOT FOR SALE!!
Total Area: 3,280 sq meters (willing to sell the whole or even a portion of the total area)
Location: Barosbos, Carles (about 50 meters from the beach)
Lot Type: Residential/ Business
Price: Negotiable
Note: For interested parties please contact me through facebook.com/roxannevi or through my email maoxbernales@ymail.com.
caution: to the people wanted to visit Gigantes Island, try to listen an advice from the native people there. or meet the barangay captain to guide/tour you that enchanted place. always care of yourselves……
Visit that Island and if you are going to north, always remember and ask MAGALLANES FAMILY….. thank’s
Love your blog! I will be taking friends from abroad and been taking ideas from your site. I stayed in Iloilo until I was 14, Bora is the only spot I knew! I am sooo definitely taking everyone at Gigantes Island.
I really love that please because i was born there!in dayhagan we have a white sand also!im proud to be a carlesanun!
I am fascinated and I really love that please because i was born there!in dayhagan we have a white sand also!im proud to be a carlesanun!
Hi.. May I know how far this is from the airport.. how many hours of travel and what kind of transportation is available to reach this place..
Thanks..
@Mac…. way too far…. Airport to City ( cars)… roughly 20 KM… City to Carles( buses fare 250 aircon, taxi, 3500)– roughly 200 KM….takes more than 3 hours to get there…. and to The Island roughly 30 minutes.( 50 Pesos)… if you have relatives there.. its easy… if not…. there’s no lodging house….and its rainy season.. not great time to vacation…it’s raining time to time there…
i love that place…i have a family there, its really amazing…every summer we visit isla gigantes..very nice place..
@rob good for you… :)