2016
Carles
Gigantes Island
Iloilo
island hopping
october
photography
sand bar
tour
tourism
travel
Island Hopping at Gigantes Island
After the spending three days in Bacolod, we're off to another province in the west of Visayas, Iloilo! Upon arrival, my adventure buddy, Joed, who is staying in Iloilo now, welcomed us and went with us in our next destination. Before we explore the City of Love, we're heading north to the famous Islands of Gigantes in the municipality of Carles.
From Iloilo City, we rode the bus going to Estancia. After 4 hours, we arrived at the port of Estancia and took the 1PM boat going to Gigantes Norte Island. The silhouette of the islands look like a giant man and a woman lying down, that's where it got its name.
The Iloilo River with the city hall at the back.
On board to Estancia!
The boat going to Gigantes Islands. We have to bring lots of water coz there are few stores there.
My view from the boat
After almost 3 hours, we arrived at the Southern Island of Gigantes. Almost there!
Arrived at Gigantes Norte Island. Because the tide was low, our boat docked far from the shore. A smaller shabby boat ferried us to the shore. A man also named Joed welcomed us and brought us to our accommodation.
Via motorcycles, we arrived in this sleepy resort named Arjay Beach. We left our bags and went straight to our adventures. Our first stop is at a lighthouse.
We arrived at the area and there's an old Spanish-style building. At the back of this building is where the lighthouse is located.
The sea and our smiles.
Outside the complex, we saw these handmade sea shell crafts made by local kids which they sell to tourists as souvenirs. Then, we're off to our next adventure, Spelunking!
It was already late in the afternoon. We did spelunking at the Bakwitan Cave, which served as a fortress for the locals when a strong typhoon strikes. That's why they call it Bakwitan, from the word "evacuate". We didn't have photos inside coz it's dark inside! It's hard to take photos with our dirty hands.
It was already evening when we went back to the resort. We had our dinner then went to sleep. Since the island had limited electricity supply, they have to turn off the lights by 10PM. The next morning..
Joed with his morning coffee.
Morning sea breeze and hot coffee mist. Perfect combination!
Good morning Gigantes! Time for island hopping!
We arrived at our first island..
Cool rock formations
Summer perfect view!
Chilling on top of these cool rock formations
Groufie at the rock formations!
Off to our next stop, the famous picturesque island.
We finally arrived at Cabugao Island aka "Instagram Island"
This is the hill where you can get the famous view. You have to go inside the tiny cave and climb the wooden ladders to reach the top.
Supportive photographer friend here.
Nature's perfection!
The other side of the famous view.
On the other side of Instagram Island
Epic pose for an epic shot!
These rocks seem to pop out from the middle of the ocean.
Leaving my footprints at the Bantique Island Sand Bar
Jotie, Joed and I at Bantique Island Sand Bar
Chillin at the sandbar
Sumptuous lunch at the sand bar.
Underwater shot!
Time to go back..
Our adventure in Gigantes has come to an end. We're going back to Iloilo to tour around the city.
Locals help to unload the motorcycle from the boat.
Window snapshots as we go back to the city.
From Iloilo City, we rode the bus going to Estancia. After 4 hours, we arrived at the port of Estancia and took the 1PM boat going to Gigantes Norte Island. The silhouette of the islands look like a giant man and a woman lying down, that's where it got its name.
The Iloilo River with the city hall at the back.
On board to Estancia!
The boat going to Gigantes Islands. We have to bring lots of water coz there are few stores there.
My view from the boat
After almost 3 hours, we arrived at the Southern Island of Gigantes. Almost there!
Arrived at Gigantes Norte Island. Because the tide was low, our boat docked far from the shore. A smaller shabby boat ferried us to the shore. A man also named Joed welcomed us and brought us to our accommodation.
Via motorcycles, we arrived in this sleepy resort named Arjay Beach. We left our bags and went straight to our adventures. Our first stop is at a lighthouse.
We arrived at the area and there's an old Spanish-style building. At the back of this building is where the lighthouse is located.
The sea and our smiles.
Outside the complex, we saw these handmade sea shell crafts made by local kids which they sell to tourists as souvenirs. Then, we're off to our next adventure, Spelunking!
It was already late in the afternoon. We did spelunking at the Bakwitan Cave, which served as a fortress for the locals when a strong typhoon strikes. That's why they call it Bakwitan, from the word "evacuate". We didn't have photos inside coz it's dark inside! It's hard to take photos with our dirty hands.
It was already evening when we went back to the resort. We had our dinner then went to sleep. Since the island had limited electricity supply, they have to turn off the lights by 10PM. The next morning..
Joed with his morning coffee.
Morning sea breeze and hot coffee mist. Perfect combination!
Good morning Gigantes! Time for island hopping!
We arrived at our first island..
Cool rock formations
Summer perfect view!
Chilling on top of these cool rock formations
Groufie at the rock formations!
Off to our next stop, the famous picturesque island.
We finally arrived at Cabugao Island aka "Instagram Island"
This is the hill where you can get the famous view. You have to go inside the tiny cave and climb the wooden ladders to reach the top.
Supportive photographer friend here.
Nature's perfection!
The other side of the famous view.
On the other side of Instagram Island
Epic pose for an epic shot!
These rocks seem to pop out from the middle of the ocean.
Leaving my footprints at the Bantique Island Sand Bar
Jotie, Joed and I at Bantique Island Sand Bar
Chillin at the sandbar
Sumptuous lunch at the sand bar.
Underwater shot!
Time to go back..
Our adventure in Gigantes has come to an end. We're going back to Iloilo to tour around the city.
Locals help to unload the motorcycle from the boat.
Window snapshots as we go back to the city.
Cedrick S. Zabala "CSZ97" is a multimedia artist based in the City of Zamboanga. He graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Information Technology major in Multimedia and Computer Animation. Currently he works at the City Government of Zamboanga under the Mayor's Office as a Public Information Officer, and as a part-time Instructor in Ateneo de Zamboanga University. He is currently taking his Master's Degree in Public Administration in Western Mindanao State University. He lives a life with a passion for the arts, culture, and travel. This blog contains his works and travel journals. Carpe effin' Diem!
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