Day Trip: Gigantes Island
Not only visited for a singular island, Gignates Island is a part of an island hoping tour that is regulated well by the local government. Working together with the coast guard, this ensures a safe and enjoyable day getaway for any foreign or local tourist that's more than willing to escape the day.
When to Visit
- January to April is the dry season for the Philippines. It is just before summer and the perfect time to visit the Philippines.
- April to May is the summer season. This welcomes foreign and local tourists to the island. Be prepared with the heat! Hydrate and wear breathable clothing.
- May to October is the rainy season in the Philippines which is also considered as the off-peak season. This provides lower cost for airfare, hotels and tours. But be prepared for possibilities of cancelled tours due to the weather conditions.
- October to December is already the colder season in the Philippines but also the best time to go around. The weather is cool and places aren't crowded.
What to Bring
There are stores along the way to Bancal Port, some stores at the port before you board for the island and a shop at the resort. But best to bring these to save some money:
- Swimwear
- Change of clotes
- Washbag
- Towel
- Beach towel
- Sunblock
- Powerbank
- Hat/cap
- Cameras
- Cash
- Sunglasses
Best to have a dry bag where your gadgets can stay dry and safe. But in a pinch, you can always use a ziplock bag to make it waterproof.
You have an option to bring your own food to the island but, if you've booked a tour, usually lunch is included.
How to Get There
Getting to Bancal Port
There are a couple different ways to get to the port to have the Gigantes Island tours.
1. Private Vehicle
2. Public Transportation
3. Tour Van Transfer
1. Private Vehicle
There are a lot of car rentals in Iloilo, this can be used to go around the city as well. There is also an option to board a bigger ferry with your car from Manila to Iloilo using RORO, Roll On Roll Off.
Car rentals vary in fee from 1,300php to 1,500php with the gas use to be topped up upon return.
With a private vehicle, it takes two hours to drive North of Iloilo City to reach the port.
2. Public Transportation
In a city full of helpful people, its difficult to get lost.
Taxis in Iloilo are quite spacious, it can fit 4 people and some luggage at the back.
Similar to a private vehicle, cost varies depending on the agreed amount with the driver or the meter.
Drive also takes two hours North to the port.
If taking a taxi is out of budget, you may take a van to the port for 65Php at Tagbak Bus Terminal. Simply mention that you are going to Gigantes Island and they'll point you to the right direction.
Another cheaper option is taking the bus at the Tagbak Bus Terminal for 75Php and get off at Estancia Bus Terminal. From here, you'll need to take the tricycle for 50php per person to the port.
First trip out of either bus or van is at 6am and last trip is 6pm.
3. Tour Van Transfer
There are a lot of tours that can be found online, each with the same price but unique experiences.
For the tour that I had, they offered a bus ride that picks me up at my hotel and drops me off at my desired location after. Each van transfer for each tour may cost differently, best to check with your tour. With the tour I took, it was 350Php per way.
Many take this option as they would check out from the hotel, do the tour then be dropped off at the airport after or check in at a different hotel at a different part of Iloilo.
Bancal Port
This is the jumping off point for all boats to Gigantes Island. It is rare to just go to one island since there are a lot of smaller islands around.
Don't worry, there are a lot of tour options available at the port: joiners or private tours, and they often come with lunch since the island tours take up the whole day.
There are shower rooms available at the port where you can wash up before traveling back to the city. Showers cost 50Php.
During peak season, April to May, best to book your tours in advance. I took a tour from Gigantes Island Tours and Services. I took their van transfer to and from Iloilo City from my hotel and lunch is included.
Tip: if you plan to go to the port on your own, be there early. Tours usually start at 9am.
What to Expect
Gigantes Island tours is beyond expectation. It is one of the many best beaches that the Philippines have to offer.
With the tour, it cost 999Php, we visited 7 islands around Gigantes Island:
1. Antonia Beach
2. Bantigue Sand Bar
3. Tangke Lagoon
4. Cabugao Gamay Island
5. Mini Boracay
6. Pulupandan Island
7. Lantangan Beach
The fee paid for the tour includes environmental fees, tour guide fees and all of the island entrance fees.
Do note that some of the islands, specifically Bantigue Sand Bar and Mini Boracay, can't be visited during high tide. To be able to visit all, also consider the tides.
There are times, especially during late May, where there would be some rain near Bancal and tours get postponed. Tours get rescheduled the next day or the service provider may reimburse you if your schedule does not permit.
The one from Gigantes Islands Travel and Tours include lunch by the beach with 6 viands, unlimited rice and scallops. This is one of the highlights of the trip.
Tip: Tours usually end roughly around 5pm. Make sure to have a way back.
Take the adventure, explore the waters and enjoy the waters!
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