Ilo-Ilo: How to Get to Isla Gigantes
I was browsing through the internet one day, researching about my first travel destination for 2013, Iloilo, when I stumbled upon this photo...
This popular shot is taken from Cabugao Gamay, one of the islands in Gigantes.
Isn't this paradise???!!! I knew instantly this is where I'm going to be....
How did we get there?
From IloIlo town proper, we rode a multicab going to Tagbak Terminal. Instead of taking a bus which would take longer travel time, we hopped in a van.
We waited until the van got full and at 9:15 am the van left bound for Estancia. Fare: P150.
Estancia is located at the northmost part of Iloilo. Travel time is 2-3 hours. We arrived in Estancia terminal at 11:40 AM
I contacted Joel Decano, tourism officer in Carles Iloilo and manages Gigantes Hideaway Resort, through his facebook account, Isla Gigantes. He facilitated our entire trip in Gigantes.
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| Estancia Terminal |
Upon reaching Estancia terminal, Joel's staff texted us with instructions on how to reach Paon Beach Club as he will meet us there. He advised to take our lunch there as well.
From the terminal, we rode a tricycle to Paon Beach Resort. Fare: P20 each.
The menus are pretty pricey. But it's better to spend idle time here than in the market. And the food are great!
At around 1pm, Joel's staff greeted us. We can go to the market then catch the passenger boat before it leaves at 2pm. We decided to skip the market and head straight to the port. Anyway, there are stores in the island but the price are higher. We rode a tricycle to the fish port. Fare: P20 each.
Isla Gigantes comprises of Gigantes Norte and Gigantes Sur. There are 4 passenger boats going to 4 barangays in Gigantes Islands, all are scheduled in one single trip - 2PM. You'd be unfortunate to stay overnight in Estancia if you miss the schedule. But if you are willing to rent a pump boat, then you may do so. The price would be high though.
For us, we are bound for Gigantes Norte.
Travel time to Gigantes Norte is usually 2 hours.
The passenger boat carries practically everything! From rice, to chickens, to fish, to motorcycle! I mean everything! I think if they need to load a cow, they'll do it.. Just kidding!
I suggest sitting at the front part of the boat. At the back row seat, you will inhale the smoke coming from the engine below. Bee and I were seated at the back and it made us dizzy inhaling all those carbon monoxide.
We reached Barangay Asluman, Gigantes Norte at 4:15pm. There was nowhere to dock. The island does not have a port.
How did we get to the shore? Through a balsa or bamboo raft!!!
It was exciting and scary at the same time. Exciting because it was my first time to experience this and scary because of the thought that we might fall. And I don't know how to swim....and our stuff would get wet. On the raft, there was nothing other than ourselves to cling onto while two men tried to push and pull us to the shore. I remember one of the passengers carrying newborn twins. I just can't imagine the danger riding on this balsa brings. But for the locals, it's just one of the ordinary days........
Hopefully in the future the government would be able to build a port here. Hello local government!!!!
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| see those 2 men? they pull the balsa thru a rope that's tied to the shore. |
Once we reached the shore, we were approached by Joel Decano's staff, who also turned out to be our tourguide for our entire stay :)
We were brought to Gigantes Hideaway Inn through a motorbike or habal habal. Fare: P10.
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| there are no other means of transportation around the island other than this. |
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| Gigantes Hideaway Resort |
Ilo-Ilo: How to Get to Isla Gigantes
IloIlo - Getting around the Island
IloIlo : Parola, Caving & Island Hopping
Iloilo : Itinerary & Expenses
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