Isla Gigantes: What to visit and How it got its name

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      This is the most photogenic islet of Isla Gigantes. It can be taken after scaling the limestone-and-rock formation on one side of the island and while one is on top, one has to stand on the edge of the rock and click a camera for this souvenir photo that has become the poster photo of Isla Gigantes. 

But the visit to Isla Gigantes does not start or end in Cabugaw Gamay, the location of the above photo. In fact, we started at Bantigue Sandbar where we had the undying jump shot and unlimited swim, then we proceeded to Cabugaw Gamay where we had our crowded photo shoot for that poster photo..., From there, we stopped at Antonia Island where we enjoyed a quick snack from their tiny sari sari store. Here, one can also climb to see the cave but we did not do the spelunking here since we would be doing one in Gigantes Norte where Gigantes Hideaway Resort, our accommodation, is located. 

From there, we went to Tangke, a lagoon which should be visited during high tide. This is another picturesque side of Isla Gigantes. From there, we took our lunch in Bulubadiangan Beach. After some rest under the tree, we transferred to Gigantes Norte and did the spelunking at Bakwitan Cave. After the cave, we ended the day at the lighthouse where we had unlimited photo shoot with the setting sun's subtle lighting. This is the itinerary for a whole-day activity. But there are more islands to visit in Isla Gigantes. There is Sicogon Island, for one. 

     Ever wonder how the island got its name? Here is my verse on the legend of Isla Gigantes.


Jumpshot at Bantigue Sandbar

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Hugging the coconuts at Antonia Beach

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Karsts

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Rock formation in the beach of Antonia

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 Here are my photos proving that Isla Gigantes is the Little El Nido of Iloilo. Please check out some of my entries on El Nido here.


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Entrance to tangke.

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We chanced upon Howie Severino of GMA's I-Witness.
He featured Isla Gigantes last June 6, 2015. 
Check out his teaser here.
Location: South Gigante Island, Carles, Philippines

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