A peaceful weekend on Gigantes Islands: A 'Biyahe ni Drew' itinerary

If you’re looking for a break from deadlines and stress, the Gigantes Islands may be just what you need. This island group off the coast of Iloilo has plenty of beaches, a small population, and almost no cell service. There’s no escaping the relaxation!

“Mas nakita ko [dito] ang kahalagahan ng mga simpleng bagay,” says “Biyahe ni Drew” host Drew Arellano. “Magandang tanawin, masarap na pagkain at masayang mga kasama. Ang mga taga-rito...kahit walang kuryente, walang TV at walang internet, hindi sagabal sa pagkakaroon nila ng masayang buhay.”

He adds, “Maganda ring maranasan ang simpleng buhay para mas makita mo kung ano ang tunay na mahalaga.” Here’s the itinerary used by Drew and the crew of “Biyahe ni Drew.”

How to get there
From Manila, fly to Roxas City, Capiz. From there, take the ordinary bus to Estancia Port in Carles, Iloilo for P75 per person. If you’re traveling in a group, you can rent a van to the port for P2,500. The ride will take between one and two hours. From Estancia Port, it’s just a short bangka ride to the Gigantes Islands.

How to get around
The main form of transportation on this island is the motorcycle, and locals are used to tourists needing a ride. If you see any person riding alone in the direction that you need to go, you can flag them down and hitch a “habal-habal” ride for P10.

What to do
Island hopping

Island #1: Tangke
No entrance fee
"Tinawag itong tangke dahil pagdating mo sa mismong isla, ang loob nito ay parang isang water tank,” says Drew. “Sa linaw ng tubig dito, ano pa ba ang gagawin kung hindi sulitin ang kagandahan sa ilalim!"

On this island, you’ll also see a lagoon where people like to go cliff-diving. With a little imagination, it looks like a giant’s bathtub!

Island #2: Gakit-Gakit
No entrance fee
If cliff-diving isn’t your style, try the beaches of Gakit-Gakit. You might also see several fishing boats here, as local fishermen use this island to wait it out when the waves get high.

Island #3: Bantigue
With its white sandbar and serene beaches, Bantigue one of the more picturesque islands we got to visit.

Island #4: Cabugao Gamay
“Gamay” means small in the Visayan dialect, but don’t take this little island lightly. Here, you can try rock scrambling, or climbing up the rock formations with the help of a rope. Because the rocks aren’t that high, you don’t need to be athletic to take on this challenge!

Island #5: Antonia
Antonia is the most popular destination for tourists, famed for its clear waters and rich marine life. Snorkeling gear can be rented for P50 per person.


Visit the “call center”
This small strip of beach is the only place where you can get cell service! Don’t forget to pass by to text your loved ones and make them jealous of your awesome weekend.

Where and what to eat

Scallops and crabs
These shellfish are everywhere on Gigantes Island. Depending on how you like them cooked, you can have good meal for between P150 to P300. With the many ways to enjoy scallops and crabs — steamed, baked, in garlic sauce, in chili sauce, with cheese, sizzling — you can have a seafood feast three times a day.

Where to stay
There are several resorts on Gigantes Island. If you’re traveling in a large group, you can also rent an entire house from the homestay association, at P500 a night per person. If you’re traveling solo, you can get a non-airconditioned homestay room for P200 a night. Remember, though: Gigantes’ rotating electricity schedule means there’s only electricity from 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

What to buy for pasalubong
Daing na isda
Locals of Gigantes make their own daing, or salted fish.
Drew likes these for three reasons: 1) They have a long shelf life, 2) They are much cheaper than the daing sold in the neighboring areas of Aklan and Cebu, and 3) You get to help small businessmen and fishermen who live on the islands. —Cristina Tantengco/BM,GMA News