Iloilo’s Gigantes Islands or Islas de Gigantes in the town of Carles is getting much attention both here and abroad. And why not? The group of islands, believed to be home to giants in the olden time, is truly stunning for its clear blue waters, white sand beaches, diverse marine life, and unique rock formations.

Rural folks in the islands said their beloved place used to be unknown and almost cut off from the rest of the world until Typhoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan) wreaked havoc to communities in 2013. Thankfully, they said, the group of then ABS-CBN Foundation Inc. chairman Gina Lopez-Roy “discovered” them and gave them much-needed aid.

Since then, the Tourism department together with the private sector in Carles has been zealously promoting the islands to local and foreign tourists.

This writer, together with media friends Cheryl Luis of Opinyon News and Rodel Fernando of PMPC, had the opportunity to visit the islands along with Australian beauty queens who gamely modeled their swimwear and posed for the cameras, as they wandered around the islands.

Miss Grand Australia 2022 Amber Sidney, who is currently the pageant's national director, escorted the Miss Grand Australia 2023 winners to the island as part of their prize.

Our visit was made possible by the invitation of Rhett Paul Bolivar, an islander who owns and operates Gigantes Island Tours and Services, a DOT-accredited travel agency.

For three days, we went island-hopping and covered 11 islands!

Of course, each island has its own charm and beauty. We love Lantangan Island for the warmth and hospitality of the islanders. We stayed at MJ Resort who served us the best catch of lobsters, shrimps, salmon, and scallops in various versions (baked, steamed, grilled and adobo) and served with summer fresh fruits.

Lantangan is home to 33 barangays composed of 8,000 people living harmoniously with one another in the middle of the sea. The Piso Wifi is a hit in the island and makes the islanders connected to the rest of the world.

Cabugao Gamay

Cabugao Gamay is highly Instagram-mable. You only have to climb the highest peak of the island and presto you see the beauty of the whole island from above. The water surrounding it is so clear and pristine, making it the best island to dip and swim.

Bantigue Sandbar Island is magical, not only because it disappears at high tide but simply because of its pristine beauty. Visitors can't help it but enjoy swimming in the island.

Sicogon Island is well-kept and organized among all the islands we visited. And it has good internet connectivity. No wonder as it is owned and operated by Ayala Land. The kamias juice welcome drink at Balay Kogon was nice and refreshing and the KBL dish soured by the batuan fruit was my first taste of the famed Ilonggo dish.

Guests frolic in the water at Cabugao Dako Cabugao Dako is the mysterious, deserted island of all the islands. Despite its vastness and proximity to Cabugao Gamay, it is uninhabited resulting to its mystery. But its ruggedly beautiful karst formations would definitely attract island hoppers.

Tinagong Baybay looks like a mini Boracay with its white sand and clear waters.

Antonia Island is interesting with its reptile-tail-like rock formation. The island sells halo-halo at P50 per serving and the famed wasay-wasay, a sea shell which tastes like a combination of oysters and tahong. Wasay-wasay is eaten fresh, and there is no need for vinegar or other condiments.

Tangke Saltwater Lagoon is beautiful yet the most challenging to visit. Tucked within the steep cliffs of Isla de Gigantes Sur, it is hailed as Iloilo’s hidden paradise.

Media friends enjoying Tangke Saltwater Lagoon. Tangke Lagoon’s refreshing shallow waters and scenic rock formations make this isolated spot one of the rising tourist attractions in the province despite the narrow and rocky passage to the lagoon.

Pulupandan Islet, the smallest at 25 square meters during high tide, offers refuge for tired fishermen. It's also the place where they converge before going home to sell their catch.

North of Pulupandan is the much larger Balbagon Island, an elongated island lined by an unbroken white sand beach ringing its perimeter. An inhabited island but populated by coconut trees and long sandy beach shore and crystal-clear water, the island’s potential includes its abundance of fresh water just 6 feet below, according to the island’s caretaker whom we met at the time of our visit.

Trekking, caving, cliff diving, swimming, camping, even fishing, and a lot more are things to-do in the islands. To savor 2024 summer, book your Gigantes Islands experience soon and enjoy island life like what the Australian beauties did. The group of islands is just a 1.5-hour boat ride from the Port of Carles.

The Australian beauties enjoy the trek to Bakwitan Cave

All photos by Leony Garcia.