Gigantes Norte, Carles, Iloilo. First heard of the place way back 2012 from my colleague.
We were interested in going to that marvelous place, however as we were planning, typhoon Haiyan struck the country and some unfortunate events came after that. It was early 2015 that we felt that the time was right in going there. And yes, March 28-30, 2015 was the right time indeed. 11 People. 4 Islets. 3 Days. 2 Nights. 1 Goal. I got my errands done after my morning shift then met with the group by midnight. We then waited for the 2AM ferry bound for Dumangas Port and landed at 430AM. Met with the Shuttle Driver and headed straight to Estancia Port at about 7am. Stopped over at the nearest water refilling station for our fluids before meeting with the pump boat driver. At about 8am, we then boarded in our private boat for Gigantes. As a newbie in the island, I had no idea how long it would take for us to reach it, then after 3 hours of sticking our butts to the boat and listening to my summer playlist, we arrived at the docking area of the island. We were welcomed by the sharp rock formations of the cliffs, azure waters and white sands...the time traveled was worth it. Cliff, our designated tour guide met us then rode a Habal-Habal (*) to get to the resort. A young man who keeps his cap on, is a 3rd year Education English Major student at Estancia College saving up to finish his studies by earnings from his Summer Job (Tour Guiding). (*) Habal-Habal, A visayan term for a rented motorbike First stop was to unload our bags to our accommodation and since the resort was fully booked, we were directed to Scallops Resort, owned by Gigantes' retired incumbent Kagawad (it indeed was overflown by scallops). We got one air-conditioned and a nipa hut fan room then placed our bags and freshened up. It was past noon that Cliff told us to go to Gigantes Hideaway Resort to have lunch then after a sumptuous meal, started the tour with island hopping, 1. Cabugao Island. This island has been iconic with its picturesque view of the entire island. Standing on top of it, you can see the clear blue waters on the either side of the land. It has a nice view for snorkeling as well. 2. Tangke. Originally, it was a closed-top island then the "intruders" thought of exploding its center thus creating this "crater-type" island. Sharp rock formations will greet you once you reach the island so be careful! A combination of rain and fresh water from the roots of the trees creates the lagoon. You can do cliff diving here but it was not timely for us since there were a lot of boats occupying the site. It was past 4PM when we went back to the island to see the sunset in the Lighthouse. The island was opposite Boracay Island so it was as beautiful as the "Boracay Sunset", unfortunately we weren't able to go up to the lighthouse since the owner didn't allow us to go up (they were having some inspection over the weekends). Other than that, the sound of the waters bumping to the rocks created such a relaxing sound with fresh air damping in your face. I asked Cliff about the best time to go to the Lighthouse, he then said that watching the sunrise is best seen here, so I promised myself to go back here. Went back at dawn to freshen up and had dinner. I got the time to chat with the owner of the resort which happens to be one of the nicest woman I've ever met. She had such plans to the resort and I hope it will be feasible. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Another day in the island, another set of activities. Didn't wake up very early (due to alcohol) to watch the sunrise but was timely for breakfast and headed straight for spelunking. Bakwitan Cave. The only cave that is available for public tours, the others are treacherous and for the group's safety, we opt to try this one. If you're in a group, you have a choice to go inside and experience the 3 obstacles. For us adventurers, we accepted the challenge. I was expecting a more diverse route (kidding!). The first obstacle was just to crawl under a huge rock then came the second which will test your rappelling skill. And the third one will test your tomb-raider skill. You will exit the cave on the other top side but will let you see the aerial view and the oldest Balete Tree in the island. We were at top the world! (Island I must say) Went back to the resort to check out from Scallops Resort since our original accommodation is already available and placed our bags inside (a real backpacker) then had lunch. Island Hopping continues in Bantigue Island, a sandbar-like island surrounded by snorkeling friendly and cool waters but be careful since it has a steep surface. The last but not the least to wrap up our Gigantes experience was Antonia Island. I was deeply curious why the waters remained so cool in the middle of the scorching heat of the sun. You can also stay here at night since they can pitch up a tent for you. I'm rooting for this island on my next visit. With a peace of mind, relaxed muscles and no work for several days, yeah I got a bit of my mantra. Cool down time until dinner has been served then Chill Time afterwards. I must say, that Up Dharma Down tracks while sitting on a bench in an old Nipa Hut facing the mangrove beach while watching the sun setting with your friends is one Summer to Remember. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Woke up at cockcrow (5am) then fixed myself up to go to the Lighthouse (yes! I am that determined) and Cliff was right, such beauty greeted me. The sun, the age-old house, sea... Yeah I'm ready to go home. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Itinerary and Expenses: Day 1 2AM - Bacolod to Dumangas Port - P110 (Terminal + Ferry Fee) 430AM - Dumangas Port Arrival then Van transfer to Estancia Port 730AM - Arrival to Estancia Port - P3100 (One Way Van Fare + Tip) 8AM - Refill Water and Off to Gigantes via Pumpboat - P250 (Passenger Fee + Refill) 1130AM - Gigantes Norte Arrival then meet with tour guide, CLIFF 12PM - Check in at Scallops Resort and Lunch at Gigantes Hideaway 130PM - Start of Island Hopping tour. Cabugao Island and Tangke. 430PM - Back to Resort and Freshen up to go to the Lighthouse via Habal Habal 5PM - Sunset Watching in the Lighthouse and go back to the Resort 7PM - Dinner then Socials - P300 (Emperador + Ice + Sprite) Day 2 7AM - Wake up and Breakfast 9AM - Off to Bakwitan Cave for Spelunking - P300 (Tip) 1130AM - End of Spelunking and off to Resort for Lunch 1PM - Island Hopping (Bantigue Island and Antonia) 4PM - Back to Resort and Couch Surfing 7PM - Dinner and Socials - P400 (Emperador + Sprite) Day 3 5AM - Wake up and go to the lighthouse (alone) - P100 (Roundtrip Habal2 fare + Tip) 7AM - Back to Resort and Pack things 8AM - Breakfast and Check Out - P22,000/11 pax (3 days 2 nights package with Tip) 12PM - Arrival to Estancia port and Van Transfer to Dumangas for most of the group, as for me and my fellow traveler Kit, we went to IloIlo for a short stay - P3000 (One Way Van Fare) For more inquiries, contact Joel Decano (former tourism officer) thru SMS/call: 09184685006 *Kindly extend my regards to Ma'am Josephine and Manong J (tour guide and brother Joel's brother)
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AuthorI go for the name GK since it is short for Gloria Katherine. A nurse by profession but a traveler at heart. I hope you'll find my blog interesting and noteworthy. ArchivesCategories |