Have you heard of Carles? This town is 147 kilometers away from Iloilo City but fortunately I made it round trip just to visit the islands. It was possible but well, forget about the slow trips I wanted after my retirement! The islands have been elusive to me, though I have visited the town few years back for a DIY Sicogon Island cruise and Mt. Opao trek. The province of Iloilo has still a lot in store for adventure.
At first, I thought I need to stay overnight in the town, it was fortunate I came across a day tour package to the islands and the deal was purely cost saving! It means waking up at 4am for the long trip, it was fine though we arrived at Bancal port before 8am which was just right for the 830am meet up. 😊 The weather was downcast, they said cruises to the islands were cancelled in the past days. Again, it was perfect timing that cruises were back after clearance from PCG on that Saturday!
We all piled up in our respective boats, I dunno how they arranged the joiners but all were strangers. I chose the second-row seat from the front to protect me from the splashing waves just in case. My seat mates were young couple whom I forgot to ask their names, quiet and pleasant and never rowdy. 😊There was a long wait and the boat finally left past 9am already.
The first stop was in Ojatras Island (Pulupandan), it has white sand beach with clear waters, decorated with unique rock formations. We were given time to explore around and shortly, we left for the next point aiming for Tangke Lagoon. The water was rough as we sailed and docking at the spot was impossible, the waves was turbulent and getting out of the boat with those rock and limestone cliff was just dangerous. The crew asked to skip the lagoon for obvious reasons.
We piled up again on our boat and sailed for Antonia Point, having an overtime before lunch so we can have a long and relaxed dining later as the crew suggested. 😊 This small island has a resort, little store for snacks & essentials, and few residents which I think the owner of the establishments. The long white coast was lined up with coconut trees and there were tables and benches for guests to relax on the beach. It has a good swimming area too with interesting rock formations at end point. I got the chance to mingle and chatted with the crew and asked if there’s scuba diving in the islands given the blue surrounding waters but there was none. I was wondering why, there was no doubt its depths could offer rich and diverse marine environment for enthusiasts.
The boat dropped off instead in Bantigue Sandbar after getting a message from their admin that lunch prep was still on-going, as we were heading to Cabugao Sur for that lunch break. The white sandbar was naked, a stretch of sand long enough for an easy stroll, the waters was clear enough and those waves riveted the shores with flapping sounds. Each on his own but Emman the friendly guide made the joiners comfortable, randomly offering to take photos for anyone who needs assistance.
We finally headed for our lunch to Cabugao Sur but alas, we need to wade waist deep to the shores more than a hundred meters! The sumptuous lunch was waiting, I was more interested of my favorite scallops! 😊 Yes, unlimited scallops – grilled and boiled – so perfect for my cravings. There were crabs, squid, shrimps and more scallops! Then I happened to sit during our meals with three friendly ladies from Davao City who chatted with me, though they were in another boat. I think everyone was purely delighted with the abundant food. 😊
The famous Cabugao Gamay island was our last hop, I guess the icon of the islands located in the southernmost tip. The white beach on both sides, foliage, some rock formations and that hill to climb up and watch 360° view from the top. They said this viewpoint is known as selfie island, because generally all tourists who got there up will get their photos. I agree it’s a must-see spot but sadly, one is only allowed 5-7 minutes to be there to give way for others. In the end, we sailed for Bancal Port almost 4pm glad that the weather favored us with waters calm enough for the cruise. But then, we need to leave before the sunset could display its golden hues.
We had a smooth trip back to Iloilo City and was drop off in my hotel past 8pm, the arrangements went fine and that quickie trip to Carles for the islands was a good deal, I guess. By the way, this is an island-hopping trip so be ready to get wet! 😊
Disclosures:
- There was a myth and common belief that tall human beings believed to be giants lived in the place a long, long time ago thus, the name Isla Gigantes!
- The Joiners’ day tour costs PhP 1,099.00 per pax inclusive of lunch; round trip aircon van Iloilo City-Bancal Port-Iloilo City costs PhP 700.00 with pick-up and drop off at respective hotel.
- Accommodations are available in the islands located in Cabugao Sur and Antonia Point
- Be ready with the essentials – swim wear, dry pack for valuables, sunscreen and water for hydration.
Life in the Great Beyond 
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