2D1N DIY Guimaras Experience

After the success of our Gigantes Trip, we went for lunch right at Tagbac Terminal together with Flo and Lea. I remember my wife asked for patis (fish sauce) but they gave us toyo (soy sauce), we said it’s soy sauce but they insisted it’s fish sauce. Oh my! Really?! It was really funny I even said to the woman “may toyo ka ba?” of course it’s a joke but I don’t think she got it. Not sure if she got offended but she didn’t react at all. Maybe they don’t have patis that’s why.

Since it’s four of us this time, we took a cab going to the port right after lunch. Instead of going to Ortiz Port we went to Parola Port to get to Guimaras. Parola Port was used as an alternative entry point for Guimaras because of strong waves at Ortiz Port making it difficult for boats to dock and for passengers to board the boat. If I were to choose which one is better I’d go for Parola. Ortiz Port doesn’t look nice, looks very crowded and disorganised.

At the port, we paid our tickets and waited for the 3pm boat to Guimaras. Boats here leave almost every 30 minutes and fare costs just 14 pesos. Shortly after we arrived at Guimaras and registered at the local tourism booth inside the port. Nothing much to see yet but the port looks organised and clean. A lot of construction was going on when we arrived, a sign of development in the area.

We met up with Kuya Charlie, our tricycle driver and tour guide, he was referred to us by Kuya Gerald (his brother) who was already booked at that time. We started late in the afternoon so our tour was a little rushed but we managed to get the most out of every minute we have. It’s best to arrive in Guimaras in the morning so you have more time to enjoy the tour.

Our first stop was The Smallest Plaza in the Philippines. It’s really small that even a crowd of 50 would not fit in. This looks more of a monument for me not a plaza. 🙂

Smallest Plaza in Guimaras

We also did a quick stop somewhere along the way where you can see the vastness of the island.

Overlooking View

 Excited over Mangoes, we stopped at a fruit stand along the road. To match our mangoes we also bought bagoong (shrimp paste). Yum! They also sell mango hopia and mango piyaya.

Fruit Stand

Next stop was Museo De Guimaras but unfortunately it was closed for renovation. We did some jump shots instead. 🙂

Jump Shot in front of Guimaras Museum

Flo and Lea Funny Shots

Flo and Lea’s Jump Shot

This one I love! Our next stop: The Pit Stop Restaurant. What’s best to try here is their very own Mango Pizza. They also have Mango Ketchup to match your pizza.

The Pit Stop Restaurant

The Menu

Family Size Mango Pizza – The Best!

Mango Ketchup

After having a great snack, we went straight to the Trappist Monastery. It was past 4pm already so souvenir shop was already closed. They sell Mango Jam, Guava Jelly, Pineapple jam, Mango Bar, Otap, Biscocho and Pulvoron. They have vast greenery in the area perfect for relaxation and meditation for those who want to stay overnight here.

Trappist Monastery

Before heading to our next stop we asked Kuya Charlie to take a picture of us.

Our mode of transportation in Guimaras. Thanks Kuya Charlie!              Land Tour costs 1200 pesos, thats 300 pesos / head.

Somewhere along the way, we noticed an interesting view and asked Kuya Charlie to stop.

Wide Shot

The Tree with No Leaves

Feeling like a Kid

We also stopped at Camp Alfredo to check their rates/facilities but unfortunately there is a minimal fee required for you to get in. This is an adventure camp at Brgy. Ravina, Sibunag, Guimaras, Nueva Valencia they have ziplines, high rope obstacle course, hanging bridge, campgrounds, cabins, tree house, trails, infinity pool and rappelling facility.

Camp Alfredo Guimaras Entrance

Glaring Sunset taken along the way

At around 530 pm, we finally arrived at our last stop before heading to our hotel. The Guisi Lighthouse is an 18th century Spanish Lighthouse at the Guisi Point of Barangay Dolores in Nueva Valencia. It is known as Faro de Punta Luzaran and is the second oldest lighthouse in the Philippines. They close at 5pm but Kuya Charlie managed to get the key for us to get in. We also didn’t pay the entrance fee anymore.

Guisi Light House Entrance

Rusty Stairs going up the lighthouse

Sunset View

After sunset, we walked back going to our tricycle and travelled more than 30 minutes to get to Raymen Beach Resort. People were so hooked up watching TV at the reception area. This was the only time we realised the magnitude of the earthquake we experienced back in Gigantes Island. Right after checking-in we called our relatives to let them know we’re safe. Thank God!

Raymen Entrance – Taken the Next Day

Room Rates

After check-in we went to JM Carinderia for dinner. I recommend you to eat here. You can ask what fresh catch they have and they’ll cook for it you right away. We requested the fish to be cooked as Sinigang and Fried and requested for Pork Liempo as well. It’s worth the wait I’m telling you. Yum! It was really delicious!

Pork Liempo

Me and My Wife

Fish Sinigang

Flo and Lea

Fried Fish

Since the water was very calm and it’s still very early for us to sleep we went to the beach for a swim.

The following morning we went back to JM Carinderia for breakfast before we start our Island Hopping tour.

JM Carinderia

To arrange an Island Hopping Trip, simply speak to the receptionist of your chosen hotel/resort. Sometimes boatmen will also offer you the service while at the beach. For us, we arranged it at Raymen the day before. They have a flat rate of 500 pesos for the first 2 hours plus 150 pesos for every succeeding hours. To save, ask if you can join any existing scheduled trip that day. Lucky for us, 5 people shared the same boat making it less expensive.

Our Island Hopping Trip started early and our first destination was SEAFDEC or Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center. Here they study and breed different species of fish funded locally and internationally. Once docked at their floating station you’ll be welcomed by one of the staff who will tour you around. Lapu-Lapu here is extremely big! For a different experience instead of just fish feeding, you can get to feel the mouth of the milkfish here by dipping your toes in the water (a fish spa experience like no other)

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Right after SEAFDEC, we went to a snorkelling area just few minutes away. Sorry I don’t have an underwater camera to show you what’s underneath.

Snorkelling Time

On our way to the Turtle Sanctuary we saw these beautiful Islets/Rock formations.

Looks Like A Cave

Rock Island

Finally we reached the Turtle Sanctuary. We expected many of them but there’s only one. Still lucky to see at least one of them.

Play Time

Small but Heavy

Sea Turtle

Lea and Cleo

Sea Turtle

Ready to see the Turtle

After seeing the turtle, we continued and circled the nearby islands. Most are privately owned now so all we could do was to just see them from the boat.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

After a little over two hours we’re back in Raymen for a swim before check-out

Raymen Beach Front

Raymen Beach

Raymen Beach

More pics at Raymen Beach Resort

Our Room

New Rooms Here

Cottages

Covered Walkway

Last glimpse of the beach before we left.

Raymen Beach

After checkout we went to JM Carinderia for lunch. We really LOVE the food here because it’s not only good, it’s also not expensive so we didn’t have the chance to try the food at other restaurants. Maybe next time.

Last eat out together with Flo and Lea

Last eat out together with Flo and Lea

Kuya Charlie picked us up at the resort to get to the port with few stops at the Pasalubong Center and Pit Stop Restaurant. It was a memorable experience with the randomest couple we have ever met. Thanks to Kuya Charlie for being nice. Goodluck on your studies!

Back in the mainland, Flo and Lea took a cab going to Iloilo Airport. For us, instead of taking a jeep to get to the closest Biscocho Haus to grab some pasalubong we took a cab going to the closest mall to get new flipflops for my wife. For some reason it got cut off whilst in the boat from Guimaras to Ortiz Port. On our way to the mall, heavy rain started to fall making it impossible for us to walk around to get some pasalubong. Still raining, we took a cab going to Tagbac terminal. Not really sure of the last trip to Kalibo, we decided to be there early. We had a choice between a Ceres bus and UV express van but the van offered to bring us directly to Kalibo Airport so we booked for the van. It was almost 6pm when the van was about to leave when we realised we still don’t have the Butterscotch from Biscocho Haus. Oh my! We ended up buying Toasted Mamon right at the terminal.

You might be wondering why we’re heading to Kalibo. It’s because we only bought our return tickets less than a week before this trip and Kalibo flight was the cheapest to get to Manila. We’re scheduled to return to Manila only 3 days after but I find it too short for the trip so I ended up booking for a later flight.

So after 3 hours, we finally arrived at Kalibo International Airport. It was still early for our 330 am flight, we decided to look around to see if there’s any place we can sleep or stay whilst waiting and ended up staying at the Kalibo Airport Lounge in front of the terminal. The lounge is actually an airport hotel and restaurant being operated by Discover Boracay Travel & Tours. They have rooms and they also offer spa services and transport services. They also have waiting area similar to the airport boarding area.

Kalibo Airport Lounge

Check my previous entry about our Isla Gigantes Trip here: Isla Gigantes 3D2N Trip

You can also check my entry about Iloilo here: Iloilo 2D1N DIY Trip

This is part of our Iloilo 5 Day DIY Trip last October 12 – 17, 2013. See detailed Itinerary and Expenses HERE.

Sample Itinerary: Coming from Isla Gigantes below was our Itinerary

DAY 1
0600 Breakfast
0730 Prep for Check-out (Gigantes Hideaway Tourist Resort)
0830 Check-out Time
0845 Boat to Estancia (80 pesos/head)
1030 Back at Estancia Port
1130 Van to Iloilo (150 pesos/head)
1330 ETA Tagbac Central Terminal
1350 Lunch at Andoks
1430 ETD going to Parola Port
1445 ETA Parola Port (Alternative to Ortiz Port)
1500 ETD Boat to Guimaras (14 pesos per head)
1515 ETA Guimaras Port
1530 Start of Land Tour (1200 pesos good for 4)
1830 End of Tour
1900 Check-in Raymen Beach Resort (700 pesos/room good for 4)
2000 Dinner at JM Carinderia
2200 Night Swimming

DAY 2
0530 Breakfast at JM Carinderia
0710 Start of Island Hopping -1st 2hrs 500 + 150/ succeeding hr
0930 End of Island Hopping
1000 Free Time/Swimming
1110 Prepare for Check-out
1200 Check-out Raymen Beach Resort
1215 Lunch at JM Carinderia
1300 Tricycle to Port (300 good for 4)
1330 Pasalubong Center
1400 Pit Stop
1440 ETA Port
1500 Boat to Ortiz
1515 ETA Ortiz Port
1530 SM Stopover
1615 ETD to Tagbac Terminal
1630 ETA Tagbac Terminal
1800 ETD going to Kalibo
2100 ETA Kalibo Airport
2130 Dinner/Stop Over at Airport Lounge
0100 Check-in going to Manila
0330 ETD Flight to Manila
0500 Back in Manila

Summary of Expenses: For 2 pax from Tagbac Terminal

DAY 1
180 Lunch
80 Taxi to Parola Port
28 Boat Fare to Guimaras
25 Lanzones
100 Mango
60 Mango Hopia
135 Snacks at Pit Stop
600 Land Tour
350 Dinner

DAY 2
160 Breakfast
940 Raymen Total Bill (Room accommodation for 2 + extra towels + Island Hopping & Snorkeling Rental for 2)
290 Lunch
150 Tricycle to Port
407 Pasalubong Centre
234 Pit Stop
28 Boat to Ortiz Port
80 Taxi to SM
15 Snack
190 Taxi to Tagbac Terminal
650 Van to Kalibo Airport

Total Expenses: 4,702 Pesos

Contact Information

Kuya Charlie: +63946 196 6887
Kuya Gerald: +63908 474 8122 (Alternate Contact – Tricycle/Tour)
Raymen Beach Resort: +63918 520 7271

For a quick link about Guimaras, simply visit http://www.guimaras.gov.ph/tourism/

3D2N Enchanting Isla Gigantes Trip

On the northern coast of Iloilo in the town of Carles a hidden paradise of what we know as Isla Gigantes awaits all curious visitors. White sand beaches, clear blue waters and scallops. It’s not very easy to get here and it will take you a day to get to the island but its all worth the trip. The island was named as such as it was believed that giants once lived on the islands. Stay at least 3 days here to fully enjoy what the island has to offer

To get here you have different options. If you’re flying from Manila it’s best to go to Roxas as it’s only two hours away via Ceres Bus. Regardless of where you’re coming from as long as you reach Estancia Port before 1pm you’re good to go as there’s only 1 passenger boat plying Estancia-Gigantes route. Boat leaves between 1pm-2pm daily and to be sure which boat leaves for Gigantes, ask around.

Tip: Book the earliest flight as much as possible. Take a van to significantly cut your travel time but for a cheaper alternative simply take a bus.

1. From Iloilo (Max of 5 Hours to get to Estancia): Get a cab (around 400 pesos) going to Tagbac Terminal or take the shuttle to SM City Iloilo (50 pesos) then take a jeepney going to Tagbac Terminal. From Tagbac Terminal, take either Ceres Bus/HPQ Buss (4 hours) or UV Express Van (2 hours) going to Estancia. Fare costs around 150 pesos. From Estancia, take a tricycle going to the Port (10 pesos). Ride a boat going to Gigantes (80 pesos).
2. From Roxas (Max of 3 Hours to get to Estancia): Take Ceres Bus (2 hours) going to Estancia. From Estancia, take a tricycle going to the Port (10 pesos). Ride a boat going to Gigantes (80 pesos).
3. From Kalibo (Max of 5 Hours to get to Estancia): I’m not sure if there’s a direct bus or van going to Estancia but you can take Ceres Bus or UV Express Van going to Roxas (2 hours) then to Estancia (2 hours). From Estancia, take a tricycle going to the Port (10 pesos). Ride a boat going to Gigantes (80 pesos).

Tagbac Van Terminal. Further to the right is the Bus Terminal

Estancia Van & Bus Terminal

Estancia Tricycle Terminal in front of Van & Bus Terminal

We checked-out from our hotel at around 8am and took a cab going to Tagbac Central Terminal. Between bus and van, we chose van for a much shorter travel time going to Estancia because they have fewer stops unlike a regular commuter buses. We had to wait though for all other passenger. We left at around 10am and arrived 2 and a half hours after. From the terminal we rode a tricycle going to the port. At the port, we hurriedly run to the nearest shed because of a sudden heavy rainfall. We waited for the rain to stop for like an hour before getting on the boat and lucky enough the sky cleared like it never rained. 

At the port, we were welcomed by Joel Decano who guided us to the boat and introduced us to our guide Joeneber. It was a slow 2-hour boat ride. Instead of just staring blankly on the horizon, we started making friends and met a very nice couple.  Meet Flo and Lea. 🙂

Flo and Lea

Since it was low tide when we arrived at Gigantes Norte, we had to transfer to a raft and balance ourselves while the boatman pushes it to get to the shore. Cool! From afar you can clearly see a mountain like pile of scallop shells along the shore.

Getting ready to ride the raft. You see that mountain of scallop shells over there?

Slowly but surely

On the raft

Along the shores of Brgy Asluman

We then rode a Habal-Habal to get to Gigantes Hideaway Tourist Resort. We had coffee as our welcome drink under the shade of a Talisay tree. My ex-girlfriend and I together with Flo and Lea agreed to follow just one itinerary and go on one boat for our island hopping the next day. Since Joel originally arranged separate boats and guides for us, we agreed for a 2500 pesos boat fee for the island hopping instead of 1800 pesos per couple. That’s 650 pesos saving!

After the arrangement, our guide brought us to our cottage. Here, they have a fix rate of 200 pesos per head per night if you stay in a fan room. They have cottages/rooms for small and big groups. They also have a tree house and cottages facing the sea. The resort has a very wide open space ready for expansion and a mini pool.

Our Room

Mini Pool

Food Hall

Tree House

Main House – AC Rooms are here

Cottages facing the Sea

Coffee Area

Not wasting any time, we asked our guides if there’s any place we could go nearby. They suggested to visit Parola/Lighthouse. We rode a Habal-Habal then trekked for about 5mins to get to Parola. You also have the option to walk. If you’re not afraid of heights, you must go up. This is also a perfect spot to catch the sunrise.

Parola

The Light

Group Pic – Flo was too scared to stand up.

To have a group pic, we sat beside Flo

Back in the resort, they served us the below for dinner. (To give you an idea how much it cost – this is good for 2)

Sizzling Scallop 110.00
2 Sticks of BBQ Scallop 36.00
Fried Fish 40.00
Squid with Chili Sauce 90.00
Grilled Pork Chop 60.00
   Rice 30.00   
Total 366.00

Day 1 Dinner

They really serve a lot so if I were you forgot about your diet. Just let your guide know if you only wish to be served with 1 or 2 viands. You can also ask for coffee, soda or beer and they would only charge you depending on how much it cost at a nearby store. Yes I think there are 2 sari-sari store near the resort where you can buy some stuff like shampoo, soap, toothbrush and even crisps.

During our dinner we learned a lot about Flo and Lea, they were very open and it felt like we know them already for a very long time. We talked about almost anything under the sun. After dinner, instead of going inside our room we decided to take a dip in the mini pool and continued our bonding with the lovely couple. I am not sure but I think we finished past midnight.

The following day we woke up really early to catch the sunrise.

Good Morning Gigantes

Breakfast was served at 7am. They gave us coffee first whilst preparing the table for breakfast. Everything was very organised here and it’s like having your very own PA. Since we requested for a smaller portion they served us light breakfast (still with rice).

Coffee Time

Plated Breakfast

After breakfast we prepped up for our Island Hopping adventure. We started past 9am already because of our amazement with the countless number of scallop shells near the shore.

Shells Shells Shells

Jump Shot

Our first stop was Tangke Lagoon. It was a challenge for most of us to get in because of strong waves making it hard to cross a makeshift bridge from the boat to the lagoon. Going back was another story. I even forgot to wear my slippers which made it even harder for me to walk through the rocks. Inside, it felt like I was in Coron. If you don’t know how to swim, this place is perfect for you as it’s not too shallow nor too deep.

Closing in: Tangke Lagoon

Group Shot @ Tangke Lagoon

Tangke Lagoon

Me & My Wife

Manong Lakwatsero

Tangke Lagoon

Me & My Wife

Flo & Lea

Manong Lakwatsero

Me & My Wife

Our next stop was Cabugao Gamay Island. This is the most famous island here. I think the shape of the island adds up to its charm aside from its powdery white sand and pristine blue waters. Group shots, jump shots, selfie, wide shots, stolen shots. We did all of it here.

Cabugao Island

Jum Shot

Manong Lakwatsero

Jump Shot

Flo & Lea

Cabugao Island

Me & My Wife

Cabugao Island

Manong Lakwatsero

Cabugao Island

Cabugao Island

Cabugao Island

Cabugao Island

Jump Shot

Closing In: Cabugao Island

Cabugao Island

Manong Lakwatsero

To even more enjoy the island, we decided to have our lunch here. We had crabs, stuffed squid and fresh coconut juice. Yum Yum! We even took a short nap under a shade of a tree. Once on the island you wouldn’t want leave. It has a strange charm unlike any other islands. 🙂

Lunch Time at Cabugao Island

Lunch Time at Cabugao Island

Lunch Time at Cabugao Island

Crab & Stuffed Squid

Fresh Buko Juice

Just before we left, we were shocked to hear an explosion-like sound only to find out a fisherman threw a dynamite to catch some fish not very distant to where we were. I hope authorities are doing something to stop this madness. I’m sure they know it.

Our next stop was Bantigue Sand Bar. This served as a playground for us. The strong wind from an incoming rain triggered non-stop waves and made the water warmer. We played like kids jumping on every waves we see. We loved it so much!

Bantigue Sandbar

Playing with the Waves

Playing with the Waves

Bantigue Sandbar

Group Pic at Bantigue Sandbar

Jump Shot at Bantigue Sandbar

Bantigue Sandbar

Playing with the Waves

Bantigue Sandbar

Playing with the Waves

Group Pic at Bantigue Sandbar

Group Pic at Bantigue Sandbar

Our last stop was at Antonia Beach. Whilst on the island, it rained heavily making it impossible for us to swim or snorkel. Instead, we stayed inside the kitchen of the island’s caretaker to have coffee and to eat spicy noodles. We met JayR here, a solo traveler who works in Singapore. After the rain, we immediately went to sea to snorkel and swim.  Just before leaving the island, they sold us 1 sack of wasay-wasay perfect for dinner for just 100 pesos. Nice!

Antonia Beach

Antonia Beach

Antonia Beach

Antonia Beach

Antonia Beach

Antonia Beach

Antonia Beach

Antonia Beach

Wasay-Wasay

Our next trip was supposedly the caves but because of the rain and it’s almost 5pm we decided not to go anymore. There are more than 30 caves in the island so ask your guide and try to explore at least one. Just take extra care and make sure to bring insect repellant.

Back in the resort for dinner, they served us steamed wasay-wasay, fish escabeche and adobong squid. Brrrppp! We were so full after. JayR also joined the feast.

Left to Right: Lea, Flo, JayR, Cleo and myself

For our last night here, we asked our guides to set up a bonfire near the shore. It was lovely!

Kuya Joeneber setting up our Bonfire

The next morning, we packed all our things then had our breakfast.

Breakfast – Day 3

Kuya Joeneber showed us the ancient wood coffin known as “Longon” displayed at the back of the food hall whilst waiting for the details of the amount we need to settle before checkout. In total (3D2N food and accommodation + island hopping for 2) we paid 3,480 pesos.

We were almost ready to leave but then we suddenly felt dizzy and saw the water in the pool spilling over. We heard the staff shouting and couldn’t believe we just experienced an earthquake. It was scary! What if there’s a tsunami?Aftershocks? Where’s the epicenter? What made it worst is that we have no way of checking due to lack of internet and mobile network signal in the island. Thank God we’re safe!

We left still a bit nervous but we had to say goodbye to the nice staff of Gigantes Hideaway Tourist Resort. A trip we will never ever forget. Amazing island indeed. Very accommodating staff, well-mannered guides, endless supply of scallops, fresh seafood and picturesque white sand beach. Life is Good!

JayR, Flo, Lea, Cleo and myself plus our 2 guides. Joeneber – in yellow short.

With a bigger boat this time, it only took us less than 2 hours to get to Estancia port.

Estancia Port

Oh I forgot to mention, Flo and Lea joined us on the next leg of this trip. 4 is better than 2!

Check my next entry about our Guimaras Trip: <————>

You can also check my entry about Iloilo here: Iloilo 2D1N DIY Trip

This is part of our Iloilo 5 Day DIY Trip last October 12 – 17, 2013. See detailed Itinerary and Expenses HERE.

Sample Itinerary

DAY 1
0700 Wake Up Call
0800 Check-out at Chito’s Hotel
0830 ETA at Tagbac Central Terminal via Taxi (150 pesos)
1000 ETD to Estancia via Van (150 pesos/head)
1230 Estancia Transport Terminal
1245 Estancia Port (via Tricycle 10 pesos/head)
1430 ETD Estancia to Brgy Asluman via Boat (80 pesos/head)
1630 ETA Brgy Asluman
1640 ETA Hideaway Resort via Habal-Habal (10 pesos/head)
1700 Check-in (200 pesos/head/night)
1730 Parola (via Habal-Habal 30 pesos/head/way)
1830 Back at Hideway Resort
2000 Dinner Time
2200 Night Swimming (Pool)

DAY 2
0600 Wake Up Call
0700 Breakfast Time
0830 Prep for Island Hopping
0900 Habal-Habal to Boat
0910 Start of Island Hopping (2500 pesos/boat good for 4 with 2 guides)
0940 Tangke
1100 Cabugao Island (20 pesos entrance fee/head)
1200 Lunch at Cabugao Island
1340 Bantigue Sandbar
1430 Antonia Beach (20 pesos entrance fee/head)
1630 Back at Brgy Asluman
1645 Hideaway Tourist Resort
1900 Dinner Time
2100 Bonfire by the Beach
2300 Lights Off

DAY 3
0600 Breakfast
0730 Prep for Check-out (Total Bill: 3480 pesos)
0830 Check-out Time
0845 Boat to Estancia (80 pesos/head)
1030 Back at Estancia Port
1130 Van to Iloilo (150 pesos/head)
1330 ETA Tagbac Central Terminal

Breakdown of Expenses

DAY 1
77 Breakfast
150 Taxi Fare to Tagbak Terminal
300 Van going to Estancia
20 Tricycle Fare to Port
20 Water
160 Boat Fare to Gigantes
20 Habal Habal to Hideaway
120 Habal Habal to Light House

DAY 2
100 2 Buko at Cabugao Island
140 Snacks at Antonia Beach
100 1 Sack of Wasay-Wasay
20 Habal Habal to Hideaway
52 Toiletries

DAY 3
3480 Hideaway Total Bill
600 Tip
20 Habal Habal to Boat
160 Boat Fare to Estancia
40 Water
103 Food
30 Tricycle to Van Terminal
300 Van to Tagbac Terminal

Total Expenses: 6,012.00 Pesos

Tips:

• Mobile networks are not available in the island so forget about checking your facebook or instagram. Forget about calling or texting, just enjoy and have fun.
• Bring a nice camera with you all the time and capture every moment.
• Electricity is only turned on late in the afternoon until 11pm then it switches to power generator. So don’t be surprised if you wake up the following day with no electricity.
• Be sure to arrive at Estancia Port before 1pm-2pm or else you’ll wait for the next trip the next day.
• From Gigantes Norte, boat leaves for Estancia at around 8am so make sure to tell your guides to avoid being left.
• If you wish to stay in an air-conditioned room check with Joel first for availability. During peak season, make sure to book ahead of time to secure a good room. If you own a tent, you can also bring it and set camp inside the resort.
• Guides don’t have a fixed income/salary so give them the tip they deserve. They solely rely on the tip.
• Cooking Charge is up to you as well so if you have any request for lunch or dinner feel free to tell them but don’t expect any vegetable dish as they don’t really have a market to buy vegetables on the island.
• If you sleep late, your guides too. 🙂
• Each cottages have its own toilet and bath.
• If you’re looking to have a massage, they have 2 local masseuse in the area but don’t expect it to be a spa-like experience. Just ask your guides if you’re interested.
• If you are travelling solo and want to spend less, be friendly and join other groups.
• Local water may taste weird for some so better bring your own supply of mineral/distilled water.

Schedule of ferry from/to Isla Gigantes:
Estancia Port to Isla Gigantes : 2pm (80 pesos)
Isla Gigantes Langub port to Estancia: 8:30am (80 pesos)
Carles Bancal Port to Isla: 10am (75pesos)
Isla to Carles Bancal Port : 2pm (75pesos)

From Roxas City you can take bus going to Estancia and alight in Balasan, then take a tricycle going to Carles Port if you want to catch the morning ferry.

Contact Jedden, one of the tour guide and he will assist you. +639468516513

Isla Gigantes Contact Information:

Joel Decano

Proprietor/Tourism Officer

09184685006 / 09155796612

Facebook: Isla Gigantes

Email: isla.gigantes@yahoo.com

Joel Decano is a tourism office who also owns Gigantes Hideaway Tourist Resort. He will arrange everything to make sure you enjoy your stay in Gigantes. If DIY is not your thing, he can also create a package/itinerary for you.

Alternative Contact Information:

If you are not able to reach Joel you may contact the below that was given to me by a friend who visited Gigantes May 2014
Remia Pesta of Arjan Resort at 09199314248 or
Boy Pestaño at 09999918643 and get Glenn as ur guide.

*Arjan Resort is located at Gigantes North and is along the shoreline. They also have boats plying the route of Estancia and Gigantes North. Boat departs between 12 to 1pm. For more information please contact Remia directly.

Iloilo DIY Trip: After 6 Hours of Delayed Flight

Right after work with no sleep but full of excitement we took a cab around 3am to get to NAIA Terminal 4. Heavy rain started to pour as we near the airport. Remaining optimistic, we successfully checked-in at around 4am and waited for our flight scheduled to leave at 6am via Tiger Air. I bought a coffee and watched tv whilst waiting for the boarding time. 5 mins to 6am and yet no announcement of boarding. Few minutes later, flight was moved to 645am due to additional aircraft servicing. I was fine with it but then another announcement came saying 745am instead of 645am. Wow!

8am – no announcement, no nothing. Several people started approaching the one and only Tiger Air staff stationed in the boarding area. No clear picture of what is happening and what is going to happen. As time passes, more and more people were complaining and shouting then the Tiger Air staff left. No one was there to answer questions which made us more pissed off. Even the staff from the paging room started calling for any available Tiger Air personnel. When one finally came they still failed to give a definite departure time for our flight. Bacolod flight was also affected. Flights from other carriers were all leaving as scheduled.

905am – announcement of further delay was all we could hear. Departure was set to 11am this time with no guarantee. What’s going on?!

11am – still not very clear but the staff reassured us that they’ll get us boarded before noon. That’s a total of 6 hours delay. Wtf?! 6 lost hours! Anyway, at around 1130 they started giving out food ration and boarding started 1145. Finally! It was a relief for most of us. This made me think if I will ever fly again via Tiger Air. There’s too much negativity already so I decided to just check our itinerary for the day and stay positive.

We finally landed at Iloilo Airport at 110pm. We took a van going to SM City Iloilo for 50/head. On our way, heavy rain started to pour. At SM, we decided to grab a snack at TEDs hoping for a much favorable weather before heading to our chosen hotel.

Van going to SM City Iloilo

At around 3pm, we checked-in at Chito’s Hotel for 750/night. Tired and sleepy but with no time to waste, we took a cab going to Fort San Pedro. Nothing much to see here but Guimaras Island on the other side. Fort San Pedro is located along San Pedro Drive and is accessible if you take Jaro jeep. This is also close to Plaza Libertad. Cab fare from Chito’s to Fort San Pedro costs 70 pesos.

Chito’s Hotel Entrance

Fort San Pedro

We then took a Jaro jeepney that passes by along Bonifacio Drive to get to Museo Iloilo. Fare costs 7 pesos. Admission Fee is 50 pesos for adults and 20 pesos for students. They are open Monday-Saturday 9am to 5pm only.

Museo Iloilo

We got stuck near the museum because of the rain. Oh well! Finally when the rain stopped we found our way to the nearest Biscocho Haus for a quick bite located near the rotunda in front of the provincial capitol. It was almost night-time but we decided to just walk along Calle Real. This is more of like the “Escolta” of Iloilo City. Commercial establishments are here as well as the residences of the ilonggo elite. Before getting a jeepney to SM City Iloilo we bought Lanzones and Rambutan.

Biscocho Haus

Rotunda

Calle Real

Super Sweet Lanzones

At SM, we decided to watch an Indie Film titled Alagwa before heading to Promenade for dinner. It was a film about not losing hope despite all odds. It also tackles issues about child trafficking. An interesting film to watch.

Alagwa

Promenade is located along Iloilo Riverside Boardwalk. This area is now closed to vehicular traffic and was recently beautified with cobble-stone laden road perfect for jogging and biking. To get here from SM, just take any jeepney.

Riverside Boardwalk

At promenade, we had dinner at Punot. We ordered baked clams and a fish dish (sorry I forgot what it is called). The food was great! Highly recommended if you visit Iloilo.

Baked Clams

At Punot

After dinner we went back to our hotel for a much-needed rest.

This is part of our Iloilo 5 Day DIY Trip last October 12 – 17, 2013. See full Itinerary and Expenses HERE.

NOTES

Chito’s Hotel
Phone: (033)3376135 or (033)3377929
Email: chitoshotel@ymail.com
Web: http://chitoshotel.netfirms.com

*Jeepney Minimum Fare: 7 pesos

Other places you can visit here:

Jaro Cathedral – Church of St Elizabeth of Hungary. This was built in 1864. Just take a Jaro Jeepney to get here.

Molo Church – located within the plaza area of Molo district. Very accessible if you take cab from anywhere in Iloilo. By Jeepney, just take one with Molo signboard near Robinson Mall. You can also take Villa/Arevalo to get here.

Guimbal Church – One of the oldest in the Philippines. Just take a Guimbal Jeepney to get here.

Miagao Church – a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Iloilo. This is 30 to 45 minutes away from Iloilo City Proper. One can take a Miagao jeepney from Mohon terminal in Molo district or from Iloilo Terminal Market known as Super in downtown Iloilo.

An Island “Nearer” & “Better” than BORACAY?!

Interesting read…

This will definitely be on my list!

Why Better?!?

• Has its own Airport
• Bigger than Boracay. It has 1600 hectares to 1024 hectares of Boracay.
• Boracay has one beach. Calicoan has two, one facing Pacific Ocean and the other facing Leyte Gulf
• More here.. An island nearer and better than Boracay.

Calicoan Island

Guiuan