Exploring Gigantes Islands and Iloilo City

Islas de Gigantes, Carles

Trip to the Philippines flying Turkish Airlines Business Class

Video on YouTube

After spending a night in Bacolod, we took a ferry to Iloilo (Ocean Jet for about 600 Pesos) and then took a taxi to Carles (for 3500 Pesos) where we spent two nights at the beautiful Solina Beach Resort. We had an amazing time there especially during our Islas de Gigantes island-hopping tour, which pretty much reminded us of the island of Boracay with its beautiful white sand beach (which lies on the other side of the Island of Panay). Below are some of the photos from our day tour.

A stay at Solina Beach Resort with breakfast was very reasonable for 712 SEK per night.

Islas de Gigantes Island Hopping Tour

Price: 999 Pesos per person

Departs from: Bancal Port

Our boat (Mark 1) had about 18 passengers including some kids and a wonderful crew of 4 people. As our guide explained, the island looks like a man lying (composed of North Island and South Island).

Our boat and crew

Our first stop was at Bantigue Sand Bar although it was slowly getting high tide so we did not stay that much.

Antonia Beach where the rock formation looks like tail of a crocodile!

Antonia Beach

Lantangan Beach where we had a feast! Our lunch menu included scallops, crabs, fish, prawn, rice, and chicken.

Seafood lunch at Lantangan Beach

Cabugao Gamay is the most photographed of all the Gigantes Islands

Cabugao Gamay

We also made a stop at a lagoon although Mike and I stayed on the boat as both of us were not feeling really well. Overall, this a trip that everyone must do when in Carles.

Exploring Iloilo

We took a shared van from Balasan Bus Station to Tagbak Bus Station in Jaro (250 Pesos per person) and from there a taxi to Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo. We had a quick lunch and afterwards decided to visit the top attractions in the city. Below are some of the photos from our tour.

Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral (National Shrine of Nuestra Señora de La Candelaria)