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Antonia Beach: 7 Reasons Why Camping Here Would Be a Great IdeaCarles, Iloilo
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I don't usually camp out in beaches but doing so in Antonia Beach in Isla de Gigantes was a worthwhile experience. Camping in the island was not as difficult as it seemed. Here are a few reasons why camping out in Antonia Beach will give you an unforgettable vacation:
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Freshly prepared lunch in Antonia Beach usually includes squids, crabs, oysters, scallops and my personal favorite, wasay-wasay. Wasay-wasay looks similar to an oyster but has a different color and shape. It is literally translated as ax-ax because of its resemblance to an ax and because its shell is very sharp. That's why fishermen who gather wasay-wasay have to be experienced and very careful when handling such seafood. |
These seafoods are usually gathered from around the island or from nearby islands. Wasay-wasay comes from another island, transported to Antonia Beach and thrown back to the sea to retain its freshness. Once guests come in and lunch has to be prepared, they gather the wasay-wasay again (usually bundled in nets) to be steamed. Since we camped in Antonia Beach, we had the luxury to eat these seafoods all day long -- for breakfast, lunch and dinner! |
Most of you would probably think that camping meant being cramped in a small tent with 2 or 3 people with all your bags using up valuable space. The tents in Antonia Beach are surprisingly spacious. It's so spacious, you can set up a pabahay showcase inside. Haha! The tents come in different sizes but the biggest ones can fit 5-6 people comfortably, with enough spaces for your big backpacks. The tent also has an ample headroom so guests can stand up inside the tent. Since the tents are set up along the beach, it gives you a spectacular view of the sea and of the nearby Bantigue sandbar. It also almost faces the west so it also gives you a good view of the sunset at late afternoon. One setback though -- there is only 1 bathroom and 1 toilet so you'll have to line up. Fresh bathing water is also available at P25 to P35 per gallon. |
Antonia Beach is not only a haven of white powdery sand usually ideal for swimming. A few steps away from the sandy part of the beach are coral reefs rich in marine life. All you need is a set of snorkelling gears, a pair of fins and you're good to go. If you do not have a snorkelling gear, you can rent a set for only P50 from the only sari-sari store near the shore. The best coral reefs are located near the rocky end of Antonia Beach (see photo in upper left if using desktop browser). You can ask the locals to direct you to that area. You don't need a guide because it is generally shallow but if you are not comfortable, better ask your boatman for a life vest, which are usually provided for free as part of your island hopping tour. Since the corals are found in shallow waters, make sure you don't step on them. There are lots of fishes living in these corals and you better not ruin their homes. |
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