Cabugao Gamay -- The Icon of Isla de Gigantes

cabugao gamay -- the icon of isla de gigantes

Carles, Iloilo

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Bird's eye view of Cabugao Gamay from the view deck

Being the icon of Isla de Gigantes, Cabugao Gamay is probably the most photographed island in Gigantes Sur. Upon reaching the island, you will immediately notice its unique shape, its powdery white sand and the healthy coconut trees lined up against the blue skies.

a uniquely-shaped island

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Unlike other islands I've seen in various trips to beaches, islands in Gigantes have a unique shape. Cabugao Gamay looks like two islands -- one bigger than the other -- separated by a sandbar in the middle. Antonia Beach has a very similar shape but larger. Unlike Antonia Beach, both sides of Cabugao Gamay are good spots to swim in, with one facing the sunrise and another one facing the sunset.

the view deck

In one of the two boulders of earth/rocks is the view deck, where tourists can appreciate the island from a bird's eye view. It takes about a minute to two to get to the top -- a very easy climb. It's even easier to climb now that wooden railings and several wooden floorings have been set-up for tourists. The view deck is quite small and based on my estimate, it can only accommodate up to 10 people at a time. There's also only one spot where you can take photos so you'll have to wait for other tourists to finish having their photos taken.

Tourists on their way up the view deck

the view

Even without finishing the climb all the way up to the top, the view remains magnificent -- the powdery sand made unbelievably white by the noontime sun, the greeneries blending with the blue sky and blue green waters, and the boats accentuating the shore. Although we were not there during sunrise nor sundown, I would expect that it will be even more picturesque during these times of the day.

Notes:

Here are some important notes before you visit the island:

Don't be afraid to climb to the view deck. The view is spectacular from high up.
Bring a good set of footwear. You'll be climbing over limestone rocks so better if you have a sturdy set of slippers or booties.
Don't forget to bring your shades or hats and wear sunblock.
Bring your underwater camera if you are planning to swim around the island. The water is so clear and can be a perfect spot for an underwater selfie.
This is a secluded and almost uninhabited part of Cabugao Gamay so don't expect to do anything but laze, lounge, loiter, swim, snorkel, relax, daydream and reflect. If you are the kind of person who cannot stand doing nothing, better bring some good books to read, board games or playing cards.

damage/expenses*

All-in-all, I spent less than P2,000 for the trip to Isla de Gigantes.

L300 from Roxas City to Estancia Terminal: P75*
Tricycle to Estancia Port: P40* (Special)
Gigantes Experience Tour: P1,600** per pax (inclusive of tent rental, food, island hopping, boat ride from Estancia port to Gigantes Sur, etc.)

* As of March 2015 -- prices may change without prior notice
** The rate will depend on number of pax and services included. Please inquire through their Facebook page.

where to stay in gigantes:

Our group tour includes one night stay in a tent in Antonia Beach. After spending the night in a tent with a sunset view, being served sumptuous seafood caught from around the island and enjoying the company of new friends by the moonlit beach, there is definitely nothing I could complain about. :)

Alternatively, here is a list of resorts that you could stay in in Gigantes Norte.

accommodations in gigantes norte

If you are looking for resorts in Roxas City or Iloilo City, please use the box below.

how to get to isla de gigantes:

First, you need to go to Estancia port. If you are flying from somewhere outside Panay Island, there are several gateways to Estancia: one is via Roxas City and the other one is via Iloilo City. Roxas City is only about 2 hours to Estancia while Iloilo City will take about 3-4 hours.

From Roxas City: Ride Estancia-bound Ceres bus or L300 from the Roxas terminal. The trip will end only at the Estancia bus terminal so you'll need to ride a tricycle going to Estancia port.

From Iloilo City: From Iloilo City, go to Tagbak Terminal in Jaro District and ride a bus/van to Estancia. Again, trip will end at the Estancia bus terminal so you'll need to ride a tricycle going to Estancia port.

From Estancia Port: Estancia Port is the most popular jump off point going to Gigantes Norte or Sur. From the port, you will need to ride a passenger boat which travels to Gigantes once at 2PM daily. The same boat goes back to Estancia port once daily, too, at 9AM. You can also opt to hire a private boat at a more expensive price.

key contact

Our trip was made possible by The Gigantes Experience, which you could contact through their official Facebook page.

other destinations in gigantes:

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