Well, at least that's what I felt when I finally went to the Islands of the Giants or Islas de Gigantes, Carles located in the northernmost part of Iloilo.
Legend has it that the islands were named as such because they looked like sleeping giants.It was actually a joy looking at the contours of the islands and pinpoint where the face of the "giant" is.
Anyway, there was always that plan to go to Gigantes but it never materialized until that one fateful day when Wewin's basketball team, Sara Warriors, won the championship in a basketball tournament sponsored by Mayor Ike Patricio of Pilar, Capiz. The team owners, who included the Vice Mayor of Sara, Wangyu Salcedo, and Atty. Balsomo, invited all the basketball players for a free, all-expense paid vacation to Gigantes! It was a three-day, 2-night vacation but since I came from a team building in Adhara Hotel in Anhawan, Oton, Iloilo on the scheduled first day, we arrived on the second day and stayed there overnight. Notwithstanding, definitely no regrets!
Getting there from Iloilo City
My husband and I, together with our sleeping 3-year-old son, left La Paz, Iloilo City at 4:30 AM via private transportation. We arrived at the Port of Estancia around 6:30 AM and it was such a sight (and smell!) to see all kinds of fish being hauled and ready for delivery to all the wet markets. We were going to be picked up by a private boat owned by our host. When our boat arrived, they had to re-stock some supplies needed in the island first so we had to wait until around 9:00 AM before we finally departed. We parked our car in one of the vacant parking lots within the port after our boatman asked permission from the security guard. I don't know about entrance fees and permits because everything was already arranged for us but I noted that there was a passenger terminal that apparently looked like a ticket booth but when we went there to inquire, it was a sari-sari store! We were advised that the terminal opens at 9:00 AM.
From the Port of Estancia to Rosewood Resort, Brgy. Granada, Gigantes Norte, Carles
It took us approximately an hour and a half to our resort owned by the family of the Vice Mayor of Sara. After getting on that trip, I realized that truly the best time to go there is during April-May. If it's rainy, it's going to be a rough trip and either you will get to your destination in two hours or you won't be allowed to cross the islands anymore. The trip going to Gigantes actually reminded me of my previous trip to Puerto Princesa Underground River from Sabang. If it were not for the calm water, I would probably have fainted!
(Anyway, if you are a mother and curious as to how I managed my son during this time, he actually slept the entire time! Although I was disappointed that he failed to witness seeing the marvelous sights of the many islands on our way to our resort, I was quite thankful that I was given that quiet time to be in awe by nature.)
Rosewood Resort
Our resort is a quaint one managed by a family so it had a homey atmosphere. The accommodations reminded me of the old Boracay of the 80s - charming. At some point in our preparation for the trip, I was actually tempted to bring a rechargeable fan because I heard there's no electricity at night but we were advised that we will be staying at an air-conditioned room. Further inquiry actually informed us that there was a standby generator.
Food served was all produce of the islands - fish, crabs, and wasay-wasay (ax-shaped oysters).
Jetski and Banana Boat!
After settling in our room and lunch, we prepared for our afternoon activity: jetski and banana boat at Antonia Island. The great thing about our host is that they actually manage the outdoor activities in the islands so...we had unlimited jetskiing and banana boat riding! (I only tried the jet ski, though. Traumatic experience in Boracay riding the banana boat!)
Swimming, Spelunking, and Playing!
For my son, who shuns the beaches of Iloilo City because according to him it looks like flood, the moment he saw the waters of Antonia Island, he was spellbound! The clear waters must have reminded him of the swimming pools of inland resorts and he really enjoyed it and truly basked under the sun. He was also attracted to the different limestone formations in the island that before we knew it, he was already climbing big rocks! He was also wanted to enter the cave but they retreated because the ladder going there was quite steep for Wewin to handle him well. Of course, when he got tired of the water, there was always the sand and the shells to play with!
Sunset at Gigantes
My description of this moment? Just sit still, be quiet, and be thankful for the beauty that lies before you.
We went home just in time to catch the sunset while we were still on the boat. Amazing.
We had a long day and Trey and I eventually slept early but Wewin spent time with his teammates doing the videoke and drinking. Well, island bliss, they call it! ;)
Sunrise at Gigantes
I was up early but I missed the sunrise. But I still experienced the stillness of the morning where only the sound of the birds and the rolling of waves can be heard. And the occasional whirring sound of the motorboats. Peace. It was drizzling and there were overcast skies and at some point I was thinking whether we would be allowed to cross the islands should the rains pour. And, I actually thought to myself that I wouldn't really mind staying there for another night!:)
Cabugao Gamay and Tangke
We had a last-minute expedition to popular sites around the islands before we headed back to the Estancia port.
Have you seen that ubiquitous photo of Islas de Gigantes posted all over Facebook and other social media sites that heralds that you've actually been to the islands? Well, that's in Cabugao Gamay. Wewin wouldn't really pass it because according to him you haven't been to Islas if you haven't been there. So, he trekked up for that desired photo op while Trey and I just cheered him on from below, especially when he took selfies! Mind you, there was an entrance fee when you get there!
Just before we headed back to the port of Estancia, we passed by Tangke. It's a beautiful natural pool inside a cave! I took a dip and if you stay afloat and look at the wonderful stone formations around you, you will just wish you can stay there forever. (But everything beautiful will be marred by the chaos that awaits you outside because all the other tourists were scrambling to get in and there was no proper "parking" of boats outside the area.)
Estancia
Before we knew it. we were already at the port of Estancia. The team's vacation didn't end there. We were still billeted at the Paon Beach Club of Estancia where we had our lunch. Service was very slow but the view was quite spectacular.
Finally, Wewin and I made our last stop at the Estancia public market where he bought dried fish and squid rings for pasalubong.
And all's well that ends well. It was such a great end to a summer and an exciting herald to another school year!
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