This island is located on the northern east part of panay island. The island has been popular because of its beuty. For the foodies it is a must visit because of their boomerang shells. Or localy called as "wasay wasay". Aside for the internationally exported scallops. It is the scallops capital of the Philippines. The shell is accepted by the European standards.
The easiest and most accessible jump off for an island hopping or public transport to the island is thru Estancia port. You can either hire the whole banka or hop the boat that travel passenger and products to isla gigantes. The price of the whole boat for the hopping start from Php 4000 to Php 10,000. The cheapest can accommodate up to 6 and the larger once can carry up to 20 pax. The hired boat will at your service the whole day.
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| Estancia Port |
The island has different beautiful destinations. The usual time tourist travel to the island is around 7am. After you have your breakfast hop on the boat for a 2 hours boat ride to the 1st stop. In the morning water is calm, the bankero suggests that we go straight to the "tanke" lagoon. During summer time the lagoon has low level of water. According to the "bantay dagat", it is nice to visit the lagoon during rainy season were waves are bigger and harsh.
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| Tangke Lagoon |
South east of the lagoon is Cabugao island. This island is own by a private citizen, it has an entrance fee of Php50. The main attraction of this island is to climb the other end of the island. Overlooking Bantigue island and Cabugao grande. The island staff cooks for a fee from fishes and shell that is only found in the island.
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| Cabugao Island |
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| Cabugao Island From the Top |
Next on the list is Bulubadiang island. It is near the Isla Gigantes Norte. The island is develop as an extension of Hide away resort from Isla Gigantes Norte. This is the farthest destination of the island hopping. It is were tourist have a lunch and enjoy the water. The resort also offer cooking services for a fee. The place has their own stock of food to be cooked.
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| Bulubadiang Island Hut |
On the next stop we visited Antonia Beach. This island is connected to Isla Gigantes sur. according to the owner, this part of the island has a cave. They use it as a shelter when "bagyong Yolanda" hit this part of the island.
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| Antonia Beach |
A sandbar near Isla Gigantes Sur can be found named as Bantigue sandbar. Connected to the sandbar is Bantigue Island. Locals usually visit this sandbar to unwind. This island has no entrance fee. Residents also sell food for visitors.
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| Bantigue Sandbar. |
Years from now many tourist will witness the beauty of Northern Iloilo. Services for visitors are emerging and getting better.
