I am among the many who dream of travelling abroad to sight see, to get away from traffic, to breathe cold (sometimes freezing) air and to learn new cultures.
But a trip to Islas De Gigantes got me short.
A long weekend trip made me realize that paradise is found where I am. The Philippines.
We are a group of four composed of two couples. Our trip to Islas De Gigantes fell on a long weekend (Chinese New Year 2018). Although, February is a month nearing the summer season, I suggest you visit on the months of March to May.
Getting There
Going to the island (Islas) takes a half day trip.
We flew from Manila to Roxas via Cebu Pacific at around 4:25am. The plane lasted for around 45 mins.
Once there, we took a tricycle worth Php 50 (everything’s so cheap in the province) to the bus terminal. Commute in Roxas is only through tricycles, no cabs or Grab or Uber exist!
From the bus terminal, we travelled to Estancia port (Php 85 or less than a hundred per head). Once at the port, you had to pay for environment fee which is around Php 75 and Php 80 for the boat ride. The ride to the island via passenger boat lasts for 1.5hrs.
Once in the island, people assist you to whichever resort you booked. Take note: the only means of transport in Islas De Gigantes is by Habal Habal (motorcycle only). It costs around Php 10 per ride.
For those who want a quick getaway from the city, Islas De Gigantes have everything you need — no signal, no data, no wifi. Perfect!
Accommodation and Travel Rates
We stayed in Se San Resort — the ONLY resort I recommend. It has a beach front, a pavilion (with karaoke!), GREAT FOOD, more than 3 hammocks and is located at the back side of the island.
Since the island is isolated, electricity for AC usage is from 3pm to 6am only. No worries, for the time being in Islas De Gigantes, these hours are the hours where you are most probably enjoying the Island’s features.
In Se San Resort, their tour package for 4 pax is around Php 2,000. Inclusions: insurance per head, private boat, tour guide, habal habal and food!
Breakfast costs around Php 150/head and Php 200/head for lunch and dinner served with UNLIMITED RICE.
Food is amazingly delicious. Since you are living in an island, their menu consists of only seafood. But surprisingly, Islas De Gigantes’ specialty is — scallops!
They bake, grill, fry and cook sinigang scallops to serve to guests!
Touring Islas De Gigantes
I recommend travellers to take a 3 days, 2 nights tour if rest and more appreciation for nature is the ultimate goal.
After lunch on the first day, we went to Islas Lighthouse. A view of the vast blue sea.
After the Lighthouse, we took the habal habal to the place where sunsets are the main attraction. We got to swim until the sun disappeared to give way to the night.
Day two was all about Island Hopping. But first! We went caving!
A once cemetery of our ancestors, Bakwitan Cave served as an evacuation center during typhoon Yolanda for the residents.
Fun fact: bones were discovered by scientists which led to the conclusion that the inhabitants buried in Bakwitan Cave were 9 to 12 feet tall!
Now down to the main attraction — Island Hopping!
Sand Bar Island
Cabugao Island
Tangke Lagoon
Antonio Island
End of day two.
Day three consists of a half day trip back to Roxas City. Once there, you get to enjoy its food, explore its plaza, museum and many more.
First stop was to eat lunch at Cafe Terraza. For first timers, try their best sellers: Seafood Kare-Kare, Sizzling Bangus and Shrimp with Aligue sauce!
Then we went to Manuel Roxas Museum (free entrance!) and toured a bit in Roxas Plaza.
And since our trip fell on a Sunday, we had mass around 6:00pm in Roxas Cathedral or Immaculate Conception Cathedral.
Mass schedules:
Weekdays: 5:30am, 6:00am, 6:30am, 7:00am, 7:30am, 8:00am, 5:30pm (no masses on Saturdays)
Sundays: 5:00am, 6:00am, 7:30am, 9:00am, 10:00am, 3:00pm, 4:30pm, 6:00pm and 7:00pm
It is very convenient if your itinerary includes an overnight stay in Roxas so that you don’t have to rush from Islas De Gigantes straight to the airport to catch your flight.
We stayed at Roxas Midtown Hotel which is a 5 minute walk from the plaza, the church and the museum. For only Php 650/night (Agoda price), the 4 of us enjoyed an air-conditioned room with TV, free wifi access and free breakfast for two. I recommend this hotel to families, backpackers, couples and group of friends.
Last but not the least… Pasalubong! Roxas is known to have delicious butterscotch, Biscocho, Pinasugbo and Piaya. All these can be bought in Bong-Bong’s or Panulce!
There you have it.
It’s DEFINITELY more fun in the Philippines!
“Thalia”
Thalia Travels 