Top Things to do in Carles
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What to do and see in Carles, Philippines: The Best Places and Tips
Discover the best top things to do in Carles, Philippines including Isla de Gigantes, Cabugao Gamay Island, Gigante Island, Antonia Beach, Bantigue Island, Sicogon Island, Tangke Saltwater Lagoon, Pulupandan Island, Pawikan Cave, Helema Island Resort in isla gigantes.
Restaurants in Carles
1. Isla de Gigantes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 138 reviews
Isla Gigantes is one of the hottest and best tropical tourist attractions in the Philippines today. Composed of 13 islands--8 of which are lined with pristine white sandy beaches--Isla Gigantes has more to offer than just swimming in its crystal clear turquoise waters. There are dozens of caves to discover, virgin remote Beaches, a saltwater lagoon, and fantastic snorkeling areas.
Reviewed By CzarEmmanuel - Manila, Philippines
Aside from old churches and colonial houses or mansions, Iloilo Province can also brag about its Islands and seas. One case in point is a group of Islands in the municipality of Carles collectively called "Islas de Gigantes" (literally "Giants' Islands") or Gigantes Islands, which one can reach on an outrigger boat after approximately an hour and a half ride from the port of Carles or Estancia.
The best way to visit the Islands would be to stay overnight in one of the accommodations which you can find both on Gigantes Norte and Gigantes Sur. From there, rent a boat that can take you to the best tourist destinations in the area, namely, the famous Cabugao Gamay Island, Bantigue Island's shifting sandbar, Antonia Island, and the Tangke Hidden Lagoon (just to name a few). Cabugao Gamay and Antonia Islands have fine white sand and are ideal for swimming. The Tangke Hidden Lagoon, on the other hand, is a natural lake that gets filled with water only during high tide. Boats take turns in bringing guests to it since it is usually crowded most of the time.
Aside from island hopping, you can also enjoy scallops on Gigantes Islands, which are really cheap and fresh. Try the so-called "wasay-wasay" -- an ax-shaped oyster common to the place. One drawback involved here is the lack of proper disposal of the scallop shells. The local inhabitants of the island usually just throw them on the beach, thus attracting swarms of flies to the place!
2. Cabugao Gamay Island
Overall Ratings
5 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By aogappe - Imus, Philippines
This was the island where we spent plenty of time taking pictures of the surrounding Islands and the island itself. The most picturesque among the Islands of gigantes. It is best to take selfie pictures on top of the hill. The view is stunning!
3. Gigante Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By Clinton G - Napier, New Zealand
went there with 4 others. Yes the island is only tiny, but to relax is great. other than swimming and a climb to the top nothing else is there. But we went island hopping which was great and varied. The food on the island stunning. Never in my wildest dreams did I expect them to have potatoes and they did WOW/ I guess about 10 guests and similar staff. Staff very helpful. power is on between 6pm and 6am but that did not stop them from having a cold beer. 2 stayed 2 nights
4. Antonia Beach
Overall Ratings
4 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By Belle P - Los Angeles, California
Antonia Island is one of the famous islets in Gigantes because of its pristine beauty: white powdery sand, crystal clear Emerald green waters, and magnificent rock formations. It is also one of the best sites for snorkeling.
At the tip of the island is an interesting rock formation that I think looks like an alligator. This seems to serve as a natural wave breaker since I noticed that the other side of the island facing the open sea had really strong waves and the side behind this huge rock formation is fairly calm.
This was our last stop and also our stop for late lunch… so after we ate, we just checked out the waters a little bit then we had to leave (no more time for swimming or snorkeling as it was getting late… still had 2 hours boatride back to the resort. ). There are watercrafts for rent like a banana boat and jetski. (Jet Ski rental is PhP 3000/ US$ 60 per hour and banana boat is about PhP200/ US$ 4 per person)
Some travellers stay here overnight but since it doesn’t have a resort they just set up camp. There are tents lined up along the beach and there’s a small store where you can buy beverages and some fresh and affordable seafood like scallops, crabs and wasay-wasay. (Environmental fee to get in is PhP 50/ US$ 1).
5. Bantigue Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By hizonfire - Luzon, Philippines
Islas de Gigantes tour group stop here to have lunch. It's a government owned island so no admission fees. You'll get charged for table rental though (50 pesos) if it's not included in your tour package. The community that lives here offers a thriving business that sells and cooks seafood to tourists. They offer scallops for 1 peso each but you have to buy P100 worth as minimum which is not a problem because you will consume it quickly especially when doused with sinamak (provided with the tables). They also offer Wasay-wasay, a relative of the oyster but with an axe-shaped shell, among other edible sea creatures. Drinks and rice are also available.
After eating, you can walk around and explore how far the shallows of the long sand bar goes.
6. Sicogon Island
Overall Ratings
4 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By JEAN G - Bacolod, Philippines
As a continuation of our day trip, we made a stop at Sicogon Island - not much to see there. We tried snorkeling on the island facing the main island and there were a few fishes, lots of rocks but the water was clear. In Sicogon island itself, the water was a little murky along the shoreline. There were a few tents for people who were camping there overnight but it is not a good snorkeling are, nor is the water inviting to have a dip in. Ayala Land is in the process of developing the island but the project won't be completed until 2018 - don't get excited yet.
7. Tangke Saltwater Lagoon
Overall Ratings
4 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By Victorianlad - Melbourne, Australia
To reach this attraction one's bangka moors at rocks which you then scramble over with the help of your guide if on a half day tour as part of a Gigantes Hideaway Resort package, although the other four less promoted establishments on Isla de Gigantes Norte (Scallop Front Resort, Las Marias Resort and on the other side, Arjan Resort, Rosewood Resort and Ray John Resort) may also offer this.
We saw the lagoon at low tide. It made for excellent photos. There are flat spots on the rocks to minimise the difficulty of scrambling. My legs did not turn to jelly even though like many I suffer from vertigo. The water was a lovely turquoise.
8. Pulupandan Island
Overall Ratings
4 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By friendnikim - Cagayan de Oro, Philippines
Pulupandan has only one coconut tree as the only living plant in the island. The sand is very white and the water is very clear. The is a good resting place for the visitors and the fishermen.
9. Pawikan Cave
Overall Ratings
5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By iOpenerMD - Zamboanga City, Philippines
I thought it would be easy exploring this cave, but it's not, the first half of the spelunking is not that challenging, it starts the moment when the tour guide ask you to crawl to that small opening, and they will ask you if you are willing to continue, you should answer YES because it is the start of your adventure and there will be no turning back. At the exit, a breathtaking view is waiting. I will not describe more, it is for you to explore.
