Gigantes, the Island of Scallops

Scallops galore! If you’re craving for this delicious and addictive delicacy, then this is the place to go. Located at the northern most part of Iloilo, though geographically closer to Roxas City, Gigantes is known for its abundant supply of fresh scallops! You could literally see mountains of scallops along the road and tiles of them scattered along the shoreline. They don’t culture them, they’re just naturally growing like crazy!

Not only does your tummy feel at home with these scallops, but you could also tour around the surrounding islands of Carles. So enough small talk and let’s get out and fill our tummies by rediscovering Gigantes!

How to Get Here

1. Take a flight to Roxas city airport
2. Take a trike ride to Pueblo terminal (200php)
3. Ride a bus or van to Estancia terminal (van cost 75php each with plus 20php if you have baggages)
4. Take another trike ride to Estancia Port (60php special, 10php each ordinary)
5. Either take public passenger boat (80php ea) to Gigantes that only has 1 trip departing at 1pm, or take a private boat which will cost a lot higher (usually comes with the tour) but in some cases you really have no choice if you did not catch the passenger boat. In my opinion, let the locals take the passenger boat, it’s actually their only way going there and they could not afford taking a private boat. There is only 1 trip going to that island and you don’t want them to be stranded on the port just because a lot of tourist are competing for their ride right? (IMO). If you have contacts already in your desired resorts then the better. If not, you could just look for friendly boatment around the area.

Where to Stay

There are two options of accommodation here at Gigantes. Either checking-in on a room or just visiting an island and put up a tent for a night. If you’re concerned on electricity (daytime only), better check-in on a resort at Gigantes North since the island of Gigantes South does not have power yet (but they do have generators depending on the resort).

We stayed in Hideaway Resort, probably the most popular on Gigantes North, I could say it’s not one of the 3-5 star hotels picky travelers are accustomed to, but I simply don’t care, service is great and your tours (and FOOD!) are all good to go! You could also try renting rooms on the island if you don’t want to stay on this resort. Nothing is the right choice as long as you enjoy your stay.

If you plan on setting up a tent on an island, you could talk to boatmen here and rent them for the night. But if you want to have a tent and camping setup without the hassle, try visiting Las Islas Travel and Tour’s facebook page here.

Keep in mind…

Do not expect a 5-star hotel to stay in. Note that this is a locality where even cellular phones aren’t much use but for gaming. Electricity and water is also limited in the area. Though even if some hotels offer luxuries like aircon rooms and the like, better expect the least. People here give you the best of what they have, so show some respect :). But honestly, if you’re not a picky traveler – it really shouldn’t matter, because this place is amazing!

Also bring anti mosquito lotions, and medicine/reliever for motion sickness if you have one (waves are really strong here). Sari-sari stores are available on the island as well – but it’s recommended that you buy your bottled water before departing here especially if you have sensitive a stomach.