Experience Islas de Gigantes on a full-day island tour in Carles with seafood lunch

Among the hidden gems of Iloilo is Antonia Beach located in Isla de Gigantes Sur, Carles. Most tourists, even some locals, are unaware that Iloilo Province is blessed with white sand beaches sprinkled across its northern coasts. Jutting out from the eastern side of Gigantes Sur, the stunning white sandbar of Antonia seemingly forms a small cape. At the tip is an interesting elongated rock formation, which serves as a natural wave breaker. Visitors to Antonia are rewarded by the paradise-like white sand beach and inviting emerald green waters, perfect for swimming.

Exploring Bakwitan Cave in Gigantes Island North is one of the itineraries in the land tour offered by the locals. It is not sure how far they date back but this cave has traditionally been sanctuary to the locals against the onslaught of devastating typhoons or to ward off against pirate attacks even before Spanish rule.

Bantigue Island is located in Carles. Bantique is famous for its long sandbar, crystalline waters and colorful corals.

Cabugao (locally known as Cabugao Gamay and sometimes called Cabugao Daku or Cabugao Islet) is a small, uninhabited island in northeastern Iloilo, Philippines. It is one of fourteen islands politically administered by the municipality of Carles. Along with Bantigui Island and Antonia Island, it is one of three minor southern islets in the Islas de Gigantes archipelago. Cabugao is a small island northeast of the Panay Island coast in the Visayan Sea.

Carles, officially the Municipality of Carles, is a 2nd class municipality in the province of Iloilo, Philippines. According to the 2015 census, it has a population of 68,160 people. Carles is the northernmost municipality in the province and is 142 kilometres (88 mi) from the provincial capital, Iloilo City, 71 kilometres (44 mi) from Roxas City, and 141 kilometres (88 mi) from Kalibo. Located on Panay island, it is known for its rich fishing grounds.

Islas de Gigantes (variously Islas Gigantes, Higantes group, or Gigantes group) is an island chain within the larger Western Visayas archipelago in the Visayan Sea. It is part of the municipality of Carles, Iloilo, Philippines, and the northernmost part of Iloilo province. The Gigantes islands consist of about ten islands; the two largest are Gigantes Norte (North Gigantes) and Gigantes Sur (South Gigantes). According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 12,224. There is also a lighthouse on Gigantes Norte.

Pawikan Cave is a must-see attraction whenever visiting Isla de Gigantes Sur in Carles, Iloilo. Upon entering the mouth of the cave, visitors are greeted with a huge entrance chamber and the sight of spectacular rock formations. There are numerous cave chambers further inside the cave that are aptly lit by atriums (or openings) at the cave ceiling. The unique subterranean views evoke an other-worldly feeling. A talk with the local guides would reveal how their elders would often tell them not to go inside as not to disturb the “spirits” living in Pawikan Cave.

Tangke salt water lagoon is definitely one of the main tourist attractions of Isla de Gigantes in Carles, Iloilo. Tangke is a natural saltwater pool located in a hidden spot behind the steep cliffs of Isla de Gigantes Sur in Carles, Iloilo. Travelers and locals of Carles visit tangke to swim in its refreshing shallow waters and gaze at the beautiful rock formations. Many myths surround this interesting natural attraction. One such story says that during the feast of Saint John the Bapist (San Juan de Bautista) on June 24, the water level inside tangke would magically rise significantly. Locals also warn visitors not to make too much commotion and noise in tangke as this would disturb the enkantos, or enchanted beings, which could cast nasty curses to those who upset them.