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Local folklore shares that giants once roamed the islands. Located on the northeast side of Panay, this group of islands is a popular beach destination in the province of Iloilo. Hopping around its islands for a day will give the thrill of enjoying the beauty of white sand beach spots while extending a hand to the community-led tourism project of Islas de Gigantes.  Getting a little sun and sea on the islands of Islas de Gigantes. The islands were first called Sabuluag, named after the tree that grows endemic to the place. It was during the Spanish-period that the name was changed to Gigantes. This was the time when stories of coffins found inside the Bakwitan Cave containing gigantic human skeletal remains. It was this discovery that led locals to believe that the islands were also home to “engkantos”. At present, Islas de Gigantes continue to enchant its visitors with its beautiful beaches. There are day trips offered and you may contact Rhett Paul Gigantes Island Tours and Services on their FB page for details of their services. I was impressed that local travel operators actively involved the community in its tourism efforts. It is great way to go island-hopping that comes with a purpose. Cabugao Gamay Cabugao Gamay is the tourism icon of Islas de Gigantes. This is where you will find the most popular overlooking view of the white sand strip and a small hill at the end of the island. Due to its popularity, expect tourists to flock and to take their time at the vantage point for that socmed-worthy shot. The good thing about its tourism management is that travel operators are sequenced as they arrive on the island so there is no need to get ahead because everyone will get their turn to get their photos.  Cabugao Gamay is the tourism icon of Islas de Gigantes. Cabugao Island is one of three major islands of the chain. It is only half a kilometer in length marked by two rock formations on both ends. A white sand beach strip connects both rock formations creating a coast like a sandbar connecting two islets. The rock formations on one end of the island serves as a vantage point where you can see a picturesque view the island with the turquoise waters of the Visayas Sea in the background.
The white sand strip boasts of coastlines on both sides. The calmer side is where boats dock and where it is safer to take a dip. You can find your own spot under one of the coconut trees of the island where you can enjoy the sea breeze and seascape while enjoying a light snack. But here is a fair warning… the waters will be tempting that you can’t help but enjoy a quick dip under the hot gaze of the sun. Bantigue Sandbar Just a short boat ride away from Cabugao Gamay is Bantigue Island that is known for its sandbar. The sandbar emerges during low tide so timing your visit is crucial to enjoy its sandbar that stretches towards the other islands of Islas de Gigantes. A small resort on the island rents out cottages to visitors who wish to stay longer on the island.
Unfortunately, we dropped in on Bantigue Sandbar during the high tide and the sandbar was under the sea. Only the portion close to the island was visible and we only got a peek of its cream-colored sandbar. With nothing much to see, we opted to just take a quick dip at the sandbar and enjoy its waters. Antonia’s Beach Located on one of the bigger islands of Islas de Gigantes, Antonia Beach is a perfect beach spot to chill down. It probably got its name from a resort with the same name. Boasting with white sand coasts on two sides of its beach strip, this island stop lets you enjoy the beach while indulging in fresh seafood.  Antonia's Beach was another beauty. Its rock formations add drama to its seascape. This beach spot is bordered by a hill on one end and a rock formation on the other. A white sand beach strip connects both ends. The strip has two beach fronts that you can choose from. There are huts along the strip where you can take shade or you can just choose to enjoy the beach vibe under the shade of coconut trees in the area. There are stores in the area that sell fresh seafood for a quick snack. You must try their scallops that come in a VERY affordable price.
The rock formation on the other side adds a dramatic flair to the seascape of this beach spot. The flat rock formations stacked together stands in contrast with the soft aquamarine hues of the waters of the beach. It was a perfect spot for a nice beach shot where the beach’s rugged vibe fuses with its calm waters. Little Boracay Little Boracay is a small cove along the rocky coastal cliffs of Islas de Gigantes Sur. Our guides shared with us that it got its name because the cove has the powdery white sand that is the same texture as that of Boracay’s. We came in during the high tode so only a small part of the cove and rock formations were accessible to tourists.
I was intrigued by the comparison that I quickly jumped into its waters and scooped the sand under its waters and… whoa! It was exactly the same powdery sand texture. It did not have the long stretch but the sand feature was the same. This spot was a good spot to enjoy a quick dip. The rock formations along the cove also serve as platforms to jump into a deeper part of its waters. Lantangan Beach After a full morning of exploring the beach spots of Islas de Gigantes, we had our lunch stop at Lantangan Beach. The coast was a beauty with its cream-colored sand and the view of the hills on one side of the cove. It is a community-center in the area and you could see that from the rows of boats anchored on its bay and the rows of houses that line the shore. This is where we were going to have our lunch.
We were treated with hefty servings of fried fish, tinolang manok, seafood, and scallops. It was definitely a treat that we enjoyed. Imagine having a full lunch while enjoying the views of the island. One thing that really stood out for me was how the community was involved in tourism. They were the meal providers for our Gigantes Island tour. This is a great example of making programs by community for the community. It was great to see a community getting involved and getting something for it. Tangke Saltwater Lagoon Tucked within the limestone cliffs of Islas de Gigantes Sur, the Tangke Saltwater Lagoon is a natural saltwater pool that is one of the highlights when you explore this chain of islands. Our boat docked on a makeshift port and we traversed a rock trail that led to the view deck of the lagoon. The deck offered a panoramic view of its shallow aquamarine waters surrounded by towering limestone rock formations.  The Tangke Saltwater Lagoon adds a different flavor to the island-hopping adventure in Islas de Gigantes. The lagoon has its own stories shared by locals. One of the stories claim that the waters of the lagoon rise during the feast of St. John the Baptist. Local folklore claim that the lagoon is home to “engkantos” that serve as guardians of the place. Locals warn guests to avoid being too rowdy or noisy so as not to disturb these entities and get cursed. Whether grounded on faith or folklore, these stories add flavor to the natural beauty of the lagoon.
We did end up taking a quick dip in the waters of the lagoon. The view of being surrounded by limestone rocks while swimming in the calm lagoon waters was enchanting. The place was calm and serene. Every now and then, a laughter or a yelp echo inside the lagoon. We dound ourselves on the other side of the lagoon. A small rock protruding from the waters gave us a different point of view of the lagoon. The lagoon was a nice break from all the beach spots that we have been exploring. Pulo Pandan The small island of Pulo Pandan wrapped up our island-hopping adventure in Islas de Gigantes. Its white sand shorelines just out from the sea. Also referred to as Turnina Island, it is so small that it only measures 25 sqm during high tide and circumnavigating the whole island takes less than 5 minutes. Just like most of the beach spots, the island is a mix of white sand coast on one end and rock formations on the other end.  This small island gave us the final touches of our Islas de Gigantes tan. Our group had the whole island all to ourselves when we docked. The white sand coast greeted us as we waded towards its shores. I quickly headed off to the rock formation on one end of the island where I got treated to a 360-degree view of its coast and its surrounding waters. We also took a quick dip in its shallow waters at the coast of its rock formation. We breathed in the sea breeze as we enjoyed getting a tan under the afternoon sun. POST TRAVEL NOTES Islas de Gigantes rolls in with gigantic adventures that is filled with beauty and heart. The islands let you experience a variety of tropical flavors and makes you enjoy every bit of island living. It also allows you to engage with its community that gives them the opportunity to earn from a sustainable program. With the two fused together, that makes my Islas de Gigantes adventure a fun and memorable islands experience.  From the sea, we head up to the mountains of Iloilo on our next adventure. Tourism is a major industry in the Philippines. We have 7,100 islands to be proud of and that can feed millions of Filipinos. Creating a sustainable tourism program, building the RIGHT tourism infrastructures, and providing opportunities to its communities strengthens the industry. It takes political will power to be able to deliver these opportunities to its stakeholders. And that will power is rooted on the Filipino value of “malasakit”. A leader that has “malasakit” is what we need in this country. Check out my Islas de Gigantes travel video on my Youtube Travel Channel:
Getting there: Iloilo City is the main gateway of Islas de Gigantes, Carles, Iloilo. Major airlines have regular flights to Iloilo International Airport from major international and domestic airports in the country. From Iloilo City, Carles is around 3-4 hours by bus. For stress-free Islas de Gigantes Island hopping adventures, with pick-up in Iloilo City, you can get in touch with Rhett Paul Gigantes Island Tours and Services through their FB page here. You can also contact them at +63998 981 6812. #MahalinNatinAngPilipinas Shoutout to my travel buddies - HULL & STERN Dry Bags for keeping my stuff safe and dry during my travels. Get 5% off on your Hull & Stern dry bag purchase on the Hull & Stern website when you use the code - marc7del.
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There is a small and unassuming town on the southern end of Antique that shares an interesting folklore of how a giant and mermaid became part of a love story. The story shared the origin of the town’s two natural attractions. It was once a hot spot for local travelers with its famous island canopies hugging travelers’ timelines. The town charms its guests with its stories and natural beauty. A visit to this town will make you say… maganda kasi ang Anini-y.  We are getting a touch of sand and sea in Anini-y! According to legends, Anini-y is roughly translated as “people of a place of small rivers”. It is believed that the Malayan suffix “-y” signifies that the town was of great importance. It was during the Spanish period that the town’s population grew that led to its development between 1849 to 1854. Anini-y now stands as one of the towns in Antique that has kept its history, beauty, and rustic vibe. St. John Nepomucene Church (Anini-y Church) The St. John Nepomuceno Church, or more popularly called Anini-y Church, is the most prominent Spanish-period structure in town. Located at the town center, the first church was built from 1630-1638 close to the location of the present sanctuary. It was between 1845 to 1879 that the present structure was built by Father Vaquerin, using coral stones and eggs.  The Anini-y Church is the only well-preserved church of its kind in the province of Antique. The church was built following baroque architecture with a rectangular facade with triangular pediment top. The pediment has a niche at the center bearing the image of St John Nepomucene. Its three-story belfry stands adjacent to the church. One of its original bells is on display in front of the church. The church was said to be designed similar to Miag-ao Church in Iloilo.
The interior of the church was a beauty for its simplicity. Although parts of the church were reconstructed, the church floors remain to be intact from the original structure. It is simple and yet its wooden altar stands out with the image of the Crucified Christ as its centerpiece. The wide windows allow natural light to stream through its navel giving it that illusion that it has a wide navel. Its baptistry is tucked on the first level of its belfry.  The simple and beautiful interior of the Anini-y Church. The Church of Anini-y goes beyond the manifestation of faith by its locals. It shares a part of Philippine history where locals took a stand against Spanish rule that resulted to the occupation of the church by the Philippine Independent church from 1902 to 1906. It has survived calamities, both man-made and natural. Interestingly, it is the only well-preserved church of its kind in the province of Antique. Its historical value is immortalized with a historical marker from the National Historical Institute. Anini-y Municipal Hall and Plaza Just a few meters from the Anini-y Church is the government complex that serves as the center of the municipality. The Anini-y Municipal Hall is a two-story structure that houses the offices that serve the needs of its constituents. There are two antique cannons on display at the municipal courtyard which serves as memories of the town’s colorful past.
Adjacent to the municipal hall is the sprawling municipal plaza of Anini-y. The plaza is complete with sports facilities and open park as it is the center of municipalities socio-civic activities. There are two installations in the park - the Rizal Monument and the Juan Castillo Obaga Monument. The Obaga Monument honors the contribution of the Anini-y born assemblyman to lobby for the separation of the town from Dao. It was declared an autonomous unit in 1949 with Juan Castillo Obaga as its first town mayor. Anini-y Catholic Cemetery The walls of the Anini-y Catholic Cemetery are also a memoriam from the past. The walls were built from 1890 to 1894, at the same time that the present church structure was built. This coastal cemetery is one of the preserved Spanish-period structures in Anini-y.
The cemetery perimeter walls were built thick from cut coral stone blocks. The perimeter walls are marked with pillars with a conical top. A small gate entrance is highlighted by an arch with a small cross atop its arch. The words “Mabanhaw Kami” are grilled along the arch that translates to the promise “We will rise again.” Siraan Hot Spring (Entrance Fee: Php60 / Environmental Fee: Php50) One of the popular natural attractions in Anini-y is the Siraan Hot Spring. Local legends tell the story of a lad, Nogas, who professed his love with the one of the daughters of Datu Oyong of Tinigbasan Peak, Anini. The datu sensing the seriousness of the proposal demanded that Nogas be able to draw warm spring water from a solid rock of Siraan. Nogas, not knowing what to do, sat down in one of the driftwoods in the area in tired desperation when a giant appeared behind him. Sharing his predicament with the gentle giant, the giant uttered something and then from a crack on the huge rock sprang out warm water and Siraan Hot Spring was born.  Siren Hot Spring is located along the rugged coast of Anini-y. This natural attraction is located on the coastal outskirts of Anini-y. With a minimal entrance fee and environmental fee, you can already access the resort for a day. The science behind the hot spring is that hot gas escaping from under the rocks heat up the spring waters that flow out of the crevices of the rock surfaces in the area. I have also read that the small mound where a grotto now stands is a small extinct volcano. The hot spring waters are gathered in pools where one can take a relaxing and therapeutic dip to soothe your muscles after a long day of exploring.
The resort offers a panoramic view of the rugged coast of Anini-y, Sulu Sea, and Nogas Island. It is great spot to enjoy a quick and rugged beach escape as you enjoy its rocky coasts against the backdrop of the sea. I guess it is a great spot to simply enjoy the sea view while enjoying the warm waters of its spring. Nogas Island (Boat Rental: Php700) From the Siraan Hot Spring, I boarded a boat for a quick 20-minute boat ride to Nogas Island. This island, off the coast of Anini-y, is a naval reserve island. Its white sand coast and lighthouse is its main tourism draw, making it Anini-y’s tourism icon. I remember a time when Nogas Island was a prime destination among local travelers.  Nogas Island is popular for its calachuchi-lined pathway. Just like Siraan Hot Spring, let us continue with the love story of Nogas and Anini. After the hot spring water sprung from the rocks of Siraan, Datu Oyong did not stop at the sight of the hot spring. The datu wanted Nogas to build an island along the waters facing Tinigbasan. Not knowing what to do and armed with his love for Anini, Nogas paddled through the waters with a baroto until he got exhausted. Then a silhouette of a mermaid emerged against the view of the setting sun. The mermaid asked Nogas why he was drifting at sea and he once again shared his predicament. The sea creature was moved by his sincerity that she promised to build an island overnight and, in return, the mermaid would be invited to the wedding of Nogas and Anini. Datu Oyong woke up to the view of a new island in the middle of the sea. The whole community celebrated the wedding of Nogas and Anini on the new island. There were a lot guests that joined the merrymaking after the wedding of the lovers. As the wedding was coming into a close, the earth shook and huge waves swept the coast of the island. As guests were scrambling for safety, Nogas and Anini was pulled towards the sea and chained inside a cave underwater. The mermaid showed up angry at Nogas for breaking his promise of inviting the mermaid to their wedding. Nogas tried to appease the mermaid but the mermaid, in her anger, made a decision to keep the couple as captives. The couple were to do forced labor in building a stone bridge to connect the island to the mainland. That is why you get to see piles of white stones at the end of the Nogas Island towards mainland Anini-y.
The island is a popular white sand beach spot in Anini-y. The coast offers a panoramic view of the cerulean waters of Sulu Sea and the rugged coastal landscape of Anini-y while enjoying its white sand coast. There are beach huts that you can rent for a day or you can find your spot under its tree or shrub covers to shield you from the sun. But let me just tell you that the waters and the view are so inviting that you can’t help but take a quick dip in its waters.
But the island’s main attraction is its calachuchi-lined pathway leading to its lighthouse. The trees were planted neatly along the path giving it that creative leading lines that is perfect for photos. The pathway continues around the lighthouse to the other side of the island where its mangrove covers thrive. You will also be amazed by its balete tree that was bent to form a natural canopy along the trail. POST TRAVEL NOTES Local folklore has shared, through generations, the love story of Nogas and Anini. The couple’s narrative has been immortalized by earlier generations by naming the town and the island under their names. Or was it the other way around? Nevertheless, the town of Anini-y is an example of how local stories passed from generation to generation to showcase the rich culture and beliefs of the place. It also shows that love remains to be the greatest story shared that surpasses time.  Exploring the other side of Panay Island is up next. Like theater, there are no small towns in the Philippines. Each town or city has their own story to share to the world that gives you a glimpse of its colorful culture and its locals’ creativity. It gives you a different point of view while exploring the place. You appreciate the beauty of the place matched by its generational stories. Check out my Anini-y travel video on my Youtube Travel Channel:
Getting there: There are regular flights from Manila and major PH airports to Iloilo International Airport. You can take a van from the airport to SM City Iloilo where you take an aircon mini-bus to Mohon. Ask the driver to drop you off at the Ceres Bus Terminal in Mohon. You then take a bus bound for Dao and ask the driver to drop you off at Anini-y Town Plaza. Travel time from Iloilo to Anini-y is around 3 hours. You can get around town using a tricycle. #MahalinNatinAngPilipinas Shoutout to my travel buddies - HULL & STERN Dry Bags for keeping my stuff safe and dry during my travels. Get 5% off on your Hull & Stern dry bag purchase on the Hull & Stern website when you use the code - marc7del.
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Marc del Rosario
I believe in education, entrepreneurship, and caring for the environment. 
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October 2026
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