One summer in 2016, we were blessed to explore and experience two of the most visited island destinations in Western Visayas; Boracay Island and Isla de Gigantes. Let me share with you how we did it and here is our 4D3N itinerary. We first flew from Mactan Cebu International Airport to Kalibo, the gateway to Boracay. We then rode a van to Caticlan Jetty Port and ride the boat going to the island. There is a direct flight from Cebu to Caticlan but is more expensive.
Day 1 - Experience Boracay
Boracay, once dubbed as the most beautiful island in the world is not just for the rich but for budget travelers too. I get excited when I hear the word Boracay because it's where you can find all the fun activities on the beach. If I was given more time and more money I would definitely go back to Boracay and try all the activities there. Nevertheless, I've listed all the fun things that we did for one day and one night in Bora.
- Helmet Diving. A guided underwater trek to Boracay's underwater life
- Paraw Sailing. Tour the whole Boracay island on a paraw, a local sailboat
- Beach Bumming at Puka Shell Beach. Next stunning beach spot other than Boracay's White Beach
- Snorkeling. Explore Boracay's rich marine life.
- Boracay Sand Castles. Take a picture with the sand castles made by the Aeta children, the island natives. White Beach's sands are fine and white like talcum powder.
- Watch Boracay's sunset. Witness an insanely beautiful affair of the sun resting on Boracay's horizon for free.
- Enjoy a fire dancing show. One of the things that you will see and experience in Boracay at night aside from bar hopping
Where To Stay
Boracay's White Beach is divided into three stations; Station 1, Station 2 and Station 3. Willy's Rock, the most picturesque grotto of the Virgin Mary is located in Station 1. Click here for the list of accommodations in Boracay.
Day 2- Travel to Isla de Gigantes
The trip from Boracay Island, Aklan to Gigantes, Carles, Iloilo almost takes us a day. We depart from Boracay at dawn and arrived in Gigantes in the afternoon.
Where is Isla de Gigantes
Isla de Gigantes is a group of islands in the municipality of Carles Iloilo. Bancal Port in Carles and Estancia Port in Estancia are the two jump off points if you want to see Gigantes' exotic seascapes.
How to go to Isla de Gigantes from Boracay
1. Ride a van going to Kalibo from Caticlan Jetty Port
2. From Kalibo, ride a van going to Roxas City
3. From Roxas City Terminal, ride a van going to Estancia
4. From Estancia Port, ride the local boat going to Isla de Gigantes
Upon arriving at Gigantes, we then checked in at Gigantes Hideaway Tourist Inn. The resort offered island hopping packages. For our dinner, we tried their scallops and feast on plates of seafood.
Day 3: Isla de Gigantes Island Hopping
Bantigue Sandbar. Our guide first took us to this destination where you can swim and snorkel.
Tanke Saltwater Lagoon. A natural saltwater pool that's best visited during high tide
Cabugao Island. The most picturesque island when you are in Isla de Gigantes
Antonia Beach Resort. Enjoy the resort's white sands and swim in crystal clear blue seas.
After a half day island hopping, we went straight ahead to Iloilo City. We took the afternoon boat trip from Gigantes to Bancal Port in Carles. We rode a van straight to Tagbak Terminal Terminal in Iloilo City. We traveled to Bacolod and took the Ceres Bus bound for San Carlos, City via the scenic Don Salvador route. From the San Carlos, we rode on a fast craft going to Toledo City. Truly, the best days in my life happened on the road and the best moments of my life with loved ones took place on the country's best islands.
Saltwater Lagoon Rock Formations |
Antonia Beach Resort. Enjoy the resort's white sands and swim in crystal clear blue seas.
After a half day island hopping, we went straight ahead to Iloilo City. We took the afternoon boat trip from Gigantes to Bancal Port in Carles. We rode a van straight to Tagbak Terminal Terminal in Iloilo City. We traveled to Bacolod and took the Ceres Bus bound for San Carlos, City via the scenic Don Salvador route. From the San Carlos, we rode on a fast craft going to Toledo City. Truly, the best days in my life happened on the road and the best moments of my life with loved ones took place on the country's best islands.
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