These group of islands in northern Iloilo have been famous for the past years as more visitors discovered the beauty of the islands, the beaches and of course the bountiful seafood. My son wanted to visit though I am wary as the seas are a bit rough during the Habagat season. We planned to go on a weekend…so target is 23-24 September 2017. On September 22nd, I had an official trip to Roxas City and the weather was overcast, sometimes raining and generally gloomy. I’m not confident that we can push through with our trip. In the afternoon, it rained so hard and there is a low pressure developing off Surigao area.
I have requested our part time driver to find a resort and other arrangements for us. We were given costing of P6,500 for pumpboat good for 20 which includes trip from Bancal port in Carles to Isla Higantes, island hopping and trip back to Carles. Too expensive for us as we are only 10. An officemate recommended that I contact Arjan Resort at 09999918643. It was a good thing as he informed me that there is a passenger pumpboat that leaves Carles at 10AM and fare is only P80.00. Though it is still raining, we prepared for the trip though I feel that it is quite dangerous as the seas might be rough and we might be stranded in the islands! The whole night it was raining…at 5:30Am I texted everybody that we are cancelling the trip. A few minutes later my son told me that forecast says there are no rains…and of course I checked the low pressure area..low chance of developing into a typhoon. The rain has stopped though the sky is still overcast. I again texted everybody that we are pushing through the trip. Left our place at past 6AM then proceeded to the City to pick up Mity and Titin. We left Iloilo City at around 7AM. Our driver is familiar with the road and I am confident that we can be at Bancal Port before 10AM. We have no breakfast except for Mity ann Titin who were able to eat at McDonalds. I have loafbreads and SPAM that I was panning to make into sandwiched but since I was not sure that we can go I just brought the all our baons. Jan cooked ang walang kamatayan na adobong baboy. Our vehicle is a pick up truck so we cant all fit inside…thus Mity, Titin, Ericka and Yanyan was at the back together with all our bags…all ready with trapal in case it rains. Thank God..it did not rain!!!
Roads to the north are now very good with some areas already having four lanes..but the woe in travelling are the too many motocycles that are the king of the roads. We arrived Bancal Port in Carles at 9:55!! It was a good thing there are still spaces for us in the pumpboat. Fare is at P80 plus enviromental fee of P75 per person. Since we were the last to board, we opted for the first seats in the pumpboat although I know that waves will really hit us as there are no tarps. We all are in high spirits despite the cloudy skies.
The pumpboat is a bit small but we are all excited.
Simple rooms with two double and two single beds for P2,500.
Its off season, we practically occupied the resort with a family on the other side. The boys immediately decided that they will sleep in the hammocks outside.
We ordered lunch for 10, sinigang na isda and buttered/sauteed scallops and of course we have our adobong baboy. While waiting for lunch everybody had a very late breakfast of loafbread and palamans.
Off for Island Hopping. Pumbpoat at P2,000.00 including a tour guide.
That’s US!!!
Scallops at P1.00 a piece!!!
Wasay-wasay
Sea Urchins at P15/piece
Uni!!!
Eating seafood in the Sandbar
Our guide (sorry forgot the name) is expert in getting pictures!
All set for our Banana Boat Ride
Picture after our Banana Boat Ride
The Beach in front of the resort is not good for swimming but there are lots of crabs especially at night.
Pumpboat to Estancia
The following day, we will be going back to Iloilo City and the passenger pumpboat leaves at 3PM for Carles. This is too late for us as we will reach our place at past 8PM. We inquired how much is the rate for a pumpbaot and it is P3,500!!! It was a good thing we were informed that a passenger pumpboat leaves for Estancia at 8AM. WE decided to proceeded to Estancia and Clint will get our pick up in Carles.
We arrived in Estancia at past 11AM, ate lunch and waited for our pick up arrive.
There are very few fishing boats arriving and their catch are pitiful..very small fish, there was even a baby shark!!
All of us enjoyed our short trip to Isla Higantes. Though the seas were a bit rough going to the Islands, we really enjoyed our stay and siland hopping as there were not too many tourists. There were only a few pumpboats going on island hopping so we have more time to enjoy the place. It was a bit sad (though its okay with me) as the Tangke area is closed. For those who would like to visit Isla Higantes you can get in touch with Arjan Resort.
Lifellview 