Hey! It’s been a while since my last blog. Did you miss me? LOL. Expect more consistent travel budget blogs from now on, I have a lot of pending blogs from my 2023 and 2024 travels. I still need to learn how to post on TikTok, but I enjoy writing, so the blog is here to stay! I’ll be posting more on my Facebook page.
I’ve always dreamed of visiting Gigantes Island, as long as I can remember. It’s frequently featured in my travel groups’ posts, but I’ve somehow ended up at the usual destinations like Boracay, Bohol, and Palawan. One day, my team decided to book the cheapest flight we could find for a weekend getaway and stumbled upon round-trip tickets to Roxas City for just PHP 2,500 via the Skyscanner app. We chose to fly into Roxas Airport because it’s just 1.5 hours from Gigantes Island, whereas Iloilo International Airport is 3 hours away. What a great deal, especially for booking less than a month in advance!
Before our flight, I’ve researched what is Iloilo known for:
- Delicious Cuisine: Iloilo is famous for its culinary delights, especially its La Paz Batchoy (a savory noodle soup) and Pancit Molo (a pork dumpling soup).
- Historical Sites: The province boasts a rich history with sites like Molo Church and Jaro Cathedral.
- Festivals: Iloilo hosts vibrant festivals such as the Paraw Regatta (a sailboat race) and the Dinagyang Festival, celebrating local culture and traditions.
- Beautiful Beaches: While not as widely known as other destinations, Iloilo offers picturesque spots like Isla de Gigantes and Bantigue Island.
- Spanish Colonial Architecture: The province is home to well-preserved colonial-era buildings and heritage houses, reflecting its historical past.
- Friendly Locals: The people of Iloilo are known for their warm hospitality and friendliness.
One of my team members mentioned that he knew a place in Iloilo and is managed by his friend. So we booked through Gigantes Island Travel and Tours. I have to say, their package was a great deal! For 3 days and 2 nights, we enjoyed the resort amenities, full board meals, and an island tour with a complimentary lunch. We paid PHP 4,998 per person, not bad at all!
How to get to Solina Resort from Roxas City Airport:
- Take a tricycle from the airport to the Roxas City terminal for PHP 100 per person for about 15 minutes.
- From there, take a van to Balasan town and ask the driver to drop you off directly at the resort for PHP 250. The trip takes about an hour and a half.
- One thing to consider is the mode of transportation in Carles, Iloilo. Riding a tricycle can be quite expensive if you’re going out of the resort. Here are their tariff rates:
We stayed for 2 nights at Solina Beach and Nature Resort. Although our time was limited and we couldn’t fully experience everything the resort has to offer. But we enjoyed every minute there!
Look at how cute the cabins are! It’s totally Instagram-worthy. Bonus points for their accommodating and friendly staff.
I noticed they have paddle boards available for rent, and you can also request a bonfire for an additional fee.
Also, the buffet breakfast was amazing at the Angga Restaurant. It was delicious that we were so full every morning!
On Day 2, we went on a tour and took a tricycle to Bancal port, which costs PHP 250 per tricycle. Gigantes Island did not disappoint. Each island we visited had its own unique beauty! Here are the islands we visited:
It wouldn’t be known as the seafood capital of the Philippines if they didn’t serve seafood for lunch! We had lunch at Lantangan Beach.
Before going back to the resort, you can buy some souvenirs at Bancal port. Ref magnets are around PHP 50-100, bracelets and necklaces are the same price range.
After a full day of island tour, we returned to the resort. Despite being tired, we couldn’t resist taking a dip in their pool!
On our last day, we had breakfast and then traveled back to Manila. We made the most of the breakfast buffet, knowing we had a long journey ahead. That wraps up our brief but memorable visit to Iloilo. I’m looking forward to returning with my family next time.
Sharing our actual expenses below:
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Althea's Adventures 