Gigantes Islands is best enjoyed at an unhurried pace: this three-day package gives you time for beaches, boat trips, and seafood, instead of squeezing the islands into one long day. Cabugao Gamay’s white sand and coconut-lined view deck are a major draw, while the natural pools and limestone formations offer a different kind of coastal scenery.
I like two things here: the two-night stay lets you enjoy Lantangan Beach between outings, and the meals include unlimited scallops, rice, and coffee. A guide and boat captain take you around the islands, with a cave and lighthouse tour also included. One caution: the included boat transfer is described as a joiners transfer, and private versus shared boat expectations have caused confusion. Confirm the arrangement before paying.
- At a glance: what matters most
- Three days, with time to settle in
- Cabugao Gamay and the island scenery
- Lantangan Beach and the guesthouse
- Seafood meals and island hospitality
- The boat question, and how to avoid a mismatch
- What the price includes, and what it does not
- Who will enjoy this trip most
- Should you book it?
- FAQ
- How long is the package?
- Is a transfer from Iloilo City included?
- Is the boat transfer private?
- What meals are included?
- What activities are included?
- Where do I stay?
- What should I bring?
- Is the tour accessible by wheelchair or stroller?
- How much does the return van transfer to Iloilo cost?
- What is the policy for children?
At a glance: what matters most
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6 / 6- Cabugao Gamay is the headline stop: climb to its view deck for a look over white sand and coconut trees.
- You get two nights at Lantangan Beach: the guesthouse is basic, so set your comfort expectations accordingly.
- Meals bring real value: lunch and dinner are included, with unlimited scallops, rice, and coffee specified.
- There is more than island hopping: the package includes a cave tour, lighthouse tour, kayak use, bonfire, and firedance show.
- Boat arrangements need a clear answer: the package says joiners boat transfers, though some group bookings have had an exclusive boat.
- Transport from Iloilo is optional: you can book a one-way van transfer to Bancal Port or arrange your own way there.
Three days, with time to settle in
The pace is the point of this package. Rather than rushing through Gigantes Islands on a day trip, you get two nights on Lantangan Beach and a full day set aside for island hopping. The schedule is not a minute-by-minute promise: weather and traffic can change it, and the second day’s individual stops are not spelled out in the timetable.
The listed departure is at 8:30. Arrive 15 minutes early and look for a guide with a Klook sign. If you book the Iloilo City transfer, it takes you one way to Bancal Port. It is not included in the no-transfer option, and return transport to Iloilo is a separate matter.
On Day 1, the schedule places you at Lantangan around 10:00, with free time to swim, kayak, or walk along the beach. Lunch and accommodation check-in are listed around noon, followed by more time at Lantangan at 16:00 and dinner at 19:00. The overlapping noon entries suggest a flexible arrival window, not a precise timetable. Think of the first day as a chance to get settled, have a swim, and ease into island time.
Day 2 starts with breakfast at 7:00 and includes lunch and dinner. The exact hours and sequence of stops are not given, but the package promises island hopping, and the trip description includes beaches, limestone formations, natural pools, swimming, snorkeling, and cliff diving. Ask your guide what is planned for the day, especially if you have a particular stop in mind. A change of order is possible if weather or sea conditions require it.
On Day 3, breakfast is listed at 6:30, with checkout at 7:00 and return travel beginning at 9:00. The return information also mentions boarding a boat to Bancal at 7:30. Since those timings are not perfectly clear, confirm the exact meeting and departure time with the operator before your last morning.
Cabugao Gamay and the island scenery
Cabugao Gamay is the picture-postcard stop, but its appeal is not only the sand. A view deck gives you a higher angle over the island, where the pale beach and coconut trees make the shape of the coast easier to take in. If you want that classic overview, bring shoes you can walk in, then take your time at the top.
The broader route mixes different kinds of scenery: dramatic limestone formations, natural pool lagoons, and white sand beaches. That variety is part of the appeal of visiting several islands rather than spending the whole trip on one stretch of beach. The itinerary highlights six destinations, but the exact route and stop lengths may shift with the weather.
Mini Boracay is another named stop, known for its white sand and comparison to Boracay. Treat that as a description of the beach, not a promise of Boracay’s facilities or resort scene. This is a small-island trip, with a simple guesthouse and boat-based excursions rather than a polished beach-resort setup.
Snorkeling and cliff diving are among the activities described for the trip. They depend on conditions and your own comfort in the water; do not assume every activity will suit every person or happen at every stop. Aqua socks are recommended, and they are a sensible choice for rocky or uneven shore access.
Lantangan Beach and the guesthouse
The guesthouse sits at Lantangan Beach, where the first day leaves room for swimming, kayaking, or a walk along the shore. That quieter time matters. After a boat excursion, you can return to the same beach rather than immediately packing up for another long transfer.
The accommodation is described as a private, air-conditioned basic room. A private room gives you your own space, but it does not mean luxury. Reports of broken shower and tap fixtures are a useful reminder to keep expectations modest and bring toiletries and a towel. Electricity and water are part of the practical picture on an island, so if a small inconvenience would spoil your holiday, consider a more comfortable base.
Kayak use is included, as are a bonfire activity and a firedance show. These give the evenings some shape, but the schedule does not specify exact show times or how long each activity lasts. The island setting is the attraction: a beach evening and a meal with the group, rather than a packed entertainment program.
Seafood meals and island hospitality
Food is one of the package’s strongest practical perks. The stated menu includes unlimited scallops, unlimited rice, and free coffee, alongside seafood and other Filipino dishes. Meals may also include fish, shrimp, crab, chicken, pork, vegetables, and fruit, though the menu changes with the season and what ingredients are available.
That variety helps make the price easier to justify, particularly over two nights. You do not have to arrange every meal yourself, and the food gives you a taste of familiar local dishes. Still, do not treat any one menu as guaranteed. If you have dietary needs, ask the operator before booking; the information provided does not promise specific substitutions.
The tour includes an English- or Filipino-speaking guide, a boat captain, environmental fees, and marine insurance while onboard the charter boats. A guide called John John was praised by name, but there is no guarantee he will lead your trip. Guides and boat crew are a key part of an island tour: they handle the route and help you make sense of the day, while local conditions may call for changes.
The boat question, and how to avoid a mismatch
The package includes joiners boat transfers, which normally means sharing a boat with other people. Yet boat arrangements may vary by group size or booking option: one group of three reported having an exclusive boat, while another party expected a private transfer and ended up waiting about three hours before boarding a shared boat. That is a meaningful difference in both comfort and control over your schedule.
Before booking, ask the operator in writing whether your specific option includes a shared or exclusive boat for island hopping and for the transfer to Bancal. Do not infer a private boat from the words group of two or group of four. The package options list party sizes and transfer choices, but the included transfer is described as joiners.
If you do have an exclusive boat, you may have more control over the pace of stops. If it is shared, expect to follow the group’s schedule. Neither arrangement is automatically better: sharing can keep costs low, while a private boat can suit a small group that values flexibility. The important thing is to know what you are buying.
What the price includes, and what it does not
Prices start around US$60.79 per person for a no-transfer group of eight, with smaller group options costing more per person. Adding a one-way van transfer from Iloilo City to Bancal Port raises the rate. The exact price depends on group size and option, so compare the total for your party rather than relying on the lowest advertised starting figure.
For the fee, you get two nights’ accommodation, meals, island hopping, a guide, environmental fees, a cave and lighthouse tour, kayak use, and onboard marine insurance. The seafood servings and included activities add value, especially if you want a trip where much of the planning is handled for you. But the basic room and uncertainty around boat sharing are genuine trade-offs. The low cost does not buy a resort stay or guaranteed private transport.
A one-way van transfer from Iloilo City to Bancal Port is an optional add-on. The return van transfer is not included, though an optional one-way ride from Gigantes to Iloilo is available directly from the operator for PHP 400 per person. Budget for that separately, along with personal expenses and tips. The activity is not wheelchair- or stroller-accessible.
Who will enjoy this trip most
This package suits you if you want several days of beaches and boat trips, enjoy seafood, and can be flexible about schedules and simple accommodation. It is also a sensible choice if you prefer having meals and key excursions bundled together rather than arranging each part separately.
It is less suited to you if you need a comfortable hotel room, guaranteed private boat service, or a precise timetable. Families should note that children aged 0 to 5 go free, children aged 6 to 10 receive a discounted rate, and children aged 11 and older pay the adult rate. The route includes swimming and island shore stops, so it is worth thinking about what your child can comfortably manage.
Should you book it?
Book this trip if you want a good-value, three-day introduction to Gigantes Islands and are happy with basic lodging, seafood meals, and a schedule that may change. The combination of Cabugao Gamay, multiple island stops, Lantangan Beach, and included meals gives you a lot to do without planning every detail yourself.
Before you commit, get a clear answer about whether your boat transfers are shared or exclusive, and confirm the return timing and transport to Iloilo. Bring toiletries, a towel, water bottle, valid ID, and aqua socks. For the cave tour, proper hiking shoes are a wise choice. With those details settled, this can be a rewarding island break at a modest price.
3D2N Gigantes Islands All In Package from Iloilo
“It was a memorable trip, the staff & tourist guides were all very nice! I think the 3D2N is the best option for a relaxed vacation. Better to go on…”
FAQ
How long is the package?
It is a three-day, two-night package, with accommodation at Gigantes Islands Backpacker Guesthouse on Lantangan Beach.
Is a transfer from Iloilo City included?
Only if you select the one-way transfer option from Iloilo City to Bancal Port. The no-transfer option does not include that ride.
Is the boat transfer private?
The package information describes joiners boat transfers. Confirm the arrangement for your specific booking, since group experiences have differed.
What meals are included?
Lunch and dinner are included, as well as breakfast during the stay. The stated sample menu includes unlimited scallops, unlimited rice, and coffee. The menu can change with the season and ingredient availability.
What activities are included?
The package includes island hopping, a cave tour, a lighthouse tour, kayak use, a bonfire activity, and a firedance show.
Where do I stay?
You stay two nights at Gigantes Islands Backpacker Guesthouse on Lantangan Beach, in a basic private air-conditioned room.
What should I bring?
Bring toiletries, a towel, a water bottle, and valid ID. Aqua socks are recommended. Proper hiking shoes are useful for the cave tour.
Is the tour accessible by wheelchair or stroller?
No. The activity is not wheelchair- or stroller-accessible.
How much does the return van transfer to Iloilo cost?
An optional one-way van transfer from Gigantes to Iloilo is available directly from the operator for PHP 400 per person.
What is the policy for children?
Children aged 0 to 5 can join free. Children aged 6 to 10 receive a discounted rate, and children aged 11 or older pay the adult rate.