Isla Gigantes Island Hopping: Cabugao Island

The icing on the cake on an Isla Gigantes island hopping adventure, Cabugao Island boasts vibrant turquoise waters, serene surroundings, and exceptional views from the top of its rock formations.

This most photographed site in Isla Gigantes was our second stop in island hopping, right after Tangke Lagoon, which is almost just right across it. Before you even reach the island, you’ll see its white sand from afar, perfectly paired with the bright turquoise sea seemingly glistening under the sun.

The island is privately owned and has an entrance fee of Php50 per person. It’s just a small stretch, but it divides the beach into two (one on the right and one on the left), which gives you a somehow similar view of the twin beaches in El Nido – Nacpan and Calitang.

*Twin beaches of El Nido: Nacpan and Calitang. Grabbed from the Web*

Besides the obvious activity here which is swimming, other people eat lunch here too (though there are fewer tables compared with Antonia Island). What we did upon arrival and paying though was get to the top of the rock formation to see the famous top view of the island; climbing turned out to be a little challenging, at least for me. Haha.

cabugao-island-isla-gigantes-iloilo — *On the side of the rock formation*

The view when you're facing the docking area of boats — *The view when you’re facing the docking area of boats*

To get to the top, we had to climb the rather steep side of the rock and hold on to the provided rope for assistance. I had to take off my slippery slippers just so I can climb more easily.

This is what we had to climb using the rope. There are still a few steps after this. That's the tricky area when it comes to getting down. — *This is what we had to climb using the rope. There are still a few steps after this. That’s the tricky area when it comes to getting down. It’s not as easy as it looks. 😛*

As evident in the numerous pictures you’ll find on the Web, the view from the top is really incomparable. Here are some of our pictures:

*The most photographed site in Isla Gigantes. Locals say that the rocks on the left side used to be just pure white sand before the island was damaged by typhoon Yolanda.*

cabugao-island-top-view-isla-gigantes-iloilo — *The clear waters below are a sight to behold.*

*The view from the right side of the rock formation. Vibrant waters.*

While getting to the top took only a few steps, getting down was way trickier. There was a part with loose soil which made it difficult for me to get down because one slip would send me falling. It took me a while to figure out how to descend and Joseph had to assist my every step (sorry na :P). From that part, we then had to rappel, which was still not easy for me. Haha.

Despite that little mishap, it was a very amazing experience/sight. I’d get to the top of that rock formation again, challenge and all, just to be able to soak up the wonderful view Cabugao Island offers.

*Took this while we were sailing away from the island. Bright waters still.*

Next Stop: Antonia Island and its underwater treasures. Keep posted! 😉

One response to “Isla Gigantes Island Hopping: Cabugao Island”

Isla Gigantes Island Hopping: Antonia Island and Its Underwater Treasures |

09/08/2016

[…] after Cabugao Island, we headed to Antonia (An-to-ni-ya) Island to eat our packed lunch (which the resort prepared for […]

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