Superstarxtala Production #7: My Very First Solo Travel Experience (1/3)

Hello, Islas de Gigantes!

My friend and I had been planning on going to see the beautiful islands of Islas de Gigantes (Gigantes Islands) for months, but plans changed because on the very night before the day of our flight, her dad was rushed to the hospital and she needed to cancel. It was fine that we re-schedule the trip, but she encouraged me to still go as she knows that I have been wanting to go on a solo travel for years already, but I just couldn’t bring myself to do it.

During that time I was really scared because I thought I was not prepared mentally, emotionally and physically, but at the same time a little excited because I could be doing my first solo travel should I decide to go by myself.

After several hours of contemplating about the possible horrors and adventure that could happen, and with the help of my wander-ful roommate, @wanderlass, who’s been on a number of solo travels, I finally decided that I will go. I also thought to myself before I chicken-out again, if not now, really, when?

Here’s my victory photo, victory for conquering my fear of going to a new place alone and without knowing anyone .

The Philippines is known to have many beautiful Islands and white sand beaches. Gigantes Islands is one of them. It is popular among tourists because of the picturesque Cabugao Island and unlimited fresh scallops, and as I was told by the boatmen, the island also gained more popularity after being hit by one of the most destructive typhoons in the Philippines in 2013, Yolanda (Typhoon Haiyan).

After deciding that I will go, first thing I did was to look for a Tour Package for “joiners” (individual or group being joined in a bigger group) because the first one that we booked doesn’t do a Joiner tour and I’m just seriously not yet ready to be on a private island hopping tour for three-days, just by myself and a couple of boatman. I’m not ready for that kind of adventure yet and I wanted to take baby steps first. Haha

Luckily I was able to find one at a very affordable price (Php1,699.00 or around 34USD). Although they only offer an overnight tour, I still availed it and just decided to spend another night in Iloilo City. The tour included the boat ride, full board meals, and accommodation. As the price is really cheap, do not expect to have a hotel-type accommodation. It was a very basic accommodation, room and bathroom sharing, so you really need to bring-out the little girlscout in you. The food is also simple, but delicious and the highlight was of course the unlimited serving of scallops (grilled, fried, breaded, adobo, you name it they have it!haha)

On the other hand, the Facebook Ad listed more islands to visit and activities, but we were only able to visit 4 (Balbagon, Cabugao Gamay, Bantigue Sandbar and Antonia Beach), Tanke lagoon, plus the Century-old Light house. Nonetheless, it was still fine as we had more time enjoying the islands.

So here are some snaps from my tour:

Balbagon Island - a tiny island and known for the one and only coconut tree that it houses. First stop after a 1 and half to 2 hour nerve wrecking boat ride, because the weather was not that good and the waves were really big.

Cabugao Gamay - the most photograph spot in Gigantes

Bantigue Sandbar – it is a long stretch of white-sand beach and vanishes during high-tides

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Antonia Beach - my favorite because I was able to do my favorite: sitting right in front of the beach with a beer on my hand while watching and listening to sound of the waves

They also said that you can actually do a little bit of snorkeling here. I just didn’t as I was already so relaxed up here. haha

After the first day’s island hopping, our group already headed to our accommodation where we were welcomed by these beautiful “monsters”. 😂😱 Okay, now you know. I went there during Halloween.

On the following day, we were supposed to do spelunking in Pawikan Cave. But due to the heavy rain in the previous night, we were advised that it is not safe to go because the cave would be very slippery. So we just bargained with our guide that since we are not doing that anymore, perhaps we can visit Tanke Lagoon and the Century Old Lighthouse instead. Besides, they were also supposed to be included in our first day activities, but they decided not to proceed because of the distance from our accommodation (one hour boatride).

After begging our tour guide, they finally gave in. And I was just so glad that we did convince them, because it turned out that aside from Antonia Beach, the Century Old Light house is also another favorite.❤️

And here are also some snaps from Tanke Lagoon.

So this is the first part of my first solo travel! yey!❤️

I’ll be writing another post about my transit in Iloilo City which was surprisingly more exciting than this one. By the way, meet my new friends and we still keep in touch until now. So it’s true about what they say that you will never be alone when you travel solo, because you will always meet new friends along the way!

P.S. Thank you for dropping by my post ❤️and I'm sorry for flooding you with so much photos. ✌ Watch out for my next post, Yolo Iloilo! 😎😘😎

xoxo

Tala😘😘

Photos taken by Samsung S7 Edge

Photo Edit: Snapseed

Date: Nov 1-2, 2017
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