Ria x Gigantes: Islands in the Sun

      

 

I’d hate to think that my trip to Gigantes Islands caused a rift between me and the SO. After all, traveling with someone you love is supposed to teach you new things right? Oddly enough it was the dream summer trip that ended on a sour note. Thankfully I have these images to remind me of the good times we had. But couple rabble aside, this trip was summer realized.

Our story starts in the province of Capiz where a two hour van ride took us to the Port of Estancia in Iloilo, the jump off point to the Gigantes Group of Islands. From there, we took a private boat to get to what the locals call “base camp,” which is essentially the island that’s home to all the home stays, inns, a basketball court, a school, and basically all of island life.

After a hearty lunch of native chicken adobo, adobo scallops, chopsuey with scallops, and crabs, we headed to the light house to catch the sunset. Life on the island ends at 11PM after all electricity is cut off. Thankfully we had an early day the next day so settling in early was mandatory.

Spelunking and scaling limestone cliffs filled the early morning schedule. Gloriously casting its rays on the islands, the sun was high up in the sky by the time our island hopping tour began. Basking in the heat and the sound of the pump boat’s roaring engine, we traveled to The Sandbar, Cabugao Island (where the requisite token shot of the island is taken), Tangke (a.k.a. the lagoon and spot for cliff diving), and finally Antonia for some snorkelling. Scaling cliffs, swimming in the sea, jumping off a 20 ft cliff, and getting burnt to a crisp–it was simply another day in the life of this gypsy.

Our summer adventure had finally come to an end and we were right smack back in reality. The laughs we had on the island seemed a long way away at that airport in Capiz. It’s a grim reality really that traveling as a couple puts you in the least ideal of situations. Then again, it might give the relationship an opportunity to flourish? We’re fine now. But whatever happens, I’ll have the images of this sweet summer treat to keep me sane.

GIGANTES GROUP OF ISLANDS
Iloilo, April 2015

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