Couple’s Retreat in Isla de Gigantes

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There are many reasons to visit Isla de Gigantes or why you’ll love the place. Blogs that you might have read all celebrate the beauty of Isla Gigantes which of course I agree, but  I prefer to hail Isla Gigantes as a destination for couples.

Romantic? Absolutely yes but that the massage-by-the-beach type or those sunset cruises, but personally, our weekend trip was a fruitful time between husband and wife. You may ask why and I have a rather offbeat answer…..

there is no celfone signal and a 24-hour power source in Isla Gigantes.

And that my dear readers make Isla de Gigantes one of the most romantic destinations in the Philippines. 🙂

Now what makes it romantic?

If you are married to a corporate slave who seems to go crazy without checking his laptop or calling people, then you know what I’m saying.

I can’t blame my husband, it is natural now for people I guess, but when you are left with a destination that doesn’t offer this now-basic services, then you will be “forced” to maximize your time together. In other words, he was forced to throw all his attention to me ( insert wicked grin here).

And I’m not innocent either. I often find myself at the mercy of social media and our trip to Isla Gigantes gave me some social media weekend detox. Funny because we went there to work on my assignment for Mabuhay Magazine, but there was no pressure. We just enjoyed it like we were penniless in college. haha!

Though the weather was not that perfect, we had the place for ourselves. No phone call interruptions while enjoying this view. Husband was enjoying taking shots even if it means climbing the rugged cliffs of Tangke.

Tangle4   This is actually our first stop, Gakit-gakit island. Strong potential for pre-nuptial shoots.. Gakit-Gakit Island   And the most popular attraction in Isla Gigantes – Cabugao Gamay. Untitled

We were lucky that our guide was not intimidated with our bulky camera. It is really rare  for us to have couple photos because either one of us is the designated photographer. Again, the weather was not that good as you can see from the photo above, but a little prayer and God sent me a spotlight of sunshine. For 10 minutes. Just enough for me to get better shots for my travel article.

CabugaoGamay2

It rained when we went to Antonia Beach until we back to our base camp, which was was fine, we didn’t take the kids along anyway. There was one room with air conditioner but we opted to stay in a fan room. Isla Gigantes is not humid, and as I said, it is nice to rekindle our times when we still can’t afford to stay in hotels.

For our meals, we feasted on seafoods during our overnight stay at the island. Queen scallops harvested from the “wild”.

Queen scallops growing in the "wild", not cultured

We also had saltwater crabs and the mister was an eager slave to get all the meat for me. haha! The next day ,before we left, we visited their lighthouse. It was not far, just as I like it.

Though some upscale resorts offering couple’s retreats do not offer Wi-Fi unless requested or do not place TV in guest rooms, in Isla Gigantes, it is naturally that way. People especially couples are busy making a living and you forget to just enjoy each other’s company. Because Isla Gigantes is a humble fishing community, you will be reminded that being together matters the most, not the material possessions or career positions.

Talking with the locals was also a treat for both of us, a break from negative people you often deal in your daily life. Enjoying light conversations over unlimited instant coffee never felt so indulging…that’s why we love Isla Gigantes!

If you are couple who wants to spend time with your significant other, pick Isla Gigantes. There are posh couple destinations but if you want an off-the-beaten path or backpacker type, Isla Gigantes is a good choice.

Have you visited Isla Gigantes with your loved one?

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Isla Gigantes’ Tangke

Isla Gigantes for Mabuhay Magazine

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