Sinulog Festival: A Spectacle of Devotion, Dance, and Vibrance in Cebu!
Cebu’s Sinulog Festival is celebrated every 3rd Sunday of January, and is the most popular festival of the country. The feast honors the Holy Image
Carles, Iloilo
Tangke Saltwater Lagoon
Iloilo’s Hidden “Natural Pool” Adventure
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- Carles, Iloilo
Tangke Saltwater Lagoon in Carles, Iloilo is a stunning natural saltwater pool surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, offering travelers a raw and magical experience. Best visited during high tide, the lagoon is steeped in local legends and is part of the beautiful Islas de Gigantes island hopping route. Accessible via a boat ride from Bancal Port, Tangke offers a quiet escape where visitors can swim, float, and reconnect with nature. A few essentials like sturdy footwear, sunscreen, and respect for the environment ensure an unforgettable adventure in this hidden tropical gem.
Explore the Philippines through my lens as we venture into Tangke Saltwater Lagoon with Point of View (POV) photography. Using a body cam, I’ll guide you on an interactive tour, revealing the behind-the-scenes of capturing the shots shared here. Let’s dive into this visual journey together and uncover the wonders through my lens!
Let’s explore the PHILIPPINES through my lens as we journey on a photo slideshow to Tangke Saltwater Lagoon . Join me in this visual adventure and discover the wonders captured through my lens! Check out the shared slideshow here.
If you’re craving an adventure that feels straight out of a tropical dream, let me tell you about a little slice of paradise tucked away in Carles, Iloilo — Tangke Saltwater Lagoon. It’s the kind of place that makes you stop, stare, and say, “How is this even real?” Here’s the thing: Tangke isn’t your ordinary lagoon. It’s a natural saltwater pool cradled by towering limestone cliffs, forming a “tank” (or “tangke” in Filipino) that only fills up properly when the tide is right. Think Palawan vibes but without the crowds — just you, the cool saltwater, and the dramatic gray cliffs standing like ancient guardians around you.
Check out the video for more highlights. See what I’ve captured through my lens with Point of View (POV) photography. Using a body cam, I’ll take you on an interactive tour, showing you behind-the-scenes moments of capturing the shots shared here.
Check out the video below for additional features. Explore what I’ve captured through my lens in this cinematic slideshow.
The Magic Behind the Waters
Now, here’s where it gets even more interesting: local stories say that during June 24, Saint John the Baptist’s feast day, the lagoon’s waters rise on their own, as if celebrating with the faithful. A little goosebump moment, right? And if that’s not wild enough, look up the cliffs — yep, actual monkeys live there. You might catch them hopping from branch to branch, especially in the bonsai-like trees growing near the edges. It’s quite a scene: monkeys playing with each other while you’re just a few steps away, trying not to drop your camera. Old folks around here also whisper about enkantos — mystical spirits believed to live among the rocks.
How to Get There
Getting to Tangke isn’t exactly teleporting from point A to point B — but that’s part of the charm. You begin your journey at Bancal Port in Carles, hop onto a boat (bonus points if you’re with a fun group), and cruise through the dazzling turquoise waters of Islas de Gigantes. Now, about the landing — it’s not the rugged climb some people expect. In fact, it’s surprisingly easy. The boat simply docks near the limestone cliffs, you take a few steps up natural stone stairs, and just like that, the lagoon reveals itself in full view. No ropes, no scrambling — just a smooth and scenic entrance.
When’s the Best Time to Go?
Honestly, timing is everything. Visit during high tide to experience the lagoon at its fullest — water that’s deep enough to swim, float, and feel like you’ve entered your own secret world. At low tide, the water recedes dramatically, and while it’s still beautiful, you’ll get more of a shallow, wading experience. Either way, it’s unforgettable. If you can, aim for weekdays too. Weekends can get a little busy, and you deserve the lagoon all to yourself — at least for a few magical moments.
Why Tangke Should Be on Your Travel Bucket List
You know what? There’s something special about Tangke that goes beyond the photos and stories. It’s raw. It’s unfiltered. It’s nature doing its thing, without the flashy tourist gimmicks. Standing there, waist-deep in saltwater, cliffs towering overhead, you kind of remember what it feels like to just be — to float, breathe, and get lost in nature’s masterpiece. And isn’t that what real travel is about? Plus, you can easily pair a visit to Tangke with other spots around Gigantes Islands like the famous Cabugao Gamay Island and Bantigue Sandbar — island hopping in Iloilo is a whole vibe, no kidding.
Quick Travel Tips
Before you head off, here’s a little survival guide for your trip. It’s best to bring sturdy sandals or aqua shoes because honestly, climbing on those sharp rocks barefoot is just asking for trouble. Also, don’t forget to check the tide schedules with your tour operator — trust me, you’ll want to catch that magical high tide moment. Essentials like sunscreen, drinking water, and a dry bag for your gadgets are a must too. And please, let’s all do our part: no littering. Help keep Tangke clean and beautiful for future travelers who’ll be lucky enough to experience it.
Final Thought
If you’re chasing unique experiences, Tangke Saltwater Lagoon is waiting for you — quiet, powerful, and impossibly beautiful. It’s the kind of place you’ll tell stories about years later, starting with, “There’s this secret lagoon I swam in once…”
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