Things To Do
in Carles
Carles is a small coastal municipality located in the province of Iloilo, Philippines. It is known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush islands. The town serves as a gateway to the famous Gigantes Islands, a popular tourist destination for its stunning scenery and rich marine biodiversity.
Carles is also recognized for its fishing industry, providing fresh seafood to locals and visitors alike.
- "Kumusta ka?" - How are you?
- "Salamat" - Thank you
- "Paalam" - Goodbye
- "Oo" - Yes
- "Hindi" - No
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $25 - $75
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $15 - $30
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing swim at the pristine beaches of Carles. Enjoy a hearty breakfast at a local café by the shore.
Explore nearby Gomay Island, where you can relax under the sun or snorkel in the crystal-clear waters. Grab some lunch from local vendors offering fresh seafood.
Watch the stunning sunset while enjoying a traditional Filipino dinner at a beachfront restaurant. Take a leisurely stroll on the beach to end your day.
Start your day with a refreshing swim at the pristine beaches of Carles. Enjoy a hearty breakfast at a local café by the shore.
After lunch, embark on a paddleboarding session and discover the vibrant marine life. Explore the stunning rock formations along the coast.
Wind down with a bonfire on the beach, roasting marshmallows and sharing stories with new friends. Listen to the soothing sounds of the waves.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful beaches and stunning natural scenery.
- Rich cultural heritage and local traditions.
- Warm and hospitable locals.
- Growing tourism industry, providing various opportunities for visitors.
- Accessible to other tourist destinations in the Philippines.
- Limited access to modern amenities and infrastructure.
- Potential for natural disasters like typhoons.
- Transportation can be challenging, especially for remote areas.
- Economic opportunities may be limited compared to larger urban centers.
- Issues with waste management and environmental sustainability.
Best Activities in Carles
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the stunning islands and beaches surrounding Carles on a boat tour, and enjoy activities such as snorkeling, swimming, and beach picnics.
Discover the natural beauty of Carles and its surrounding areas by embarking on trekking and hiking adventures, offering scenic views and opportunities to visit waterfalls and caves.
Uncover the diverse marine life and underwater wonders by engaging in scuba diving or snorkeling activities in the crystal-clear waters of Carles.
Relax and unwind on the pristine beaches of Carles, and bask in the tropical sun while enjoying the tranquil surroundings.
Tours
Uncover the best of Carles with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Carles
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers stunning views of crystal-clear waters, white sand beaches, and rock formations, ideal for picturesque photo opportunities.
Known for its beautiful sandbar and panoramic views of the surrounding ocean and islands, providing fantastic photo opportunities.
Boasts breathtaking views of serene coastal landscapes, turquoise waters, and captivating sunset views, perfect for photography enthusiasts.
Food in Carles
Carles Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A popular seafood dish comprising locally harvested scallops, baked with garlic, butter, and cheese. This delectable treat can be savored at Seafood Cove, a renowned restaurant situated along the coast.
Must-Try!
Kinilaw is a Filipino ceviche made with fresh fish or seafood marinated in vinegar, calamansi juice, and spices. Look out for this zesty specialty at the Carles Fish Market.
A regional variation of adobo, a beloved Filipino dish featuring chicken simmered in a rich and creamy coconut milk sauce. Sample this at Hapag Kainan, a local eatery known for its traditional Filipino fare.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Carles better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Nestled near the coastal area, the Carles Fish Market beckons with a dazzling array of freshly caught seafood. Visitors can relish grilled fish, kinilaw, and other local specialties while soaking in the market's bustling ambiance.
For an authentic street food experience, head to Gilbert's Food Cart, a popular spot renowned for its grilled squid, fish balls, and refreshing coconut water straight from the husk.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Carles, it is important to show respect for elders by using respectful language and gestures, such as using 'po' and 'opo' when speaking to them.
When visiting local communities or attending cultural events, it is important to dress conservatively to show respect for the traditional values and customs of the people in Carles.
Hospitality is highly valued in Carles, so it is important to be polite and gracious when interacting with locals, accepting invitations, and showing gratitude for their generosity.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Carles with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Carles
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in Carles, Philippines. However, some upscale restaurants and hotels may include a service charge in the bill.
Cash is the most widely accepted form of payment in Carles, Philippines. Credit and debit cards may be accepted in some establishments, but it's always best to carry enough cash for convenience.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Carles.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The best time to visit Carles, Philippines is during the dry season from December to May. During this time, you can expect clear skies, little to no rainfall, and perfect conditions for beach activities and island hopping.
Visiting Carles, Philippines during the wet season from June to November can still be enjoyable, but you should expect more frequent rainfall and potential disruptions to water-based activities. However, this season can also offer a lush, green landscape and lower accommodation prices.
Carles at Night
Hiking in Carles
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A serene hiking spot with scenic views of the surrounding landscapes, ideal for nature walks and exploration.
Located a bit farther but offers a rewarding hike with beautiful waterfalls at the end, perfect for adventure seekers.
A well-known hike that provides a challenging trek with panoramic views once reaching the summit.
Offers easy trails around the lake with picturesque spots for bird watching and enjoying nature.
While primarily known for its beaches, it offers various hiking trails and paths through mangroves and coastal areas.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Carles through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Carles by plane.
Located approximately 196 km from Carles, Kalibo International Airport serves both domestic and international flights, primarily catering to tourists heading to Boracay.
Approximately 120 km away, Iloilo International Airport is the primary gateway to the Iloilo region and offers various domestic and limited international flights.
Around 210 km from Carles, Caticlan Airport is a small airport that primarily serves flights to and from Boracay, with limited international connections.
Located about 270 km from Carles, Mactan-Cebu International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the Philippines, offering numerous international flights.
Situated approximately 310 km away, Legazpi Airport serves domestic flights and is a gateway to the Bicol region.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in Carles, primarily speaking Hiligaynon and Kinaray-a languages.
A significant minority in the region, with ancestral roots from the Ilocos Region in northern Luzon.
Another minority group, originally from the Bicol Region, contributing to multicultural influences.
A smaller group primarily composed of migrants and their descendants from the Tagalog-speaking areas.
The Soul of Carles
Discover the essence of Carles through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A highly popular team sport played on a rectangular court, where two teams aim to score points by shooting a ball through the opponent's hoop.
A team sport in which two teams of six players are separated by a net, and the objective is to score points by grounding the ball on the opponent's court.
A widely played team sport where players aim to score goals by getting a ball into the opposing team's net, known for its grassroots following.
A traditional sport native to Southeast Asia, combining elements of volleyball and soccer, where players use their feet, head, knees, and chest to hit a rattan ball over a net.
A collection of athletic contests based on running, jumping, and throwing, popular in schools and community sports events.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Carles.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Filipino cuisine predominantly features meat and seafood, many local eateries are happy to accommodate vegetarian preferences. Visitors can enjoy vegetable-based dishes like Pinakbet (mixed vegetable stew) and Ginataang Langka (jackfruit stew in coconut milk).
Vegan travelers will find options such as Adobong Kangkong (water spinach in garlic soy sauce) and Ginataang Sitaw at Kalabasa (string beans and squash in coconut milk) available at select eateries. It's advisable to communicate dietary requirements clearly for a personalized dining experience.
While gluten-free awareness is not as widespread, individuals with gluten restrictions can enjoy indigenous dishes like Grilled Seafood, Fresh Tropical Fruits, and Atsarang Papaya (pickled green papaya) which are naturally free from gluten-containing ingredients.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Carles with these cultural adventures.
