ILOILO – Tangke Saltwater Lagoon in Carles, Iloilo reopened to tourists on October 1 after a monthlong environmental and safety breather, but visitors returning to the famed Gigantes Group of Islands attraction must strictly observe environmental regulations and follow the instructions of authorized tourism personnel and tour guides.
The Carles Tourism Office made clear that the reopening of one of northern Iloilo’s premier tourist attractions comes with an appeal for responsible and sustainable tourism to protect the lagoon following its September 1 to 30 closure.
“Following its temporary closure for an environmental breather and visitor safety, one of Carles’ most treasured natural attractions is once again ready to welcome everyone,” part of the announcement of the Tourism Office read.
The Tourism Office specifically urged visitors to comply with environmental rules and heed authorized tourism personnel as tourism activities resume.
“Follow the instructions of authorized tourism personnel and tour guides, and help us preserve Tangke Lagoon for generations to come,” the Tourism Office added.
Tangke is among the flagship attractions of the Gigantes Group of Islands, drawing visitors for its breathtaking limestone formations, crystal-clear waters and distinctive natural landscape.
The Carles municipal government temporarily closed the lagoon to all tourism-related activities from September 1 to 30 as a precaution during the southwest monsoon, locally known as habagat, and to give the area’s marine and coastal ecosystem time to recover from tourism pressures.
Mayor Arnold Betita II ordered the closure through Executive Order No. 52, further citing strong waves, unpredictable currents, and adverse weather conditions in the waters surrounding the Gigantes Group of Islands.
Although Tangke itself is naturally enclosed, reaching the lagoon requires boats carrying tourists to traverse open waters where strong waves and currents can make the approach hazardous during the monsoon season.
The limestone cliffs and steep karst formations surrounding the lagoon also pose additional natural hazards, particularly during heavy rainfall, strong winds and rough sea conditions, increasing risks to visitors and tourism workers.
Throughout September, tourist boat operators, travel agencies, tour guides and visitors were prohibited from entering, docking, swimming, sightseeing or conducting any tourism-related activity within Tangke Lagoon.
Swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, cliff viewing and other recreational activities were likewise prohibited, while commercial tour operators were barred from including Tangke Lagoon in their itineraries./PN
