ILOILO CITY — The Municipality of Carles in Iloilo will temporarily close Tangke “Saltwater” Lagoon in Gigantes Sur to tourism and recreational activities throughout September to allow its fragile coastal ecosystem to recover and reduce risks from rough sea conditions.

Mayor Arnold T. Betita II signed an executive order on 12 August ordering the closure of the popular ecotourism destination in Barangay Gabi from 1 to 30 September.

During the closure, tourists, tour operators, travel agencies, tour guides and tourism workers will not be allowed to enter the lagoon, dock or moor boats, swim, sightsee or conduct other tourism-related activities.

The municipal government said the measure supports sustainable tourism and responsible management of Carles’ natural attractions.

Tangke Lagoon, one of Carles’ flagship destinations, is surrounded by limestone cliffs and karst formations and features a naturally enclosed saltwater lagoon. Officials said the temporary shutdown will give the marine and coastal ecosystem time to regenerate following continued tourism activity.

The closure also considers weather conditions typically experienced in September, which falls during the southwest monsoon, or habagat, season.

According to the executive order, rough seas, strong waves and unpredictable currents can make the open-sea journey to the lagoon hazardous. Heavy rainfall and strong winds may also increase risks from the area’s steep limestone and karst formations.

The measure is also intended to protect tourists, boat operators, tour guides and other tourism workers from accidents linked to adverse weather and difficult sea conditions.

Other destinations to remain open

The Municipal Tourism Office has been directed to coordinate with accredited tour operators in promoting other Carles destinations that remain safe and suitable for visitors during the closure.

Their operations, however, will remain subject to weather advisories from the Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration and other authorities.

The municipal government, together with the Coast Guard, Philippine National Police, Barangay Gabi local government unit, accredited boat associations, tour operators and other stakeholders, will enforce the closure.

Officials will conduct information campaigns through advisories, social media, tourism stakeholders, travel agencies, booking platforms and visitor information centers.

Tangke Lagoon is scheduled to reopen on 1 October 2026, unless the closure is extended through another executive order due to unfavorable weather, environmental concerns or public safety considerations.