Anhawan Island

view of the island

I think Anhawan Island is the best destination we visited in Sipalay, Negros Occidental. No offense to Langub but this island really captivated me. It is an untouched island and dubbed as the Turtle Island because of its form perhaps. The island is about 4 or 5 km (i think and i forgot the name of the sitio) from Mina. It is a private and a virgin island owned by a humble descendant of a prominent family from the province who also allowed us to go with him. Getting there was not an easy ride because the road was not concrete. Only "habal-habal" can get faster through the rocky road as the folks said so we rented at least 3 and headed to the place. It was my first "habal-habal" ride which is a single motor with a seat extension behind to accommodate at least 4 persons including the driver and is more practically used in going up to high places.

approaching Anhawan Island by boat

Conquering fear...

We met the owner before we got on a rented small boat just enough to accommodate 10 people. I was a bit reluctant and was getting paranoid about the things that might happen along our way. We did not have life jacket of anything that we could use in case of emergency. Everyone was already in the boat so I jumped in there and just thought it is not everyday that I ride a boat anyway. The 10 to 15 minutes boat ride was like eternal. Every one were closing their eyes while gasping every time our boat went up due to strong waves.

We saw this native house along our way near the island. The owner said it was built by some fishermen and only use that for resting or or staying overnight.

Finally, we arrived at the beach and were welcomed by countless loud barks from the owner's dog along with its master's wife and son who generously accommodated us. 


Life there is simple like 50 years ago and only the owners live there with their pet animals. 

the smart dog..beware tress passers

We were toured around the island. We hiked up the mountain and went down to the other side where another spectacular view was awaiting. It was like a hidden paradise.

a signage posted on a tree

It was very hot but nothing stopped us from running playfully on the sand. The island has white sand and almost fresh pebbles and shells all around. 

pebbles from the sea

The water from where I stood which gave me goosebumps. It was very calm yet I did not know why when I looked down, it seemed the water was coming in torrent. It is the exact opposite at the other side where in the water was beating the rock.

the rocky side of the island

part of the island

the seemed to be kissing rocks

shells

sea urchin-tasted like sea

island animals

Anhawan Island during evening.

It is such a rare opportunity to see this untouched beautiful island. I hope its beauty will blossom even if it will be opened for commercialization.