Why you may want to visit Nogas Island, Antique Province, Philippines!

We first saw Nogas Island from the Antique shore at Sira-an hot springs nearly a year ago. Nogas was an enticing prospect, an uninhabited marine reserve of an island surrounded by white sand beaches. So in January 2008 we finally had the chance for a visit. We left our home in Molo, Iloilo City before eight in the morning but our progress was not speedy as we stopped to buy the wonderful bibinkas (a coconut specialty) at the “Bingkahan Mohon” in Oton — highly, highly recommended. It is right near the junction with the road which heads to Mandurriao. The next stop was the always enjoyable public market in Miagao where we bought more fruit and snacks. We bought our take-out lunch at an eatery in Tiolas, where we also spied and bought a beautiful four kilogram speckled grouper to be picked up on our way back. The eatery is Magpatao-Hay. It’s on the left before Tiolas. It a real Filipino place with dirt floors but nice people and good food. They catch their own fish just offshore of the eatery. Full of provisions we got underway once again. We turned of toward Anini-y at Tiolas. Had we continued on the main road we would have crossed the mountains and ended up at Antique’s capitol, San Jose.

There is also a bus from Iloilo City to Sira-an Hot Springs and to Anini-y, jumping off point for Nogas Island While we haven’t ridden it ourselves, it looks to be a fast-paced adventure. We understand that it leaves from the bus terminal in Molo on San Pedro Street, a block or two east of Molo Plaza. You’ll have to find and speak with bus terminal manager to find the schedule.

The first bit of the road to Anini-y, through Tiolas, was paved and quite pretty. There are a few resorts, some just picnic shelters, one or two others offering overnight accommodations. The beaches in this section seem to consist of smooth pebbles. After a few kilometers, paved roads disappear except for random stretches. The roads and bridges are under perpetual repair and very rough. We stopped at a family owned dive shack right where the rugged Cresta del Gallo mountain dives to the sea. It’s a spectacular spot. Finally we came to Sira-an Hot Springs (covered my another of my accounts) and proceeded to another basic but very pretty private dive camp on the mainland beach opposite Nogas. We enjoyed the lunch we had bought in Tiolas while the pump boat was being prepared for our trip to Nogas Island. The round trip fee was P500. The boatman we used can be found by turning down a dirt track immediately (on Anini-y side) beyond the old cemetery (see photo above) located between Sira-an Hot Springs and Anini-y.

TIP:  The boat service to Nogas Island and scuba lessons, equipment and accomodations can be arranged in advance through Boy Saldaña –  mobile numbers: 0920-952-8869 and 0917-305-0699. Saldaña’s dive center and boats can be found by turning down a dirt track immediately (on Anini-y side) beyond the old cemetery located between Sira-an Hot Springs and Anini-y.  The website is http://www.thedivehouse.com/

Anini-y Cemetery - turn left immediately beyond the cemetery

You'll park near this pretty bahay kubo to take the pump boat to Nogas Island

Leaving for Nogas Island (seen in distance) from Sira-an, Antique

Nogas Island Entrance Sign, Nogas Island, Antique Province, Philippines

Beginning of path to Nogas Island Light House, Antique Province, Philippines

The banca trip over was uneventful. When we got to Nogas we were the only ones on the island except for our boatman, his two kids and his helper. Although I do love the vibrant buzz of life in the Philippines, it was nice to get away to a quiet, green place where nature is the main focus. There’s an excellent report on birding on Nogas at: http://www.birdwatch.ph/html/trip/trip20041208.html

Fabulous Frangipani-lined Path to Light House, Nogas Island, Antique Province, Philippines

After unloading we strolled the path from the beach to the lighthouse. What a surprise and delight that path is! We don’t know who gets the credit but many years ago each side of the path were planted with fragrant Frangipani bushes, now near trees — locally called Calachuchi. The trees have grown to create a flowering bower over the entire path. Continuing on past the lighthouse we ran into an impressive and spooky balete tree and then impenetrable mangrove wetlands so we turned back.

Carol on Nogas Island Light House Path, Antique Province, Philippines

Frangipani Trees and Nogas Island Light House, Antique Province, Philippines

Nogas Island Light Station

Banyan Tree (Ficus benghalenis), known locally as "Balete"

Also called Ficus or Banyan tree – Lunok in Ilonggo. Continue walking beyond the lighthouse and you’ll come to this tree. This tree is thought by many Filipinos to be a home to various spirit beings, mostly troublesome. Our urbane Ilonggo companions seemed a bit uncomfortable and repeatedly asked the spirits to excuse them (tabi, tabi, tabi) for intruding.   Having them pose by the tree was a no-go so It’s Bob under the tree.

Walking back to the Beach, Nogas Island, Antique Province, Philippines

Returning to the beach, some of us napped on a bed brought out from hiding by our boatman. My wife and I explored the beaches, up and down from the landing and trailhead.

St. John de Nepomuceno Church in Anini-y from Nogas Island, Antique Province, Philippines

Local divers say that the reefs at Nogas are the best ones accessible from Iloilo City.

Nogas Island - surrounded by pretty sand beaches and flourishing Mangroves, Antique Province, Philippines

Carol Exploring Nogas Island Mangroves, Antique Province, Philippines

Mangroves Taking Root on Nogas Island Beach, Antique Province, Philippines

Is this pineapple-looking fruit a Screw Pine (pandanus)? Can you confirm? Nogas Island, Antique Province, Philippines

We say goodbye to our helpers. Nogas Island, Antique Province, Philippines

Comments, corrections and additional information on Anini-y and Nogas Island are appreciated.  Leave a comment below or e-mail to: hammerslag@gmail.com

As noted above, Nogas is a popular birders destination.  Arm yourself with a guidebook and help support goiloilo.com by buying this Philippine birding guide: