ANHAWAN / TURTLE ISLAND

Photo from: https://tripcarta.com/ChIJUS3-n-RSrDMRt8bnZQysh5U

I think Anhawan Island is the best destination we visited in Sipalay, Negros Occidental. It is an untouched island and dubbed as the Turtle Island because of its shape and form. The island is about 4 or 5 km 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. Read More: http://lifesunfathomabledepths.blogspot.com/2010/01/anhawan-island.html

Photo from: https://www.dotproperty.com.ph/land-for-sale-in-cartagena-negros-occidental_4119091

Anhawan Island is located off-the coast of Sipalay City, Negros Occidental. The resort known as Macky 175 Island Beach Resort is owned by its ever hospitable administrator and owner, Mr. Ernany Maban Montenegro.

Drop off points going to the island would be Sipalay Tourism Office, Langub, Cartagena, Bulata, Inayawan, Ilihan and Sabang with corresponding round-trip boat fare depending on the distance.

On a day-trip, one can go snorkeling, diving, taking photographs and do underwater video. Entrance to the island cost P25 per head. Docking fee is at P250 per pumpboat. Diving is at P1,500.00 per head complete with gear, tank and guide. Snorkeling fee is P50 with gear, without gear is at P25. Read More: http://negrosbeaches.blogspot.com/2012/07/anhawan-island.html

Photo from: https://lagawone.wordpress.com/2017/03/27/the-sweetest-things-that-negros-occidental-in-negros-island-region-can-offer/

Turtle Island is in front of the Siit Bay in Barangay Siit in Siaton, about an hour away from the city of Dumaguete. Also known as Polo, locals dubbed it as their mini-Boracay for its not so fine but white sand.

Why the name, you ask? I spoke with a local here and she said that, in the early years, turtles used to lay eggs in the area. But she also mentioned that these lovely creatures seldom can be spotted anymore. You will be lucky enough if you will spot one on your visit.

Just yet! There are no resorts, bars, or any commercial establishments built in the area. We only spotted a handful of small houses here; some belong to fishermen, where you can buy fresh fish for a very cheap price. But I did a quick research, and reports state that the local government of Siaton is planning to develop this hidden gem into a tourist destination. Read More: https://www.tripzilla.ph/turtle-island-negros-oriental/5763