Dec 16, 2016
Visiting the Wind Turbines of Nabas
Location : Wind Turbines of Nabas, Pawa (barangay), Malay (municipality), Aklan (province), Philippines
Monoliths
One of the most imposing presence in Nabas are the 18 wind turbines in Pawa - with 7 more to go, completing an array of 25 gigantic wind turbines lined-up along a mountain ridge. Getting to it up close is a steep ascent on a motorcycle where the fog drapes the scenery at a temperature cold enough to chill a beer.
Advantages
Wind turbines produce green energy. Unlike fossil-based fuel that rape the planet to mine and then pollute the air with its emissions, green energy is clean and does not produce green house gases. And yes, no fuel cost because the wind is free!
Disadvantages
Wind turbines do produce noise from the way the blades slice through the air. For some people, it's an eye sore given its monstrosity. Birds do fly into the blades and die. By the time wind energy becomes electrical energy, only 59% is left for use - thus it's not that efficient.
the Wind Turbines of Nabas
Getting There
Even though the wind turbines are in Nabas, it's still closer to Caticlan than it is from the town proper of Nabas. It's a short 15-min tricycle ride from Caticlan to the Unidos bridge junction (P15). From there, take a habal-habal all the way to the top (P70 one-way, 15 mins). Explore the top on foot.
Huge
Up close, these P4.5 billion wind turbines are a colossal monstrosity! Monolithically towering at 78 meters with a propeler span of about 40 meters per blade, they look surreal and alien. Each structure delivers 2 megawatts.
Honeymoon Getaway
Perhaps because of the sporadic rains, the fog draping the mountain ridges are thick with cold air coming from the northeast (Amihan). If there was lodging in the place, it would make a perfect honeymoon getaway - the view, the cold weather, the fog...all lend themselves to hugs and cuddles. Too bad I was alone :(
Walking it Back
I could have waited for a motorcycle. But it felt good to walk back. The cold air and the descent made the walk effortless. The view of the sea as the road opens up is something uplifting.
Ending Thoughts
The wind turbines are quite an experience. It's not too expensive (P140 2-way habal-habal ride). It felt relaxing being up there, perhaps because of the solitude and the slow cadence of the turbine blades producing a gentle swishing sound. It seems to put a paced rhythm to the area. This place is worth a visit.
--- Gigit (TheLoneRider)
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Wind Turbine FYI / Tips
- it's cold up there - bring warm covering
- no food or resto (as of this writing) so bring your own food unless you trek to the Pawa barangay
- no hotel or lodging
- you may like to let the habal-habal driver wait so you have a guaranteed ride back
- if you like long pleasant walks, walk it back from the turbine to the Unidos bridge. The view and the cool climate makes it worth it
How to get to the Wind Turbine
- from Nabas town proper - on the main road, take a Ceres bus or jeep going to Caticlan and get off at the Unidos bridge (~P20, 25 mins). From that junction, take a habal-habal motorcycle ride all the way to the top (P70 one-way, 15 mins)
- from Boracay - take the ferry back to Caticlan. Board a jeep, tricycle or bus towards Iloilo and get off at the Unidos bridge (~15-40). From that junction, take a habal-habal motorcycle ride all the way to the top (P70 one-way, 15 mins)
Wind Turbine Cost Index
(US$1 = Php 52 as of Apr 25, 2022)- PHP 15 tricycle ride from Caticlan to Unidos bridge
- PHP 40 Ceres luxury bus ride from Caticlan to Unidos bridge
- PHP 70 one-way habal-habal ride from Unidos bridge to wind turbine
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Next Traveling story:
Defaulting to Kalibo, Aklan
(Dec 17, 2016) Kalibo was not in the plan. From Caticlan, I was to go to Buruanga as a final destination in covering the North West Panay peninsula. But my shoes fell apart. I didn't want to explore caves and waterfalls on flip-flops. Assured I'll get Merrell shoes in Iloilo, I boarded the bus but got restless with the 6hr ride and just got off in Kalibo - and then it rained hard. What the heck am I doing here?....more »»
Nabas, Philippines
- Hurom-Hurom Cold Springs - natural spring with cold clean water in a private resort, P30 entrance | 11°50'32.7"N 122°01'49.3"E
- Wind Turbines - 18 wind turbines towering up to 78 meters high, lined-up on a mountain ridge | 11°52'43.55"N, 121°59'10.33"E
- Nabas Business Center INN - free wifi, 45 mins from Boracay
Poblacion, Nabas Aklan
How to Get to Nabas
- from Boracay - take the Ceres bus bound for Iloilo. Next town is already Nabas, 45 mins.
- from Iloilo - take the Ceres bus bound for Caticlan. It doen't matter if it's via Pandan or Capiz, it will pass through Nabas.
Nabas Blogs by TheLoneRider
- Visiting the Wind Turbines of Nabas Dec 16, 2016
- Hurom-Hurom Cold Springs Immersion Dec 11, 2016
Suggested itinerary on the WEST coast of Panay Island from Boracay going south
- Boracay - most popular beach in the Philippines
- Malay - Nabaoy River, Pangihan Cave, Nagata Falls, Agnaga Falls, Naasug Point, Malay Ecological Park, Motag Living Museum
- Nabas - wind tubines, Hurom-Hurom Cold Springs
- Pandan - Malumpati Spring
- Libertad - Maanghit Cave, Ati Cave and Bungan-Bungan Spring
- Sebaste - Igpasungaw Waterfall
- Culasi - Malalison Island
- Tibiao - hot kawa-bath, white water river rafting, Bugtong Bato Waterfall, rice terraces, Tibiao Bakery, pottery, fish spa
- Anini-y - Nogas Island, scuba diving
Suggested itinerary on the EAST coast of Panay Island from Boracay going south
- Boracay - most popular beach in the Philippines
- Malay - Nabaoy River, Pangihan Cave, Nagata Falls, Agnaga Falls, Naasug Point, Malay Ecological Park, Motag Living Museum
- Nabas - wind tubines, Hurom-Hurom Cold Springs
- Kalibo - Bakhawan Eco-Park, Tigayon Hill
- Tambak - oysters
- Capiz - Roxas City
- Carles | Estancia - Gigantes Island Boat Tour, Lighthouse of Gigantes Island and Bakwitan Cave of Gigantes Island
- Iloilo - Batchoy Indulgence
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Defaulting to Kalibo, Aklan
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