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Country > Philippines > Aklan > Nabas
Date > 2016 > Dec
Section > Traveling

Traveling

Visiting the Wind Turbines of Nabas Dec 16, 2016

Visiting the Wind Turbines of Nabas

Location Google Map: 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.

Visiting the Wind Turbines of Nabas
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)
YOGA by Gigit Yoga by Gigit | Learn English Learn English | Travel like a Nomad Nomad Travel Buddy | Donation Bank Donation Bank for TheLoneRider

from the highway junction, the wind turbines in Pawa are still 5kms up the mountain
for the most part, it was a dirt ride up on a habal-habal
the first glimpse of the wind turbines on the horizon
they got bigger and taller as we drew near
it was cold, windy and raining at times
fog draped the landscape
do you see the tall wind turbine behind me? a second ago, it was still there!
see how strong the wind was...and how this colossal turbine dwarded the tallest coconut trees
taking shelter from a shed
I went inside this restricted property. By the time the guards got to me, I already took the close up pictures I wanted
on the other side away from the sea are the mountains
the turbines lined-up as far as the eye could see...in foggy conditions :)
a conversation with the alleged owner of the land
at times the wind would push the fog away revealing a clearing from the sky
from a high ground, the Pawa barangay could be seen
this is surreal - dark skies above, a sunny clearing revealing the sea and nearby island, then the foreboding mountain on the foreground
the muted silence and the poetic landscape paints a stoic picture
even on high ground, the turbine loomed big and large
a rest shack...soon to be operational
maybe 7 people can hold hands and wrap themselves around the base
the fog conceals the background
the fog cleared revealing 3 turbines
around the bend is another turbine
a mountain pass showing more of the water
like the Colossus of Rhodes, the lone turbine stands vanguard overlooking the sea
the open road drops exposing the sea view
reaching Unidos Barangay on foot, I pass by the community graveyard
at the heart of Unidos Barangay

Wind Turbine FYI / Tips

How to get to the Wind Turbine

Wind Turbine Cost Index

(US$1 = Php 52 as of Apr 25, 2022)

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Defaulting to Kalibo, Aklan traveling
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(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 »»

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Nabas Blogs by TheLoneRider

Suggested itinerary on the WEST coast of Panay Island from Boracay going south

  1. Boracay - most popular beach in the Philippines
  2. Malay - Nabaoy River, Pangihan Cave, Nagata Falls, Agnaga Falls, Naasug Point, Malay Ecological Park, Motag Living Museum
  3. Nabas - wind tubines, Hurom-Hurom Cold Springs
  4. Pandan - Malumpati Spring
  5. Libertad - Maanghit Cave, Ati Cave and Bungan-Bungan Spring
  6. Sebaste - Igpasungaw Waterfall
  7. Culasi - Malalison Island
  8. Tibiao - hot kawa-bath, white water river rafting, Bugtong Bato Waterfall, rice terraces, Tibiao Bakery, pottery, fish spa
  9. Anini-y - Nogas Island, scuba diving

Suggested itinerary on the EAST coast of Panay Island from Boracay going south

  1. Boracay - most popular beach in the Philippines
  2. Malay - Nabaoy River, Pangihan Cave, Nagata Falls, Agnaga Falls, Naasug Point, Malay Ecological Park, Motag Living Museum
  3. Nabas - wind tubines, Hurom-Hurom Cold Springs
  4. Kalibo - Bakhawan Eco-Park, Tigayon Hill
  5. Tambak - oysters
  6. Capiz - Roxas City
  7. Carles | Estancia - Gigantes Island Boat Tour, Lighthouse of Gigantes Island and Bakwitan Cave of Gigantes Island
  8. Iloilo - Batchoy Indulgence
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