A Photo A Week: The Island of Agho

The daily grind at work can be so stressful thus the need to unwind every now and then. And there is no better way to unwind than to leave the city and spend a night in one of the most beautiful islands in the province - the Agho Island in Concepcion, Iloilo. Despite the killer bus ride and uncomfortable boat ride, people keep on coming to this place because of its beauty and relaxing ambiance. I think I can spend hours, just lazing around while enjoying the view of the mountains and crystal clear water - perfect in freeing my mind of depressing and stressful thoughts.

How to get there:

From Tagbak Terminal, ride a bus (HPQ) bound for Concepcion. Fare for regular passengers is Php 120 while Php 110 for students. When you arrive in the town of Concepcion, proceed to the port going to Agho. Although walking distance from bus terminal, the port is not too easy to locate so you better ask the locals there. Public market is also near the port so you can buy foods (especially fish and pork) there instead of bringing some all the way from the city.

If you are lucky, you will never need to hire a pump boat since there are passenger pump boats traveling in the neighboring islands. If you catch a pump boat to Malangabang, just ask Mr. Boatman to drop you off in Agho. Fare is probably Php 30. In our case, we hired a small pump boat to take us to and from the island - we paid Php 600 and Php 500 respectively.

Last trip of bus going back to the city is 2:00 pm so you better return to town proper before that.

Tips:

• Although the place is not fully developed it is better contact the owner/caretaker before going there.
• Bring tent, blanket, food, drinking water and personal stuff since there is no restaurant, luxurious accommodation or stores in the island.