Katalaka: The Sulfur-rich Waters of Siraan Hot Springs

The Sira-an hot springs, which is located at the south point of Anini-y, Antique, is probably the only place in the whole island of Panay where you can find the perfect bath with warm water that reeks of sulfur. Yes, it doesn’t smell good but the bathtubs are filled with sulfuric hot spring water which is believed to cure aching muscles and bones as well as skin diseases – a perfect way to spend time after a long road trip!

Although going there is one dusty ride especially during summer, we recommend that you take an open vehicle. A jeepney or a pickup truck will do. You have to know that they don’t call Antique “the land where the mountains meet the sea” for no good reason.

While heading south for Sira-an, you will pass by beautiful mangroves and bonsais on rock formations by the blue crystalline shorelines. At your right will be the lush green mountains of Hamtic and Dao. It’s almost like traveling between two separate but totally magical worlds! This is something that you can never capture with your camera from inside a car or a van.

Upon entering the resort, you will notice that the smell of the air is quite different. The odor is actually the sulfur coming out of the rocks. If you try to go near one of the smaller pools, you’ll find a deep tank which acts as the source of all the sulfur in the resort. It’s pretty cool. It’s like staring in to a geyser expecting it to spray hot water up in the air.

We prepared lunch in one of the cottages and dozed off after eating because it was still too hot to go to the pool area. We checked in to one of the rooms and we were amazed at how big the space was. What’s good is that they’re also air conditioned and even if they say that it’s only good for four people, you can still fit 11 of your gang inside. Just pay extra for the beddings and you’ll have yourselves an instant slumber party in the middle of nowhere.

We slept and waited until it was sunset. You don’t want to miss the sunset in this place. It’s one of those rare moments where you get to see the sun set behind the beautiful Nogas Island while watching its lighthouse gleaming against an orange background. It’s almost like a scene from one of those romantic Korean movies. *sighs*

Oh and hey! Sira-an has its own diving spot! But I’m telling you it’s not for the faint-hearted. I have a thing for blue waters but definitely not dark blue ones. From the view above the rocks, one could see that it’s pretty deep and some have claimed to have seen sea snakes (locally known as Walo-walo) lurking beneath the sharp rock formations.

Our favorite tubs are the smallest ones where about 5 adults can fit. It’s excellent if you guys just want to chill out while gazing at the clear night sky above. We prefer these over the larger swimming pool because here, the water is continuously replaced. You even have the option to drain the whole tank. Just look for the plug hidden somewhere in one of the corners and you can pull it right off. Just wait for a few minutes (3-5 minutes) and the whole tank is refurnished with the good old sulfur-rich water.

Our dinner was pretty much like what we had during lunch. But what made it extra special (Australian Master Chef Accent) was Louie’s grilled tanigue (spanish mackerel) marinated in lemon juice and salt and topped with red hot chili. To complete our buffet, we had a few bottles of soft drinks (classic), some grilled pork and a bowl of soy sauce with sliced fresh onions. It was a great way to celebrate our night and a great way to fill our stomachs after a long hot day at the Sira-an hot springs.

Some reminders when going to this place:

1. Bring a digital camera.

2. Bring your sunscreen.

3. Bring your own food and water.

4. Bring more friends!

And one more thing, I do suggest you bring cash. There are no ATM’s in the vicinity. We had ourselves a little bit of a problem when we found out that we only brought cash enough to rent a room. Everybody else brought ATM cards. *face palm*

Side trips you can take:

Try visiting Nogas Island. From Sira-an, it will only cost you a few hundred bucks to rent a boat going to the island. Don’t forget to bring enough water for the trip.