2019 • 07 • 22

Mararison Island (also called Malalison) is an island located off the coast of Culasi in Antique. Culasi is in the northern portion of the province. From Barangay Centro Poblacion, the island can be reached in 15-20 minutes by pump boats and will dock at Kawit Sandbar. Aside from the natural attractions, Mararison is also known for its home-grown Mararison Children’s Choir, welcoming visitors with their sweet voices and smiling faces. Welcome to Mararison Island!

How to Get There

Nearest Airport: Antique Airport (Evelio Javier Airport)
Other Gateways: Caticlan Airport (Godofredo P. Ramos Airport); Kalibo International Airport; Iloilo International Airport (Cabatuan Airport)

By Air

Via Antique Airport

1. The newly relaunched airport is located in the capital town of San Jose de Buenavista. Philippine Airlines flies to Antique thrice a week — Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday. From there, you may ride a tricycle to the town center. The fare is P10/person, but you can also do a special trip for P50-100.
2. From the town center, ride a bus to Culasi. The fare is around P200. Travel time is 1-2 hours.
3. Once in Culasi, go to the port located at Barangay Centro Poblacion and go to the local tourism office for the pump boat ride (P750, roundtrip, good for 5 pax).

Via Caticlan or Kalibo

1. From either Caticlan or Kalibo, get on a bus to Culasi. The fare is around P100. The travel time is more or less 2 hours.
2. Once in Culasi, go to the port located at Barangay Centro Poblacion and go to the local tourism office for the pump boat ride (P750, roundtrip, good for 5 pax).

Via Iloilo

1. From the city center, go to the Molo Van and Bus Terminal.
2. Board a bus bound for Culasi. The fare is around P200. The trip may take around 3 hours.
3. Once in Culasi, head to the port and rent a boat from the local tourism office. The rental cost is around P750 (roundtrip, good for 5 pax).

By Sea

1. Alternatively, you can go to Batangas pier and board on an overnight and day ferries bound for Caticlan. 2GO has daily trips to Caticlan from Batangas Pier. The lowest fare, the super value class, costs around P890 (one way, with insurance).
2. From Caticlan Jetty Port, look for the buses bound for Culasi.
3. Once in Culasi, go to the port located at Barangay Centro Poblacion and go to the local tourism office for the pump boat ride (P750, roundtrip, good for 5 pax)

 

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Entrance Fee and Other Charges

• Environmental Fee: P20/person.
• Registration Fee: P20/person
• Camping Fee: Tent rental ranges from P150 – P250 (depending on the size).
• Cottage Rental Fee: Rate starts at P300 (depending on the size).
• Guide Fee: Should you want to get a tour guide, rate is P250 (good for 4 pax).
• Other Services Fee: Snorkeling gear rent (P50, 3 hrs); “Paluto” (P80-100)

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Don’t Miss

• The Mararison Children’s Choir! Request songs and enjoy being serenanded by the children of Mararison.
• Make the most of Kawit Sandbar. Laze around, take photos, and appreciate the local scene. The sandbar is located on the eastern portion of the island, where most of the population is concentrated.
• From the sandbar, you can explore further by going further to Mayanan Beach on the other side of the eastern portion of the island.
• Trek to the western portion of the island and while doing so, get to see Pitcher plants.
• Get a panoramic view of the island (rolling hills, the sandbar, and Nablag Islet) from the Mararison Island viewpoint.
• Go further to the western portion of the island to explore the mini-cave (Gui-ob Cave), Nablag Islet, and Luyo Beach.
• Other beaches on the island are Gitusan Beach and Talisay Beach.

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Don’t Forget

• Bring enough cash as there’s no ATM and bank on the island.
• Set a tip aside for the guide you hire.
• Bring sun protection. Make sure your sunscreen/sunblock is devoid of harmful chemicals that can damage marine life.
• Respect nature. Don’t do things that will harm the environment. Don’t pick the pitcher plants just for the photo.
• You can bring your own food. You can also have it cooked on the island for a fee. There are small stores where you can buy snacks and drinks.
• Leave only footprints and memories, not trash. Help the locals protect their island, their home, by disposing of your trash properly. If possible, just bring your trash with you and just dispose of it when you get on the mainland.

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If You Have More Time and Budget

• After exploring Mararison, you can explore another island of Antique — Seco Island. The jump-off point is in Tibiao, also located in the northern portion of the province.
• You can also do river kayaking and water tubing, try kawa hot bath or visit Bugtong Bato Falls in Tibiao.
• Visit Malumpati Cold Spring, Naranjo Water Park, and Dioso Farm in Pandan, Antique.

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Where to Stay

Locals have turned their houses into homestays. There are a few resorts (Enrique de Mararison and Mararison Private Island Resort) but accommodations available are mostly homestays. If you plan to stay longer and explore the province of Antique, here are some of the recommended resorts in Antique according to Agoda users, in no particular order.

• Phaidon Beach Resort. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
• La Parola Orchids Beach Resort. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
• Pandan Beach Resort. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
• Rose Point Beach Resort. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY

For more options, search here: Antique Hotels