Mararison Island, Antique PH

Krrruuhaayy!!!

Mararison or Malalison Island is an unspoiled 55-hectare hook-shaped island blessed with picturesque mountain ridges for a background, having refined white shells and corals for sand, transparent clear waters that boasts beautiful aquatic flora and fauna, hill tops perfect for short trekking that will enable you to see all of Mararison in its grandeur. Its mini-rainforest found in Tuyong-tuyong Hill (the highest hill in the island) is the home of yellow-naped oriole bird (tulihaw), fruit bats and carnivorous pitcher plant. (Source: Katahum.com )

Mararison is just 45 minutes ride from my hometown, Laua-an. A ride that costs Php38.00 by bus and Php40.00 by van.

We arrived around 9 in the morning. 

From Iloilo Molo terminal, you can ride a tourist van for Php200/trip in 4-5hrs. Depends on the driver.

Upon our arrival in Culasi Bus Terminal, we took tricycle to the port that costs Php9.00 per head.

On our way to Mararison! Safety first, life jackets on!

The pump boat rental ranges from
Php1,000.00 - Php 1,500.00

Luckily, we rented a boat in low cost that time. Locals really know how to do "ayo" or "tawad". A 20-minute boat ride from Culasi Port to the island.
The environmental fee is Php10.00 for the locals and Php40.00 for tourists.
(Cost depends on the time of visit.)

We bought refreshment & snacks before going to the island.
And oh! this is not sponsored by Coca-cola Co. ^^

You can choose a cottage depending on its size.

Rental for cottages ranges from Php150-500

The island is amazing that it is still pure. I really wish it'll remain as it is.

On our way to Mini Cave and Nablag Islet

After we settled down, we hike to Nablag Islet and we were guided by Tita. I forgot her name. *I'm sorry* It took us an hour of walking because we have lots of stop over to capture the beautiful scenery atop of the mountain.
We passed the only remaining pitcher plant and we missed taking picture of it. :(

 

You can't just seat there and watch the islet. Click, Snap! ^o^

We arrived lunch at the cave but we didn't bring our lunch but hopefully there's a mini store where you can buy drinks and meryenda. After exploring the cave and Nablag Islet yet we didn't cross to it because the fisherman that we're going to ride with was in hurry. We went back and have our lunch tho. Two of my bffs swim while I rest.

Around 3 in the afternoon, we went back to Culasi main town and we went home by bus.

Mauli nakami! (We're going home.)

Expenses:

Laua-an-Culasi - Php40.00

Tricycle-Port - Php10/head

Environmental Fee - Php50.00/head

Pumpboat rental - Php800.00/Roundtrip good for 4-6pax

Food - Php250.00

Cottage - Php150.00 good for 4-6pax

How to get there:

From Kalibo (3 1/2 hrs)

Nearest Airport - Caticlan Airport

Take a cab from airport to Ceres Bus Terminal with a sign board San Jose or ILOILO via San Jose

Alight at Culasi Terminal

Take a Tricycle to the port

From Iloilo (4 1/2 hrs) Php200

Nearest Airport - Iloilo International Airport

Take a shuttle van from airport to SM City

From SM City  - Take a cab to Molo Terminal

Take a Ceres bus or Van in Molo Terminal with sign board Culasi, Pandan, Kalibo or Caticlan

Alight at Culasi Terminal

Take a Tricycle to the port

Check Katahum.com for more info.

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post.