Mararison Island, Antique, Philippines
Photo: tw_productions by Eve(fb page: https://web.facebook.com/evetabaniagphotography/)
Camera: Mavicpro
As we all know, we have thousands of Islands here in the Philippines. And more than half of these islands remain undiscovered by many. And I prefer to go to those unpopular ones and discover the beauty that lies within. Not only to amaze my self and the whole world of the secrets of these hidden escapes, but also to help the community by promoting their tourism.
And so, I grabbed my camera and drone on one weekend and went on a short drive to Mararison Island!
This tiny island is part of Culasi in the province of Antique. All you have to do is take a 20-minute boat ride from Culasi Wharf and voila! You’re ready to enjoy a piece of heaven on earth!
The sandbar is what makes this island really inviting. And you will only not get one but two sandbars during low tide!
And for the trekking addicts.. you can climb the hills and appreciate the picturesque view at the summit. It will only cost 250 pesos per guide for a group of 5 people.
However, same with the other underdeveloped islands, they don’t have much accommodations, facilities are quite uninviting (especially public toilets) and fresh water is scarce. You have to pay a minimal amount every time you shower or take a dump. And also, electricity is only available on certain times daily.
But they do have government owned cottages for 500 pesos for a day tour. Which can already accommodate 10 people.
Private resorts and homestays are also available within the island if you want to feel more pampered.
Food is available within the island. But I didn’t try them. I brought my own packed food just in case they don’t have anything.
If you want to see the beauty of this island, check my shots below and the specific details on directions, fares, fees and travel time.
Description: Sandbars of Mararison in lowtide. Boats take locals and tourists in and out of the island.
Photo: tw_productions by Eve(fb page: https://web.facebook.com/evetabaniagphotography/)
Camera: Mavicpro
Description: Hilltop view in Mararison.
Photo: tw_productions by Eve(fb page: https://web.facebook.com/evetabaniagphotography/)
Camera: Mavicpro
Description: Ocean view from the other side of the hill.
Photo: tw_productions by Eve(fb page: https://web.facebook.com/evetabaniagphotography/)
Camera: Mavicpro
Description: Me doing my private photo shoot on the clear waters of Mararison.
Photo: tw_productions by Eve(fb page: https://web.facebook.com/evetabaniagphotography/)
Camera: Mavicpro
How To Get There
- From Manila Via Plane: Fly to either Iloilo Airport, Caticlan Airport or Kalibo Airport. Then, take a bus going to Culasi, Antique. At the Culasi Wharf, take a 20-minute boat ride to Mararison.
- From Iloilo City: Go to the van terminal in Molo and take the one traveling to Caticlan or Kalibo. Tell the driver that you are getting off at Culasi Wharf. Then, take a 20-minute boat ride to Mararison.
- From Kalibo, take the van going to Caticlan. Get off at the Jetty Port Terminal and take another van going to San Jose, Antique. Tell the driver you are getting off at Culasi Wharf. Then, take a 20-minute boat ride to Mararison.The van terminal for San Jose is just in front of the Jetty Port Terminal.
- From Manila via RoRo: Get the Ceres Bus or Philtranco in Cubao bound to Caticlan. Get off at Jetty Port in Caticlan and take the van going to San Jose, Antique. Then, get off at Culasi Wharf. You can also take your vehicle with you if you're coming from Manila. Just drive to Batangas Port and take the 2Go RoRo bound for Caticlan or the FastCat bound to Mindoro, then, another FastCar form Mindoro to Caticlan.
Fares, Fees and Travel Time
- Manila to Iloilo, Kalibo and Caticlan (Airfare): Find a Piso Fare from Cebu Pacific! It will only cost you about 2k for a roundtrip ticket. If not, the regular airfare is about 4k roundtrip. Travel Time: 1 hour.
- Manila to Caticlan (RoRo Bus): All-in fare is about 1,600 pesos one way. Travel Time: It varies. If you take the 2Go travel that does not go on land travel in Mindoro, the whole travel will take about 14 hours one way. But if you take the Philtranco that lands in Mindoro, then, that will be an excruciating 18-19 hours one way.
- Manila to Caticlan (RoRo with your private vehicle): Fare for your vehicle (driver fare is free) would depend on your ride's size. For me, I paid for my pickup truck for 6k one way. And passenger fare is 1,200 pesos each way (if you have friends with you). This fare applies to 2Go travel. I didn't bother inquiring from Fast Cat (Philtranco) since I don't want to do a land travel in Mindoro. 2Go travel docks directly to Caticlan which will save a lot of time.
- Iloilo to Culasi (Van from the Molo terminal): Fare would be about 200-250 pesos one way. Travel Time: about 5 hours.
- Caticlan to Culasi (Van): Fare is around 100 pesos one way. Travel Time: 2 hours.
- Kalibo to Caticlan (Van): Fare is around 100 pesos one way. This fare applies to the vans near Kalibo market. The one at the airport might try to rip you off. If you’re getting the van bound to Caticlan at the airport, it’s better to be in a group. Travel Time: 1 hour.
- Culasi Wharf to Mararison Island: Terminal fee is 30 pesos per person. Boat ride is 150 pesos per person roundtrip. Travel Time: 20 minutes.
I hope this helps! If you plan to go here and want to get a guide, I'll be glad to take you!
Check out my pages for more photos and travel escapes.