After a hardcore and strenuous climb in Mt. Madja-as, everyone deserves a relaxing side trip. I personally wanted to relax in a place with a few people. And Boracay is out of the story. Since Malalison Island is the nearest island in Culasi, we decided to spend the rest of our trip there.
Malalison Island is also known as Mararison Island. It is one of the three island barangays of Culasi, Antique. A 55-hectare undeveloped island which can be reached by a 15-minute ride off coast of Poblacion, by motorized pump-boat. This magnificent island is famous with its clean pebbled beach sand, coral reefs and crystal clear blue waters which are good for sailing, snorkeling, fishing and scuba diving.
After having our dinner in Culasi, a couple of my friends went to the shore to hire a motorized pump-boat. Unfortunately, they were priced higher than expected. Mr. Sumanting of Culasi Tourism Office told us that a round trip from Culasi to Malalison Island will only cost P1,000. So we call Mr. Sumanting and asked for help.
(L to R) me, Jahbert, Mr. Sumanting, Jai-jai, Bojek, Bart, Bossing
He was generous enough to meet us again and introduce to Mr. Mario Fuentiblanca (Kap Mario), which is the Barangay Chairman of Malalison Island. Like Mr. Sumanting, Kap Mario is also a very hospitable man. He brought over to Culasi one of their pump boat for us. And like what Mr. Sumanting had promised us, the round trip of pump boat only cost us P1,000.
The long stretched sandbar welcome us when we arrived in Malalison Island. It was already 6PM when we reached the island. The magnificent sandbar was very apparent under the bright moon, which create a romantic ambiance to the people sitting in the sand. We planned to spend the night in the sandbar. Unfortunately, it suddenly rain forcing us to sleep inside the Barangay's Multi-Purpose Building.
The next day, we all agreed to trek through the miniature mountains of Malalison Island. It was around 8AM when we started to hike towards the other side of the island, which the Nablag islet dwell. This islet can be crossed on foot during low tides, and we were just so lucky to have crossed it that day. We didn't spend a lot of time in Nablag Islet because the water is getting higher. We even feel the current of the water when we crossed back to Malalison.
Kap Mario also mention a cave on the island. Since the cave was just adjacent to the cove, we didn't have a hard time looking for it. There were a lot of groups in that part of the island. Most of the people who want to spend time with their families on Easter Sunday were there. It was also in that part of the island were fishermen dive for octopus or kugita. This kid is holding one, ready to grill.
We saw Kap Mario near the cave, and ask him if we could hitch a ride back to the Multi-Purpose building. Since the pump boat that he brought can only carry 5-6 people, we were transported by batch. The girls were escorted first toward the pump boat. We can observe how crystal clear the water was from where we were sitting. We could see clearly the black sea urchin below us. So far, the water in this island is the clearest sea water I have ever seen in my entire life. I just hope this island will be taken care of and handled properly by the locals.
Malalison Island is such a paradise. If you happen to travel around Antique, spend a night in the island and explore its beauty. This island has a lot to offer. You can hike around the island for an hour or two. Walk your way to the island's cove, and march towards Nablag islet. Just make sure to cross back to Malalison before the water rises. Check out their cave which is just adjacent to the cove. Snorkel through their crystal clear water and enjoy the heat of summer. Rock n' Roll! \m/
How to Get There:
From Cebu, board on a boat bound to Iloilo City. From Iloilo Port, take a cab to V-hire terminal. From there, ride a V-hire to Culasi, Antique and ask the driver to drop you off at Culasi Municipal Hall. Walk a couple of blocks to the shore and hire a pump boat bound for Malalison Island.
Expenses:
Boat Fare (Cebu-Iloilo) - 810 Php (one way)
Taxi Fare - 100 Php/head (one way)
V-hire Fare - 200 Php/head (one way)
Pump boat to Malalison - 1,000 Php(8 person-round trip)
Barangay Fee (Malalison) - 10 Php/head
Contact Person:
Mr. John John U. Sumanting
Municipal Information Officer
Tourism Officer
Tel. No. : (036) 277-8077
Cell. No. : 09163245068
Email : johnjohnsumanting_mio@yahoo.com
Tips:
* Contact the tourism office before you go there. Mr. Sumanting can help you find a cheaper pump boat to Malalison Island.
*Bring tents if you want to camp in the shoreline.
* Print a map to guide you throughout your adventure.
Check out my other adventures in Antique:
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Mt. Madja-as | Holy Week Climb
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Mt. Madja-as | Climb Itinerary