Malalison Island is one of the reasons why you should explore the province of Antique. Located in the town of Culasi, it is 4 hours from Iloilo City.
Pronounced as sometimes spelled as “Mararison” because the Karay-a dialect ( spoken in Antique and many parts of Iloilo) pronounces “l” as “r”.
Exactly a week ago, I went to Antique with my friends way back in college, Victoria and Reagan. That’s Malalison/Mararison Island at the back.
One of Culasi’s island-barangays, boat ride from Culasi takes only 15 minutes and one of the province’s white sand beaches.
Our boat man, gave us less than a minute to set foot on the main beach of Malalison and suggested to go for a hike that turned out to be a trek for us newbies.
He took us to the other part of the island, watching corals from its clear waters and rugged terrain and secluded coves.
We stopped here. It will remind you of the coves of Zambales.
He gave us directions before going back to the main beach to meet us after our trek. But they all sounded more of a Morse code because we were so engrossed of being together after a long time and we kept on laughing and talking while Manong boatman was telling us the trails to follow.
So we practically didn’t know where to go..
We were enjoying our company and followed where our itchy feet led us. Amazed with the views and took snapshots. There were a lot of pitcher plants and native berries I first saw in Guimaras.
This is Nablag islet. During low tide, you can cross it from the beach.
The trek was more on looking and deciding which trail to follow and reach the main beach before the rain will finally pour.
Beautiful landscape, pretty unique for a small island like Malalison.
It was late when we realized we were following a trail on the side of the hills that instantly drops to the shore. Yeah I know, it was risky.
I felt a little uncomfortable while holding to Reagan’s backpack. I was reminded I have fear of heights.
Thank goodness to the stunning views like this view of Malalison Island’s sand bar.
It was a little tedious too. Especially for a deskdweller like me carrying a big and heavy camera. But it is one memorable experience when you watch things from a different perspective and laughing with your friends.
Finally, we knew we are very close to the beach..See those pine trees?
As we ended our trek, we walked for a few minutes passing the village of more than 100 families trying to buy cold Coke but the island’s electricity is only from 10pm till dawn. Too bad.
But not this one..
We swam with the local kids and went back to Culasi at around 6pm. Since it’s summer, the sun was up and it was the smoothest boat ride I had.
Will I trek Malalison Island again? Yes, but a different trail for sure.
Have you been to Malalison/Mararison Island? I want to know your experience!
Click and read more about Antique
13 Comments
It looks like Batanes! Hope to visit one day and see its beauty for myself.
Thank you for sharing!
Hi Oscar!
I laugh that “acres of diamonds”. Thank you for reading and I really appreciate your comments.
I’m not sure though coz I’ve never been to Batanes but a couple of my friends also said the same thing.
Thank you for your comment!
I was there, last week, May 28 to 29. I spent two days exploring the island. Am I going back? I want to stay there for good!:)spent 3 days in Tibiao before going to Malalison. I travel alone so i can go wherever i want to go, however 4 days are not enough to explore Tibiao and Culasi, Antique,and that was just 2 towns! Antique Province has a lot to offer.
Hi Alfred!
Wow, nice to hear that you had a blast! Antique is a great place to temporarily detach yourself. I want to go back there, bring my whole family ( seniors and the kids). I think they will love it.
Did you stay in the island? Or in Culasi?
I was in the island. It was quite an experience staying in the kawit(sandbar) until midnight, no electricity, just the sound of the waves. Woke up at 3:30am and stayed at the sandbar til sunrise because I really would love to take pictures of the sun rising behind Mount Madia-as.
Wow, that’s impressive. It was drizzling and raining when went there and one of my friends is from Culasi. We’ll try staying in the island, next time. DId you camp? Nice to have some bonfire there too!
The place is actually family-friendly. I was thinking about camping with bonfire, but i would rather do that if i have my friends with me. Since i was alone I just enjoyed sitting on the sands and enjoying the moonlit sky. It really is a place to temporarily detach yourself from the routines. Nothing as peaceful as sitting on the shore with the moonlight’s reflection on the water, no music, no bars. The wind from the sea somehow eliminates the irrelevant from my thoughts and gives me a clearer picture. I usually go to places like these when i feel there is a need to clear up my mind.
Hmm, you give me an idea. I’ll do that too with my friends. One of friends told me that waves there are really gigantic during habagat. So best time to visit is really summer.
Kap Mario mentioned that when I was there. It may be a 15 minute boat trip, but the waves can be a little tricky during the habagat or the rainy season. Yes, I guess summer would really be the best time to go the island.