Just when you thought you’d seen it all, wave hello to more.
The Mararison Island is locally called Malalison, which emerges from the Visayan Sea as a pristine 55-hectare haven off Culasi, Antique’s coast. The crescent-shaped island shelters fewer than 1,000 residents from the Karay-a and Ati indigenous communities, preserving a way of life harmonized with nature’s rhythms. This area is accessible via a Bangka ride from Culasi port. Mararison reveals its magic most vividly at dawn when fishermen haul their nets, morning mist lifts from the hills, and the island awakens to another day of quiet wonder.
Barefoot Breakdown
The island’s iconic Tuyong-tuyong hills transform into golden waves under the sun, their 200-meter summit offering panoramic views of the Sibuyan Sea that meets the sky. Going on a hike through the cogon grasslands will lead to vistas overlooking the Mararison’s sandbar and neighboring Island. Below is the coastal village, humming with gentle activity. Children play on shores lined with fishing bankas. Women weave palm fronds and the scent of freshly caught seafood grills over wood fires. The surrounding waters conceal the coral gardens just meters from shore, accessible even to beginners at snorkeling.
Sea-nic Origins
The journey of Marirason from obscurity to ecotourism model began after Typhoon Yolanda in 2013 when relief workers documented its unspoiled beauty. Local folklore tells of three sister islands, Mararison, Batbatan, and Nogas, which were born from Mount Madjaas’ tears. The community maintains careful control over tourism through the Mararison Island Fishermen Association, ensuring that visits are sustainable and respectful. The efforts they make to preserve the island’s fragile ecosystems while providing a livelihood through homestays, guided hikes, and boat tours to secluded lagoons.
Shell We Go On?
You can enjoy a variety of activities for quality time bonding with your loved ones, family, and friends on this Island, where you can experience the island’s beauty, walking along the sand where fishermen are pulling nets from their early catch, as part of your coastal walks. During the afternoon, snorkeling along the coral gardens with the fish and other marine life, and also enjoying the beautiful sunset into dawn until low tide. Bring essential items like cash, sunscreen, and a copy of the rules and regulations for the entire island.
How To Get There?
Exact Location: Barangay Mararison, Municipality of Culasi, Province of Antique, Philippines
- By Car: Start your trip in Kalibo and head south along the main coastal highway leading to Antique. Pass through nearby towns like Ibajay and Pandan until you arrive at Culasi. Simply follow road signs or use apps like Google Maps or Waze to reach Culasi Port, where boats to Mararison Island are docked.
- By Commute: Catch a bus or van in Kalibo that’s bound for Culasi or San Jose de Buenavista. Upon arrival in Culasi, it’s easy to get to the port by tricycle or a short walk through the town center. Boat trips to Mararison Island begin at the Culasi Port.
The Island of Mararison offers a unique experience for a trip, as this place provides a beautiful, sunny day to sunbathe and hear the sound of the waves crashing against the shore. Experience the diverse lifestyle of the community as they thrive, each in their way. Tourism is available in various places, as this gem stands as proof that some areas still strike a balance between welcoming visitors and preserving the island’s natural beauty. The gift that you can get in this place is not just for the eyes, but it is a space to rediscover the stillness of each traveler.
