From Iloilo City:
1. Iloilo-San Jose-Overnight-Culasi
Go to San Jose via bus, shuttle vans or private transport and stay overnight. The terminal in Iloilo going to Antique is located in Molo; you may ride via Rose Tours or Susie Star Tours. Overnight stay in San Jose, Antique. Travel time Iloilo- San Jose: 2 hours
Leave for Culasi the following day. Travel time: 1.5 hours
2. Iloilo-San Jose-Culasi
Travel directly from Iloilo City to Culasi, Antique via private transport, leave Iloilo City by dawn and travel 4.5 hours to reach Culasi, Antique.
You may also take the Ceres bus via San Jose- Caticlan route.
From San Jose:
Via private transport or hired van- Suggested time to leave for Culasi is around 6am or earlier since the waves going to the island is unpredictable especially if you have fear of riding boats like me. LOL So better leave early to catch the good wave. :) Travel time is approximately 2 hours but since it's a bit early the roads are still empty, you can get to Culasi by 1.5 hours.
There's a reflectorized road sign at the main highway when you reach the Culasi town proper that says, Mararison Island this way, take the turn and it will lead you to Culasi Boardwalk or boulevard. It's at the back of the Poblacion Public Market and it's where you'll find motorized boats for transfer. Rate for the round-trip is around 1000php or you may haggle whoever offers a good price. Just arrange with the driver what time you'll be picked up.
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| Mararison Island from the boulevard |
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| There is a clean bathroom available for visitors at a fee of 5php. (Orange building in picture) |
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| The Boulevard/ Boardwalk |
The ride to Mararison takes about 15-20 minutes depending on weather situations.
When you arrive, you are welcomed by a Barangay Guest Relations Officer and will require you to register on the logbook and pay an environmental fee of 10php. Cottages are available for use and the rate is 200php for a small one and 500php for a kubo-type with bamboo flooring, a bit private. We rented the 500php cottage so we can store our belongings The locals act as guides so if ever you need one, just approach the brgy. officer assigned for the day. The officer can sometimes be at the barangay hall but he usually stays at one of the open huts or cottages. Rate for the guide is a minimum of 150php or depends on how much you want to give.
Tips:
- Bring bottled water.
- There are a few stores selling softdrinks in the island or you may buy ahead at the Poblacion public market or bring beforehand. Just stock up on liquids as it gets really hot when you take the hike.
- I suggest you bring your own lunch or you may also buy fresh catch at the island and request for it to be cooked, with a fee of course.
- If you plan on staying, bring a tent, blankets and a flashlight.
- Use trekking sandals or rubber shoes and slippers.
- Bring your own trashbag.
- Sunblock to protect you from the intense summer heat! Hehe
- Sarong or scarf to cover your face or use a hat.
- Snorkeling gear or goggles for swimming
- There's a bathroom located in the barangay office and a paid cr at the boulevard.
- Lifevests are limited. Just arrange with the boat driver before you transfer to the island.
Reminders:
We as visitors can help promote the beauty of the island with it's pristine clear waters, untouched flora and rich surrounding but it is also our duty to conserve it and spread the awareness of not spoiling it, not just in Mararison but in the places we visit here in the Philippines. Let's be responsible tourists!
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