1. Mararison Island
Mararison, or Malalison, is a gorgeous island. Before it became prominent and captured the eyes of travelers and tourists worldwide, it started as a fisherman's island, where the locals lived using their boats and nets as their primary livelihood. Today, this island is open to everyone discovering and experiencing what it can offer.
2. Rolling Hills
Your escapade cannot be completed without hiking the rolling hills. On the summit is a 360-degree view of the island and the nearby municipalities. In addition, you can enjoy the relaxing ambiance because the hills are surrounded by greens, and the wind is cool and calming. If you are brave enough to walk on the trails in the dark, you can wait and enjoy the beauty of the golden sunset with the reflection on the water, the shape of the mountains, and the horizon - a perfect backdrop for Instagram.
3. The Sandbar
Mararison is an island, so it is surrounded by water and crystal clear waters. The photo above was taken from the top of the rolling hills, a spot where the clarity of the water is undeniably outstanding. Its shoreline has fine white sand with a mixture of colorful shells. During low tide, the shoreline extends and creates a long sandbar. If you are looking for underwater flora and fauna, scuba diving and snorkeling are also available.
4. Kawa Hot Bath in Tibiao
Kawa Hot Bath is a must-try. It is an old style of warm bath that uses a “Kawa” or a gigantic wok as a bathtub. Most of the resorts offering Kawa Hot Bath are situated in Brgy. Tuno is 30 to 40 minutes away from Culasi. To heat up the water in the wok, they use wood. Then, it is sprinkled with medicinal and ornamental for a relaxing experience and to restore beauty.
5. Bugtong Bato Waterfalls
Bugtong Bato is just one of the waterfalls. You can reach these spectacular waterfalls by trekking and passing by the "pilapil" of the farmlands of the residents. Because the area is surrounded by trees and other plants, tranquility and calmness are preserved. Wants extreme? Bugtong Bato has different stages. You can reach the higher stage by spelunking using a single rope as support.
Where to Stay in Mararison Island:
- There are no five-star hotels, so homestay with the locals can give you an amazing and remarkable experience.
- Had an overnight stay at Kuya Rey's house. Had dinner and breakfast with his family and had a great conversation. Kuya Rey can be contact on 0929 322 0927. He also has a boat rental.
Where to Stay in Tibiao:
- There are a lot of resorts in Brgy. Tuno.
- La Escapo Mountain Resort is highly recommended in Tibiao. They have “bahay kubo” for accommodation, and they offer the Kawa Hot Bath, body massage, floating cottages, and extreme water tubing. They can be contacted on 09262376136 or 09774708784.
How to Get to Antique:
- By Air: You can book a direct flight from Manila to Roxas City airport. Ride on a motorcycle or tricycle to Pueblo. Ride in a van to Kalibo and alight at the Ceres Bus Terminal. Ride a bus with "Ilo-Ilo" signboard and alight in Culasi.
- By Bus: Routes via Bus include RoRo transport. Below is the list of schedules:
- In Cubao - ride an ALPS bus to Culasi Antique Bus Station.
- In Starmall, Alabang - Ride in an Alabang Transit bus to Culasi Antique Bus Station.
- In Robinsons Antipolo - ride in an RRCG Transport Bus to San Jose de Buenavista Bus Terminal
- In Alabang - ride an ALPS Bus to Culasi Antique Bus Station.
Where to Stay in Antique:
- Online booking via Agoda App or website is easy. Below are the top-rated places to stay in Antique. Click HERE to Book or check their updated rates.
- Antique Amor Bungalows & Villas
- RedDoorz @LS Suites, Poblacion, Culasi
- Kasa Raya By The Sea, Tigbaboy
- Villa Eliza Ecofarm, Tigbaboy
- Nasan View Resort, Pandan
- Le Palme Beach Resort, Pandan
READ: SOLO-BACKPACKING IN CAPIZ, ANTIQUE, GUIMARAS, ILO-ILO