Mararison Island (also known as Maralison)

Short Description

Mararison Island, the "Island of the Sleeping Lady", lies about 1.5 miles off the shore of Culasi (Antique). Mararison is a small island with a few fisher huts and small rice fields inland. You can buy nothing there. Therefore bring your own lunchpack with you.

Time and Distance

From Kalibo it is a short ride of about 1h15 to Culasi. You can also get to Culasi by bus (Ceres Liner) or by Jeepney (Culasi). There you will have to negociate a fisherboat that takes you to Mararison and back (A reasonable price is lays between PHP 1500 and 2000). Think of some 30 minutes to cross the channel between Panay and Mararison. Ask the skipper to drop you off on the western gravel beach.

Equipment

Everything you need for an enjoying bath and of course your snorkel, goggles and fins.

What to see

There are two worlds: One above water and one under water. When it isn't too hot, think of a hike around the island (2 - 3 hours) or a short trip inside the island. Under water you will find a rich choice of corals, clown fish, starfish and some other 200 specimen. The shore is relatively flat until 100m off-shore. There you may dive (free dive) into canyons of about 12m of depth.

What to do

Swim, splash, dive, snorkel in the water or stroll around on the island. Under the trees on the western beach there is enough shadow for a lazy grill-party. Bring your own fire-wood, because there is very few wood available. You may even camp for one night and feel like Robinson Crusoe (don't forget your Friday...). A cave in the beachside cliffs provides you with a shelter if sudden rain should come over from Palawan.

Costs

Count PHP 100 per person for the bus or jeepney and PHP 1500-2000 for the boat trip.

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