Isla Mararison for Less Than 1000 Pesos

I insist to call it in Kinaray-a, our language in Antique, where this island is located, a barangay of Culasi, a big town up north: Mararison. This means defiant, and according to legends, in relation to Mount Madya-as, the highest peak in the whole island of Panay towering the town of Culasi.

My crew of siblings and high school buddy spent a night here, at Luyo Beach, in Enrique de Mararison Resort. It is solar powered and relatively new that it is advisable to bring your own supply of food, water, and other provision for your convenience. Our Fan Room costed us P350.00/head/night. We loved Manong Dodoy, the caretaker.

The whole island is perfect for camping. It is a 15-minute banca ride from the town’s boulevard where the Tourism Office is stationed. Roundtrip cost to date is P150.00. Then there’s the P30.00 entrance fee/head. Manong Dodoy took us to an island tour for additional P50.00/head.

Aside from swimming, there are hills to hike. Tour guide is for P200.00. 

For a day and night, we were awed by the clear waters, fine rocks and pebbles, rock formations and rolling hills, and the fact we have this island in our province to protect beyond enjoyment.