WHETHER it is called Malalison Island or Mararison Island, there is no debate that this 55-hectare landmass off the coast of Culasi, Antique, is a magnificent sight to behold. With only 10 to 15 minutes away from the main town of Culasi by boat, it is not too difficult to get to Malalison Island.
The first thing that greeted us when we got there was the breathtaking sand bar and pristine waters. At the other end of the island, lush green hills stood tall as if they beckon for us to conquer them. While you can visit Malalison on a day trip, it is best to spend two days at least in this island to fully appreciate its beauty.
Here are some of the attractions in Malalison that you can enjoy.
Awesome sandbar and pristine waters. Swim through the clear waters and relax by the white sand beach at the sand bar, situated at the eastern portion of Malalison that faces mainland Panay. From there, you can either roll on the sand or bathe under the sun.
If there’s nothing else to do, just sit back and enjoy the breathtaking view of Madja-as wherein the waterfalls are visible from Malalison. You can also tour the entire island by boat and arrange to do some snorkeling activities in certain interesting points where marine life is abundant.
Breathtaking rolling hills. The opposite end of the island is elevated where its rolling hills are spectacular. We climbed and trekked through the hills where pitcher plants were growing everywhere. The view of the sea from above, including the magnificent scenery of the hills overlooking Nablag Islet, was priceless. Take note that you cannot hike without a guide, for your safety. The community has come up with a system wherein there is equal opportunity for all the guides and the families living in the island.
Fascinating cave and stony beach. At a point where we descended after our hike, we found a small cave which can fit one or two persons in its cavity. The beach in this part of Malalison was filled with stones and small rocks that are colorful and artfully decorated by nature.
Friendly community. Once we arrived in the island, everyone was welcoming and friendly. We were greeted by Mario Fuenteblanca, who was referred to us by Culasi’s Municipal Information and Tourism Officer John John Sumanting. Mario assisted us in finding a place to stay and we opted for Aloma Island Inn whose caretaker Ron-Ron was very helpful in seeing through our needs.
There’s one eatery in the island, Nanay Cristy Carinderia, which is also a homestay. You can choose from 41 trained homestays and you can arrange with them to cook for your meals, too. Take note that electricity in the island is available only from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., unless you are billeted in a high-end resort with generator available all night long.
Fresh catch. We were curious with the group of locals who gathered around the beach. I approached them to take a look at the fresh catch they just brought in. Ron-Ron bought a few kilos for us, which we had for dinner. We also passed by a family cleaning some sea urchin. Interested on how it tasted, our boatmen offered to get a few for us to sample.
Life is simple in Malalison but you can feel the joy emanating from the community. In the afternoon, as the sun was setting at the horizon, the adults were playing beach volleyball near the sand bar while others looked on and cheered, exchanging laughter that filled the air. The day after, as we were preparing for our departure, we saw children excitedly walking to their school. Everyone greeted us along the way, happy to share their piece of paradise to visitors like us.
Erratum: Antique’s Provincial Tourism Office officer in charge Flord Nicson Calawag’s last name was misspelled in last week’s column.
Claire Marie Algarme blogs at http://firsttimetravels.com. Follow her as @firsttimetravel on Twitter and Instagram.