The name itself spells adventure. "Mararison" comes from the Kinaray-a "malalison," meaning disobedient. According to legend, a young girl named Mara fell in love with a stranger. Despite her parents' objections to the man, she eloped with him one night. The lovers were out at sea when a storm came. And you know what happens to disobient children. The next day, the villagers found an beautiful island, which they named after Mara, the malalison.
Mararison Island off Culasi, Antique is 10 minutes by outrigger boat from the public market in Culasi. The island is good for trekking or simply lazing under the sun. Villagers are very friendly. There are no accomodation facilities there, but you can talk to the barangay captain to use the village hall, which they have turned into classrooms by day. Electricity is available only at 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, during which time you don't expect the locals out because they are glued to their TV sets or videoke.
The more adventurous can camp out. Last time we went there, we slept on the stage by the basketball court with the fishermen. They are very friendly. Invite them for a drink of Tanduay or Emperador brandy, and you get company all night. In the morning, watch out by the beach for fresh catch. The fishermen usually take them to Culasi. We got a kilo of squid for only 50 pesos!
You can go around the island in two hours, or hire a boat to take you around or snorkel. The side facing the South China Sea is a good campsite. There are two islets, and the locals say there is a cave in one of them. We were not prepared to check it out then.
How to go to Antique: From Manila, one can fly in to Iloilo and take the two-hour ride to San Jose, three to four hours to Culasi; or take the ro-ro (Dimple Star or Gasat Express) from Pasay. The bus passes by Culasi town from Caticlan.
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