Mararison island, Culasi Antique

After being boiled in Tibiao, Antique, while it was already late when I left (about 3pm), I insisted that I go to Mararison island as I was already in Antique anyway. While I knew I may miss a trip to Boracay, but i did not bother as boracay is a mainstay.

Around 4pm, I was in the port in Culasi (just behind the municipal office). From there, I asked for the boats that go to Mararison; I was told to wait.

Just minutes later, i saw a group approaching a boat, and I immediately thought they will be bound to the island. And, in fact they are; It's Kapitan's boat actually and Kap himself is in it.

As expected, while in the boat, I was interrogated. I answered every question thrown and thank God it didn't take so much to get their trust (Later, I was told that Culasi is an NPA town and it's probably why).

Immediately when we docked, I asked Kap for directions on getting to the cove which he eagerly narrated to me. From the jump off, you could see the trail, so I walked quickly so I can catch up while sunlight is still there.

In less than half an hour, I got to a cove. I thought it was it, but later, kap told me i took the wrong way :-). Anyhow, the cove wasn't so bad, so I was cool.

When I went back to the community, since Kap's last words earlier was "meet me later", I asked for Kap's house. A drunk brother walked me through, and when i got to Kap's house, I told him I still plan to go back to mainland; He walked me back to Aplaya where he said to wait for his brother in law.

It was beginning to go dark; some were assuring me the brother in law would come as his kids are in the island and has to go back to Bayan (mainland); But, drunk brother is insisting that I stay for the meantime (and was offering all sorts of fish for dinner; other men around, not drunk though, were offering the same). The offer was quite irresistible, but I had the boracay parties behind my head, so I waited still. Moments later, I was hearing a motor engine from the waters.. it's brother in law. :-) I thanked and bid farewell.

view of mararison (malalison) island from the coast of mainland culasi

sand of Culasi, Antique

Mararison Island, Culasi, Antique

Mararison Island, Culasi, Antique

Mararison Island, Culasi, Antique

Mararison Island, Culasi, Antique

Mararison Island, Culasi, Antique

Mararison Island, Culasi, Antique

Mararison Island, Culasi, Antique

Mararison Island, Culasi, Antique

Mararison Island, Culasi, Antique

Mararison Island, Culasi, Antique

Notes:
*All in all, I spent P20 to get to the island. Kap did not charge me anything for the boatride; There are no passenger boats going to the island, but boats going to the island would take passengers for P20. For guests though, the ordinance is to rent a boat for P1000 both ways.
*Anyone in Culasi would know where the jump off to Mararison is; Tricycle ride from Ceres station to Pier is P7/head. The ceres buses can drop you straight to the municipality (walk away from pier) but there's a stop very close to the pier. Instead of waiting, i took the trike instead.
*Be wary of the trip times. I was told the last bus coming from Ilo-ilo pass by Culasi around 7pm, latest (also depending on the day of the week; 7pm being probably on a weekend). In my case, it was already past 8pm when i get back to mainland; I waited for trucks that will go Caticlan (locals said they normally take stranded passengers), but wasn't so fortunate; Luckily, there was a tricycle that dropped (equally stranded) passengers from Pandan. The tricycle drivers in the municipality stopped him and asked him to take me. It was about 40kms to pandan (and I begged to pay only P50 for that ride :-) ). From there, I took a "single" habal service to Nabas for P150. From Nabas intersection, I caught a van for caticlan for P30.


here's where I head next

After being boiled in Tibiao, Antique, while it was already late when I left (about 3pm), I insisted that I go to Mararison island as I was already in Antique anyway. While I knew I may miss a trip to Boracay, but i did not bother as boracay is a mainstay.

Around 4pm, I was in the port in Culasi (just behind the municipal office). From there, I asked for the boats that go to Mararison; I was told to wait.

Just minutes later, i saw a group approaching a boat, and I immediately thought they will be bound to the island. And, in fact they are; It's Kapitan's boat actually and Kap himself is in it.

As expected, while in the boat, I was interrogated. I answered every question thrown and thank God it didn't take so much to get their trust (Later, I was told that Culasi is an NPA town and it's probably why).

Immediately when we docked, I asked Kap for directions on getting to the cove which he eagerly narrated to me. From the jump off, you could see the trail, so I walked quickly so I can catch up while sunlight is still there.

In less than half an hour, I got to a cove. I thought it was it, but later, kap told me i took the wrong way :-). Anyhow, the cove wasn't so bad, so I was cool.

When I went back to the community, since Kap's last words earlier was "meet me later", I asked for Kap's house. A drunk brother walked me through, and when i got to Kap's house, I told him I still plan to go back to mainland; He walked me back to Aplaya where he said to wait for his brother in law.

It was beginning to go dark; some were assuring me the brother in law would come as his kids are in the island and has to go back to Bayan (mainland); But, drunk brother is insisting that I stay for the meantime (and was offering all sorts of fish for dinner; other men around, not drunk though, were offering the same). The offer was quite irresistible, but I had the boracay parties behind my head, so I waited still. Moments later, I was hearing a motor engine from the waters.. it's brother in law. :-) I thanked and bid farewell.

view of mararison (malalison) island from the coast of mainland culasi

sand of Culasi, Antique

Mararison Island, Culasi, Antique

Mararison Island, Culasi, Antique

Mararison Island, Culasi, Antique

Mararison Island, Culasi, Antique

Mararison Island, Culasi, Antique

Mararison Island, Culasi, Antique

Mararison Island, Culasi, Antique

Mararison Island, Culasi, Antique

Mararison Island, Culasi, Antique

Mararison Island, Culasi, Antique

Notes:
*All in all, I spent P20 to get to the island. Kap did not charge me anything for the boatride; There are no passenger boats going to the island, but boats going to the island would take passengers for P20. For guests though, the ordinance is to rent a boat for P1000 both ways.
*Anyone in Culasi would know where the jump off to Mararison is; Tricycle ride from Ceres station to Pier is P7/head. The ceres buses can drop you straight to the municipality (walk away from pier) but there's a stop very close to the pier. Instead of waiting, i took the trike instead.
*Be wary of the trip times. I was told the last bus coming from Ilo-ilo pass by Culasi around 7pm, latest (also depending on the day of the week; 7pm being probably on a weekend). In my case, it was already past 8pm when i get back to mainland; I waited for trucks that will go Caticlan (locals said they normally take stranded passengers), but wasn't so fortunate; Luckily, there was a tricycle that dropped (equally stranded) passengers from Pandan. The tricycle drivers in the municipality stopped him and asked him to take me. It was about 40kms to pandan (and I begged to pay only P50 for that ride :-) ). From there, I took a "single" habal service to Nabas for P150. From Nabas intersection, I caught a van for caticlan for P30.


here's where I head next

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Lake Mapanuepe, San Marcelino Zambales

I had known lake mapanuepe for a while but as it is not really a good full weekend itinerary, i never had the chance to visit te place.

I was set to meet a travel bud in San Felipe to surf in Liwliwa, and as I never intended a two days surfing in liwliwa, I told her that we'll do mapanuepe lake for the orher day.

The last time i attempted a side trip there, i missed the last trip.And so, we agreed to leave very early on sunday from san felipe so we can get back within the same day.

Unfortunately, and the worst level of luck ever, there were no waves. Out of the nearly 2hours that we stayed on the beach, the shores have just been so quiet. We then decided to push mapanuepe for the afternoon.

It was almost 4pm when we arrived in san marcelino market. The last jeep bound for pili has left, and the only jeep available was that bound for macarang - a town that's an hour's walk away from Pili. We thought it will be about 5pm when we get there, so perhaps, we still have time to walk to Pili. We stayed in the terminal and waited for it to leave.

luckily, just 10 mins before it is scheduled to leave, someone standing next to me who overheard that were heading to Pili told me that a jeep that just arrived is bound for Pili. I asked the driver immediately to confirm and he said yes... And we rode it topload.

terminal to Lake Mapanuepe in Pili, in San Marcelino Market

toploaded to Lake Mapanuepe in Pili, San Marcelino, Zambales

makeshift jeep from kuliglig on our way to Lake Mapanuepe in Pili, San Marcelino, Zambales

lahar passageway en route to Lake Mapanuepe in Pili, San Marcelino, Zambales

Lake Mapanuepe in Pili, San Marcelino, Zambales; view from tophill

en route to Lake Mapanuepe in Pili, San Marcelino, Zambales

Lake Mapanuepe in Pili, San Marcelino, Zambales

Lake Mapanuepe in Pili, San Marcelino, Zambales

We were dropped right at the shore of the lake. From there, some native kulot approached us and asked if we'd like to boat around the lake (which we sure are). He was initially asking P500 for a roundabout of the lake, but, as there isn't really anything to see around but just to approach the sunken church, we asked if P100 will do to get us back and forth - agreed.

When we were in the boat, I though we could actually see the remains of the houses down the water. However, the bed is mud and water is dark.. so no scene.

Meantime, when we approached the church, we thought we could actually climb the cross. Little did we know that what we thought be be a staircase was actually stained glass sheets that has broken. The water depth is said to be 85 feet, and with 0 visibility down there, I thought it was risky to do so.

church in Lake Mapanuepe in Pili, San Marcelino, Zambales

attempt to climb the church in Lake Mapanuepe in Pili, San Marcelino, Zambales

what we thought was a staircase

tower in Lake Mapanuepe in Pili, San Marcelino, Zambales

Lake Mapanuepe in Pili, San Marcelino, Zambales

After our assault at the church tower, we went back to the shoreline to scout where we can sleep. We walked towards the brgy hall for courtesy as well but Kap wasn't there then. Our boatman/guide brought us to his house, but neither is he there. A quick moment later, his wife came and had a word. She was OKing sleeping in the brgy but was insisting that we sleep instead in their house. As we each have our hammocks, we asked if there is anywhere in the yard where we can do so - and there was.

afternoon serving from Kap Duenas

Dinner served free by hospitable Kap

breakfast Lake Mapanuepe in Pili, San Marcelino, Zambales

travel bud Liezl with first lady :-)

toploaded again on the way back fr Lake Mapanuepe in Pili, San Marcelino, Zambales

I had known lake mapanuepe for a while but as it is not really a good full weekend itinerary, i never had the chance to visit te place.

I was set to meet a travel bud in San Felipe to surf in Liwliwa, and as I never intended a two days surfing in liwliwa, I told her that we'll do mapanuepe lake for the orher day.

The last time i attempted a side trip there, i missed the last trip.And so, we agreed to leave very early on sunday from san felipe so we can get back within the same day.

Unfortunately, and the worst level of luck ever, there were no waves. Out of the nearly 2hours that we stayed on the beach, the shores have just been so quiet. We then decided to push mapanuepe for the afternoon.

It was almost 4pm when we arrived in san marcelino market. The last jeep bound for pili has left, and the only jeep available was that bound for macarang - a town that's an hour's walk away from Pili. We thought it will be about 5pm when we get there, so perhaps, we still have time to walk to Pili. We stayed in the terminal and waited for it to leave.

luckily, just 10 mins before it is scheduled to leave, someone standing next to me who overheard that were heading to Pili told me that a jeep that just arrived is bound for Pili. I asked the driver immediately to confirm and he said yes... And we rode it topload.

terminal to Lake Mapanuepe in Pili, in San Marcelino Market

toploaded to Lake Mapanuepe in Pili, San Marcelino, Zambales

makeshift jeep from kuliglig on our way to Lake Mapanuepe in Pili, San Marcelino, Zambales

lahar passageway en route to Lake Mapanuepe in Pili, San Marcelino, Zambales

Lake Mapanuepe in Pili, San Marcelino, Zambales; view from tophill

en route to Lake Mapanuepe in Pili, San Marcelino, Zambales

Lake Mapanuepe in Pili, San Marcelino, Zambales

Lake Mapanuepe in Pili, San Marcelino, Zambales

We were dropped right at the shore of the lake. From there, some native kulot approached us and asked if we'd like to boat around the lake (which we sure are). He was initially asking P500 for a roundabout of the lake, but, as there isn't really anything to see around but just to approach the sunken church, we asked if P100 will do to get us back and forth - agreed.

When we were in the boat, I though we could actually see the remains of the houses down the water. However, the bed is mud and water is dark.. so no scene.

Meantime, when we approached the church, we thought we could actually climb the cross. Little did we know that what we thought be be a staircase was actually stained glass sheets that has broken. The water depth is said to be 85 feet, and with 0 visibility down there, I thought it was risky to do so.

church in Lake Mapanuepe in Pili, San Marcelino, Zambales

attempt to climb the church in Lake Mapanuepe in Pili, San Marcelino, Zambales

what we thought was a staircase

tower in Lake Mapanuepe in Pili, San Marcelino, Zambales

Lake Mapanuepe in Pili, San Marcelino, Zambales

After our assault at the church tower, we went back to the shoreline to scout where we can sleep. We walked towards the brgy hall for courtesy as well but Kap wasn't there then. Our boatman/guide brought us to his house, but neither is he there. A quick moment later, his wife came and had a word. She was OKing sleeping in the brgy but was insisting that we sleep instead in their house. As we each have our hammocks, we asked if there is anywhere in the yard where we can do so - and there was.

afternoon serving from Kap Duenas

Dinner served free by hospitable Kap

breakfast Lake Mapanuepe in Pili, San Marcelino, Zambales

travel bud Liezl with first lady :-)

toploaded again on the way back fr Lake Mapanuepe in Pili, San Marcelino, Zambales

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How to get to Islas de hegantes, ilo ilo

Just arrived from zambales and just after i unpacked my bag and sort out my dirty stuff, a friend told me they have a spare ticket for Roxas city. I was planning to get to Calaguas these coming days, but as i am scheduled for Calaguas island in 2 weeks anyway, i thought Roxas would be a better plan since i haven't set foot in this province yet.

Twelve hours to go before flight; I rushed home on time to wash my clothes from the last weekends' trip and dry them quickly over fan just to get them ready on time;

At 1am, i turned off the fan, folded the clothes, dropped my other stuff, and took a bath. I was going to meet 3 other travel buds in cubao and head to the airport for the 5:40am flight.

While in roxas and having breakfast, i took the time to do some talking and knowing around. The tourism desk at the airport headed by Mike and Den was just so welcoming and informative, i got more than the assistance I needed. We got a van who agreed to pick us up, tour us in the city while waiting for the other batch, and then pick up the second batch, and drop us all to the fishport within our budget



Itinerary:
6:50 first batch arrives and waits for second batch of passengers; have breakfast in baybay and do city tour;
11:30 arrive in Roxas Airport; Take van to Estancia Fish Port; have lunch in the eatery along the way
2:00 arrive in fishport; ride boat for gigantes island
2:30 depart fishport
5:30 arrive in isla gigantes
6:00 depart dock station; take habal to hideaway resort
6:15 arrive in hideaway resort; rest & cleanup and dinner





*We rented a van for P1400 from Roxas City to Estancia Port. May be called in advance so van can pick up straight from airport
*boat leaves higantes at 9am, and leaves estancia fishport at 2:30pm. Travel time is 2hrs. Fare is P80 and Terminal Fee in fishport is P4.
*it takes a while for the boat to dock when its low tide; habal to hideaway is P10 per passenger; 2 heads per motorbike
*see separate entry for review of hideaway resort

see post here for where We stayed in Isla De Higantes

Just arrived from zambales and just after i unpacked my bag and sort out my dirty stuff, a friend told me they have a spare ticket for Roxas city. I was planning to get to Calaguas these coming days, but as i am scheduled for Calaguas island in 2 weeks anyway, i thought Roxas would be a better plan since i haven't set foot in this province yet.

Twelve hours to go before flight; I rushed home on time to wash my clothes from the last weekends' trip and dry them quickly over fan just to get them ready on time;

At 1am, i turned off the fan, folded the clothes, dropped my other stuff, and took a bath. I was going to meet 3 other travel buds in cubao and head to the airport for the 5:40am flight.

While in roxas and having breakfast, i took the time to do some talking and knowing around. The tourism desk at the airport headed by Mike and Den was just so welcoming and informative, i got more than the assistance I needed. We got a van who agreed to pick us up, tour us in the city while waiting for the other batch, and then pick up the second batch, and drop us all to the fishport within our budget



Itinerary:
6:50 first batch arrives and waits for second batch of passengers; have breakfast in baybay and do city tour;
11:30 arrive in Roxas Airport; Take van to Estancia Fish Port; have lunch in the eatery along the way
2:00 arrive in fishport; ride boat for gigantes island
2:30 depart fishport
5:30 arrive in isla gigantes
6:00 depart dock station; take habal to hideaway resort
6:15 arrive in hideaway resort; rest & cleanup and dinner





*We rented a van for P1400 from Roxas City to Estancia Port. May be called in advance so van can pick up straight from airport
*boat leaves higantes at 9am, and leaves estancia fishport at 2:30pm. Travel time is 2hrs. Fare is P80 and Terminal Fee in fishport is P4.
*it takes a while for the boat to dock when its low tide; habal to hideaway is P10 per passenger; 2 heads per motorbike
*see separate entry for review of hideaway resort

see post here for where We stayed in Isla De Higantes

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Cheap Stay in Boracay: Ocean Breeze Resort Station 3

Though I've booked my tickets months and months back, I did not have time to research on where to stay as I had been quite occupied with work and my 12 grad school units. It is also my first time in Boracay and I am getting there, so much because of I had to take my grandma somewhere (and of course, my backpacking wont adjust to her knees).

I had posted an update on fb, but I did not really like the atmosphere in the hotels/hostels/inns posted by my friends. For this (family affair) trip, I have been quite specific that I wanted somewhere quiet in a native/bamboo accomodation with a garden and a veranda.. first time I ever stipulated what I want in a lodging (and to hell with my price budget). I would have preferred a beach front too, but, I could not really find one.

A day before the trip, I was getting quotes ranging from P2.5K up to P3K. I was already fearing then that I might have to shed more than my 15K budget for this trip.

Luckily, hours before my flight, I got an email reply from Ocean Breeze Resort saying their P890 nipa cottage is available for 2 nights and that I'll just have to add P200 for a third person. Bingo! Total is P1090/night.. not too bad for an accomodation like this:

The P890/night for 2 acccomodation (peak season, i.e. versus low and high peak)

the veranda with free morning coffee

*The Inn is next to Orchids, Bora Bora, Melinda's Inn, etc;
*Wifi is available but at a chargeable fee of P50/day/device
*Cable 14 in tv provided in the room
*The secretary may be contacted at 09174846727
*They have a pickup service, but, it's not the pickup service with the transpo and all. It's more of guideship. In the end, it's just like paying P125 extra plus the transpo fees of their staff. Spare yourself that as for sure you are more than matured to ask around. Once in caticlan jetty port, pay P75 environmental fee and P100 terminal fee and P50 fare (Montenegro; P30 for the smaller ferries at night and P25 during daytime). Upon reaching boracay port, take trike at P100 to the resort.)
*On the beachfront next to Ocean Breeze, we had a bbq dinner where liempo was at P85, good for two, rice at P12. We had breakfast there the ff morning too but was surprised at the prices for that meal: fried egg was at P20, hotdog was at P35, per piece. I'd rather have the breakfast we had at Shenna's in Station 2 at P85 for the XXXXXsilogs, and 2 thumbs up for their P85 clubhouse that's got bacon (well, some don't).



P.S. I hate paying P25 for fare and P100 terminal fee; besides, it's just a pass through, not like you'll stay for an hour, charge up, do comfort room, etc. Quite an abuse.



Follow CheapBedsPH on Instagram for geotagged backpacker accomodation for easier searches

Though I've booked my tickets months and months back, I did not have time to research on where to stay as I had been quite occupied with work and my 12 grad school units. It is also my first time in Boracay and I am getting there, so much because of I had to take my grandma somewhere (and of course, my backpacking wont adjust to her knees).

I had posted an update on fb, but I did not really like the atmosphere in the hotels/hostels/inns posted by my friends. For this (family affair) trip, I have been quite specific that I wanted somewhere quiet in a native/bamboo accomodation with a garden and a veranda.. first time I ever stipulated what I want in a lodging (and to hell with my price budget). I would have preferred a beach front too, but, I could not really find one.

A day before the trip, I was getting quotes ranging from P2.5K up to P3K. I was already fearing then that I might have to shed more than my 15K budget for this trip.

Luckily, hours before my flight, I got an email reply from Ocean Breeze Resort saying their P890 nipa cottage is available for 2 nights and that I'll just have to add P200 for a third person. Bingo! Total is P1090/night.. not too bad for an accomodation like this:

The P890/night for 2 acccomodation (peak season, i.e. versus low and high peak)

the veranda with free morning coffee

*The Inn is next to Orchids, Bora Bora, Melinda's Inn, etc;
*Wifi is available but at a chargeable fee of P50/day/device
*Cable 14 in tv provided in the room
*The secretary may be contacted at 09174846727
*They have a pickup service, but, it's not the pickup service with the transpo and all. It's more of guideship. In the end, it's just like paying P125 extra plus the transpo fees of their staff. Spare yourself that as for sure you are more than matured to ask around. Once in caticlan jetty port, pay P75 environmental fee and P100 terminal fee and P50 fare (Montenegro; P30 for the smaller ferries at night and P25 during daytime). Upon reaching boracay port, take trike at P100 to the resort.)
*On the beachfront next to Ocean Breeze, we had a bbq dinner where liempo was at P85, good for two, rice at P12. We had breakfast there the ff morning too but was surprised at the prices for that meal: fried egg was at P20, hotdog was at P35, per piece. I'd rather have the breakfast we had at Shenna's in Station 2 at P85 for the XXXXXsilogs, and 2 thumbs up for their P85 clubhouse that's got bacon (well, some don't).



P.S. I hate paying P25 for fare and P100 terminal fee; besides, it's just a pass through, not like you'll stay for an hour, charge up, do comfort room, etc. Quite an abuse.



Follow CheapBedsPH on Instagram for geotagged backpacker accomodation for easier searches

Read More »