MALALISON ISLAND BUDGET ITINERARY GUIDE
◊Compared to its more famous neighbor – Boracay, the province of Antique rarely sees tourist but offers something stunning to those who are willing to discover its bounties. Just like Malalison Island, off the coast of Culasi town. Frolic in the white powdery sand and cerulean waters the island. This thriving island is now attracting travelers because of its sundry topography, some even find it reminiscent of Batanes. Hike up Malalison’s windswept highest peak peppered with pitcher plants and be rewarded with scenic vista. Here’s a DIY Guide to Malalison Island with budget itinerary:
HOW TO GET TO MALALISON ISLAND
KALIBO TO MALALISON ISLAND
From Manila, you can fly to Kalibo via Cebu Pacific or Philippine Airlines. From Kalibo International Airport, you can take a tricycle to Ceres Bus Terminal. Take a bus to Culasi, Antique and tell the conductor you are headed to Culasi. Regular bus fare is around PHP 150 (USD 3/ SGD 4 / MYR 13) and transit time is approximately 2 hours.
At Culasi, head to Culasi Port and charter a boat to Malalison Island. Expect to pay around PHP 750 (USD 18 / SGD 20 / MYR 63), good for 5 persons. On weekends, there’s a possibility that you can join other tourists and pay only PHP 150 (USD 3/ SGD 4/ MYR 13) per person to Malalison Island.
ILOILO TO MALALISON ISLAND
From Manila, you can also fly to Iloilo via Cebu Pacific or Philippine Airlines. Proceed to Molo Bus or Van Terminal, ride a bus or van to Pandan or Culasi and alight at Culasi. Fare is roughly PHP 200 9USD 4/ SGD 5/ MYR 17) and transit time is about 3 hours.
In Culasi, take a tricycle to Culasi Port and rent a boat to take you to Malalison Island. Standard rate is PHP 750 (USD 18 / SGD 20 / MYR 63), good for 5 persons. Or if you happen to be there on weekends, check if you can join other tourists and share the coast of the boat. Rate is around PHP 150 (USD 3/ SGD 4/ MYR 13) per person to Malalison Island.
LIST OF MALALISON ISLAND HOMESTAY
| CONTACT NUMBER | NAME OF HOMESTAY | ROOM RATES |
| +63 909 841 0185 | Sally’s Balay Darayunan | PHP 1,500 (USD 29/SGD 40 /MYR 126) , good for 5 persons
PHP 1,800 (USD 35/ SGD 48/ MYR 151), good for 5 persons PHP 2,000 (USD 39/ SGD 54 / MYR 168) , good for 10 persons |
| +63 915 308 3111 | Arjee Gayatin | PHP 1,200 (USD 24/ SGD 32/ MYR 101) , good for 4 persons
PHP 1,500 (USD 29/SGD 40 /MYR 126), good for 6 persons |
| +63 912 815 9672 | Angelita Macuja Homestay | PHP 250 (USD 5/ SGD 7/ MYR 21) per person |
| +639 283 017 547 | Aling Jose Kubo | PHP 300 (USD 6 / SGD 8 / MYR 25) per person |
| +63 926 478 6329 | Anatalia’s Homestay | PHP 400 (USD 8/ SGD 11 / MYR 34)– PHP 500 per person (USD / SGD / MYR) |
| +63 9208 576 379 | El Doroteo Homestay | PHP 400 (USD8 / SGD 11 / MYR 34 ) – PHP 500 (USD 10 / SGD 13/ MYR 42) per person |
| +63 909 7636 3616 | Tess Homestay | PHP 400 (USD 8/ SGD 11 / MYR 34 ) – PHP 500 (USD 10/ SGD 13 / MYR 42) per person |
WHAT TO DO IN MALALISON ISLAND
Swimming
Don’t forget to bring your swimwear and sunblock when traveling to Malalison Island. This island is perfect for swimming and picnic with friends and family.
Island Hopping
Explore the myriads of coves and beaches scattered around Malalison Island such as Nabla Islets, Gitusan Beach, Luyo Beach, Gui-ob Beach and Mayanan Beach.
Snorkeling
Bring your own snorkeling gear. Ask the boatman for the best spot for snorkeling in Malalison Island.
Camping
Hiking
Hike up
MALALISON ISLAND SAMPLE ITINERARY AND BUDGET
| TIME | EXPENSES | ACTIVITIES |
| DAY 1 | ||
| 09:00 AM | ETA Kalibo Airport | |
| 10:00 AM | PHP 150 (USD 3/ SGD 4 / MYR 13) | ETD Culasi. Ride Ceres bus to San Jose, Antique |
| 12:00 PM | PHP 100 (USD 2/ SGD 3/ MYR 8) | ETA Culasi. Lunch. |
| 12:30 PM | PHP 750 (USD 18 / SGD 20 / MYR 63) / 5 = PHP 150 (USD 3/ SGD 4 / MYR 13) per person | Hire boat to Malalison at Culasi Port. Supposing you are 5 in the group so PHP 150 (USD 3/ SGD 4 / MYR 13) each. |
| 01:00 PM | ETA Malalison Island. | |
| 01:15 PM | PHP 300 (USD 6 / SGD 8 / MYR 25) | Home stay check-in. Freshen up |
| 02:00 PM | Hire guide and hike the mountain. | |
| 04:00 PM | Back to homestay. Swim. | |
| 05:30 PM | Sunset watching. | |
| 7:00 PM | PHP 150 (USD 3/ SGD 4 / MYR 13) | Dinner. Socials. |
| 09:00 PM | Sleep. | |
| DAY 2 | ||
| 07:00 AM | PHP 100 (USD 2/ SGD 3/ MYR 8) | Breakfast. |
| 08:00 AM | Check-out. ETD Culasi | |
| 08:30 AM | PHP 150 (USD 3/ SGD 4 / MYR 13) | Back to Culasi. Ride bus to Kalibo or head to Tibiao |
| TOTAL | PHP 1,100 (USD 22 / SGD 30 / MYR 93 ) |
MALALISON ISLAND TRAVEL TIPS
◊ Do not litter. Bring a garbage bag and take your trash with you.
◊ Bring sunblock and mosquito repellant if you plan to stay overnight in Malalison.
◊ Hiring a guide is required for climbing.
◊ Do not pick the pitcher plants.
◊ Bring enough cash with you.
