Anna Sophie Hostel in Culasi, Antique

Anna Sophie Hostel in Centro Sur, Culasi, Antique offers fan rooms and air-conditioned rooms. They also have function rooms for events, a mini store and offers boat ride to Malalison. Most visitors of Malalison Island  and other tourist spots in Culasi and nearby towns stay at Anna Sophie Hostel.

For Reservations, you can contact the following

Anna Sophie Hostel : (0920) 476-2508

Facebook Page : Anna Sophie Hostel

The Hotel Entrance

Fan Rooms and Mini Garden Outside

they also have Mini Dipping Pool with Mini Slide

Anna Sophie Hotel's Fan Room

Fan Room's Bathroom

Malalison Island The Mini Batanes of Antique

Malalison or Mararison is an Island located in Culasi, Antique. Because of it's grass-covered land it's considered as Panay's mini version of Batanes.

From Iloilo International Airport you can ride a van going to Molo terminal where you can ride a van or a bus depending on your choice. From Iloilo City, the travel time going to Culasi, Antique is approximately 5 hours.You can enjoy some good songs, eat your snacks, bore yourself to sleep or just enjoy the lush mountains and sea view.

In case you arrive late night in Culasi you may stay in Anna Sophie Hostel
There are stores and restaurants nearby where you can buy foods. Malalison is a 15-20 minute boat ride from the main land of culasi. You can rent a boat from Culasi Tourism Office or direct contact Anna Sophie Hostel so they can hire a boat men for hassle free.

The Island will welcome you with it's white powdery sand, clear waters, grassy hills and warm smiles from the locals. Upon arrival you have to register on their tourist logbook and pay 10 pesos each. Yes that's just that. If you want to leave your things while you roam around, you can rent a cottage for 200 pesos. They also offer tent for rent or home stay with the locals for those who want to spend the night in the island.

The locals suggested that someone should accompany us as our guide for our safety. You can give a tip for their thoughtful help. Manong Luis, a native and a Barangay Tanod in the island became our tour guide.

Before you can enjoy the view from above, you have to trek for 15-20 minutes and since it's a grass land there are no trees that will protect your skin from the sun. As you can see, for the love of fashion I wore a sleeveless maxi dress and just a hat. Fortunately, we started trekking 7 in the morning so the heat wasn't too much.

BIYAHERO TIP :  Wear long sleeve or a cap that will protect you from the sun. Much better if you apply sunblock all over your body especially when you hike in noontime or in the afternoon.

While making our way to the top, we saw pitcher plants that are known to be carnivorous and there are plenty of them in the island according to our guide. Manong Luis also told us that the electricity in the island is only produced by a generator that only turns on from 6am - 10am and 6pm - 10pm.

Jason and manong Luis heading to the other side of the island

the other side of Malalison and the Nablag Island

Nablag Island is very near to Malalison that you can go there by feet when it's low tide

kissing a starfish that manong Luis found near Nablag Island

The Malalison Island is not only rich in grassy mountains but also in stunning white beaches and a sandbar. Malalison is also perfect for those who love snorkeling. Too bad we forgot to bring a snorkeling gear.

TRAVEL BUDGET LIST :


Iloilo International Airport - Molo Terminal  = 50 PHP

Van / Bus - Culasi, Antique  = 190 - 250 PHP

Anna Sophie Hostel Rates = 400 - 1,000 PHP

Boat rental = 800 - 1,500 PHP

Tent Rental / night = 200 PHP

Home stay with the locals = 150 PHP


Thank you for reading my adventures. I hope I can inspire you to discover many beautiful places in our beloved country, the Philippines.

- Donna

5 tips before travelling

If you're starting to love travelling, you need good preparation to have a successful adventure. You don't need that much of money just to be a pro traveller. Just preventing possible problems and planning ahead would be great help to enjoy your trip. 

1. Exercise

Stretch those poor bones. You don't want to hear cracking bones while you're trekking or trying new activities, right? So, in able to be fit on your vacay, you really need a good body preparation. Daily basic exercise improves mood, boots energy and combats disease.

2. Be Healthy

This is always a must. Sickness is unpredictable. Either you will not enjoy your trip or worse, you will cancel it. Whether you are a traveller or not, you really have to be healthy to do things better.

• Cleanse your body with water detox  

I'm doing it myself and it's really good! It's healthy and cheap. Such a life-saver drink. 

Add some citrus fruits to your regular water and let it rest for overnight and enjoy your new healthier drink! 




• Upgrade your diet  

Good health is important to every traveller. I'm not saying that you have to be a Vegan just to be healthy because we need to load our bodies some proteins

for our muscles.Though beans have proteins, the taste of meat is better so case closed. Kidding. Just a proper diet and your good!.

• Relax your mind and meditate

Try to avoid stressful things in your life. Stop being a worrier and try to be more positive. Stress may lead you to chaotic schedule due to lack of focus. Have a cup of coffee at your favorite coffee shop and read some nice travel magazines. These will help you more focused on your plans and organizing your trips.

3. Prioritize your passion 

This is an underrated tip but totally important. Always consider the things that you love when planning your trips. If you're the adventurous type, go somewhere you can experience new activities like mountain climbing, surfing, water rafting or just simply trekking. If you love peace and serenity, try going to a remote island and enjoy the sun while drinking a tropical juice drink. You will be happier if you do what you love in a lovely place.

 4. Save for the date

Not all travellers are rich. Please take note of that. Not just because you've seen our pictures in a wonderful place that means we can get money easily. I work hard just for a single adventure and always make sure I save MORE before my travel date. It's always better if you have extra cash with you when travelling. 

5. Pack like a Pro

This is one of the most important thing when travelling. You don't need to pack that much. List down all the essentials that you need. Search online and read travel blogs about information like weather, culture and activities in the place you are heading to. 

 

Lazy Afternoon

The world knows how much I love knits. From cardigan to pullover. It gives you a classy boho chic look plus it's a trend now. So, every time I travel I always bring at least one from my knits collection. Ahhhhh! Just thinking of them makes me wanna go to the nearest thrift shop. Yes, I'm a thrift lover! *smiles* 

I always wanted to pair this look with a messy bun or just a simple hair down. They always make this look cuter!

And of course, to complete this whole thing I always use my fave magenta boots. 

I'm not that fashion expert but I always try to look good and wear the most comfortable when traveling. What about yours? Just comment your thoughts below.

Sleeping Beauties of Panay

Panay is politically divided into four provinces : Iloilo, Antique , Aklan and Capiz are all located in the western part of the Visayas. Panay is blessed with beautiful places and culture. Even the most beautiful and popular beach not only in the Philippines but in the whole world is located in Aklan.

photo from : touringbuddy.com

We all sure fell in love with Boracay's powdery sand and clear waters but isn't it intriguing to know what else Panay has to offer?  Check out our list of hidden beautiful islands in every province.

1. Iloilo - Gigantes Island of Carles 

photo from : Richie Bulda 

photo from : http://archieoffduty.blogspot.com

2. Antique - Malalison Island of Culasi

 photo from : choosephilippines.com

 photo from : katahum.com

3. Aklan - Buruanga Island

 

 photo from  : https://www.pinterest.com/thantapsn/

photo from : https://www.pinterest.com/thantapsn/

4. Capiz - Olotayan Island

 photo from : capizblog.blogspot.com

photo from : capizblog.blogspot.com

Spend less than 200

       Yes, you read that right. From Iloilo City you will only spend less than Php200 to experience Boracay-like scenery. Raymen Beach Resort is one of the most popular Resorts in Guimaras. Many tourists visit the resort annually because of  very affordable accommodation, exciting activities, and of course their foods.

           I am truly  blessed that I live in Iloilo City and the province of Guimaras is only 30-minute travel away. From Ortiz Wharf, Iloilo city, you will ride a pump boat which costs Php14 per head. You will know that you arrived in Jordan Wharf when there's a sea of porters and motor/jeepney drivers coming for you. They will offer a ride with arranged prices but you must visit the tourism office first to register on their tourist list which is located just in front of the port and you can also inquire about the legit prices of fares and fees while traveling around Guimaras.

         If you will travel in group, I suggest van/multicab rentals and the price ranges from Php500 - Php1,000 depending on the travel time and distance but if you are a lone traveler you can also commute. You can ride a Nueva Valencia-route jeepney and the fare is Php30-35.

           Upon arriving in the Resort they will charge an entrance fee which only costs Php25 and if you want to stay for overnight they have Php800 - Php 1,500 rooms depending on availability. It would be better if you reserve a room before your arrival so you can assure your accommodation.

           This was my first time in Raymen and I was truly amazed because I didn't expect that I could get the serenity and discover beautiful sights that I am always seeking for without spending much. For a newbie bag packer like me it's a good deal.

 

             They also serve very tasty foods at affordable price. I always crave for their version of pancit lomi. It's really a must try!. Too bad I forgot to take some pictures of their menu. Will remind myself of that every time I travel.

                    There are also some picture-perfect rock formations near Raymen.  Just be extra careful when stepping on pointy and sharp edges of big rocks. I learned my lesson when I almost slipped and fell from the top.

Contact Numbers:

(o33) 396 0252

0927 560 5107

TIPS :

*Ride the first trip of pump boat from Ortiz which at 6:00 am

*Bring some foods that you can eat while traveling

*Book a room ahead of time

*The water is at it's clearest in noon time