Things To Do
in Culasi

Culasi is a coastal municipality in Antique known for its rugged shoreline and friendly fishing communities. It serves as the gateway to Mount Madja-as, Panay's highest peak, offering adventurous treks and sweeping coastal views. The town is also home to beautiful beaches like Malalison, where clear waters meet white sands.

Visitors are drawn by the laid-back vibe, seafood, and a chance to experience rural Philippine life along the Sibuyan Sea.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Explore Malalison Island
morning
:

Start your day with an early boat ride to Malalison Island, known for its pristine beaches and captivating scenery. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters or take a peaceful stroll along the shore. Don't miss the opportunity to capture the stunning sunrise over the horizon.

afternoon
:

After lunch at a local eatery, embark on a guided hike to the island's scenic viewpoints. Here, you can see panoramic views of surrounding waters and distant islands. Take a moment to soak in the tranquility and perhaps enjoy a picnic snack while basking in nature.

evening
:

Return to Culasi and relax at a beachside café, where you can indulge in fresh seafood and local delicacies. As the sun sets, the sky will be painted with vibrant hues, providing a perfect backdrop for a romantic dinner. This is a great time to share stories with fellow travelers and locals alike.

day 2
Visit the Local Market
morning
:

Start your morning by visiting the bustling local market in Culasi, where you can experience the vibrant culture of the town. Stroll through stalls filled with fresh produce, local crafts, and unique souvenirs. Engage with friendly vendors and sample traditional delicacies as you explore.

afternoon
:

After shopping, take a cooking class that focuses on traditional Filipino dishes using ingredients sourced from the market. Learn about the rich culinary heritage of the region and enjoy the delicious meal you've prepared. Sharing your creation with fellow participants adds a communal feel to the experience.

evening
:

Spend the evening at a local cultural show that showcases traditional Filipino music and dance. Immerse yourself in the rhythm and history as you watch captivating performances. This is a perfect way to end the day, surrounded by the warmth and hospitality of the community.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant$3-8
🍢Street-food snack$1-3
🛏️Guesthouse/homestay (per night)$15-30
🚗Local transport per ride$1-5
🥥Fresh coconut drink$1-2

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Beautiful natural scenery, including beaches and mountains
  • Friendly locals and a relaxed pace
  • Limited nightlife and infrastructure in some areas
  • Long travel times from major urban centers
  • "Magandang araw" - Good day
  • "Salamat" - Thank you
  • "Kumusta ka?" - How are you?
  • "Magkano ito?" - How much is this?
  • "Saan ang paliparan?" - Where is the airport?

Places to Visit in Culasi

Visit one of these nice places.

Malalison Beach

A pristine white-sand beach on Malalison Island with turquoise shallows and dramatic sunsets.

Mt. Madja-as Viewpoint

Panoramic summit with rolling hills and a sweeping view of the coastline; a rewarding but challenging hike.

Pasaleng Bay at Sunset

Quiet bay with fishing boats and warm golden-hour light.

Culasi Lighthouse Vista

Old maritime lighthouse site offering coastal silhouettes at dawn or dusk.

Culasi Town Pier

Busy early-morning pier scene with fishermen and boats.

Culinary Guide

Food in Culasi

Culasi offers simple, seafood-forward dishes rooted in Panay and Capiz flavors, with plenty of fresh produce from the surrounding coast and farms.

Culasi Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Binakol na Manok

A comforting chicken soup cooked in coconut water with lemongrass and ginger, often served with steamed rice.

Must-Try!

Kansi

A tangy soup made with beef or pork and bone marrow, reflecting Panay’s preference for sour flavors.

Tinolang Isda

Fish simmered with ginger, green papaya, and leafy greens in a light broth.

Inun-unan na Isda

Fish cooked in vinegar with a blend of spices for a bright, tangy finish.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Culasi Public Market

A bustling hub for fresh seafood, vegetables, and everyday provisions, especially in the morning.

Street Food Stalls

Kwek-kwek, fish balls, grilled corn, and other quick bites near the town center.

Climate Guide

Weather

Culasi has a tropical maritime climate with warm, humid days year-round. The dry season runs roughly November to April, the wet season from May to October with frequent showers and potential typhoons. Typical temperatures range from about 20°C to 35°C, with humidity higher near the coast.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Respect for elders and locals

Greet elders with courtesy; speak softly in public and address people politely.

Dress modestly for religious sites

Cover shoulders and knees when visiting churches; remove hats indoors.

Photography consent

Ask for permission before taking close-up photos of people; a friendly smile goes a long way.

Safety Guide

Safety

Travelers should monitor weather advisories during the typhoon season, avoid isolated spots after dark, secure valuables, and use licensed boat operators for island trips. Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and hike with a guide when exploring Madja-as.

Tipping in Culasi

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is customary but not mandatory; 5-10% at restaurants if service isn’t included.

Payment Methods

Cash is widely used; some larger establishments accept cards or mobile wallets; carry small bills for markets and small transport.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer (Mar–May)

Hot, dry days ideal for beach time, island hopping, and outdoor photography.

Rainy Season (Jun–Oct)

Frequent showers and occasional storms; plan flexible itineraries and carry rain gear.

Amihan / Cool Season (Nov–Feb)

Cooler temperatures and clearer skies; perfect for hiking Madja-as and coastal walks.

Nightlife Guide

Culasi at Night

The nightlife in Culasi is low-key, centered around the beach, small local bars, and weekend markets. Evenings are typically spent strolling the coast, enjoying sunsets, or sharing a casual meal with friends rather than pursuing loud club scenes.

Hiking in Culasi

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Mount Madja-as

Panay’s highest peak with forest trails, misty slopes, and rewarding views; popular among hikers visiting Culasi.

Airports

How to reach Culasi by plane.

Roxas City Airport (RXS)

Domestic flights connect Roxas to Manila and Cebu; about 2–3 hours by road from Culasi.

Kalibo International Airport (KLO)

Broad flight options and gateway to Boracay; about 2.5–3.5 hours by road.

Godofredo P. Ramos Airport (MPH) - Caticlan

Close to Boracay; popular for quick trips; longer drive to Culasi.

Iloilo International Airport (ILO)

Larger hub with many connections; longer drive to Culasi.

Getting Around

Walkability

Culasi’s town center is compact and walkable; reaching beaches and outlying sights requires a vehicle or boat for longer distances.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local residents

Primarily Ilonggo-speaking communities of fishermen and farmers; a growing number of service workers to support tourism.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Basketball

The most popular sport in schools and communities.

Fishing and boating

Core livelihood activity and recreational pastime along the coast.

Beach volleyball

Casual play on public beaches, especially on weekends.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is generally light; main issues include narrow rural roads and occasional congestion near markets or during boat departures; most travelers rely on tricycles, motorbikes, and boats for longer trips.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Culasi.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarians can enjoy vegetable dishes, rice, tofu, and fruit. Ask about fish sauce and broths, and communicate dietary needs in Filipino or English.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is basic in Culasi, with a rural health unit and small clinics; for serious needs, head to hospitals in Roxas City or Iloilo City.

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