We catch the pump boat to Marbuena at Mangorocoro, Ajuy, Iloilo Province
The family we rent our apartment from often include us in their family outings. This time the trip was to the Marbuena Island resort near Ajuy, Iloilo, about a two hour drive north from Iloilo City.
We catch the pump boat to Marbuena at Mangorocoro, Ajuy. As you head north from Culasi, watch for a sign on your right. The turn-off is well before Ajuy proper. You travel down a dirt lane to the settlement of Mangorocoro and the Marbuena waiting shed and dock. Mangorocoro is a small and peaceful barangay of Ajuy.
This photo shows the waterfront at Mangorocoro with the dramatic summit of Pan de Azucar Island in the distance.
Marbuena Resort Pump Boat
The charge for transportation to Marbuena Island is P1000, as of April, 2007. The boat was large, in good condition and well-manned. Getting on and off the boat involved some climbing and balancing so it might not be the best for the very elderly or infirm.
Pump Boat to Marbuena, Carol, Agnes and Noel
Marbuena Island comes into view.
Marbuena can be considered one of the Conception Islands group. These several islands, many of them large, and some spectacular, have few tourist facilities see few visitors. This is amazing given the beauty of these islands and the hordes of tourists at Boracay and other locations. Marbuena could be considered the "UnBoracay", a quiet place where quiet and nature are the draws.
Bob and Carol in obligatory arrival photo.
This photo shows the sandbar which extends out from the resort a considerable distance.
Marbuena Island Resort - Ajuy, Iloilo, Philippines
The resort owns the island. There are no other residences or residents on the island.
First -- Lunch!
We were welcomed with buko, a fresh coconut with the top cut off so we could enjoy the juice. We had bought fish and crabs in Mangorocoro and brought them with us. We had stopped at the Culasi public market to buy our seafood there but there was not much variety or quality. Much of the good seafood is shipped to Iloilo and the small town markets get the leftovers. We're told that local fishermen stop at the resort to sell seafood to guests. The staff will prepare and cook it for you.
Grilled fish
The seafood we brought with us was expertly cooked by the Marbuena staff and nicely presented on banana-leaf lined baskets.
Island trail
A real plus at Marbuena is a foot trail which circles the island. After lunch we set off with Marbuena employee Hazel as guide and company.
Fruit Bats
Many trees were filled with noisy fruit bats. The fruit bats are eaten in the Philippines, cooked adobo style. However, the owners of Marbuena work to preserve the island and do not allow hunting or cutting of trees. Many urban Filipinos maintain their connection to life in the provinces, including owning and maintaining a provincial retreat.
