Mabaay Island, the Hidden Gem of Ivisan, Capiz

“Come join us swim!” Mataji invited me with that excited look in her face, as if it’s my first time to swim. In fact, it’s been over a year I haven’t plunged myself in the water.

“No, I’m good,” I replied. I contented myself in taking pictures of the clear water, the fine, white sand, and the azure sky. Mabaay, you’re such a beauty!

The small island of Mabaay, hidden behind two islets that lie just a swim away (or even a short walk when it is low tide), is in the municipality of Ivisan. From Roxas City, it is a 15 minute jeepney ride to the town proper. It is not a boring ride, though. The short trip beholds a view of cerulean mountains from afar. The statue of Jesus at the Shrine of the Sacred Heart of Jesus lingers on, assuring any traveler of divine guidance as one searches for a little piece of paradise here on earth.

Tell the driver to drop you off at the jeepney terminal heading to Basiao. The first trip usually starts at 8 am. Take some patience with you if you plan to ride on a public utility vehicle because it could take 30 to 45 minutes to leave, not until the jeepney is jampacked with old ladies heading back home after shopping for the freshest produce or fishermen satisfied after their morning sale of last night’s harvest from the sea. If you want to hasten your trip, you can charter a tricycle, which costs 200-250 pesos for a one-way ride. Transact nicely and wisely with the driver, then you’ll hear him tell you about his life story. You may either laugh at it or simply keep quiet if you’re having enough. It is another 30 to 40 minutes to Basiao Beach. Tall trees would give way to expansive rice fields and then hills so full of life that grow into mountains—these are the views to behold. You know you’ve reached Basiao when the road becomes uphill and then you see a relaxing view of the sea lined by cream-colored sand.

Stop either at RBM or LA beach resorts, where boat operators standby along the shore. A boat ride to and from Mabaay Island usually costs P600 pesos and can sit 10 passengers. It is just a 5-minute ride away. Tough waves were out of sight when we made our trip but the still water offers a clear and resplendent view of the massifs of the nearby town of Sapian and of Batan in Aklan.

Mabaay is a small island. Just like the nearby islets, it boasts of solid rock formations, scarred by strong winds and tough waves. It stands in a carpet of white sand surrounded by crystal clear water. It is here on the sandbar where boats could dock and visitors rest. Be careful with the rocky ground, which are either slippery and pointed. The lure of the water is too enticing to resist—so, come on! Give yourself a dip. While a plethora of marine life abounds, including corals, fish and other sea creatures, lamentably, garbage scatter freely everywhere. This is something that the local officials and the community should act upon. More so, tourists must be wise enough to pick their own trashes before they go or the best they could do is just bring themselves with them—no food, just a bottle of water. Then leave all by themselves, too, without taking anything from the island.

Mabaay is simply perfect in its ruggedness. No cottages, no residents. Perhaps, she’d love to welcome some guests every now and then, but most days, let her be on her own.