Basilan | Things to Explore in the Treasure Islands of the South
Basilan is the biggest island among the island group in the Sulu Archipelago. Once part of the bigger Sultanate of Sulu, this island province is a paradise waiting to be discovered by people. Though this place and the whole Sulu Archipelago have been tainted with terror and safety concerns through the years, Basilan is safe and is ready to welcome visitors to see its beauty.
Read also: Basilan Travel Guide
Places to See and Things to Do in Basilan
Since I had limited time exploring all of the island of Basilan, I have only visited its two component cities, Isabela City and Lamitan City. Here are some of the places I have explored during my short-but-sweet stay.
Isabela City de Basilan
Port of Isabela
The Port of Isabela is one of the main entry points when visiting the island of Basilan. Located near Malamawi Island, the port is the main gateway to the island province and major shipping lines ply this route.
Basilan Provincial Capitol
This is the seat of government of the entire Island. The Basilan Provincial Capitol is located near Rizal Park and Isabela City Park. You will immediately notice its blue facade from the highway.
Isabela City Plaza (HAPIsabela Park)
As Isabela City is named after Queen Isabella II of Spain, the Isabela City Plaza is built in honor of the Spanish monarch. It is situated just in between the Sta. Isabel Cathedral and Rizal Park in the Central Business District of Isabela City.
Sta. Isabel Cathedral
Given that 70% of the population of Isabela City practices the Roman Catholic faith, the Sta. Isabel Cathedral is a testament to that. Being the main catholic church in Isabela City, it is situated right at the heart of Isabela City.
BARMM Office – Basilan
Since Basilan is part of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (except Isabela City), they have installed provincial offices included in the region. The BARMM Office – Basilan is located in the outskirts between Isabela City and Lamitan City.
Isabela City Tourism Assistance Center
If you are new to exploring Isabela City and its outlying islands (like me), the Isabela City Tourism Assistance Center near the Port of Isabela is the place to be. They will give you information about facts regarding Isabela City and the places you can see and explore while visiting.
Malamawi Jetty Port
The Malamawi Jetty Port is the main accessway in getting to Malamawi Island (still part of Isabela City). A good 10-15 minutes boat ride from the Port of Isabela will bring you to Malamawi Island! Boat fare is only ₱ 10.00 per person, per way.
Pahali White Beach Resort + Malamawi Beach
This is regarded to be the most sought-after tourist attraction in Malamawi Island. The Pahali White Beach Resort in Malamawi Beach is just a good 15-minute tricycle ride from the jetty port. Here, you will get to see the white beach of Malamawi, overlooking the distant Zamboanga City. The most notable structure here is the dock which guests use when checking in at Pahali White Beach Resort.
Basilan Grand Mosque (Geras Grand Mosque)
The Basilan Grand Mosque a.k.a. Geras Grand Mosque is the biggest mosque on the island. Located in Geras Village in Barangay Sumagdang, the Basilan Grand Mosque is one of many places of worship in Isabela de Basilan.
Lamitan City
Lamitan City Tulip Garden
If you are visiting Basilan and the City of Lamitan, do not forget to visit the Lamitan City Tulip Garden. This eco-friendly park is situated right in the middle of molave tree plantations in the outskirts of Lamitan City. If you look closely, the flowers in the garden are made from recycled plastic materials and the park is composed of at least 30,000 individual flowers that make up the park. They are open daily from 0800 to 1700 H and have an entrance fee of only ₱ 10.00 per person.
Bulingan Falls
Bulingan Falls is just one of the few waterfalls found in Basilan province. This free entrance natural park is composed of several stone pillars where the water cascades from and is similar to that of the Giant’s Causeway Park in Northern Ireland. Everybody is welcome to swim here, especially during the dry season when temperatures rise to maximums.
Lamitan City Public Market
The Lamitan Public Market is the center of trade and commerce in the City of Lamitan. This is where I got to try and buy two of the famous Tausug delicacies – the Panyalam (fried rice pancake) and the Jaa or Lokot-Lokot (glutinous rice dessert).
Where to Eat in Basilan
Isabela City
Tabuk Crispy Pastil
If you are a true-blue Isabela City local, this hole-in-the-wall pastil place makes and sells one of the best crispy pastils in the City. The Tabuk Crispy Pastil is a local favorite, serving freshly fried crispy pastil, served with their signature spicy peanut sauce.
Where to Stay in Basilan
Isabela City
Pahali Malamawi White Beach Resort
Pahali Resort in Malamawi Island is one of the most popular accommodation options in Isabela City, Basilan. Being in the forefront of the image of what Malamawi White Beach is, this resort offers spacious rooms to its guests and al fresco dining options whenever you visit the place. You can visit their Facebook Page here for more information!
Basilan Business Hotel
Located right in the heart of Isabela de Basilan is the Basilan Business Hotel. This is one of the few hotels that can be found in Basilan. This place is also good for meetings, conferences or whether you just like to unwind and explore the island province.
Kasinnahan Hotel and Resort
Kasinnahan Hotel and Resort is one of the biggest resorts in Isabela de Basilan. It is also a popular accommodation choice for local artists and guests who want to unwind in Basilan.
Lamitan City
Lamitan Hostel
The Lamitan Hostel is also a good and cheap accommodation if you decide to have a night’s stay in Lamitan City. Just located within the Lamitan City Public Market Compound, it is also a stone-throw away from the Integrated Transport Terminal of Lamitan.
Sample Itinerary when Visiting Basilan
Here is a sample itinerary of a Basilan Day Tour. You can explore other parts of Basilan by coordinating with the Ministry of Trade, Investments, and Tourism Office of Basilan.
Day Tour Itinerary
Arrival at Port of Isabela
Breakfast – near Port
Head to Lamitan City
- Lamitan City Tulip Garden
- Bulingan Falls
- Lamitan City Public Market – Buy “Panyalam” and “Jaa”
Head back to Isabela de Basilan
- BARMM Provincial Office – Basilan
- Basilan Provincial Capitol
- Isabela City Plaza / HAPIsabela Park
- Sta. Isabel Cathedral
- Isabela City Tourism Assistance Center
Head to Malamawi Island (15-minute boat ride @ ₱ 20 Round Trip)
- Pahali White Beach Resort (15-minute tricycle @ ₱ 300 Round Trip)
- Malamawi White Beach (lunch)
Head back to Isabela City
- Isabela City Tourism Assistance Center
- Basilan Grand Mosque (Geras Grand Mosque)
- Tabuk Crispy Pastil (snacks)
*Note that the places, prices, and information written as of publication date and time are true and are given best during my visit. Changes may occur without prior notice. If you notice any changes to the information given above, you can e-mail me here so we can dish things up!*
We’re born to travel!
About Aldrick 'chiki' Agpaoa
