Basilan Province: 8 Things to Do and Visit in a Day

March 22, 2020July 29, 2021 Rex Lim Lim BASILAN, BLOG, TRANSIT PINAS, TRAVEL GUIDE

Reading Time: 6 minutes

Here I listed down 8 things one can do in Basilan for nine hours. Just like what our group did last August 2018.

Often than not, this province is misunderstood due to the sporadic wars between the local government and some terrorist groups. As a result, promoting the tourist destinations of the province is already a struggle in itself.

I did not write this to disagree but to encourage everyone to turn their heads and check out the province. Basilan is more than what the publicized news paints it to be.

It is quite disappointing that it is regarded as one of the dangerous provinces in the country in the past. When all that I have received from this province, is peace and love.

So here it goes!

Table of Contents

Malamawi White Beach

Located off the coast of Isabela City proper, Malamawi Beach definitely deserves the spotlight it deserves. In fact it has turquoise waters, fine white sand, and palm trees across the idyllic stretch of beach. Also, one must not miss the chance of visiting this unspoiled gem once you set foot at this province.

How To Get There: From Isabela Port, transfer to another outrigger boat, then upon arrival at the island, charter a habal-habal to take you to the resort. Full article here: An Eluded Paradise – Malamawi White Beach

2. Basilan Provincial Capitol

It is the site of the old Fort Isabela II that was bombed during the World War II. The Basilan City Hall replaced it before being burned down in the 1990’s.

The present day building is a celebration of Muslim and Christian influences which shaped modern-day Basilan. It still occupies the highest point of the city proper. This is where you have to make a courtesy call if coordinating with the provincial tourism office.

So what to do in Basilan for a daytrip? Here I listed down 8 things one can do for nine hours. Just like what our group did last August 2018 — Bienvenidos!

How To Get There: From Isabela Port, take a tricycle going to the provincial capitol and pay 20php. Full article here: BASILAN: Basilan Provincial Capitol

3. Jollibee Basilan

They say it is not your ordinary Jollibee branch, ’cause it is in Basilan. This branch survived several bombings and I can now call this as the most bombed Jollibee in the country. But if you want a Chicken Joy and a familiar atmosphere, this is just located outside the Provincial Capitol.

How To Get There: This is located just outside of the Provincial Capitol. From Isabela Port just charter a tricycle to take you directly here.

4. Mabarakat Mosque

Commonly called as Masjid Jamid or Jamid Mosque, this is located in Mabarakat Isabela City, Basilan. This mosque is made by two towering minarets and several golden domes. The masjid has a capacity of more or less atleast 2000 people inside. Full article here: BASILAN: Mabarakat Mosque

How To Get There: Located in Mabarakat Barangay, Isabela City. Coordinate with the local and/or provincial tourism offices of Basilan prior to the visit so they can arrange the transportation and guides for you.

5. Bulingan Falls

Perhaps the most famous waterfall in Basilan for its unique rock pillar walls where the waterflows, you should not miss this on your Basilan itinerary. Full article here: The Other Side Of The Spectrum – Bulingan Falls

How To Get There: Located in Lamitan City, Basilan, coordinate with the local and/or provincial tourism offices of Basilan prior to the visit so they can arrange the transportation and guides for you. Full article here: The Other Side Of The Spectrum – Bulingan Falls

6. Lamitan Oval Market and Food Crawl

In search for Satti and Panyalam, we ventured out into the streets of Lamitan City, with the assiatance of our provincial tourism coordinator just get a glimpse of the mundane life and thoroughfares of the city. We got inside a small halal eatery where we sampled out some of their local dishes.

How To Get There: Located in Lamitan City, Basilan. Coordinate with the local and/or provincial tourism offices of Basilan prior to the visit so they can arrange the transportation and guides for you.

7. Rubber Plantations

Basilan is the Rubber Capital of the Philippines because of, yes you guessed it right. Rubber Tree plantations can be found almost everywhere. One famous plantation is that of in Menzi, it is vast that the owner eventually built a resort alongside his plantation that is called as the Rubberland Resort.

How To Get There: Located in Isabela City, Basilan, coordinate with the local and/or provincial tourism offices of Basilan prior to the visit so they can arrange the transportation and guides for you.

8. Cabunbata Falls

Did not expected that Basilan literally has quite a number of attractions waiting to be rediscovered again. One of which is the Cabunbata Falls that is towering with its river located from the top of the mountain slope. Located just beside the highway where motorcycle drivers often flock to wash their vehicles. Full article here: BASILAN: Cabunbata Falls

How To Get There: Located in Cabunbata Brgy. in Isabela City, Basilan. Coordinate with the local and/or provincial tourism offices of Basilan prior to the visit so they can arrange the transportation and guides for you.

Should I Travel to Basilan?

I must admit that I visited Basilan not just to complete the PH81 project but also for bragging rights of visiting the province. But what happened during the trip educated me to become more humble and appreciative of what it has to offer.

Do I recommend to travel to Basilan? YESSS!

It showed me what transcends more than what is asked for. It is not just with the hospitality but with the efforts you can see from the local people. Again, you should visit Basilan and explore its natural unspoiled wonders!

P.S. Please contact their local tourism offices first!

Again, what’s stopping you from visiting Basilan? 🙂

Braving Basilan: This adventure series narrates what transpired during my day trip across the island of Basilan, as I set foot on my 55th province last August 20, 2018. The road not taken and an eluded paradise – this has been once home to a terrorist group and historically also the staging ground for Moro Raids in Zamboanga.

Giving it the notoriety as one the most dangerous provinces in the Philippines in the past. Follow me as I show you the other side of the beautiful province of Basilan!