Despite the push and rise of tourism in Basilan, many travelers still skip the province because of its negative perception. However, Basilan is a beautiful destination you should consider adding to your itinerary while in the Zamboanga del Sur region.
Basilan still has that undiscovered beauty to it.
Plan a Trip to Basilan
Basilan is part of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region located in Mindanao. Lamitan is the provincial capital. The Yakans, Tausugs, and the Chavacanos are the three primary ethnolinguistic groups that live in the province. The province still has a negative connotation in the eyes of some Filipinos. However, it is a safe place to visit as long as you go with a tour guide and listen to local authorities. I had my doubts about visiting the province; however, it was a pleasant surprise when I finally visited.
Things to do in Basilan
Basilan doesn't exactly have the same recall as many other popular provinces in the country. There are a number of attractions in Basilan that can keep you busy the entire day.
Malamawi White Beach
Bulingan Falls
This unique looking natural attraction is a must-visit whenever you go to Basilan. The cool waters cascade from stone pillar-like formations. We saw a few local kids jumping into the pool from the top of the waterfall.
Basilan Provincial Capitol
The provincial capitol is one of the most striking buildings in the province. it has a distinct blue exterior and it resembles a mosque. Who would've thought that it's a government building?
Sta. Isabel Cathedral
When you think of the provinces in the Bangsamoro Region, you'd automatically think that most people would be Muslim. However, Basilan (specifically Isabela City), is home to a substantial Catholic population. The church is a landmark which you can include in your itinerary.
Isabela City Plaza
If you're the type that wants to take a touristy photo to remind you of the places you've been to, you can check out the Isabela city plaza.
Geras Grand Mosque
Tulip Garden
This unique attraction in Basilan is worth a stop. It's a tulip garden but its flowers are made of recycled materials. You'll see various shades and shapes of "recycled flowers" during your visit.
Weaving Center
If you're looking for souvenirs, look no further than the local weaving center. Here you'll see locals making all sorts of products from wallets to pouches to shirts to jackets. You'll also get a glimpse of the island's weaving cultural heritage during your visit.
These are just some of the attractions you can visit while exploring Basilan. The province still has plenty more to offer visitors like you. Spend more days to see more of what the province has to offer. Keep an open mind when you visit. You can combine a visit to Basilan with Zamboanga del Sur.
How to get to Basilan
How to get to Basilan is simple and convenient. You can book round trip tickets while in Zamboanga City. There's a few shipping companies that ply this route until late afternoon. The trip is only a few hours long each way. Don't expect much but the overall journey was comfortable. It's possible to do a day trip (just like what my sister and I did), as long as you take the earliest possible ferry to Basilan. We paid around P370 for round trip business class tickets for the ferry. I included Basilan as part of my budget and itinerary for Zamboanga City.
I would recommend booking a tour with a certified guide to make the experience as seamless as possible. We paid P1800 each because we were a group of 11 people. Rates vary depending on the size of your group and itinerary. I recommend reaching out to Kuya Allan Lim for your tour around Basilan. His number is 09171591310.
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