Basilan Tourism

Basilan is an island province of the Philippines in Mindanao, just off the southern coast of the Zamboanga Peninsula. Basilan is the biggest and northernmost among the major islands of the Sulu Archipelago.

Basilan has a variety of natural tourist spots that dot the island's pristine beaches and cool inland resorts. Basilan has gradually evolved into a charming, even surprisingly hospitable, place to relax and enjoy a laid back, stress-free vacation.

There are three main ethnic groups; the Yakans and Tausugs are predominantly Muslim, while Chavacanos are primarily Christian. The lingua franca is Chavacano, a Spanish creole dialect, understood by more than 80% of the population. Tagalog/Filipino and English are also widely spoken and understood.

Accessibility

Access to the island province is usually through Zamboanga which lies 17 nautical miles (narrowest point of the Basilan Strait) due north. From there, a boat ride of 1 hour and 45 mins (for conventional passenger ferries), will take you to Isabela and Lamitan. The fare ranges from Php20 (student and senior citizen's discounted fare on some conventional ferries) to P70 (first-class w/ aircon).

* Isabela-Zamboanga-Isabela Route (1 hr, 30 mins)

M/V Stephanie Marie - ISA-ZAM: 6:45am/ 12:45pm; ZAM-ISA: 9:45am / 3:45pm

M/V Ever Sweet - ISA-ZAM: 9:30am / 3:30pm; ZAM-ISA: 6:30am / 12:30pm

M/V Estrella del Mar - ISA-ZAM: 10:00am / 4:00pm; ZAM-ISA: 7:00am / 1:00pm

M/V Princess Nicole - ISA-ZAM: 6:50am / 12:50pm; ZAM-ISA: 9:50am / 3:50pm

* Lamitan-Zamboanga-Lamitan Route (1 hr, 30 mins)

M/V Nickel Princely - LAM-ZAM: 7:00am / 1:00pm; ZAM-LAM: 10:00am / 4:00pm

M/V Trisha Kerstin - LAM-ZAM: 10:00am / 4:00pm; ZAM-LAM: 7:00am / 1:00pm

* Maluso-Jolo-Maluso Route (6 hours)

(outrigger boats called "palakayas" leave at irregular intervals)

Basilan joined the "Western Philippine Nautical Highway" through the construction of three (3) new Roll-On-Roll-Off ("Ro-ro") Ports located in the cities of Isabela and Lamitan, and in Port Holland, Maluso. A regular four door sedan is charged Php2,500.00 per trip, a Van/Light Truck Php3,500.00, while bigger trucks/heavy equipment may go up to Php5,000.00 per trip.

Basilan is served by several light plane landing fields located in Isabela (2), Lamitan (1), Maluso (1), Lantawan (1) and Sumisip (1), all of which were constructed and maintained by the multi-national plantations and have since been turned over to the Farmer Beneficiary Cooperatives.

Attractions

"Nature Spots"

* Kumalarang River – It boasts of its 14-meter high waterfall, a proposed site for a hydroelectric plant.

* Tabiawan and Busay Waterfalls – Found in Isabela, a good site for picnics and bathing.

* Balagtasan Waterfalls – The biggest waterfall on the island where the Basilan mini-hydro power plant is situated.

* Sumagdang Beach – A natural resort for swimming. They have coconut plantations, mini rice fields and fishponds. It is 4 kilometers away from Isabela town proper and accessible by bus, jeepney or tricycle.

* Malamawi Island – The main natural attraction of Basilan. Here, a lighthouse guides ships and vintas to the channel. Here can also be found the traditional final resting places of the nomad sea-faring Badjaos and Samal-Luans-Banguingui. It also boasts of the only lake in the province with wild ducks. Also found in Malamawi is the Panigayan fishing village where spearfishing is recommended and the Alano Estates' Bird Sanctuary atop Mts. San Juan and Comunal.

* Alano White Beach Resort - also found on Malamawi Island, with powdery white sands, day-cottages, and other amenities usually for domestic tourists and local patrons, is widely touted as Basilan's own Boracay minus all the commercial trimmings.

* Sunrise/Lanote Resort Row - still undergoing extensive infrastructure upgrades, this area will soon host what locals call the "Resort Row" of Isabela City. Already home to at least 3 fully functional inland resorts (The Farmland, EN4Es, and Biel Pool Resort)...no less than four more are slated to open along the same road in the next few months.

* Bulingan Falls - a mere 15 minute ride from Lamitan town, will bring you to the natural wonder that is Bulingan Falls, where one can enjoy the magical waterfalls during day picnics with family or friends.

"Churches and Religious Shrines"

* Chapel of Peace, Calvario Peak, Isabela City – An excellent site for photo enthusiasts. Perched 400 meters above sea level and 15 minutes from the town proper.

* Santa Isabel Cathedral, Isabela City – An art deco cathedral with a mosaic altar reminiscent of Roman-Byzantine cathedrals, named in honor of the patron saint of Isabela.

* Monte Santo Shrine - located atop Mt. Ubit in Lamitan City, is a pilgrimage site for devout Catholics who visit the shrine for the traditional "13 Stations" during Holy Week.

* Kaum Purnah Mosque, Isabela City – An old and imposing mosque, the sight of which greets visitors on board ferries as they sail the channel into Isabela.

"Historical Sites"

* Datu Kalun Shrine, Lamitan – Built as a tribute to a famous Yakan leader, it is a triangular park located at the heart of Lamitan City's bustling downtown.

* Museo ng Lamitan – Showcases the color and highlights of the Lami-lamihan festival. It also serves as the information center for the development of Lamitan City.

* Basilan Provincial Capitol - site of Fort Isabela II, the original Fort was bombed and destroyed towards the end of World War II, having been used by the occupying Japanese forces as a munitions dump. A newer Capitol Building was built on the spot where the old Basilan City Hall stood after it was burned in the early 1990s. The new building is a celebration of Muslim and Christian influences which shaped modern-day Basilan, and still occupies the highest point of the City proper.

* Isabela City Plaza (formerly Plaza Misericordia)/Plaza Rizal - as with every traditional Filipino town, the twin plazas of the City (formerly Plaza Misericordia) and Plaza Rizal, has remained at the very center of Basilan's socio-political scene to this very day. Political rallies, civic events, local programs, night-time entertainment and religious pageants are still held in and around the plaza...which also features an obelisk with the statue of Jose Rizal, a public stage, and a relief map of Basilan island on Plaza Rizal, and a fountain, skating rink, botanical garden and outdoor cafes on the City Plaza.

Activities

"Fiestas and Festivals"

* Araw ng Basilan - celebrated every March 7 to commemorate the Anniversary of the Province of Basilan.

* Lami-Lamihan Festival - the island's premier festival, is celebrated during the Feast of St. Peter (Fiesta San Pedro) on June 29 in Lamitan City. The Festival is highlighted by the participation of the Yakans who attend the festivities in full regalia, selling wares and produce brought in from their farms in the interior.

* Cocowayan Festival - Isabela City's annual commemoration of its Cityhood, is a week-long series of activities culminating in the annual Street Dancing parade on April 25.

* Fiesta Santa Isabel - celebrated every July 8 by the residents of Isabela City, in honor of its Patroness Saint Elizabeth of Portugal (Span. Sta. Isabel de Portugal), the focal point of the Fiesta celebrations happen around the Sta. Isabel Cathedral located at the center of Isabela's poblacion. This is highlighted by a Procession and Novena Masses, the traditional Bella Isabela Beauty Pageant, marathon, regatta and other activities organized primarily by the Diocese of Basilan and the Prelature of Isabela and its lay organizations the Catholic Women's League (CWL) and Knights of Columbus (KofC).

* Semana Santa (Holy Week) - March/April (movable) A city procession known as the Santo Entierro (Holy Funeral) on Good Friday highlights the observance of the season of Lent. Celebrated in most parish churches in the city and in the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, the Santo Entierro is a procession of Christ's images, many of the Stations of the Cross, along the city's main streets, depicting his last hours before, during, and after the Crucifixion.

* Flores de Mayo - May 1 - 31 A religious feast celebrated in all Catholic churches in honor of the Virgin Mary. Little children in white gala dresses walk up the altar to offer flowers to the image of the Blessed Mother, as the Catholics call her.

* Fonda de Barangay or Fiestas del Barangay - Week-long celebration in the Barangay/Barrios honoring their patron saints. The celebration usually starts with novena masses held every day for 9 straight days prior the feast day of the patron saint. every night, the barrio is lit up for celebration and merry-making that includes pageants, trade fair, parade, cock-fighting, carnival, musical competition and "baile."

* Pascua (Christmas) - December 25 Celebration of Jesus Christ's Birth. City hall, churches, schools, streetlight post, houses, streets, commercial places, parks and most of the other places in the City are covered with lights, filled with joyous sounds and other Christmas Decorations.

* Isra Wal Miraj - May 9 An Islamic event celebrating the nocturnal journey and ascension of Muhammad.

* Eid al-Fitr/Hari Raya Puasa - (movable) An Islamic event commemorating the end of the Muslim fasting season.

* Maulidin-Nabi - December 27 An Islamic celebration honoring the birthday of Muhammad.

* Chinese New Year - celebrated every February (movable) mostly for the raucous noise-making, tikoy-eating marathons, and the much-anticipated distribution of "ampaw" by rich Chinese godparents.

Amenities

Leisure

A number of Internet shops/cafes can keep you fully connected with the rest of the world 24 hours a day, and the usual charge is at P15/hour.

In the meantime, you may go around Isabela City on foot, by tricycle (minimum fare is P10/person), or by jeepney (set routes, P7/person), or you could hire a number of private taxis/multicabs (P150-P200/hour). The Bus to Lamitan will set you back P45. Vans may likewise be hired at P1,500-P2,000/day.

Check out the Menzi Rubber Processing Plant and be prepared to be assaulted by an assortment of smells and odors which you would have wished you never got the chance to experience! =)

Also, the Night Cafe Barbecue Grille all along Dr. J. W. Strong Boulevard facing the Isabela Channel, a string of "halal" barbecue stands will give you interesting sights, sounds and smells.

For the more adventurous types, a guided tour of the now-abandoned house of terrorist group Abu Sayyaf leader Khaddafy Janjalani can be had for a negotiated price. The house of this notorious terrorist leader sits on a neighborhood basketball court which is right in front of the main gate of the Philippine military's Brigade Headquarters! (A sidetrip to Abu Sabaya's also abandoned house on Malamawi Island can likewise be negotiated.)

For family fun, you may check out the Sumagdang or Alano White Beach Resorts, or spend time at the RAFCER or D'Biel Bowling centers, or haul the kids to The Farmland, ISAWAD (Cabunbata and Balamban) or Biel Pool Resorts.

For the more vocally well-endowed, you may visit any of the number of videoke bars and restaurants which dot the city's landscape like mushrooms after a particularly severe thunderstorm.

Its generally safe to go around the city, even for Caucasian/East Asian tourists, but it is advised to bring along a local guide, just to make sure.

hopping

A definite recommended "buy" would be the intricate Yakan weaves, trinkets and souvenir items usually made of woven material and hammered brass/bronze pieces, with colorful beads and hand-painted wooden bangles, rings, and handcrafted Yakan bags, table-runners, wall-decor, etc. Be sure to visit the Isabela City Pasalubong Center for authentic Yakan craft (1/F, J. S. Alano Zenith Bldg., J. S. Alano St.). Since you're already in Basilan, don't miss out on the "Basilan Brew" coffee available in nearby Lamitan town (only 45 minutes from Isabela City). A number of retail establishments may likewise be visited before 6:00PM (traditional closing time).

Food

* Isabela City

Jollibee

Lolo Jose Grille and Restaurant

Font's Restaurant

JJ Twin's Pavillion

Mon's Kitchen

Emerald Cafe

Eathel's Burger Joint

Trisha's

RAFCER Bowling & Grille

Platinum Videoke Bar & Restaurant

* Lamitan City

Chi-Chia Grille and Restaurant

Nalamar Family Entertainment Complex

Sumptuous local delicacies may likewise be sampled. Not to be missed are hearty Muslim dishes such as "tyula itum", "pianggang manok", "baulo", "kulma", etc. Certain Yakan festivities likewise prepare a pyramidal "dullang" with the delectable mountain rice "sappul

Accommodations

A number of Hotels, Resorts and hostels likewise dot the City of Isabela.

These include:

The Farmland Resort (Lanote),

Anson's Hotel (Sumagdang),

Hotel Royal Issra (Marketsite),

Casa Rosario (Port Area),

Basilan Hostel (Eastside),

Buwalan Beach Resort (Sumagdang),

ISAWAD Pool Resort (Cabunbata),

Basilan Hotel (Isabela Proper), and

Grino House (Menzi).

Basic Translations

The lingua franca is Chavacano, a Spanish creole dialect, understood by more than 80% of the population. Tagalog/Filipino and English are also widely spoken and understood.

Yes - Si!

No - No!

Good morning! - Buenos Dias!

Good Afternoon! - Buenas Tardes!

Good Evening! - Buenas Noches!

Goodbye! - Adios!

How are you? - Quetal 'tu?

Here - Aqui

There - Alla

This - Este

That (near) - Ese

That (far) - Aquel

Me - Iyo

You (singular) - Etu

You (plural) - Ustedes

Them - Sila

Us - Kame

I'm hungry! - Con hambre yo!

I'm sick! - Infermo yo!

Help! - Ayuda!

Where can I eat? - Donde yo puede come?

Where is the Hotel? - Donde el Hotel?

Where's the toilet? - Donde el CR?

Where can I have fun? - Donde yo puede man gimik?

How much is this? - Cuanto 'ste?

How much is that? - Cuanto 'se?

Its too expensive, can you give me a discount? - Bien caro, tiene pa rebaje?

When does it (do we) leave? - Cuando 'quel (kita) larga?

Thank you! - Gracias!

Other Info

For your electric gadgets, the place uses 220v-240v standard. Drinking straight from the tap is discouraged. Make sure that your water has been previously boiled or purchase bottled water instead.

Tourist Assistance

* Hja. Gigi Carama-Junudi, Basilan Provincial Tourism Officer, Provincial Capitol Building, Isabela City, Basilan.

* Jayson Tubil, Isabela City Tourism Officer, Isabela City Hall Complex, Isabela City, Basilan.

* Pilar Raga, Guest Liaison Officer, "Isabela City Pasalubong Center", Basilan Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Inc., J. S. Alano Bldg., J. S. Alano St., Isabela City, Basilan.