Things to Do in Isabela, Basilan
After a short break from a long drive from Davao City, we will head to Basilan. Early morning, the line first to get ferry tickets for people and vehicles. We reached the first trip. From Zamboanga City, it took lower than an hour to reach Basilan, an islet fiefdom conforming of 2 metropolises and small municipalities. Arriving on the Island is a short mess to get around, which is also what I do regularly; community visits to deliver programs and services for lower fortunate communities.
Basilan is a 4th class element megacity and extension city of Zamboanga with a population of 130,379 according to the 2020 tale. This megacity is also statistically independent of the province of Basilan so the capital was moved to Lamitan City.
Historically, the first settlers on this islet were Orang Dampuan from Eastern Indonesia who latterly came to the ancestors of the Yakans, a stalwart lineage who lived in the Sulu archipelago along with other lines similar to the Sama and Bajau ahead. whether the Tausug lineage came from Sumatra and Borneo. Yakans are also known when it comes to the field of weaving.
This islet was formerly known as one of the most dangerous areas in Mindanao due to the colorful coalitions of the revolutionists posted then.
But over time, serenity and peace have been revived with the cooperation of the government and the residents living then. Although not foreign to tourism, commerce is veritably important alive in this megacity which serves as the islet’s trade center.
The province is notorious when it comes to rubber tree plantations and agar-agar (seaweeds) colonies. Life is straightforward because the area is also rich when it comes to marine coffers. Actually, an importing scale isn't a trend on this Islet.
The Iconic Structures
One of the iconic structures located in the megacity of Basilan is the magnific City hall, statehouse structure, mosque, and edifice. You can not say you've been in Basilan if you can not get to those iconic structures.
The large town area is busy and chaotic. The primary transportation in the city is the tricycle and public mileage van if you want to go to another city. When it comes to food chains, numerous original beaneries offer Isabela's favorite dishes. Utmost say a place would not be a megacity without the star of relish - the Jollibee.
Tourist Spots
There's no denying the beauty of the littoral areas of Basilan. Then you'll find the notorious Malamawi White Beach Resort, a private resort with complete installations. The place is relaxing as it's girdled by trees and beautiful lodges, with a veritably long bank with fine beach and demitasse clear water. It's compared to the notorious Philippine islets similar to Palawan and Boracay. This resort is also known for its rustic walk which serves as the area’s harborage.
There are also falls near the town; Bukol falls or Cabunbata falls located just along the road going to Lantawan city. These cascades have a height and a manmade receptacle that can be bathed by those who want to paddle in its cold water.
The Sunset
Of course, our day will end by watching the sunset in Maluso town by watching in Maluso port. Since the whole has no electricity in the town, we spend time in the port until the dark. I witnessed one of the best sunsets in my entire month trip. Amazing! enticing!
The Food
Basilan province is an island that's why various kinds of seafood can be easily served at the table, very cheap and most of the sellers are not using weighing scales. It shook and amazed me because this is very traditional even though Basilan is just an hour's ferry ride going to Zamboanga City
HOW TO GET THERE
The closest airport is in Zamboanga City with the flight from Manila, Cebu, and Sabah, Malaysia
- From there, ride a cab or tricycle going to the Zamboanga ferry terminal.
- Get a ferry ticket and ride for lower than an hour.
- Last trip of the ferry returning to Zamboanga City at 4:30 pm
Work. Trip. Reprise
