Basilan Travel Tips

Many people are discouraged to set foot in Basilan due to the security stigma attached to the territory. But in reality, this island in the Sulu archipelago in the Philippines is a fantastic destination. People are warm and friendly, their food tasty, and their tourist spots very inviting for exploring tourists, locals and foreigners alike.

The best thing to do in Basilan is to experience the local way of life. Lamitan City is the provincial capital and should be on top of your list of must visits. This is where you can partake in local delicacies, like lokot-lokot and panyalam, and even watch how they are prepared. To those who love the sun, sand, and sea, you may check out Malamawi White Beach in Isabela City or Pink Beach in Maluso. Other attractions include Bulingan Falls, Isabela City Forest Park, and Bohe Linuan River.

It's about time people start looking past the negative things said about Basilan and into its charming attractions. The province is easily accessible from the Zamboanga City seaport. It’s also a great start to discovering the rest of the Zamboanga Peninsula and its major cities like Dapitan, Pagadian, and Dipolog.