The island of Basilan, off the coast of Zamboanga City, is as beautiful as Boracay. Yet, news of terrorist threats prevents it to be a destination of choice for many tourists, domestic or foreign.
Malawali beach is pristine with crystal clear water and white sand at par with that of Boracay. A favorite of local tourists, many guests also come from Zamboanga City, where they catch a Ro-Ro to Isabela, Basilan’s capital, then travel by tricycle to Malawali, which has a few amenities for those who might want to stay the night.
An elegant two-story hotel has rooms that can accommodate couples and small families. The theme for both architecture and interiors are distinctly Balinese. It also has a restaurant that serves hot meals and snacks.
There’s a farm and a hill where a view deck has been built. From this high vantage point, one can have a spectacular view of the hills and the sea that surround Isabela City and a glimpse of Zamboanga City across the Basilan Strait.
Nature lovers will enjoy the drive through some of Basilan’s rubber tree plantations, actually there are forests of rubber trees on both sides of the road. So thick high and are these trees they seem to form a natural tunnel. Basilan, I am told, was once a top supplier of rubber for a major American tire manufacturer, which had co-owned one of the plantations.
The island of Basilan is no larger than Bohol but it has an eclectic culture, indigenous to its population of the predominantly Muslim tribe called the Yakan and the Christians from Zamboanga City, commonly known as the Chavacano Zamboangeños. The most spoken language is Zamboangeño Chavacano. The Chavacanos originated from the Spanish-Jesuit settlement that established in the town of Fuerte de San Jose in 1635.
First time visitors to Basilan will be surprised to see numerous road and commercial signs written in Spanish.
This fact isn’t lost to certain officials of Instituto Cervantes with its research on Spanish influences in Basilan and its neighboring provinces in Sulu. Hopefully, when peace is restored on these islands, the Institute can invite Spanish nationals to visit Basilan and the rest of the Sulu islands.
The city of Isabela isn’t crowded but it’s hardly a backward place. The city roads are bustling with activity and tricycles jockey for space along with the latest SUVs. Although the younger people might want to enjoy a burger snack at the Jollibee fast-food restaurant, tourists will enjoy the Muslim delicacies, which include their version of suman.
The Yakans are famous for their malong made of pineapple cloth and cotton and come in bright and vivid colors, all painstakingly hand woven. Worn by Yakan men and women on special occasions, it takes an entire week to complete a malong. But since tourists rarely get a chance to visit Basilan, malongs are sold at the Yakan Weaving Center in Zamboanga City. Veteran Yakan weaver Brainy Ilul said that with this store in Zamboanga, they’re able to reach a bigger market. Mr. Ilul followed into the footsteps of his parents and grandparents and continues the tradition of weaving malongs. Born and raised in Basilan, he hopes his own children would continue the practice.
With its rich culture and breathtaking landscape, Basilan is haven for travelers searching for less uncharted destinations. The stunning beaches that beckon remain tranquil and safe. After all, Paris, the romantic City if Lights, hasn’t lately been immune from terrorist threats. Yet as they still say, we’ll always have Paris. We also say, we’ll always have Basilan.