tourist spots in basilan

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21+ Basilan Tourist Spots (UPDATED): Best Places to See

Here is a comprehensive list of Basilan tourist spots you should see.

Basilan is one of the least visited provinces in the Philippines. News of violence and terrorist threats have placed it in a negative spotlight. What people don’t know is that it’s actually a safe destination as long as there is proper coordination.

Fortunately, the local authorities have been actively advocating for eco-tourism development.

After all, there is so much to explore in Basilan. From its untamed jungles, hidden waterfalls, to powdery, white-sandy beaches, there is just so much to unravel.

As Basilan opens itself to the tourism world, it is hoped that proper practices are implemented to ensure the preservation of the environment and the local culture. Without further ado, here are the best tourist spots in Basilan.

Behold Best Basilan Tourist Spots

1. malamawi white beach.

Malamawi Beach is similar to Boracay because of its powdery white sand beaches. But makes this beach unique is the tranquil setting as few tourists come here.

Interestingly, the beach remains unscathed by the wars that shook the province during the previous years. Malawi Beach is also ideal for snorkeling because the surrounding waters teem with diverse marine life. It is one of the best Basilan tourist spots.

• Location/Jump-off: Isabela City
• Boating Time: 20 minutes from Isabela Port
• Entrance Fee: Php 35 per person
• Cottage Rent: Php 350 per cottage, good for up to 5 people

2. Lampinigan Island

Another unspoiled destination in Basilan is Lampinigan Island that also boasts of sandy white sands, lush beach forests, and turquoise waters. Its raw location makes it one of the best tourist spots in Basilan for those who prefer rustic getaways.

As you get here, you can spot schools of fishes, corals, and other aquatic species on the crystal-clear waters.

• Boating Time: 45 minutes from Isabela Port
• Boat Fare: Php 2500 for a boat, good for 7-10 people

3. Bulingan Falls

If want another form of rejuvenating experience aside from swimming on beach fronts, check out Bulingan Falls. It cascades gently on seemingly terraces slopes, carving a beautiful batch basin where you can have an invigorating swim.

The falls measures 30 feet high surrounded with lush foliage. Bulingan Falls is one of the top Basilan tourist spots you should visit.

• Location/Jump-off: Lamitan City
• Entrance Fee: None
• Cottage Fee: None

4. Sta. Isabel de Portugal Cathedral

Although Islam is the major religion in Basilan, the number of Roman Catholics have been growing in recent years. Catering to that group is Sta. Isabel de Portugal Cathedral which serves as the seat of the prelature of Isabela de Basilan.

5. Yakan Heritage Building

If you want to explore and learn about the culture of the native inhabitants, then you should check out Yakan Heritage Building. Here, you’ll find various artifacts, materials, and crafts showcasing the Yakan peoples’ way of life.

Majority of the Yakan are Muslims, thus, you’ll notice that the building is Islam-inspired including the materials contained.

6. Lamitan Eco-Park

Extending all the way to the forested highlands of Basilan, Lamitan Eco-Park covers 14 hectares. It showcases various sustainability initiatives such as eco-friendly research projects, and waste management facilities.

Moreover, the park implements agricultural practices such as composting for organic fertilizer productions. The local authority is recently improving the park to turn it into a full-blown recreational area.

7. Tinuse Beach

Similar to Malamawi White Beach, Tinuse Beach also has a long stretch of white sandy beaches. Enjoy strolling around as the sea breeze give a caressing touch.

Or plunge into the pristine waters where you might have a memorable encounter with colorful fishes and thriving coral life.

• Location/Jump-off: Sumisip
• Boating Time: 5 minutes from Sumisip town

8. Lamitan City Public Market

One of the best places to experience the authentic food and products of Basilan is Lamitan City Public Market. Here, you’ll personally witness how the locals prepare native delicacies such as lokot-lokot and panyalam.

These are a must-try especially if you’re someone wanting to learn about the culture.

What I love about public markets is that they sell locally-made products at a much cheaper rate compared to malls or convenience stores.

9. Basilan’s Pink Beach

If you know of the pink beaches of Zamboanga City or Sorsogon, then you might also be interested to know that Basilan has one as well.

They call it Langgas Island which is now becoming one of the most visited Basilan tourist spots. Its pinkish appearance is attributed to crushed red corals in the sand.

• Location/Jump-off: Langgas Island, Maluso

10. Basilan National Park

Basilan National Park occupies the eastern part of the island. It is the last remaining forest ecosystem within Basilan. One of the critically-endangered species found here is the Basilan TaricticHornbill with only less than a hundred left in the wild.

This comes as a direct result of logging and deforestation. Thankfully, local authorities are pushing for measures to protect the forest. The park is also home to various other species. Waterfalls, rivers, and springs thrive in the slopes of the park.

• Location/Jump-off: Isabela City, Lamitan, Tipo-Tipo, Sumisip

11. Basilan Peak/Puno Mahaji

Basilan Peak is the highest point in the island with an elevation of 998 meters above sea level. It is one of the least explored mountains in the Philippines.

Only local hunters and officials were able to assault it and glimpse of its rustic beauty. Dense forests cover its slope, home to endangered wildlife species.

Hopefully, the local authorities will revitalize efforts to protect the mountain from deforestation and logging. It is one of the potential tourist spots in Basilan.

12. Monte Santo Shrine

Monte Santo Shrine sits atop Mt Ubit which offers a panoramic view of Lamitan City and its coastal communities. It is a popular pilgrimage site among devout Catholics especially during the Holy Week.

14. Kaum Purnah Mosque

KaumPurnah Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in the province. It has an imposing architecture that will greet you as you ride a ferry to Isabela. It is also a popular pilgrimage site among the local Muslim population.

15. Datu Kalun Shrine

The shrine pays tribute to DatuKalun, a known Yakan leader who led revolts against foreign invaders. Datu Kalun and other Muslim leaders are credited for the independence of the Muslim archipelago despite the 300-year reign of the Spaniards, followed by the Americans.

16. Cabunata Falls

Cabuna Falls is one of the most-accessible Basilan tourist spots, located just a few meters away from the highways. It cascades beautifully for some 30 meters to a naturally-built pool.

It lies hidden amidst rubber plantations. Hopefully, the local authorities will sustainably manage the waterfall for eco-tourism promotion.

17. Kayumkuman Island

Kayumkuman Island is often touted by travel bloggers as Basilan’s version of Boracay. That’s because of its powdery white sand beaches which are also evident in other islands in the province.

The surrounding waters are crystal-clear and at some parts, you can see a marine creature lurking underneath. You can also go for snorkeling because of rich coral life in many parts.

• Location/Jump-off: Masulo
• Boating Time: 30 minutes

18. Old Basilan Provincial Capitol

The Old Basilan Provincial Capitol was the site of Fort Isabela II. The original fort was devastated during World War II. A new Capitol Building now stands on the site where the old capitol stood after it was burned in the early 1990s.

The new building signifies the influences of both Muslims and Christians which paved way for modern-day Basilan. The new capitol stands on the highest point of the city proper.

19. Palm Beach

Palm Beach is one of the most locally-frequented beaches due to its accessibility to Lamitan. It just 5 kilometers away from the town hall. Aside from swimming, locals love coming here to snorkel and explore the rich underworld.

• Location/Jump-off: Lamitan

20. Kumalarang Falls

Kumalarang Falls is situated on Kumalarang River which emanates from pristine forests upstream. It is around 14 meters high with a wide and very deep pool.

Locals come here for outdoor recreations and photo shoots. Sadly, its natural beauty is about to be altered because of a proposed hydroelectric plant.

• Location/Jump-off: Maluso

21. Balas Beach

Balas Beach is one of the laid-back Basilan tourist spots, making it also one of the most preserved. It lies on a cove fringed by a palm vegetation and scenic mountains.

Just like Palm Beach, the thriving marine life here offers some of the best sites for scuba diving and water skiing.

• Travel Time: 25 minutes from town

For Your Information

If you need more information to help set up your itinerary to Basilan tourist spots, do contact Isabela Tourism Offica via the following:

• Contact Number: 0905 479 2819
• Email Address: [email protected]

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Hi there fellow traveler! My name is Daniel although you can call me Kumafor. That's my indigenous name. I grew on a remote village called Lias in Barlig, Mountain Province.

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7 Places to Visit in Basilan + Things To Do

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.

To help with your trip planning, I’ve added links to the locations on Google Maps. Feel free to click/tap on the links posted below. Then, use the “save” feature on the Google Maps app for easy reference. But before you start ticking goals off your bucketlist, here are travel essentials & discounts you’ll need to check. Pre-book online for a hassle-free trip!

Basilan travel essentials

Click below to compare rates & read reviews:

Basilan Hotels Flights

View all travel tips on: Basilan .

1. White Beach

Location : Malamawi Island, Isabela City, Basilan . Save on Google Maps .

For more travel inspiration,  follow Detourista on :

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2. Malamawi Island Viewpoint

3. Bukol Falls (Cabunbata Waterfall)

Location : Maligue , Isabela City, Basilan . Save on Google Maps .

4. Isawad Resort

Location : Isabela City, Basilan . Save on Google Maps .

5. Yakan Banig & Basilan Souvenirs

Location : Isabela City, Basilan

6. Basilan Provincial Capitol

7. Rubber Plantation

Where to go near Basilan

Zamboanga City

Location : Zamboanga region, Mindanao, southern Philippines . Save on Google Maps .

Zamboanga Travel Essentials

Where to stay

See more : Zamboanga City travel tips

What places have you added to your bucketlist? Have you been to beautiful places in Basilan that should be on this list? Feel free to share your thoughts!

Places to visit in Basilan

Basilan tourist spots, things to do in Basilan, where to go in Basilan & more.

Note: Destinations featured above are not listed by rank.

Don’t Stop Here

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Explore the Hidden Gems of Basilan: Top 15 Tourist Spots in the BARMM Region

Basilan, a captivating island province in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), is a treasure trove of natural beauty, historical landmarks, and cultural wonders. If you’re planning a visit, here are some of the top tourist spots you shouldn’t miss.

Table of Contents

1. Bulingan Falls

Nestled in the lush forest of Lamitan City, Bulingan Falls is a serene retreat for nature lovers. The cascading waters flow gracefully over the rocks, creating a peaceful atmosphere perfect for a refreshing dip or a picnic with loved ones. The entrance fee is around PHP 20 per person, and the falls can be found in Barangay Bulingan, Lamitan City.

2. Malamawi White Beach Resort

Malamawi Island boasts one of Basilan’s most pristine beaches, Malamawi White Beach Resort. The powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters make it a perfect destination for beachgoers and sun-seekers. For those looking to relax, the resort offers cottages for rent. The entrance fee is PHP 30, and it’s located on Malamawi Island, just a short boat ride from Isabela City.

3. Marang-Marang Mangrove Forest Cruise

Experience the tranquility of Basilan’s mangroves with the Marang-Marang Mangrove Forest Cruise. This eco-friendly tour takes you through dense mangrove forests, providing a glimpse of the rich biodiversity in the area. The cruise costs around PHP 150 per person and departs from Barangay Marang-Marang in Isabela City.

4. Tenusa Island

For those seeking a more secluded beach experience, Tenusa Island is an idyllic escape. With its untouched beauty and crystal-clear waters, it’s perfect for snorkeling and diving. There’s no entrance fee, but visitors are encouraged to bring their own supplies as there are limited facilities on the island. Tenusa Island is located off the coast of Maluso.

5. Calagusan Beach

Calagusan Beach, located in the municipality of Lantawan, is another hidden gem. Its peaceful atmosphere, golden sands, and clear waters make it an excellent spot for a day trip or camping. The entrance fee is typically around PHP 10, and it’s easily accessible from the main road.

6. Sumagdang Beach

Sumagdang Beach is one of the most accessible beaches in Isabela City. It’s a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, known for its scenic views and gentle waves. The entrance fee is PHP 20, and the beach is located in Barangay Sumagdang, Isabela City.

7. Tabuk Island

Tabuk Island, also known as Sta. Cruz Island, is a small, uninhabited island known for its pink sand beach, a rare and beautiful phenomenon. The island is perfect for a quiet day of relaxation. There’s no formal entrance fee, but visitors must arrange transportation and permits from local authorities. Tabuk Island is accessible via boat from Isabela City.

8. Akbar Pearl Farm

For a unique experience, visit the Akbar Pearl Farm in the municipality of Akbar. This pearl farm offers tours where you can learn about the intricate process of pearl farming and even purchase some of their exquisite pearls. There’s no entrance fee, but guided tours may require prior arrangements. The farm is located in Barangay Akbar.

9. Tumahubong White Beach

Tumahubong White Beach is another stunning destination in Basilan, known for its powdery white sands and clear waters. It’s a peaceful spot, ideal for swimming and picnicking. The entrance fee is about PHP 10, and it’s located in Barangay Tumahubong, Sumisip.

10. Santa Isabel Cathedral

Santa Isabel Cathedral, located in Isabela City, is a significant religious site and one of the oldest churches in Basilan. Its Spanish colonial architecture and peaceful surroundings make it a must-visit. Entrance is free, and the cathedral is situated in the heart of Isabela City.

11. Bukol Falls

Bukol Falls, a lesser-known waterfall in Basilan, offers a quiet retreat for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle. The falls are surrounded by lush greenery and are perfect for a refreshing swim. The entrance fee is around PHP 10, and it’s located in Barangay Bukol, Maluso.

12. Lampinigan Island

Lampinigan Island is another slice of paradise, known for its stunning beaches and rich marine life. It’s a popular spot for snorkeling and diving, with no entrance fee required. The island is accessible via boat from Isabela City.

13. Isawad Resort

Isawad Resort in Lamitan City offers a more developed beach experience, with amenities such as cottages, a restaurant, and recreational activities. The entrance fee is PHP 50 per person. The resort is located in Barangay Isawad, Lamitan City.

14. Basilan Provincial Capitol

The Basilan Provincial Capitol is a symbol of the island’s governance and history. Visitors can explore the capitol grounds and learn about the province’s history and culture. Entrance is free, and it’s located in Isabela City.

15. Lamitan City Eco Park

Lamitan City Eco Park is a perfect spot for nature lovers and families. The park features walking trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds, making it a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. The entrance fee is PHP 20 per person, and it’s located in Barangay Ubit, Lamitan City.

Basilan is more than just a gateway to the BARMM Region; it’s a destination filled with natural beauty, rich culture, and historical significance. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or just looking to relax on a beautiful beach, Basilan has something to offer everyone. So pack your bags, and explore the hidden gems of this captivating island province!

I’m Ken, an avid travel blogger and a nurse chronicling my adventures on “The Sneaky Traveller.” My journey in healthcare and travel enthusiast is driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact in both realms.

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Basilan Island Visitors Guide

This brief guide to Basilan Island will help you plan your trip. It contains information on what to do, eat, and drink as well as the must-see spots and the best hotels.

ABOUT SEE & DO EAT & DRINK STAY BUDGET ADVICE

Basilan is one of the most popular islands in the Philippines as it is on the news more often than other islands in the country.  The island is associated with chaos and violence caused by the clashing of the rebels against the forces of the government.  Most people avoid Basilan altogether so as not to get caught into the conflict.  As such, only a few got the opportunity to enjoy what this untamed island has to offer.

Its beaches are rugged and pristine, the waterfalls are rejuvenating, and the culture interesting.  What is more appealing is the fact that the island has become safe to visit so long as there is proper coordination to the authorities and adhere to safety practices suggested by them. 

Best Time to Visit

It’s best to visit the Philippines during the dry season .  Dry season in the Philippines spans from November through April .  These are the summer months in this country.

Be aware that temperatures and humidity levels are particularly high in April and May .

The best time to be a beach bum and explore the islands is from March to May.

TIP:  This guide recommends that booking for Basilan Island summer trips should be done as early as possible, at least a month before your travel dates, since resorts get fully booked early.

The period from June to October is the rainy (wet) season and is best avoided due to the high possibility of typhoons. The typhoons can not only be destructive, but most tours and activities are cancelled under such circumstances.  Transportation via plane and boat is also seriously impacted as well.  This happens frequently so beware!

This guide recommends traveling to Basilan Island in April-May or in November-December , just before and just after the rainy season. This will likely bring fewer crowds, yet pleasant weather, and is also a great time to score a travel deal.

Getting Here

There are many ways to get here depending on your starting point. This guide recommends using the following online tools to identify all the available options and cost for each while on Basilan Island:  Rome2Rio and PHBUS . The following are the major ports of entry for this destination.

BUS TERMINAL

Isabela City West Terminal

Isabela Seaport

Getting Around

The following are the modes of transportation available on Basilan Island …

Motorcycles

Motorized Outrigger

SEE & DO

The following is your guide to places to see and activities to enjoy while on Basilan Island.

1 | Enjoy the beaches

Malamawi Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Basilan.  It boasts of powdery white sand and rich water great for snorkeling.  The beach, however, is found on Malamawi Island, 20 minutes off the coast of Isabela City.

Beaches found on the main Basilan Island are Palm Beach and Calugusan Beach.  The two beaches are located in Lamitan City, the capital of the province of Basilan .

2 | Have a refreshing dip at the waterfalls

Aside from beaches, you can also enjoy a refreshing dip at a few waterfalls found on the island.  Bulingan Falls in Lamitan City is known for its beautiful rock formations where the clear water gently cascades into the natural pool below.

In Basilan, Cabunbata Falls is a beautiful waterfall located just a few meters away from the highway.  It is surrounded by rubber and mahogany trees and has a natural pool below.  The picturesque Kumalarang Waterfall, on the other hand, is a proposed site for a hydroelectric power plant.

3 | Explore the Basilan National Park

The last forest ecosystem on the island, Basilan National Park is home to rivers, springs, waterfalls, and various species of animals including Basilan Tarictic Hornbill whose population is threatened due to habitat loss caused by deforestation and illegal logging.

4 | Visit the places of worship

As a predominantly Muslim province, there are a few mosques found in Basilan.  The oldest mosque in Basilan is Kaum Purnah Mosque in Isabela City.  The mosque is known for its white paint and has a minaret which is painted yellow on its upper half.  Masjid Mabarakat is a newer mosque in Isabela City.  It has two minarets which measure 22.9 meters tall and three onion-shaped domes with the main dome measuring 6.68 meters tall.

Catholic devotees can go to Sta. Isabel de Portugal Cathedral in Isabela City and Monte Santo Shrine atop Mt. Ubit in Lamitan City.  The latter is a popular pilgrimage site especially during the Lenten Season.

5 | See the Yakan Heritage Building

The people of Basilan belong to the Filipino indigenous group called Yakan, one of the 13 Moro groups in the Philippines.  Aside from visiting their villages, another way to learn more about their history and culture is to visit the Yakan Heritage Building in Lamitan City.  Located within the city hall compound, the building is Islam-inspired and contains several artifacts and materials to such as traditional musical instruments and weaving tools.

6 | Learn about sustainability at Lamitan Eco-Park

The Lamitan Eco-Park is a 14-hectare property where projects and activities to help preserve nature take place.  Learn how to manage waste properly, composting, organic farming, and others.

NOTE: The Lami-Lamihan Festival occurs annually in Basilan Island the 29th of June.

EAT & DRINK

The following is your guide to the flavorful food to enjoy and restaurants to try while on Basilan Island.

1 | Font Restaurant

A small eatery near Isabela Cathedral, Font Restaurant serves local favorites such as sotanghon, batchoy, barbeque, and palabok.  Drinks, ice cream, and other desserts are also served in this restaurant.

2 | Kahapan Cafe

Craving for mouthwatering cheesecakes?  Satisfy your cravings at Kahapan Cafe, a halal certified restaurant serving a variety of Asians and Moro cuisines.  Try their buffalo wings and Basque burnt cheesecake.

WHERE TO STAY

There are many different types of accommodations available in this destination ranging from hostels to luxurious resorts. The following is your guide to our top choices for each range on Basilan Island.

1 | Casa Rosario Pension House (Budget)

2 | basilan business hotel (mid-range).

This guide recommends using the following sites to conduct research online of where to stay on Basilan Island or for a specific destination:

Book your room with these trusted online booking sites.  Booking online in the Philippines almost always guarantees the best price and a room when you arrive.  We use these sites frequently to get the best prices and enjoy convenient bookings. Click each of the buttons below to find the best place for you at the lowest rates:

TIP: Basilan Business Hotel is the best property to experience this destination.

Book Online & Save Money

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Suggested Budget

Use the chart below to get an idea of how much to budget daily.  Actual amounts will depend on YOUR travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages … some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less. Prices are in USD.

Travel Costs

Accommodation.

A bed in a  hostel  dorm costs from 350 PHP ($7 USD), but smaller dorms can cost from 500 PHP ($10 USD).  For a private double, prices start around 700 PHP ($14 USD).

Most  budget hotels  begin at 700 PHP ($14 USD) per night for a double room and usually include free wifi and breakfast.  For  a three-star hotel , prices begin around 1,400 PHP ($28 USD) per night.    AirBnB  is also widespread throughout the country, with private rooms starting from as little as 500 PHP ($10 USD) per night.  For entire apartments, expect to pay at least 1,400 PHP ($28 USD) per night.

Resorts and luxury accommodations  vary greatly from 1,400 PHP ($28 USD) to 5,000+ PHP ($100+ USD).  However, there are some really nice resorts and luxury accommodations which are surprisingly affordable.

We use and recommend booking online to save money using  HostelWorld ,  Agoda ,  Booking.com , and  AirBnB . 

Local food is extremely cheap, with street food costing under 50 PHP ($1USD).  For an inexpensive meal at a local restaurant, prices start around 100 PHP ($2 USD).  For a meal at a mid-range restaurant with drinks and table service, expect to pay from 200 PHP ($4 USD).  Knowing that their target customers are primarily tourists, Western food venues can be pricey compared to Filipino food.  Also, some of the ingredients need to be imported, which contributes to the higher cost. Western food (burgers, pizza, pasta, etc.) is much more expensive but is still relatively affordable at around 200 PHP ($4 USD) for a meal and drink.

Fast food like McDonalds will cost around 200 PHP ($4 USD).  A beer at the bar will cost around 50-100 PHP ($1–2 USD).

A week’s worth of groceries will cost between 300-600 PHP ($6-12 USD) per person.  However, food in this country is so inexpensive, and kitchens & refrigerators are hard to come by, I don’t recommend cooking your meals here since there is plenty of delicious street food to eat at very cheap prices. You won’t make it as good as they do and the food is too delicious to miss!

Transportation

There are many modes of transportation available in the Philippines and each varies greatly. 

Public Transportation is cheap.  Bus services on the islands are inexpensive.  Local buses (called jeepneys) are the most common type of transportation in towns and cities. The fare is usually between 7-25 PHP ($.20–.50 USD).

On islands without a bus system, a taxi or tricycle is the only form of transport with fares starting at 50-500 PHP ($1-$10) USD for short trips. 

Taxis are everywhere, and they’re very cheap.  Most fares shouldn’t cost you more than 500 PHP ($10 USD) around town.  

To get between islands, you’ll need to take a boat or to fly.  There are ferries that connect the island together since they aren’t too far apart but, generally speaking, flights are the most realistic option. 

Flights between islands usually cost about 2,000-3500 PHP ($40-70 USD).  However, this isn’t the cheapest way to travel.  It’s only recommended if you have limited time. 

We recommend booking online to save money using:  Skysca n ner ,  momondo ,  Kayak ,  kiwi.com .

Attractions & Activities

Most attractions and activities in the Philippines are pretty cheap. Most attractions throughout the area are FREE to enter, though some of the more well known and popular ones cost 5-100 PHP ($.10-$2 USD) to enter. 

Depending on the activity, most day tours only cost around 1,000-1,500 PHP ($20-30 USD), oftentimes less.  You have more bargaining power if you go with a group. If you are expecting to do some climbing, remember to pack some warm layers. It gets cold at the top!  

Other activities such as Island Hopping, scuba diving, helmet diving, swimming with whale sharks, jungle trekking, canyoning, ATVs, jet skis, wakeboarding, cruises, parasailing, horseback riding, cultural experiences, and tours can cost as much as 1,250-5,000+ PHP ($25-100+ USD).

The Philippines is one of the least expensive places to learn how to scuba dive. Learning to scuba dive usually costs about 15,000-20,000 PHP ($300-400 USD), but often includes FREE accommodation for the duration of the course, which lasts three or four days.

Always book your tours and activities when you arrive.  Stick to travel agents who are selling on the ground. If a travel agent won’t negotiate with you, move on to the next until you find one that will.  Booking tours online is almost always more expensive. 

Typical Costs on Basilan Island in 2023 :

• Hostel Dorm Bed: 250-350 PHP ($5–7 USD) night
• Budget Hotel:  700 PHP ($14 USD) night
• Mid-Range Hotel:   1500 PHP ($31 USD) night
• Street Food: 50-150 PHP ($1–3 USD) meal
• Restaurant Meals: 200-300 PHP ($4–6 USD) meal
• Local Beer: 50-100 PHP ($1–2 USD) bottle
• 1.5L Bottle of Water: 38 PHP ($.75 USD) bottle
• Jeepney Ride: 7-25 PHP ($.20–.50 USD) ride
• Tricycle Ride:   20-100 PHP ($.5-2 USD) ride
• Long-Distance Bus Ride: 400-500 PHP ($8–10 USD) ride
• Public Ferry Ride: 200-300 PHP ($4–6 USD) ride
• Island-Hopping: 1,000-1,500 PHP ($20-30 USD) trip

DOWNLOAD: Budget Planner Template

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The following is some of our best advice on traveling to Basilan Island.  Learn what you need to know BEFORE you go!

Tips & Hacks

he following are our Top 10 Tips when visiting this destination in the Philippines:

• Be aware that a tourist VISA is only 30 days. You can extend it upon arrival, or within the first 30 days, for an additional 30 days for a fee of approximately 3,000 pesos.
• Don’t buy into the fear factor. The Philippines has an unjustified reputation of being a dangerous place. It’s true there are security guards everywhere, but that is to deter theft.
• Manila is NOT the Philippines. Get outside of the cities to see the real Philippines.
• Don’t over plan. Boats, buses, and even airplane schedules are notoriously unreliable. Be flexible.
• Check the weather. The weather varies greatly throughout the Philippines daily.
• Typhoons can have a huge impact on your plans. Account for this when planning your trip.
• It’s not cool to raise your voice or show outward frustration in public.
• Be polite at all times. Realize that your country’s sense of humor may be different from Filipino humor and take this into account when interacting with Filipinos and while in public places.
• Things move at a slower pace. Accept it … don’t get frustrated … but do account for it.
• Don’t drink the tap water… but stay hydrated! Save money by buying large bottles (6-10 liters) of water and using it to fill your water bottle or hydration bladder in your backpack.

For a complete list of our travel tips & hacks, check out the following guide and be sure to download a FREE copy for yourself.

VIEW & DOWNLOAD : The Ultimate Travel Tips & Hacks Guide for the Philippines

Money Matters

The Philippines has its own currency called the Philippine Peso. Banks, ATMs, and money-changers can be found on the island. If you are exploring the neighboring islands or provinces, make sure to bring enough cash that will last until the next time you get to an ATM or bank since most tours, transportation, and budget accommodations only accept cash.

READ MORE: Money in the Philippines: Everything You Need to Know

Health & Safety

While overall the Philippines is a safe country to visit, as is Basilan Island, you need to use common sense just as you would in any country, especially when traveling, and in a city, town, or area you are unfamiliar with.

Consult your hotel or resort front desk as they are more likely to give you reliable information than a random stranger on the street. Be careful when approaching strangers and selective about who you approach. Always pay attention to your gut feeling and follow it.

READ MORE: How to Avoid Scams & Thieves in the Philippines

There are many things to consider when traveling in order to stay safe … things that we may not be accustomed to during our normal everyday lives. The following are articles about tips on how to stay safe while traveling in the Philippines:

• 6 Common Accidents to Avoid   
• How to Beat the Heat in the Philippines
• Taxi Safety Tips: Dos and Don’ts
• Motorbike Safety Tips
• Beach & Ocean Safety Tips
• Sun Safety Tips   

TIP: The best way to avoid problems and stay safe is to travel with a local resident.

Staying fit & healthy can be challenging when traveling in the Philippines. 

The tropical Philippines climate requires you to prepare for illnesses that you may not normally be accustomed to. 

The following are our Top 10 Tips for Staying Healthy while Traveling in the Philippines:

• Maintain a Balanced Diet
• Stay Hydrated but Only Drink Bottled Water
• Get Plenty of Rest
• Allow Your Body Time to Adjust 
• Keep Active
• Sanitize Often 
• Be Aware of Food Safety Concerns
• Take Your Vitamins
• Practice Safe Sex
• Be Prepared Should You Get Sick

READ MORE: Stay Healthy in the Philippines: How to Avoid Getting Sick

Staying Connected

You need to have a local-based SIM card in order to stay connected when in the Philippines. Network giants such as Globe and Smart have SIM cards you can use to make calls, send text messages, and also to connect to the Internet. A SIM card costs around 50 PHP ($1 USD) and usually comes with a FREE load worth 50 PHP ($1 USD). You can buy a card containing a code you can enter on your phone to replenish your load or buy an electronic load that is available almost anywhere in the city.

While you may not have problems with signal strength when in the city, it is not always the case when on islands or in remote areas of a province.  So when arranging for transportation pick up, say when renting a boat to take you to and pick you up from the island, it would be best that you make it clear what time you need to be picked up before the boatman leaves.

Recommended Travel Apps

Apps for smartphones and tablets can be useful both before you leave and while you’re traveling.  Most are available for iPhones and Android phones.

The following are our Top 10 most useful travel apps on our smartphones when traveling in the Philippines:

• Grab (taxis/ride shares)
• Angkas (motorbike ride-hailing)
• WhatsApp (phone calls)
• Skyscanner (flights)
• Rome2Rio (transportation)
• Agoda (accomodations)
• Booking.com (accomodations)
• AirBnB (accomodations)
• Traveloka (flights, accomodations, activities)
• Klook (attractions & activities )

Be certain to download and set up apps BEFORE leaving on your trip to make certain each is installed and working properly.

For our complete list of travel apps that we use and recommend while traveling in the Philippines, checkout our checklist below.  Download a FREE copy for yourself as a PDF.

READ MORE: The Ultimate List of Travel Apps for the Philippines

Trying to decide what to do when traveling to a destination for the first time can be a bit overwhelming given your lack of familiarity with the place along with all of the available options. 

We’ve created the following itinerary to help simplify the process and ensure that you get the most out of your trip.  Although we provide a 7 day itinerary for this destination, it can always be adjusted to fit the length of your trip.

VIEW : Basilan Island 7-Day Travel Itinerary

Packing Checklist

The secret to a successful and stress-free trip is to start by using a packing list.  This will reduce anxiety from the start and ensure that nothing important is forgotten when packing.   To make this process easy for you, we’ve created a detailed packing list.  Click the link below to download it for FREE now. 

Carrying your checklist with you during your travels can be useful when repacking, by helping to ensure that you do not leave anything behind.

VIEW & DOWNLOAD : Our Ultimate Packing Guide & Checklist

Things to Remember

This guide recommends to take note of the following while traveling on Basilan Island or in the Philippines in general.

There is a nationwide ban which prohibits smoking in public places including indoors, the streets, on sidewalks, in restaurants , and on public transportation, requiring smokers to use designated smoking areas.  Selling tobacco to and purchasing from or for minors is also prohibited. Violators are subject to fines (up to 5,000 PHP | $100 USD) and even 4 months in prison.

The minimum legal drinking age is 18.  Alcohol such as beer and hard drinks can easily be bought in grocery and convenience stores.  The most common alcoholic beverage is beer, generally served cold.  Local alcoholic drinks include tuba (coconut wine which is usually very strong) and potent moonshine-like clear liquors made from sugar or fruit.  Imported beer, wine, and name brand hard alcohol are available but expensive.

Drugs are illegal in the Philippines.  Don’t use, buy, or sell any non-prescription drugs while in the Philippines … not even marijuana.  It is considered an especially heinous crime to buy from, for, or sell drugs to children.  The penalties are severe … up to and including death.

Public nudity is illegal in the Philippines and is not tolerated.  Most locals consider it offensive.  There are laws which prohibit provocative and erotic clothing and swimwear, therefore carefully consider your clothings and swimwear choices to make certain they are not too revealing.

Foreigners & Expats

If you are not a Filipino citizen, remember that you are a guest when visiting this country … be certain to act accordingly.  Respect the people, their customs, and the environment and wlidlife. You can be deported and banned … so behave … but have fun and enjoy all that this wonderful destination has to offer.

READ MORE : Practical Information about the Philippines

RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS

I always carry a Camelbak Hydration Pack with me when traveling. Not only does it allow me to pack all my daily gear and snacks, but it also has a 3-liter water bladder which holds enough water to get me through the entire day.

Bluetooth Speaker

Compact yet mighty, a bluetooth speaker setup is a breeze, and the sound quality it delivers for its size is nothing short of impressive. Beyond its audio prowess, it boasts exceptional durability, making it an ideal companion for outdoor adventures.

UV Shirt is an essential when travelling in a tropical country. Providing reliable protection during long hours in the water, not only comfortable but also ensures a secure shield against the elements.

Snorkel Gear

For my island-hopping escapades, a snorkel gear set has become indispensable. Designed to enhance the joy of snorkeling and free diving, each piece ensures comfort and functionality. Together, they create an immersive and enjoyable underwater experience.

Adventure Camera

As a long-time enthusiast of GoPro cameras, I can attest to their user-friendly nature, excellent image stabilization, and impressive footage quality. Waterproof and rugged, the GoPro is my reliable companion for capturing adventures in any environment.

When it comes to beach footwear, aqua shoes offer exceptional support, breathability, and overall comfort. Well-crafted and sturdy, it provides effective protection against rocky terrain, quick drying for added convenience, and easy maintenance. A must-have for any outdoor enthusiast.

CLICK FOR MORE TRAVEL GEAR

Cover Photo Image Source

Don’t Forget …

Download our free travel guides.

We have dozens of guides to destinations throughout the Philippines. Download your FREE copy for your next trip today.

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About the Author

Patrick is an entrepreneur, digital nomad, explorer, and photographer. Patrick is always in search of fun and adventure. He is well travelled throughout the world, and although location independent, his home base is Phoenix, Arizona in the USA. Patrick loves island lifestyle which is no wonder why he is so interested in spending time in the Philippines with it’s over 7,000 islands. Patrick created this site to share his knowledge of and experiences in the Philippines with Filipinos as well as other foreigners.

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Discovering the Wonders of Basilan

A heaven on earth. A piece of paradise. A beauty to behold. Welcome to Basilan!

Discerning travelers in search of their next unexplored destination need to look no further than the Province of Basilan.

Why visit the place?

One of the Philippine’s best-kept secrets, Basilan reflects the true description of an island paradise. It never fails to wow locals and tourists alike with its natural bounties and picturesque attractions. No wonder why it is touted as “An Island of Hope” since its early years of existence.

The province is a part of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and is the largest and northernmost of the major islands of the Sulu Archipelago .

A gateway to business and a key leisure destination, it was once considered the trading center of the metropolis.

What to do while in Basilan?

At this most sought-after sanctuary off the southern coast of Zamboanga Peninsula , life is lived and laughter is shared over a laid-back and stress-free lifestyle.

Places like Basilan are truly a step back in time. Being there seems like you are drawn back to the olden days where you can experience spearfishing in a lake in the Panigayan fishing village and go swimming in the waterfalls of the Kumalarang River.

You will see mangroves and Samal houses on stilts aligned all throughout the kilometer-wide channel that opens to the port of Isabela , the provincial capital.

Its pristine white and windswept Sumagdang Beach entices you to take a dip, gather shells, and perhaps never leave. Its cool inland resorts also dare take you away for a respite.

Basilan also boasts of a peninsula point called Punta Matangal in Tuburan . It offers a haven for surfers very similar to that of the north shore of Hawaii.

Spend your holiday by visiting some of its notable tourist sites such as Taguime Shrine , Santa Isabel Cathedral , Calvario Peak on which the Chapel of Peace stands, Kaum Purnah Mosque , Caves, White Beach, Rubber Block Plantations , Bulingan Falls , historical landmarks and museums.

Or join in the fun in Lamitan as it celebrates its “Lami-Lamihan Festival , “ highlighting the preservation of Yakan Cultural Heritage and showcasing the unique colorful Yakan cloth and cultural presentations.

How to get there?

If you are from Manila or Cebu , take a flight to Zamboanga City. Then, ride in a jeepney bound for Canelar and walk towards the port .

From there, a boat ride of 1 hour and 45 mins (for conventional passenger ferries), or 1 hour (for a fast craft), will take you to Isabela and Lamitan.

The fare ranges from P20 (student and senior citizen’s discounted fare on some conventional ferries) to P70 (first-class with aircon).

Fast craft usually charge P140 for ordinary and P170 with aircon. Terminal fee is 11 pesos in Zamboanga City and P4 in Isabela port.

A one-way ticket to Basilan via Weesam Express’ fast craft costs P140 and P170 for ordinary and first class (air-conditioned) fare respectively.

Before entering the Basilan road, you will come across the Malamawi Island , where the Badjao, Samal-Luaans-Banguingui and Muslim cemeteries are situated.

Although the official language is Filipino and English, the lingua franca in the province is Chavacano, a Spanish-based creole dialect.

So when you visit Basilan, greet everyone your warmest “Buenas dias” (Good morning), “Buenas tardes” (Good afternoon) or “Buenas noches” (Good evening/night) or simply say “Gracias” to express your gratitude for the Zamboangueños’ hospitality.

An oasis combining adventure and relaxation for the most perceptive traveler, there is indeed a lot to discover in the island. So, seize the splendor of the place. Please say “Si Si” (Yes) to Basilan!

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Located in the Southern part of the Philippines, Isabela De Basilan is the most beautiful town in the province of Basilan (statistically i...

Top Destinations to visit in Isabela De Basilan

Located in the Southern part of the Philippines, Isabela De Basilan is the most beautiful town in the province of Basilan (statistically independent and administratively grouped under the Zamboanga Peninsula region ). The town offers a lot of amazing tourist destinations and unique delicacies that will satisfy your travel cravings.  Don't be afraid of Basilan. It's a safe place! 

During the Philippine Tourism Influencers Program tour, we visited some of the best destinations in Isabela De Basilan. The place and food were overwhelming and you wouldn't expect that this city is truly a beautiful place.  I have listed the top destinations that you should visit if you are planning to travel to Isabela De Basilan.

Malamawi Beach

If you are looking for a white beach, Malamawi Beach is perfect for you. It's a very popular beach destination in Mindanao due to its fine white sands and turquoise waters. It features a long stretch of white sandy beach dotted with towering tropical trees. 

Aside from the powdery sands and crystal waters, another attraction is a stilt bridge with an overlooking view of the open sea. At the end of the bridge, there's an area with shades and chairs where you can relax while looking at the calm waves and flying birds. The resort offers plates of seafood where you can enjoy it while at the beach. 

Marang Marang Floating Cottage

One of the newest attractions in Isabela De Basilan is Marang Marang Floating Cottage. It only takes around a 10-minute boat ride from the city proper. This is the perfect place to try their authentic local dishes prepared by the Marang Marang Women's Association. They will serve recipes of Sama Cultural Community which is a mix of seafood, vegetables, and fruits. Putlih mandi, langka salad, utak utak and crabs are some of my favorites.

Don't forget to indulge Mangrove Tour. It features well-protected green mangrove forests, flying colorful birds, and several water species. As you cruise down the calm river, you will notice some of the traditional Badjao (Sea Gypsies) homes.

Santa Isabel Cathedral

Even Islam is the dominant religion in the city, you can still find some Roman Catholic churches in the city. One of these churches is Sta. Isabel Cathedral. It's a small church located in the city proper. During Semana Santa (Holy Week), a lot of catholic join the city procession known as the Santo Entierro (Holy Funeral) on Good Friday which highlights the observance of Lent.

Cabunbata Falls

If Lamitan City has Bulingan Falls, Isabela City has its own waterfalls, the Cabunbata Falls. It's only around 5- minute walk from the main highway, the same route going to the Menzi Rubber Plantation. A lot of local travelers and motor riders are passing by this spot to witness the cascading waters from the mountains down to the basin of the falls. The view was very relaxing and pleasing to my eyes. 

Menzi Rubber Plantation

Isabela de Basilan is known for rubber trees. The town is the largest rubber-producing town in the region. You can find here the very famous Menzi Rubber Plantation, the biggest runner plantation in the province and said to be the pioneer rubber plantation in the Philippines.

Where To Stay in Isabela City

We stayed in Kasinnahan Hotel and Resort. It features several rooms air-conditioned with a comfy bed, hot and cold shower, a television with cable channels, a cabinet, table and chair. It has also an event place and an outdoor swimming pool. FREE WiFI is also available within the property.

Where To Eat in Isabela City

How To Get To Isabela de Basilan

If you are planning to visit the province of Basilan, you need to book a flight going to Zamboanga City. The city is located on the southern coast of the geographic Zamboanga Peninsula and Zamboanga City is the gateway to Basilan . There are fast crafts and ferries from Zamboanga City to Basilan as early as 6:45AM to as late as 4:45PM daily.

Please make sure to follow health protocols in Isabela de Basilan. Make sure to wear a facemask all the time especially if you will visit a community and interact with the locals.  Don't forget also to wash your hands or sanitize them with alcohol. 

With the success of the first leg of the Philippine Tourism Influencers Program, Tourism Promotion Board hopes to help the country's tourism recovery and help to restart tourism activities in the new normal. It will also help Pinoy travelers' confidence to travel again. 

The Philippine Tourism Influencers Program trip to Isabela De Basilan is organized by Tourism Promotion Board with the cooperation of the Department of Tourism - Region 9 Office, Zamboanga Itravel Tourist Lane,  Isabela City Tourism

About author: Marco Dennis

I'm Marco Dennis, your adventurous guide to the endless travel adventures. Join me as I explore best of the best destinations around the world

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Ultimate Travel Guide to Malamawi Beach: Basilan’s Laid-back Paradise (2022)

There’s nothing better than being indulged in the wellness of nature. Malamawi Beach sits in the isolated part of Basilan province and is definitely a must-visit paradise. Watching the waves flow in turquoise blue water, brushing my hands across the grains of sand as I laid down the beach and just watching the clear skies above me with the sound of waves whispering in my ears. Consequently, I have felt the same feeling over and over again each time I stumble into another beautiful paradise while exploring my country.

This time, I am truly blessed and happy to have traveled with my friends when I came here and not as a solo-traveler girl. I just can’t imagine going here alone and not sharing the wonderful experience with a friend or a family. The Malamawi beach, like what everyone says, is a piece of heaven that fell in Basilan province. A paradise worth bragging.

          View this post on Instagram                   Beautiful white beach of Basilan Province. 💙 #travel #philippines #mindanao #wheninmindanao #adventure #travelph #island #itsmorefuninthephilippines A post shared by Joana Gutierrez 🧜🏽‍♀️ (@joansfootprints_) on Feb 7, 2020 at 3:41am PST

Table of Contents

An Overview of Basilan Province

Basilan is an island province that lies between Sulu and Zamboanga del Sur. Due to some historical events, this infamous province has left quite a mark in most FIlipinos minds. Today, whenever we say “ Basilan “, people would overreact like it’s a place to avoid. As someone who’s been there, I personally commend the place as I have effortlessly fallen in love with the people, the tourist destinations and most especially the stunning Malamawi beach. So, before you might question me, YES I have brushed up my history and read about Basilan’s background.

My friends and I went to Basilan last February this year and it’s the second province while backpacking ZAMBASULTA. And during our trip in Basilan, we went to explore 2 municipalities and those are (1) Lamitan and (2) Isabela . These neighboring municipalities in Basilan are the most visited places of tourists. The unexploited Malamawi beach sits peacefully in the other side of Isabela, a place that definitely caught our hearts.

Zamboanga to Malamawi Beach

There are 2 ports available in Basilan from Zamboanga port. Take note that the nearest port to Malamawi is the port in Isabela City, Basilan. From Zamboanga port, ride a ferry that will take you to Isabela. The fare is PHP180.00 and PHP4.00 terminal fee. Travel time is only 1 hour. Follow the instructions below for option 1.

Alternatively, for those of you who will explore Lamitan City before Malamawi Beach in Isabela, just ride a ferry from Zamboanga port to Lamitan City. The fare is PHP100.00 and the travel time is 2 hours. Follow the instructions below for option 2.

Click here: FERRY SCHEDULES FROM ZAMBOANGA TO BASILAN

Option 1: Isabela City to Malamawi Beach

From the port in Isabela City, go to the passenger boat area that will take you to Malamawi Island. In addition, the fare for the passenger boat is PHP20.00 only since you will just cross the other side.

Upon reaching Malamawi Island, hire a tricycle that will take you to Malamawi Beach which is about 20 minutes away and the fare is PHP30.00 per person. Alternatively, you can hire habal-habal too with the same fare PHP30.00/pax.

Option 2: Lamitan City to Malamawi Beach

If you’re coming from Lamitan City, ride an ordinary bus to Isabela City. The fare is PHP44.00 only and the travel time is less than 1 hour only. After that, from Lamitan City ride a tricycle to take you to the passenger boat going to Malamawi Island. The fare is PHP20.00 per person. Ride a passenger boat for PHP20.00 going to Malamawi Island then hire a tricycle/habal-habal to Malamawi Beach for PHP30.00/pax.

The Stunning Beach of Malamawi

The serene atmosphere and stunning view of Malamawi beach is very therapeutic and stress-relieving. The journey going to this laid-back beach is truly worth it and satisfying. Malamawi Beach features a stretch of white sand beach, crystal clear water and a long bridge that looks like Lakawon Beach in Negros Occidental.

Back in Zamboanga, we spoke to a few locals while traveling and whenever we say that we are going to Malamawi Beach they would get excited and boast it off to us. They would show us snaps of their photos when they were in Malamawi. Every local admits that Malamawi Beach is truly a very beautiful beach. And this did not fail to meet our expectations because Malamawi is truly a piece of paradise from heaven.

Rates/Entrance Fees/Contact:

• Contact them through their Facebook page here .
• Rates: (A) Entrance Fee – PHP40.00/pax (B) Cottage Rental Fee (required) – PHP400.00/group
• Overnight is allowed, for rates of accommodation contact them at 0997 440 0765 or through their Facebook page here .
• You may bring your snacks or food. Alternatively, there’s a restaurant available in the resort.

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This website includes 82 Provinces of the Philippines. Travel and Hiking Guides, Top Tourist Spots, DIY Itineraries, Backpacking, Hotels, and Resorts.

• ABOUT THE AUTHOR
• 82 PROVINCES OF THE PHILIPPINES
• HIGHEST MOUNTAINS IN THE PHILIPPINES
• TOP 3 BEST BEACHES IN THE PHILIPPINES

Basilan Tourist Spots

Traveling to Isabela City, Basilan is less than two hours from the port of Zamboanga City. Is it safe in Basilan? It's a YES! There are news about ASG and terrorist acts happening in the province, but it doesn't mean that it's not safe. There are two cities in Basilan, Lamitan (the capital) and Isabela (part of Region 9) , that serve as the center. Like the other cities, huge business establishments, transportation and people are present in every corner. From the port of Isabela City, while holding my mobile phone and using Google Map, I walked on the streets to the different tourist spots, attractions and destinations in the city. Did this alone and it's safe.

VISIT BASILAN PROVINCIAL CAPITOL: From the port, the capitol is a walking distance. First, had my breakfast at Jolibee while starring on the artistic walls of the capitol. This is the building where the seat of the most powerful people in the province is situated.  It is one of the centers, therefore, the streets surrounding the area are busy.

RELAX AND GET TANNED AT THE WHITE BEACH IN MALAMAWI ISLAND: One of the must visit in Isabela City, Basilan is the famous Malamawi Island where the whitest and finest sand can e found. Malamawi White Beach Resort is owned by one of the political individual in the province. The area is relaxing because it is surrounded by coconuts and trees which protects the cottages against the sun. As mentioned, there's a long stretch of super fine white sand and the water is cool and crystal clear, can be compared to what Boracay has.

NEW POLICY - NO RESERVATION, NO ENTRY: On December 1, 2018, Malamawi White Beach Resort implemented this policy. Without a reservation, visitor can no longer enter the resort. They don't accept walk-ins. For reservation, you can contact 09450628568 and 09974400765.

HOW TO GET TO MALAMAWI WHITE BEACH RESORT: At the port of Isabela, I chartered a boat (entire trip) to the port of Malamawi. FARE: 100. Travel Time: 10 minutes. At the port of Malamawi, rode on a motorcycle to the white beach resort. FARE: 50 pesos (one way). Travel Time: 15 to 20 minutes.

WHERE TO STAY AND HOTELS IN BASILAN:  If you are staying overnight, cheap hotels can be found in the city. A friend of mine recommended Sophia Hotel in Isabela. If you want to visit Lamitan, you can contact Ms. Cora on 09175577874. She knows a lot in terms of tourist destinations, where to stay and she also arranges habal-habal tour to Bulingan Falls.

HOW TO GET TO ISABELA CITY, BASILAN:  At the port area in Zamboanga City, Aleson Shipping Lines, Weesam Express and Sea Jet has their respective trips to Isabela City. Going to Isabela, I chose Aleson MV Trisha Kerstin 1. FARE: 70 pesos. Travel Time: 1.5 hours . Isabela to Zamboanga, I chose Sea Jet. FARE: 150 pesos. Travel Time: 45 minutes to an hour. Terminal tickets are purchased separately.

Note: The port entrance situated on the street beside BPI, left side of Zamboanga City Hall. The location of the ticketing office, if you're facing the gate, turn right and walk 50 meters. The ticketing office is inside a compound. Kung saan yung maraming tao at maingay, yun na yun!!! ahahaha.

TRAVEL TIPS AND REMINDERS: Solo-backpacking is safe! Don't be shocked with the presence of the PNP and army, with there long fire arms. I talked to different locals and they are friendly. They will answer your question and they will also give suggestions (if your asking about location and transportation). Just don't forget to bring your smile! READ: SOLO-BACKPACKING: ZamBaSulTa, Zamboanga Provinces and Misamis Occidental

CLICK TO VIEW AFFORDABLE PLACES TO STAY IN BASILAN

• Mt. Kabunian (1,789+) | Into Bakun’s Sacred Mountain Peak
• Mt. Igcoron (600MASL) | Scaling Valderrama’s Razor Back Mountain
• Aw-Asen Falls, Sigay | Discovering Ilocos Sur’s Best Kept Secret
• Agas-Agas Bridge | Crossing the Country’s Tallest Bridge
• Dinagat Islands: Into the Mystical Island Province of Caraga Region

TRANSIT PINAS

Philippine Adventures and Beyond

Basilan Province: 8 Things to Do and Visit in a Day

Here I listed down 8 things one can do in Basilan for nine hours. Just like what our group did last August 2018.

Often than not, this province is misunderstood due to the sporadic wars between the local government and some terrorist groups. As a result, promoting the tourist destinations of the province is already a struggle in itself.

I did not write this to disagree but to encourage everyone to turn their heads and check out the province. Basilan is more than what the publicized news paints it to be.

It is quite disappointing that it is regarded as one of the dangerous provinces in the country in the past.  When all that I have received from this province, is peace and love.

So here it goes!

Table of Contents

Malamawi White Beach

Located off the coast of Isabela City proper, Malamawi Beach definitely deserves the spotlight it deserves. In fact  it has turquoise waters, fine white sand, and palm trees across the idyllic stretch of beach. Also, one must not miss the chance of visiting this unspoiled gem once you set foot at this province.

How To Get There: From Isabela Port, transfer to another outrigger boat, then upon arrival at the island, charter a habal-habal to take you to the resort. Full article here:  An Eluded Paradise – Malamawi White Beach

2. Basilan Provincial Capitol

It is the site of the old Fort Isabela II that was bombed during the World War II. The Basilan City Hall replaced it before being burned down in the 1990’s.

The present day building is a celebration of Muslim and Christian influences which shaped modern-day Basilan. It still occupies the highest point of the city proper. This is where you have to make a courtesy call if coordinating with the provincial tourism office.

How To Get There: From Isabela Port, take a tricycle going to the provincial capitol and pay 20php. Full article here:  BASILAN: Basilan Provincial Capitol

3. Jollibee Basilan

They say it is not your ordinary Jollibee branch, ’cause it is in Basilan. This branch survived several bombings and I can now call this as the most bombed Jollibee in the country. But if you want a Chicken Joy and a familiar atmosphere, this is just located outside the Provincial Capitol.

How To Get There: This is located just outside of the Provincial Capitol. From Isabela Port just charter a tricycle to take you directly here.

4. Mabarakat Mosque

Commonly called as Masjid Jamid or Jamid Mosque , this is located in Mabarakat Isabela City, Basilan. This mosque is made by two towering minarets and several golden domes. The masjid has a capacity of more or less atleast 2000 people inside. Full article here: BASILAN: Mabarakat Mosque

How To Get There: Located in Mabarakat Barangay, Isabela City. Coordinate with the local and/or provincial tourism offices of Basilan prior to the visit so they can arrange the transportation and guides for you.

5. Bulingan Falls

Perhaps the most famous waterfall in Basilan for its unique rock pillar walls where the waterflows, you should not miss this on your Basilan itinerary. Full article here:  The Other Side Of The Spectrum – Bulingan Falls

How To Get There: Located in Lamitan City, Basilan, coordinate with the local and/or provincial tourism offices of Basilan prior to the visit so they can arrange the transportation and guides for you. Full article here: The Other Side Of The Spectrum – Bulingan Falls

6. Lamitan Oval Market and Food Crawl

In search for Satti and Panyalam, we ventured out into the streets of Lamitan City, with the assiatance of our provincial tourism coordinator just get a glimpse of the mundane life and thoroughfares of the city. We got inside a small halal eatery where we sampled out some of their local dishes.

How To Get There: Located in Lamitan City, Basilan. Coordinate with the local and/or provincial tourism offices of Basilan prior to the visit so they can arrange the transportation and guides for you.

7. Rubber Plantations

Basilan is the Rubber Capital of the Philippines because of, yes you guessed it right. Rubber Tree plantations can be found almost everywhere. One famous plantation is that of in Menzi, it is vast that the owner eventually built a resort alongside his plantation that is called as the Rubberland Resort.

How To Get There: Located in Isabela City, Basilan, coordinate with the local and/or provincial tourism offices of Basilan prior to the visit so they can arrange the transportation and guides for you.

8.  Cabunbata Falls

Did not expected that Basilan literally has quite a number of attractions waiting to be rediscovered again. One of which is the Cabunbata Falls that is towering with its river located from the top of the mountain slope. Located just beside the highway where motorcycle drivers often flock to wash their vehicles. Full article here: BASILAN: Cabunbata Falls

How To Get There: Located in Cabunbata Brgy. in Isabela City, Basilan. Coordinate with the local and/or provincial tourism offices of Basilan prior to the visit so they can arrange the transportation and guides for you.

Should I Travel to Basilan?

I must admit that I visited Basilan not just to complete the PH81 project but also for bragging rights of visiting the province. But what happened during the trip educated me to become more humble and appreciative of what it has to offer.

Do I recommend to travel to Basilan? YESSS!

It showed me what transcends more than what is asked for. It is not just with the hospitality but with the efforts you can see from the local people. Again, you should visit Basilan and explore its natural unspoiled wonders!

P.S. Please contact their local tourism offices first!

Again, what’s stopping you from visiting Basilan? 🙂

Giving it the notoriety as one the most dangerous provinces in the Philippines in the past. Follow me as I show you the other side of the beautiful province of Basilan!

Have you been into the province of Basilan? How was it? Share it in the comments section below!

An Eluded Paradise – Malamawi White Beach, Basilan

The Other Side Of The Spectrum – Bulingan Falls

BASILAN: Masjid Mabarakat

BASILAN: Basilan Provincial Capitol

BASILAN: Cabunbata Falls

Basilan Travel Guide

Ma’a as-salaama, ila-liqaa’, Basilan!

Updated August 18 2018

Share this:.

• ← BASILAN: Masjid Mabarakat
• The Other Side Of The Spectrum – Bulingan Falls →

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Top 5 Tourist Attractions in Basilan Province

Malamawi island.

A beautiful white sand beach located on an island off the coast of Isabela City. Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and island hopping.

Santa Isabel Cathedral

A historic church located in the heart of Isabela City. It is one of the oldest churches in Mindanao and features a blend of Spanish and Muslim architectural styles.

Tumahubong White Beach

A scenic beach located in the town of Mohammad Ajul. The beach is known for its crystal clear waters and white sand.

Tabuk Island

A secluded island located off the coast of Maluso. It is home to a variety of marine life, making it a popular spot for diving and snorkeling.

Akbar Pearl Farm

A pearl farm located in the town of Akbar. Visitors can learn about the process of pearl farming, see the pearls being harvested, and purchase souvenirs.

Top 20 Bataan Tourist Spots

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A travel & food blog

Day Trip to Basilan: Malamawi Island and Lampinigan Island

Here’s our day trip to Isabela City, Basilan. We visited Lampinigan Island (an underrated island less than an hour away from Isabela Port) and the famous Malamawi White Beach Resort.

Before I go on, let me ask you this.

What do you think about when you hear the place Isabela City, Basilan? I’ll tell you mine — I think of fine white-sand beaches, the sound of gently rolling waves, shades and cottages where I can seek respite from the sun or enjoy a sip of fresh coconut juice.

It’s not the usual mental image most people would associate with Basilan especially due to security stigma, but in fact, prior to the military conflict in the area, this is what Basilan is famous for: white-sand beaches.

I loved our day trip in Isabela City and I hope you get inspired and visit here in the future too!

P.S. Planning to visit Basilan? Don’t forget to read about our Travel Guide to Basilan Province .

Lampinigan Island

Malamawi white beach resort, is it safe to visit basilan, 1 day itinerary in isabela city, where to eat in isabela city, where to stay in isabela city, things to know before you go, what to read next:, our day trip in isabela city, basilan.

I took pains to do research prior to our visit in Basilan . Our initial plan is to spend the whole day in Malamawi White Beach, which is what most backpackers do. Malamawi White Beach is undoubtedly the most popular attraction in this province.

However, a friend told me about Lampinigan Island which is only about 45 minutes from Isabela Port and I learned that we could hit the 2 islands in a day, so we opted for that instead.

Lampinigan Island is an off-beaten beach destination in Basilan. It is known mostly to locals, although every now and then backpackers would stumble upon this paradise as well.

Our group went here with maritime escorts. Our boat docked on the shore where residential houses idly sit. Even here, the water was crystal clear and we could see boulders and corals from underwater.

We walked to the other side of the island where the proper beach is. As we were getting close, we were amazed and impressed by the whiteness of the sand and the bright baby-blue of the sea.

We put our things down in a cottage and set off towards the shore, where we said hello to the local kids swimming and took photos of the beach.

At the end of the beach, there are rock formations which is a favorite photo-spot among visitors in the island. On the other side, there is a snorkeling area.

After a bit of swimming, we ate our packed lunch in the cottage and bought fresh coconuts from a local in the island.

At about lunch time, we went back to Isabela Port and headed to Malamawi White Beach Resort.

From Isabela Port, we took a boat to Malamawi Island and then a habal-habal to Malamawi White Beach Resort.

The beach here is beautiful as mentioned in testimonials online, with white creamy sand that stretches along the shore. Compared to the virgin shores of Lampinigan Island, it is significantly more commercial but it was still able to keep that peaceful ambiance. The combination of the ocean breeze and the surrounding nature makes for a lazy afternoon.

The beach is shallow on both ends, but deepens in the middle where people choose to swim. There are corals and fishes to be seen underwater.

We didn’t swim here since we were already tired from the tour earlier. Instead, we took photos in the boardwalk and the surrounding and spent the rest of the afternoon chilling in our cottage.

At about 3PM, we decided to go back to Isabela Port. From there, we continued on our ZamBaSulta journey.

I actually spent 2 days in Basilan. The first day in its capital Lamitan City and the second here in Isabela City. On the first day, I was solo and then I met up with others in Isabela.

My experience is that I was safe and sound all throughout the trip.

As per the tourism officers I talked with, it is safe to visit Basilan. However, it is still recommended to coordinate with respective local tourism offices prior to your visit.

Also Read : Is the Philippines safe to visit?

How to get to Isabela City

Basilan is easily accessible from Zamboanga City . Regular ferries take 1.5-2 hours (regular P70, aircon P90 per person), while fast crafts via Weesam Express take 1 hour (P170 per person).

• First trip : 6:45AM via Weesam Express
• Last trip : 4:45PM via Weesam Express | 4:30PM via regular ferry

For the last trip back to Zamboanga City, I recommend getting on the regular ferry because the difference is only a few minutes and you’ll be saving about P70 each.

If you arrive at Isabela City via ferry, you will get off at Isabela Port which is walking distance to commercial establishments and accommodations and the jump-off points to Lampinigan Island and Malamawi Island.

Lampinigan Island is a small community island with beautiful shores.

To visit Lampinigan Island, you need to secure a permit at the tourism office at least a day before your intended tour.

The Isabela City tourism office is open from 8AM to 5PM. If you’re in a group, you can just send a representative of your group to get the permit at least a day before. Just bring your ID and provide details of everyone in your group (name, age, contact details).

On the day of your booking, head to Isabela Port. You need to give copies of the permit to the maritime police and coast guard before you will be allowed to leave. From the port, ride a boat to Lampinigan Island. Travel time is around 45 minutes.

Malamawi White Beach Resort is a private resort so you can visit it on your own. It’s the most visited place in Isabela City.

Malamawi Island is located just across the mainland town. In fact, it’s possible to swim to get there if the currents are moderate (and if you’re a swim junkie). Otherwise, to get there:

Head to Isabela Port. From there, there are queued boats to Malamawi Island (P5 per person or P100 to pay for the whole boat, 5 minutes). Get off the boat and then ride a habal-habal to Malamawi White Beach Resort (P60 per person round-trip, 10 minutes).

Here’s a sample 1 day itinerary in Isabela City. In my opinion, this is enough time to see the island, especially since there are other places you can explore in this part of Mindanao.

8AM – 11AM Visit Lampinigan Island (Optional: Mangrove Forest) 11AM Back to Isabela Port/buy packed lunch 12PM – 12:30PM Ride boat to Malamawi Island and then habal-habal to the resort 12:30 – 3:30PM Enjoy Malamawi White Beach 3:30 – 4PM Back at Isabela Port 4:30 or 4:45PM Take last trip to Zamboanga City 6PM Back in Zamboanga City

There are no restaurants in Lampinigan Island or Malamawi White Beach Resort. It’s advised to buy your own packed lunch in the mainland.

You may also buy fresh seafood or other ingredients in the market. It is possible to have it cooked in Lampinigan Island — ask your boatman for assistance. In Malamawi White Beach Resort, there is a canteen but it’s not guaranteed that there is available staff to do the cooking for you. However, you can still buy snacks and drinks in the resort.

If you plan to stay overnight in Isabela City, here are your options:

• Lampinigan Island . It’s possible to stay here overnight. Bring your own camping tent.
• Malamawi White Beach Resort . Make sure to book ahead as it can get fully booked on weekends.

There are also accommodations in the mainland. These are:

• Sophia Hotel or Casa Rosario Pension House
• Basilan Business Hotel

Here are the rates ( Updated as of November 2019 ):

Here are some notes:

• We did not pay for the cottage rental in Lampinigan Island. However, the figure above is the published rate as posted online.
• In Malamawi Island, cottage is required for day tours. Make sure to reserve in advance.

For this itinerary, in a group of 5 people, a safe budget would be P1000-1200 per person .

• It’s best to coordinate with the tourism office prior to your visit.
• You need to a secure a permit to Lampinigan Island via the Isabela Tourism Office. Similarly, you need to make advanced reservation in Malamawi White Beach Resort, even if you’re only going for a day trip.
• Maritime escorts are required when visiting Lampinigan Island. As such, it’s not possible to go directly from Lampinigan Island to Malamawi Island. The maritime escorts will escort you from Isabela Port to Lampinigan Island and back. You will be turned over back to the coast guard. Only then can you proceed to Malamawi Island.
• Bring change of clothes. There are toilets in Malamawi White Beach Resort, but during our visit, there is no water.

For inquiries and reservations, you may contact the following:

• Isabela City Tourism Office : Facebook
• Malamawi White Beach Resort : Facebook | mobile: 09974400765

Has this guide to a DIY day trip to Lampinigan Island and Malamawi White Beach Resort been helpful to you? Let us know in the comments below.

Planning a trip to Basilan? Here are our articles on Basilan:

• Travel Guide to Basilan
• Day trip to Lamitan City
• Day trip to Isabela City: Lampinigan Island and Malamawi White Beach Resort

Other related articles:

• ZamBaSulTa itinerary and tips

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Katherine Cortes is a long-time backpacker and a freelance writer/editor. She likes beaches, snorkeling trips, and relaxing staycations (preferably with bath tubs!).

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Top 10 Things to Do & Tourist Spots in Subic

Subic is known for many things — being a former US Navy Base is one; but for tourists, Subic means beaches, amusement parks, adventure parks, and shopping, among others.

When we recently took a trip to Zambales , we thought heading back to Manila right after checking out of Crystal Beach Resort in the town of San Narciso was too early. So we decided to head straight to Subic to spend the rest of the day there exploring.

In this post, we’ll list down the things we did and places we visited in Subic, along with other popular activities that you can also consider for your trip. Note that these are just some of the things you can do in Subic Bay as there are A LOT of attractions in the area. But you can refer to this list if you have zero idea what to do for your trip yet.

Subic, also known as Subic Bay or Subic Bay Freeport Zone , is located in Central Luzon. It covers a part of Olongapo City , Municipality of Subic , and the towns of Hermosa and Morong in Bataan . Formerly a US Military naval base which was once the biggest in Asia, Subic is the first free port of the Philippines . It is managed by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

From Manila, it takes about a three-hour drive to get there. If you’re not driving, public transportations are also available. Although not as straightforward as getting in your car and driving, it is doable. More details later. For now, here are some of the things to do and places to visit in Subic.

WHAT'S IN THIS GUIDE?

Magic Lagoon

We arrived in Subic around 1PM, so our first stop was Magic Lagoon to get some late lunch. Magic Lagoon Restobar is one of the most popular dining places in Subic. It is known for the scenic view of the lagoon beside it, hence its name. Located across Subic Bay Yacht Club, the restobar is open 24/7, serving classic Filipino dishes and delicacies. Some of the items on the menu are kare-kare , chicken tinola , bistek Tagalog , pinapaitang kambing (goat) , and of course, sinigang , which is available in different protein options: pork, beef, fish, and shrimp.

If you’re just looking for a light meal, you can also order lomi, pancit, clubhouse sandwich, and burgers. For drinks, it serves fruit juices, fruit shakes, and coffee. But since this is a restobar , of course there are alcoholic beverages too. Among the options on the drinks menu is the “below-zero” beer, which they call balot sa puti .

For our lunch, we ordered the grilled squid and grilled isaw because we were really craving something…well, grilled. However, they weren’t warm when they was served, which is odd for grilled dishes. As for the taste, they were decent, nothing spectacular, just as what you’d expect grilled squid and isaw taste like. Maybe their other dishes taste remarkable, but we’d have to try that another time. We also had some fruit shakes — ripe mango for Hannah, and green mango for me. It was just what we needed to beat the scorching heat.

Dishes and meals here range from P99 to P1,590 . If you’re a group, they also have “binulkan”, which are bundle deals good for 5-7 pax.

Price Range: P99 – P1,600 Opening Hours: 24/7 Location: Bicentennial Park, Rizal Highway, Subic Bay Freeport Zone

Sunset Cruise

We didn’t do this on our most recent trip, but we have experienced this sunset sailing in Subic a few years ago. If you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply planning a date with your loved one, this might be something to consider. And oh! You don’t have to rent a whole yacht to experience a sunset cruise in Subic Bay. There are joiner sunset cruises you can avail of, where you’ll share the yacht with other guests.

You can book a sunset cruise via Klook!

✅ RESERVE YOUR SLOT HERE!

But if you’re interested in renting a yacht to have a yacht party, you can do this too! Some people do this for bachelorette parties, birthdays, and other occasions, but if you want to do this with a bunch of your friends for no reason at all except for partying on a yacht, no one would stop you either!

You can book a yacht with La Banca Cruises . When you rent a yacht, you can bring food and drinks on board since it doesn’t include meals.

Joiner Sunset Cruise Rate P1,950 – P2,499/head 2-3 Hours With dinner on board Yacht Rental Rates Regular Yacht: P7,000/hr (Good for up to 25 Pax; Minimum of 2 Hours) Big Yacht: P12,000/hr (Good for up to 60 Pax; Minimum of 3 Hours) Luxury Yacht: P11,000/hr (Good for up to 40 Pax; Minimum of 3 Hours) Note: Yacht rental rates has an additional P2,000 for the terminal fee. La Banca Cruises Contact Information Mobile: +63 967 360 6077 Location: Building 1031, Rizal Highway, Subic Bay Freeport Zone

Subic Inflatable Island

If you’re traveling with family, especially with kids, water parks are always a hit. Subic Inflatable Island is a huge floating playground where you can slide, bounce around, and swing. This is perfect for kids and kids-at-heart and is a great bonding activity for friends and family. You can also find the biggest floating unicorn in the world here!

You can score a good deal when you book with Klook! There are package options — all-day pass, half-day pass, or just beach club pass without an inflatable playground ticket. Choose the best that fits your preference.

✅ GET YOUR PASS HERE!

Rates: Beach Club Pass Kid, P500; Beach Club Pass Adult, P899; Spray (Half-Day Pass), P1,299; Soaked (Whole-Day Pass), P1,399 Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM. Note that opening schedule may change without prior notice, so check the official website or Facebook page for updates. Location: Olongapo – Bugallon Road, Olongapo City, Zambales

Adventure Beach Waterpark

If water slides and swimming pool combo sounds more attractive to you or your kids, you can go to Adventure Beach Waterpark . You can also get discounted tickets when you book your ticket via Klook! If you’re a group, you can get the group of six bundle to save a little bit on the admission fee.

✅ GET YOUR TICKET HERE!

Rates: Adult, P688; Child/PWD Adult/Senior, P528; PWD Child, P423; Bundle (Group of 6), P550/head Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Note that opening schedule may change without prior notice, so check the official website or Facebook page for updates. Location: Camayan Wharf, West Ilanin Forest Area, Subic Bay Freeport Zone

If you need a pick-me-up, there are many local coffee shops around Subic. We decided to drop by 727 Coffee located in Building 727 on the corner of Manila Avenue and Dewey Avenue. We mainly chose this coffee shop because the place looked chic on photos we saw online. But upon entering the store, we were welcomed by the aroma of coffee and we had a feeling the café serves a good cup of Joe. The packed coffee shop also seems to say the same.

Luckily, it also has an outdoor area where more seats are available and we found a table. I ordered the 727 signature, while Hannah got the horchata. The menu includes a variety of coffee choices and it was honestly hard to choose. From the classics like latte, cappuccino, and flat white to the signature drinks like honey oat lavender latte, zebra mocha, and the 727 signature.

If you’re traveling with non-coffee drinkers, it also serves non-coffee drinks, including teas. And if you’re hungry, they have meals, waffles, and cookies on the menu as well. Their drinks range from P100 to P350 while their food items are priced between P100 and P700 . We weren’t able to try any of their food items, but we’ll definitely go back just for the drinks alone.

Price Range: Drinks, P100 – P350; Meals/Snacks, P100 – P700 Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday, 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Friday to Sunday, 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM. Note that opening schedule may change without prior notice, so check the official Facebook page for updates. Location : Building 727, Manila Avenue, Subic Bay Freeport Zone

As suckers for sunsets, we wanted to catch the sunset here in Subic too so we headed to the SBMA Beach boardwalk. From 727 Coffee, you can get here on foot in about five minutes. We arrived at the boardwalk at the perfect time, because just a few minutes after finding a spot on the beach, the sun started to set. And as we take in the wonderful spectacle, more people flocked to the beach to watch the sunset, but it’s not crowded since there’s a long stretch of beach for everyone to enjoy the view.

Location: SBMA Beach, Waterfront Road, Subic Bay Freeport Zone

Maple 28 Restaurant

Before heading back to Manila, we went to Maple 28 Restaurant to have dinner. This was also just a few minutes away from the boardwalk, so we decided to walk there. You wouldn’t miss this because the restaurant has a huge sign right outside, on the corner of Labitan Street and Dewey Avenue. We immediately liked the ambiance of the restaurant including the live acoustic music serenading the guests.

Maple 28 has an extensive menu, starting from breakfast meals with Filipino and American options which they serve until 4:00 PM. It offers a variety of starters, soups, and salads. As for main dishes, the best sellers for international flavors include baby back ribs , beef burger , fish and chips , and nasi goreng with chicken satay . For the local dishes, the best-sellers are pork liempo , laing , sizzling sisig , and pork binagoongan . The restaurant also serves pastas and sandwiches.

Hannah and I opted for the rice bowls because they looked like a type of comfort food you’d want after a long day. And we were right. We tried the kimchi and beef fried rice and the seaweed garlic butter beef don . Both of them were really tasty and filling because these bowls are packed. When we went there, they were serving free lechon to diners for some reason and we also got a free crepe as a part of their promo! So just imagine how full we were after dining here. Lol

You’ll find a lot more restaurants around Subic that you could try too. Among the most recommended online are Coco Lime , Rali’s Restaurant , Texas Joe’s House of Ribs , and Meat Plus Cafe . If you’ve been to any of these restaurants or have other restaurant recommendations around Subic, let us know in the comments!

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 7:30 AM – 10:00 PM. Note that opening schedule may change without prior notice, so check the official Facebook page for updates. Location: Labitan Street corner Dewey Avenue, Central Business District, Subic Bay Freeport Zone,

We weren’t able to visit any shop on this trip, but if you love shopping, this should be in your itinerary. There are multiple duty-free shops and outlet stores around Subic where you can buy imported goods and discounted items. If you’re an impulsive shopper, we must warn you to prepare your wallets because you might not be able to resist.

NOTE: Inside the duty-free shops, items are priced in dollars, but don’t worry because the cashiers accept peso for payment.

El Kabayo Subic Trail

Subic grants adventure-seekers and nature lovers with a number of trekking sites. One of those is the El Kabayo Subic Trail . You can join MAD Travel’s Tribe and Trek program where you can explore the flora and fauna surrounding the trail and learn about jungle survival as well as making herbal medicine. The El Kabayo Subic Trail is home to Aeta’s Pastolan Tribe and the program aims to help the indigenous tribes preserve their ancestral domain. This helps tourists understand the importance of natural heritage and sustainable tourism.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by GF Asta (@ganitofriend)

You can also check out the waterfalls towards the end of the trail. It’s not grand though, so you may also choose to skip it if waterfalls are not your thing. MAD Travel also has Feast in the Forest , where you’ll explore the forest and forage to experience a unique culinary journey with the local Aeta community.

Contact Details: [email protected] | +63 939 920 7627 Official Website: www.madtravel.org Facebook Page: MAD Travel (@makeadifferencetravel)

Wreck Diving and Snorkeling

Subic Bay is filled with several vintage shipwrecks and remnants of WWII . These attract both local and international divers who have a penchant for wreck diving . Some shipwrecks in Subic Bay are the USS New York , the Oryoku Maru , the Sakura Maru , and the USS Lanikai . Some of these sites are only about 15 minutes away from diving centers.

There are several dive centers around Subic Bay and the rates vary depending on the course, the number of sessions, and the inclusions. Recreational wreck dive prices range from P2,000 to P3,000 if you have your own gear. If you will rent gear, add P500 to P1,000 on top of that.

If you’re not a diver, some diving operators allow non-divers to go snorkeling. The snorkeling fee with gear rental is around P1,000 to P1,200.

How to Get to Subic

If you’re driving, you can navigate easily using navigation apps like Waze and Google Maps . Simply type in your specific destination in Subic and follow the map. But if your only option is to take public transportation, here’s a step-by-step guide you can follow to get to Subic.

Public Transportation

• Board a bus bound for Olongapo (P230-P380). Victory Liner has regular trips to Olongapo from several of their terminal around Metro Manila including Cubao, Sampaloc, Caloocan, and Pasay. You can just pick which terminal is most accessible to you and has a trip schedule that works for you. Although this wouldn’t be a challenge because they have multiple trip schedules throughout the day from early morning to late night.
• Get off at Olongapo terminal. The bus would terminate at Victory Liner’s bus terminal in Olongapo and this is where you’ll get off.
• Walk to the jeepney terminal. From the bus terminal, the jeepney stop is only less than five minutes on foot. You can ask the bus conductor or staff at the bus terminal for directions. Just tell them you’re looking for the jeepneys going to SM Olongapo. It’s not hard to spot these jeepneys because the whole thing is painted yellow.
• Ride a jeepney to SM Olongapo (P13). There are no jeepneys within Subic Bay. The jeepney would drop you off at SM Olongapo where you can start walking to get to the Freeport Zone.
• Walk to the taxi bay. From SM Olongapo, there’s a walkway that would lead you to Subic Bay Freeport Zone. From there, make your way to Ayala Malls Harbor Point to find a taxi bay.
• Ride a taxi to your destination. It is important to know that taxis here in Subic Bay does not look and function like usual taxis in Manila. Taxis in Subic Bay are SUVs with the SBFZ taxi logo and body number on the sides instead of the usual taxi sign on top of the car. And these taxis do not have a meter.
• Tell the driver your destination and agree on the fare first before getting in the taxi. Taxi rates are between P100 to P700 depending on the distance and can accommodate up to seven (7) people. These taxis are also the only mode of public transportation available within Subic Bay.

For more information, you may also read our MANILA to SUBIC Bus Schedules & Fares article.

Where to Stay in Subic

There’s no shortage of hotels around Subic. So if you’re thinking about staying for a weekend or a few days, looking for a place to stay won’t be much of a challenge. Whether you’re looking for hotels near the beach, a resort, or hotels that are within close proximity to many restaurants, you’ll find one here. The options also range from budget to more upscale hotels. Here are some of the top hotels in Subic that you can book for your trip.

Top Hotels on Agoda

• MANSION GARDEN HOTEL ✅ Check Rates & Availability Here!
• COURT MERIDIAN HOTEL ✅ Check Rates & Availability Here!
• HORIZON HOTEL ✅ Check Rates & Availability Here!
• MANGROVE RESORT HOTEL ✅ Check Rates & Availability Here!
• KAMANA SANCTUARY RESORT AND SPA ✅ Check Rates & Availability Here!

Top Hotels on Hotels.com

• CENTRAL PARK REEF RESORT ✅ Check Rates & Availability Here!
• iCOVE BEACH HOTEL ✅ Check Rates & Availability Here!
• THE LIGHTHOUSE MARINA RESORT ✅ Check Rates & Availability Here!
• THE PUB HOTEL ✅ Check Rates & Availability Here!
• MOONBAY MARINA THE VILLAS ✅ Check Rates & Availability Here!

If you want more suggestions with more details about each hotel, you can also check our Top 10 Hotels & Resorts Along Subic Bay article.

Find more Subic Hotels!

Updates Log

2024.08.22 – First uploaded

Related Article: Clark Airport Bus Guide – Routes & Schedules

More tips on youtube ⬇️⬇️⬇️.

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