How To Get To Isabela City, Basilan

If you are planning to visit the province of Basilan, you need to book a flight going to Zamboanga City. The province is located in 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.

I recommend to travel with Weesam Express. Travel time from Zamboanga City to Isabela City is just one hour. You can choose from first class (air conditioned), Economy (air conditioned) to non aircon seating. Fare rate starts at P170.

From the Zamboanga City Airport, you can take tricycle going to the port area where you can buy a ticket going to Basilan. I recommend to ride a jeep going to Paseo Del Mar and then walk to the port /pier. This is much cheaper compared to tricycle. Jeepney fare is like around P11 while tricycle is around P60.

Where to go in Basilan? Here are the top tourist spots in Basilan

• Malamawi Beach
• Lampinigan Island 
• Bulingan Falls
• Basilan Capitol
• Marang Marang Mangroves
• Tenusa Island
• Isabla City Forest Park
• Isabela City Mosques

Where to stay in Basilan 

• Basilan Business Hotel - Isabela Proper, Isabela City, Basilan
• Grino House - Menzi, Isabela City, Basilan
• The Farmland Resort  - Lanote, Isabela City, Basilan
• Anson's Hotel - Sumagdang, Isabela City, Basilan
• Hotel Royal Issra - Marketsite, Isabela City, Basilan
• Casa Rosario - Port Area, Isabela City, Basilan
• Buwalan Beach Resort - Sumagdang, Isabela City, Basilan
• ISAWAD Pool Resort - Cabunbata, Isabela City, Basilan
• Basilan Hostel - Eastside, Isabela City, Basilan

Where to stay in Zamboanga

• Winzelle Suites
• Garden Orchid Hotel
• Grand Astoria Hotel
• Ever O Busines Hotel
• Casa Canelar Pernsion
• Casa Atilano

If you are coming from Sulu, you can take a ferry from Jolo City. I recommend to travel with Aleson or Montenegro. Travel time is 6 hours. 

If you are thinking Basilan is not a safe place to explore, no need to worry, most part of  the province safe  particularly in Isabela City. No need for police escort if you want to go around in the town. Isabela City is a safe town.