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
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