Basilan

{{warningbox|A heavy conflict was going on in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Basilan, Lanao Del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi) until October 2012 when a peace accord was signed between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Philippines government ending a 30-year conflict between Muslim militias and the Philippine government. In 2009 this region was declared the world's most hazardous area for journalists by the Committee to Protect Journalists, with 18 reporters dead in a massacre that claimed the lives of almost 60 people. Travelling to this region is still strongly discouraged. If it is necessary to visit, inform your embassy, remain cautious at all times and avoid public gatherings. |australia=https://eller.gov.au/Countries/asia/south-east/Pages/philippines.aspx |canada=https://el.gc.ca/destinations/philippines |us=https://el.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/philippines-travel-advisory.html

Basilan is an island province of the Philippines in Mindanao, just off the southern coast of the Zamboanga Peninsula. Basilan is the biggest and northernmost among the major islands of the Sulu Archipelago.

An introduction to Basilan

Basilan has a variety of natural tourist spots that dot the island's pristine beaches and cool inland resorts; it has a peninsula point called Punta Matangal in Tuburan that offers a haven for surfers, very similar to those at the north shores of Hawaii. Basilan has gradually evolved into a charming, even surprisingly hospitable place where you could relax and enjoy a laid back, stress-free vacation, but the danger from rebels and pirates persists; it is badly affected by the Moro insurgency and bombings on civilians and kidnapping of tourists pose risks.

There are three main ethnic groups; the Yakans and Tausugs are predominantly Muslim, while Chavacanos are primarily Christian. The lingua franca is Chavacano, a Spanish creole dialect, understood by more than 80% of the population. Tagalog/Filipino and English are also widely spoken and understood.

Tourist assistance

• Hja. Gigi Carama-Junudi, Basilan Provincial Tourism Officer, Provincial Capitol Building, Isabela City, Basilan.
• Jayson Tubil, Isabela City Tourism Officer, Isabela City Hall Complex, Isabela City, Basilan.
• Pilar Raga, Guest Liaison Officer, "Isabela City Pasalubong Center", Basilan Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Inc., J. S. Alano Bldg., J. S. Alano St., Isabela City, Basilan.

Cities

Isabela City - Capital of Basilan Lamitan

Get in

Access to the island province is through Zamboanga (city) | Zamboanga which lies 31 kilometers (17 nautical miles) (narrowest point of the Basilan Strait) due north. From there, a boat ride of 1 hour and 45 mins (for conventional passenger ferries), will take you to Isabela and Lamitan. The fare ranges from ₱20 (student and senior citizen's discounted fare on some conventional ferries) to ₱70 (first-class w/ aircon).

Another quickest way to the location is by taking the "Fast Craft" which will only take about 45 minutes boat ride.

Basian by boat - 300px

• Isabela-Zamboanga-Isabela Route (1 hr, 30 min)
• Lamitan-Zamboanga-Lamitan Route (1 hr, 30 min)
• Maluso-Jolo-Maluso Route (6 hours)

Basilan joined the "Western Philippine Nautical Highway" through the construction of 3 new Roll-On-Roll-Off ("Ro-ro") ports located in the city's of Isabela and Lamitan and in Port Holland, Maluso. A regular four door sedan is charged ₱2,500 per trip, a van/light truck ₱3,500, while bigger trucks/heavy equipment may go up to ₱5,000 per trip. Basilan is served by several light plane landing fields located in Isabela (2), Lamitan (1), Maluso (1), Lantawan (1) and Sumisip (1), all of which were constructed and maintained by the multi-national plantations and have since been turned over to the Farmer Beneficiary Cooperatives.

Talk

The lingua franca is Chavacano, a Spanish creole language, understood by more than 80% of the population. Tagalog/Filipino, English and Visaya are also widely spoken and understood. Native Yakans and tausugs have their own language which consist of 80% of the population in the island.

Basic Chavacano|

• Yes - Si!
• No - No!
• Good morning! - Buenos dias!
• Good Afternoon! - Buenos Tardes!
• How are you? - Que tal tu?
• Here - Aqui
• There - Alla
• I'm hungry! - Con hambre yo!
• I'm sick! - Infermo yo!
• Help! - Ayuda!
• Where can I eat? - Donde yo puede come?
• Where is the hotel? - Donde el Hotel?
• Where's the toilet? - Donde el CR?
• Where can I have fun? - Donde yo puede man gimik?
• How much is this? - Cuanto 'ste?
• How much is that? - Cuanto 'se?
• Its too expensive, can you give me a discount? - Bien caro, tiene pa rebaje?
• When does it (do we) leave? - Cuando quel (kita) larga?
• Thank you! - Gracias!

What to See

Basilan houses on stilts - Houses on stilts 51955212.DSC00225 LamitanBasilan - Bulingan Falls Basilan building - Basilan Provincial Capitol, former site of Fort Isabela Segunda

Nature spots

• Kumalarang River
• Tabiawan and Busay Waterfalls
• Balagtasan Waterfalls
• Sumagdang Beach
• Malamawi Island
• Alano White Beach Resort
• Sunrise/Lanote Resort Row
• Bulingan Falls
• Matagan beach paradise
• Calugusan Beach
• Palm Beach

Churches and religious shrines

• St. Peter's Parish Church
• Monte Santo
• Chapel of Peace
• Santa Isabel Gothic Church
• Monte Santo Shrine
• Kaum Purnah Mosque

Historical sites

• Datu Kalun Shrine
• Museo ng Lamitan
• Basilan Provincial Capitol
• Isabela City Plaza (formerly Plaza Misericordia)/Plaza Rizal

What to do in Basilan

• Araw ng Basilan
• Lami-Lamihan Festival
• Cocowayan Festival
• Fiesta Santa Isabel
• Semana Santa (Holy Week) - March/April (movable)
• Flores de Mayo
• Fonda de Baran or Fiestas del Baran
• Pascua (Christmas)
• Isra Wal Miraj
• Eid al-Fitr/Hari Raya Puasa - (movable)
• Maulidin-Nabi
• Chinese New Year

Shopping

Isabela City Pasalubong Center - Isabela City Pasalubong Center

A definite recommended "buy" would be the intricate Yakan weaves, trinkets and souvenir items made of woven material and hammered brass/bronze pieces, with colorful beads and hand-painted wooden bangles, rings and handcrafted Yakan bags, table-runners, wall-decor, etc. Be sure to visit the Isabela City Pasalubong Center for authentic Yakan craft (1/F, J. S. Alano Zenith Bldg., J. S. Alano St.). Since you're already in Basilan, don't miss out on the "Basilan Brew" coffee available in nearby Lamitan town (only 45 minutes from Isabela City). A number of retail establishments may likewise be visited before 6PM (traditional closing time).

Muslim Friendly Food & Restaurants in Basilan

Sumptuous local delicacies may likewise be sampled. Not to be missed are hearty Muslim dishes such as "tyula itum", "pianggang manok", "baulo", "kulma", etc. Certain Yakan festivities likewise prepare a pyramidal "dullang" with the delectable mountain Rice "sappul"

Lamitan City

• Chi-Chia Grille and Restaurant
• Nalamar Family Entertainment Complex
• Lamitan Plaza Restaurant
• Trisha's Burgers House

Buy Muslim Friendly Condos, Houses and Villas in Basilan

eHalal Group is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Basilan. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Basilan ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Basilan. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Ramadan in Basilan

Ramadan 2025 in Basilan

Ramadan concludes with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which may last several days, usually three in most countries.

The next Ramadan shall be from Friday, 28 February 2025 to Saturday, 29 March 2025

The next Eid al-Adha shall be on Friday, 6 June 2025

The next day of Raʾs al-Sana shall be on Thursday, 26 June 2025

The next day for Mawlid al-Nabī shall be on Monday, 16 September 2024

Muslim Friendly Hotels in Basilan

A number of hotels, resorts and hostels dot the City of Isabela.

The Farmland Resort (Lanote), Anson's Hotel (Sumagdang), Hotel Royal Issra (Marketsite), Casa Rosario (Port Area), Basilan Hostel (Eastside), Buwalan Beach Resort (Sumagdang), ISAWAD Pool Resort (Cabunbata), Basilan Hotel (Isabela Proper), Grino House (Menzi). And Sofia Hotel (Port Area).

Go Next

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Schedule

Ship	Origin	Destination	Time
M/V Stephanie Marie	Isabela	Zamboanga	6:45AM, 12:45PM
M/V Stephanie Marie	Zamboanga	Isabela	9:45AM, 3:45PM
M/V Ever Sweet	Isabela	Zamboanga	9:30AM, 3:30PM
M/V Ever Sweet	Zamboanga	Isabela	6:30AM, 12:30PM
M/V Estrella del Mar	Isabela	Zamboanga	10AM, 4PM
M/V Ever Sweet	Zamboanga	Isabela	7AM, 1PM
M/V Princess Nicole	Isabela	Zamboanga	6:50AM, 12:50PM
M/V Princess Nicole	Isabela	Zamboanga	9:50AM / 3:50PM
M/V Neveen	Zamboanga	Lamitan	3PM
M/V Neveen	Zamboanga	Lamitan	7AM
M/V Trisha Kerstin	Lamitan	Zamboanga	7AM
M/V Trisha Kerstin	Zamboanga	Lamitan	3PM