Basilan - A Province to be Watched
Basilan is one province in a setting that reflects the true description of an island paradise. Blessed with natural bounties since its early years of existence, it has been called by merchants and travelers as an island of hope. The province, bestowed with different cultures and traditions and rich in aquatic resources, was once considered the trading center of Mindanao in the early days. Now, Basilan awaits travelers to discover its unique beauty that can never be compared to any other place in the world.
Demographics
1. Population - 408,520
(as of 2007 Census)
2. Land Area - 1,234.2 sq. km
3. Capital - Isulan
4. Language/Dialect - Chavacano, Tausug, Yakan, Cebuano,
English, and Filipino
5. Divisions
Cities (1)
Municipalities (12)
Malamawi
Island
It serves as the final and resting place of the nomad
seafaring Badjaos and Samal-Luaans-Banguingui as well
as the Muslim cemetery.
Santa Isabela
Cathedral
Visited not only for religious purposes but also for
to its modern architectural design.
Basilan
Provincial Capitol
This building was built in such a way that it forms
a U-shape with an open quadrangle and stage where special
events, programs, and dances are held at the center
of the building.
Cultural
Yakan Tribe
Location: Lamitan, Basilan
Yakan are peace-loving people known for colorful clothes
handwoven with intricate geometric designs as well as
for elaborate weddings and festivals.
Museum of
Lamitan
Location: Lamitan, Basilan
It showcases the color and highlights of the Lami-lamihan
Festival. It also serves as the information center for
the development of this town.
Historical
Datu Kalun
Shrine
Location: Lamitan, Basilan
Built as a tribute to a famous Yakan leader, it is a
triangular park located at the heart of Lamitan City's
bustling downtown.
Basilan Provincial
Capitol
Location: Isabela City, Basilan
The current location of the capitol building was once
the site of Fort Isabela II. The original Fort was bombed
and destroyed towards the end of World War II, having
been used by the occupying Japanese forces as a munitions
dump.
Man-made
Isabela
City Plaza/ Plaza Rizal
Location: Isabela City, Basilan
Political rallies, civic events, local programs, night-time
entertainment and religious pageants are held in and
around the plaza. It also features an obelisk with the
statue of Jose Rizal, a public stage, relief map of
Basilan island on Plaza Rizal, fountain, skating rink,
botanical garden and outdoor cafes.
Natural
Malamawi
Island
Location: Malamawi, Basilan
The parola of the lighthouse guides ships and vintas
to the channel.It boasts of the only lake in the province
with wild ducks. Also found on this island is the Panigayan
fishing village, where spearfishing is a recommended
activity.
Kumalarang
River
Location: Lantawan, Basilan
It boasts of its 14-meter-high waterfalls. It is a proposed
site for a hydroelectric plant and a site good for outdoor
activities and photo enthusiasts.
Balagtasan
Waterfalls
Location: Lamitan, Basilan
The biggest waterfall on the island where the Basilan
mini-hydro power plant is situated.
Sumagdang
Beach
Location: Isabela City, Basilan
A natural resort for swimming. They have coconut plantations,
mini rice fields and fishponds.
Alano White
Beach Resort
Location: Malamawi Island, Malawi, Basilan
It features powdery white sands, day-cottages, and other
amenities usually for domestic tourists and local patrons.
It is widely touted as Basilan's own Boracay minus all
the commercial trimmings.
Religious
Santa Isabel
Cathedral
Location: Isabela City, Basilan
It is an art deco cathedral with a mosaic altar reminiscent
of Roman-Byzantine cathedrals, named in honor of the
patron saint of Isabela.
Kaum Purnah
Mosque
Location: Isabela City, Basilan
An old and imposing mosque, the sight of which greets
visitors on board ferries as they sail the channel into
Isabela.
Monte Santo
Shrine
Location: Mt. Ubit, Lamitan, Basilan
It is a pilgrimage site for devout Catholics who visit
the shrine for the traditional "13 Stations"
during Holy Week.
Lami-Lamihan
Festival
Place: Lamitan, Basilan
Date: June 29
It is celebrated during the Feast of St. Peter (Fiesta
San Pedro). The Festival is highlighted by the participation
of the Yakans who attend the festivities in full regalia,
selling wares and produce brought in from their farms
in the interior.
Cocowayan
Festival
Place: Isabela City, Basilan
Date: April 25
It is an annual commemoration of its Cityhood, is a
week-long series of activities culminating in the annual
Street Dancing parade
Fiesta Santa
Isabel
Place: Isabela City, Basilan
Date: July 8
Celebrated in honor of its Patroness Saint Elizabeth
of Portugal (Span. Sta. Isabel de Portugal), the focal
point of the Fiesta celebrations happen around the Sta.
Isabel Cathedral. This is highlighted by a Procession
and Novena Masses, the traditional Bella Isabela Beauty
Pageant, marathon, regatta and other activities.
Isra Wal
Miraj
Place: Basilan Province
Date: May 9
An Islamic event celebrating the nocturnal journey and
ascension of Muhammad.
Maulidin-Nabi
Place: Basilan Province
Date: December 27
An Islamic celebration honoring the birthday of Muhammad.
By Air-Sea:
Take a flight bound for Zamboanga City. From there,
take any land transportation towards Zamboanga
Port in Gov. Lim Avenue. Ferry boats and single-hull
fastcrafts here travel towards Basilan, docking
at Port of Isabela or at Port Holland in Maluso,
Basilan. Travel time is estimated between 45 minutes
to one hour and 45 minutes.
By Sea:
Commercial ferry boats travel to Zamboanga City.
Travel time from Manila to Zamboanga City is 29
hours, estimated. Ferry boats and single-hull
fastcrafts at Zamboanga Port travel towards Basilan.