Since the COVID-19 pandemic restricted me from receiving my usual double dose of Vitamin D and Sea, it made my trip to Malamawi Beach twofold memorable—not to mention visiting the province of Basilan for the first time. As part of the Tourism Promotions Board of the Philippines’ Influencers Program aimed at promoting destinations across the country to restart an industry hit hard by the pandemic, I joined other travel writers, bloggers, and vloggers on a trip to the Zamboanga Peninsula. After spending a night in Zamboanga City, we boarded a ferry for a two-hour sea journey to Basilan. Among the places we visited upon arriving was Malamawi Beach.
Getting a Dose of Vitamin D and Sea at Malamawi Beach | Basilan
A Banquet of Sama and Tausug Culinary Delights
Since our trip centered on discovering the HILOM (wellness), HABI (weaving), and HALAL (cuisine) of the region, we were treated to a sumptuous spread of traditional Tausug and Sama culinary delights at the Marang-Marang floating cottages, located twenty minutes by boat from the port of Isabela.
Prepared by the members of the Women's Association of Marang de Isabela, the platters consisted of a variety of sticky rice delicacies and assorted seafood such as crabs, lambi, panyang, langka salad, utak-utak, imbao shells, grilled squid, and balunlung (the local favorite fish cake); putlih mandi, oko-oko (a Sama sea-urchin delicacy), and junay (a rice dish wrapped in banana leaves and packed with coconut meat and spices).
Knifing Through a Mangrove Forest like Butter
As we approached Malamawi Island from the Marang-Marang floating cottages, we sliced through a maze of thick mangrove forest. It was a picturesque ride, enlivened by intriguing patterns of branches jutting out of the water and winding their way up to a small community of colorful stilt houses situated at the mouth of the forest.
Our guide told us that the local tourism office and the LGU of Isabela had been working hard to conserve this area because they knew the importance of mangroves in serving as the first line of defense for coastal communities against natural calamities. Mangrove trees help slow down erosion and stabilize shorelines to create a natural barrier against storm surges and flooding.
A Beachfront Feast
Upon arriving on Malamawi Island, we hopped on the back of a small pickup truck for another ten-minute ride to White Beach. Although I was already expecting a wonderful experience marveling at a white sandy beach rivaling many beautiful beaches in the country, I never anticipated that another banquet awaited us for another round of satisfying our gastronomic whims.
Spread on the table in front of the turquoise waters and set out cozily over the fine sand of Malamawi Beach was another seafood spread featuring giant curacha crabs, vegetable salads, and fresh coconut juice served with a variety of sauces and purées for dips.
Fully-vaxxed and Boosted with Vitamin D and Sea
Having soaked my hands in crab juice by happily shoving pieces of it and other seafood meat into my mouth, I turned my attention to the crystal-clear and calm waters of the Basilan Strait, immediately ran toward it, and dove right in.
After treading a few short laps in the water, a euphoric feeling immediately washed over me, as the moment represented an escape from a flood of uncertainties brought by the pandemic and enabled me to once again enjoy the normalcy of free movement.
It was also a celebration of sorts to finally visit Basilan, a province that had long been on my bucket list and a subject of false perceptions in my mind. I could not be more glad to be proven wrong by experiencing the real Basilan with my own eyes. To see the beauty of the province, feel the warmth and friendliness of the locals, and sense a kind of peaceful vibe typically felt in other places in the Philippines was really an eye-opening experience for me.
As we came to explore the weaving, wellness, and culinary culture of the region, in doing so, we also discovered the many appealing natural sights of Basilan and experienced its happy and relaxed atmosphere—and YES—without the need for military escorts anymore.
Is it SAFE to travel to Basilan?
The answer to that question is a resounding YES. The province has undergone transformation and development since the Basilan imprinted in our minds hogged the headlines more than twenty years ago.
The people of Basilan have been longing to showcase their rich culture and heritage to visitors in order to clear the many misconceptions about their hometown. To fully experience the province, it is advisable to contact the local tourism office of Isabela de Basilan prior to your arrival to coordinate your visit with local tour guides, culinary providers, and other tourism workers for a hassle-free trip.
