Basilan

[megan21]

http://www.relaxia.cz/galerie/ZVESMIRU/philippines/images/Philippines%20-%20BASILAN%20ISLAND_jpg.jpg

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.

Basilan has a variety of natural tourist spots that dot the island's pristine beaches and cool inland resorts. Basilan has gradually evolved into a charming, even surprisingly hospitable, place to relax and enjoy a laid back, stress-free vacation.

Attractions

"Nature Spots"

* Kumalarang River – It boasts of its 14-meter high waterfall, a proposed site for a hydroelectric plant.

* Tabiawan and Busay Waterfalls – Found in Isabela, a good site for picnics and bathing.

* Balagtasan Waterfalls – The biggest waterfall on the island where the Basilan mini-hydro power plant is situated.

* Sumagdang Beach – A natural resort for swimming. They have coconut plantations, mini rice fields and fishponds. It is 4 kilometers away from Isabela town proper and accessible by bus, jeepney or tricycle.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/61/Malamawi_Beach.JPG/300px-Malamawi_Beach.JPG

* Malamawi Island – The main natural attraction of Basilan. Here, a lighthouse guides ships and vintas to the channel. Here can also be found the traditional final resting places of the nomad sea-faring Badjaos and Samal-Luans-Banguingui. It also boasts of the only lake in the province with wild ducks. Also found in Malamawi is the Panigayan fishing village where spearfishing is recommended and the Alano Estates' Bird Sanctuary atop Mts. San Juan and Comunal.

* Alano White Beach Resort - also found on Malamawi Island, with powdery white sands, day-cottages, and other amenities usually for domestic tourists and local patrons, is widely touted as Basilan's own Boracay minus all the commercial trimmings.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rtNjw2Hp5GM/R6u9rSOf9yI/AAAAAAAABLM/s3ZKyfw2ScQ/s400/Malamawi,%2BBasilan.jpg

* Sunrise/Lanote Resort Row - still undergoing extensive infrastructure upgrades, this area will soon host what locals call the "Resort Row" of Isabela City. Already home to at least 3 fully functional inland resorts (The Farmland, EN4Es, and Biel Pool Resort)...no less than four more are slated to open along the same road in the next few months.

* Bulingan Falls - a mere 15 minute ride from Lamitan town, will bring you to the natural wonder that is Bulingan Falls, where one can enjoy the magical waterfalls during day picnics with family or friends.

http://images.eggay.multiply.com/image/14/photos/229/1200x120/9/DSC03083-Medium.JPG?et=MqSX6TtLmEdztHZuqOQlRA&nmid=53438100

[wanderlust]

Wow. I never thought Basilan would have some beaches. hahaha. I'm terrified of Basilan because of terrorist attacks. Is there a part of Basilan where it's safe?

[filz_33]

there really are so much to see in mindanao. you can really see the real beauty of the Philippines there but sad to say there are not much tourist that would like to visit mindanao because of terrorist threat. tsk.. tsk..

[stella]

Yeah. It's really a shame. :(

[megan21]

Wow. I never thought Basilan would have some beaches. hahaha. I'm terrified of Basilan because of terrorist attacks. Is there a part of Basilan where it's safe?

i understand that we have this fear of going to mindanao, especially basilan because of terrorists threats, but i believe the locales there are as accommodating as the locales from other places.. and basilan has a lot of undiscovered beaches too. we should give the place the benefit of the doubt.. :)

[tadz1158]

Wow. I never thought Basilan would have some beaches. hahaha. I'm terrified of Basilan because of terrorist attacks. Is there a part of Basilan where it's safe?


That's a nice question. Is it a safe? If it is, how safe?

[tadz1158]

i understand that we have this fear of going to mindanao, especially basilan because of terrorists threats, but i believe the locales there are as accommodating as the locales from other places.. and basilan has a lot of undiscovered beaches too. we should give the place the benefit of the doubt.. :)

It's really a very tough job for those people in-charge of tourism in that place. But let's just hope that there will be a change. :confused:

[asprv]

I guess the first thing that the people in the tourism office should do is to train military personel as tourist guides... hahaha :-D

[tadz1158]

I guess the first thing that the people in the tourism office should do is to train military personel as tourist guides... hahaha :-D

That could be possible!

[wanderlust]

That part of Mindanao has been known to house terrorists. I'm still terrified. haha The Ces Drilon kidnapping happened there, right?

[tadz1158]

That part of Mindanao has been known to house terrorists. I'm still terrified. haha The Ces Drilon kidnapping happened there, right?


I admit that when I saw the photos of Basilan which Megan21 had posted I was amazed with the stunning sceneries....but nice as they are, I admit I'm still terrified with terrorism in that particular place in Mindananao and the kidnapping cases which we have known and those unpublished kidnappings, too which I'm sure there are.

[megan21]

i suggest if we go to Basilan, we'll just bring along our own battalion of soldiers. haha. :D

[tadz1158]

i suggest if we go to Basilan, we'll just bring along our own battalion of soldiers. haha. :D

Lol!.... We really don't know what will happen even if you bring along a battaliion of soldiers.

[Lee Rhyne]

Well the photos posted were really awesome. How I wish that the issues there would be settled so we can get there anytime without worrying of being attacked by terrorists.

And I agree, train the guides military tactics! woot!

Kidding aside, all places have risks. And If they really like going, they better watch themselves. And if they feel like something's onto them, let the local officials know. Before it's too late. Be vigilant!

[asprv]

Well the photos posted were really awesome. How I wish that the issues there would be settled so we can get there anytime without worrying of being attacked by terrorists.

And I agree, train the guides military tactics! woot!

Kidding aside, all places have risks. And If they really like going, they better watch themselves. And if they feel like something's onto them, let the local officials know. Before it's too late. Be vigilant!

This is fact. Danger can be anywhere. One thing I noticed among travelers is they tend to look for adventure in places where they land. I guess that is the spirit. Let's give Basilan a chance... Abbu Sayyaf, here we come! hehehe

[Lee Rhyne]

Yes. Danger is everywhere. And if you really like going you got to have your survival skills and instincts.

Maybe we can post something, like some survival tips and some guides in cases of emergencies.. Don't you think so?

[tadz1158]

Yes. Danger is everywhere. And if you really like going you got to have your survival skills and instincts.

Maybe we can post something, like some survival tips and some guides in cases of emergencies.. Don't you think so?

That makes a lot of sense.

[wanderlust]

That makes a lot of sense.
Uhm in the face of terrorists? I like adventure a lot but this one adventure I'm backing out. hahahaha

[megan21]

That makes a lot of sense.

Here are a few Survival Tips against terrorism. :)
If you are indoors when shaking starts:

• “DROP, COVER AND HOLD ON.�? If you are not near a strong table or desk, drop to the floor against an interior wall and cover your head and neck with your arms.

• Avoid windows, hanging objects, mirrors, tall furniture, large appliances and cabinets filled with heavy objects.

• Do not try to run out of the structure during strong shaking.

• If you are downtown, it is safer to remain inside a building after an earthquake unless there is a fire or gas leak. There are no open areas in downtown San Francisco far enough from glass or other falling debris to be considered safe refuge sites.

• Glass from high-rise buildings does not always fall straight down; it can catch a wind current and travel great distances.

• If you are in bed, stay there and cover your head with a pillow.

• Do not use elevators

• If you use a wheelchair, lock the wheels and cover your head.

If you are outdoors when shaking starts:

• Move to a clear area if you can safely walk. Avoid power lines, buildings and trees.

• If you’re driving, pull to the side of the road and stop. Avoid stopping under overhead

hazards

• If you are on the beach, move to higher ground. An earthquake can cause a tsunami.

Once the shaking stops:

• Check the people around you for injuries; provide first aid. Do not move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger.

• Check around you for dangerous conditions, such as fires, downed power lines and structure damage.

• If you have fire extinguishers and are trained to use them, put out small fires immediately.

• Turn off the gas only if you smell gas.

• Check your phones to be sure they have not shaken off the hook and are tying up a line.

• Inspect your home for damage.

Food When a disaster occurs, you might not have access to food, water and electricity for days, or even weeks. Store enough emergency food to provide for your family for at least 3 days.

• Store food items that are familiar, rather than buying special emergency food. Consider any dietary restrictions and preferences you may have.

• Ideal foods are: Shelf-stable (no refrigeration required), low in salt, and do not require cooking (e.g. canned fruit, vegetables, peanut butter, jam, low-salt crackers, cookies, cereals, nuts, dried fruit, canned soup or meats, juices and non-fat dry milk).

• Mark a rotation date on any food container that does not already have an expiration date on the package.

• Include baby food and formula or other diet items for infants or seniors.

• Store the food in airtight, pest-resistant containers in a cool, dark place.

• Most canned foods can safely be stored for at least 18 months. Low acid foods like meat products, fruits or vegetables will normally last at least 2 years. Use dry products, like boxed cereal, crackers, cookies, dried milk or dried fruit within six months.

[Lee Rhyne]

That's nice Megan. But isn't that for earthquakes? But really that's a very nice and informative piece of information! Thanks!:cool:

[Kelly]

Uhm in the face of terrorists? I like adventure a lot but this one adventure I'm backing out. hahahaha


Heheh yea, it's a different kind of adventure I don't want to experience. :p

[megan21]

That's nice Megan. But isn't that for earthquakes? But really that's a very nice and informative piece of information! Thanks!:cool:

earthquakes and other emergencies. :)

[Lee Rhyne]

http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0203/021203nj1.htm

That's some of the real Survival tips you'll need in case of terrorist attacks.

[stella]

I've never been to Basilan...but I don't think tourism there is encouraged right now...

[purpleaf]

How I wish that one day it would be safe to go there. It could be as popular as Palawan or Bohol in terms of tourist destination and not for some terrorist's hideout or something. Honestly those pictures are awesome!!!

[hydro_jin]

It's safe if you don't stick out too much. If you look like a rich tourist, then maybe there will be a cause to kidnap you for ransom, but generally Basilan is a beautiful and safe place. I think for locals it won't be as hard as for foreign tourists. The more local tourism we get there, then maybe the better the reputation of the place will. Most of the bad rep is from media and political causes.

[esembrano]

i want to go there but i am afraid because of the terrorist attacks..

[darki]

yeah!terrorists scattered in mindanao right now,but still there's a lot of safe places here in mindanao:)