We took a fastcraft from Zamboanga to Isabela, Basilan (1 hour). We were greeted by an insanely hospitable group of fishermen selling their fresh catch.
We politely declined and walked to the other side of the pier where boats to Malamawi Island depart.
My kind hosts did not let me pay for anything, so I have no idea how much we paid for the boat ride. When we docked Malamawi's makeshift port, we hired motorcycles to get to the beach. I was surprised how beautiful their white beach is. I guess I was captivated by its charm of isolation. Admission fee is P10, small cottage P50, big cottage P200.
While the others grilled our seafood (we bought from Malamawi White Beach Resort), I stripped down to my two-piece and everyone just gawked. I was terrified I did an illegal thing! One of my hosts laughed and said, "I think this is the first time they've seen someone in a bikini". I was relieved, but only did a quick dip since some guys started taking videos of me with their mobile phones.
After lunchtime, we headed back to mainland and I was introduced to another Basileño. In Lamitan, I met Toto, a cycling enthusiast who used to join small fashion shows and modeling contests alongside model/actor John Estrada (a Basileño himself). Toto said that my hosts were 'showing me off', not just showing me around. Apparently, one of them told him, "You gotta meet this sporty, suicidal Manileña".
He agreed to come with us to Bulingan Falls, where we spent our afternoon before catching the last fastcraft back to Zamboanga. We decided not to spend the night in town just to be safe.
I was able to know my hosts better while we were lazing by the falls. Most of them have never been outside of Basilan and Zamboanga, and the only other girl (aside from me) Karen, had a crush on Khadaffy Janjalani when they were still in school. Such a shame I don't have any form of contact with them now. It would be great to visit their hometown once more - and I might still not have enough guts to go by myself.
I hope more Filipinos would have the chance to see the humble beauty of Basilan, don't be afraid that 'breathtaking' might just be too literal.
8 comments:
wow! what an interesting trip... would love to go to basilan and tawi tawi in the future, i heard alot of nice things about those places...
yeah, interesting indeed - and in a scary way! really hope you could visit basilan, stay safe.
Holy crud! You went there?! I live in Mindanao and not once have I ever thought of going to that place! How were the people? I heard the all wear guns in public... Hehehe. =/
Haha! Well, I saw a lot of military men roaming around with guns, but not the civilians. When I was invited, I took it as a dare. But seriously, I sent my funeral program to my sis while I was on that ferry from Zamboanga to Bailan :)
I also want to visit basilan. Many are saying that this is a very beautiful place.
basilan is definitely beautiful, and the people are friendly too. hope you get the chance to visit there someday.
wow! I have to gather tons of courage to brave this town alone. I guess when one mentions Basilan the 1st thing that comes in our mind is "dangerous" ,it's sad that,somehow with all the news we see on tv it's been instilled in our minds that this beautiful town is chaotic. Thank you for depicting Basilan in non-traditional way, you just showed that like any other islands in the Philippines,Basilan has it's hidden charm -->it's natural wonders and it's people. I'd love to visit this place in the near future. Saludo ako sayo Pinay travel junkie! =)
thanks for that wonderful feedback. it really means a lot to me. honestly, until now i could not believe i was able to step foot on basilan. guess i was just really lucky to go there at a peaceful time, and the locals i have befriended gave me all the courage i needed.
hopefully you get the chance to visit there soon. mabuhay ang mga pinay!
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