Nowadays it’s almost impossible to find a place that’s completely untouched by tourism. Locations once considered remote are now accessible by plane, boat, or car.
White Beach in Malamawi in Isabela City, Basilan, is a virgin island, blessed with pristine water and white sand.
Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Gov. Mujiv Hataman wants the place to be a business and tourism hub.
Unknown to many, cities in Basilan like Lamitan and Isabela are generally peaceful and laid-back.
Hataman is supporting tourism and business in Basilan to create jobs for the locals. “I want local investors to be inspired to put up more hotels, and not to wait for foreign investors. Kayang-kaya ng local businessmen,” Hataman said.
Indeed, tourism in the Philippines is growing, and that is why the business sector is investing.
“We have the best beaches, [they’re] world-class. Unahin muna namin ’yung inexpensive native cottages, a recreation area and a shower room. ’Yun lang ang kailangan,” the governor added.
Pure bliss
For those who want to stay overnight, Hataman said that there are air-conditioned cottages being built in the upper part of Malamawi Hill. There is a mind-blowing, breathtaking view of the island.
Out-of-town trips can be stressful with all the packing, booking and actual traveling involved. The reward, however, is pure bliss—good food, great company, majestic scenery, once-in-a-lifetime experiences with nature and exposure to other cultures.
The escapade can also be a cherished moment of solitude, when there are no crowds swarming all over the place and blurring its beauty.
Virgin beaches are best for this kind of getaway—and Basilan is one good place to check out.
Accessible by an hour-and-20-minute flight from Manila and a 30-minute boat ride from Zamboanga City, the island of Basilan is one of Mindanao’s hidden treasures. It is the largest and northernmost of the major islands of the Sulu archipelago, located just off the southern coast of the Zamboanga Peninsula.
It is, indeed, a paradise waiting for the rest of the world to discover.
On top of these sea sanctuaries is the virgin sea paradise in the island of Tenusa. It is just five minutes away from Sumisip municipality, Hataman’s hometown.
It’s a showcase of natural beauty, white powdery sand leading to lush patches of coconut trees.
There’s also the Hami Beach of Baluno to explore.
White Beach offers sports activities like walking/jogging, volleyball and jet-skiing.
Soon it will have water sports like water-skiing, knee and wake boarding, banana boat riding and kayaking.
Apart from its splendid scenery, the charm of Basilan is in the peaceful, rustic, laid-back way of life, a stark contrast to the stressful environment in the city.
“The hidden gems of Basilan are becoming hotspots for tourists, so all the more reason to visit these places sooner than later. Don’t be afraid of Basilan,” Hataman said.
“We can arrange a tour here, for tourists to know that Basilan has stunning beaches and a profound culture,” added Princess Sitti Djalia Hataman.
This may just be the next preferred place for off-the-beaten-track rest and recreation.
