You read the title right! You can absolutely embark on a day trip and relish the pristine white beach of Basilan for just 1000 pesos! Continue reading if you're curious about how we pulled it off!
Located in the Sulu Archipelago, Basilan is an island province filled with fascinating stories waiting to be uncovered. Despite its history of conflict, Basilan is a place where people show resilience, communities live together despite challenges, and hospitality is abundant.
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| Entrance to the waiting area |
- Depart from the Zamboanga Sea port and board either the ferry or fast craft bound for Isabela City. The journey takes approximately an hour and 30 minutes, with a fare of Php120 per person.
- Upon arrival at Isabela Port, head towards James Strong Boulevard, turning right where you'll find a waiting shed on your right.
- From this point, hop on a small boat bound for Malamawi Carbon Port. The fare for this short 10-minute ride is Php10 per person.
- Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by motorbikes and tricycles offering rides to Pahali Resort. We opted for a tricycle, which costs Php100 per person for a roundtrip. For this, its okay to haggle :)
And we were greeted by this breathtaking beauty that left us all in awe. Its powder-soft sands and crystal-clear waters, it is indeed a slice of paradise! We arranged our day trip through Pahali Resort (previously known as Malamawi White Beach Resort, now a private resort) for Php600 per person. This package includes consumable food and drinks, entrance fees, and access to an open cottage. I reached out to them via Facebook, where Ash Ansali graciously assisted me by addressing all my inquiries, They requested a down payment for reservation, with the remaining balance settled at the end of our day trip. Additionally, they provide overnight accommodations ranging from Php5000 to Php7000. Feel free to message them directly for further details.
As part of our consumable food selection, we opted for a platter of Fried Chicken and Chips with gravy, a Rice platter, Manggang Hilaw with Bagoong, Pancit Bihon, Chili Garlic Crab, Chili Garlic Locon, and a pitcher of Coke for our drinks. While the food was already satisfying, it became even more delightful as we savored it against the backdrop of the beach.
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| Dining with a view! I can do this every day! |
We simply reveled in the beach, indulging in swimming and capturing countless photos and videos, fully aware that this was a rare opportunity. It might be some time before we have the chance to return.
While Basilan might give pause for consideration, I'm genuinely grateful for the opportunity to explore and discover its hidden treasures. No regrets whatsoever. I'm also grateful that I have friends who agreed to come with me on this trip. 😊 Moments like these make me proud to call the Philippines home, with its endless wonders waiting to be explored. 💙
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