The hidden paradise of Basilan...Malamawi Island
We never told anyone that we will be going to Basilan...because I know that once they knew that we will visit the province, I will be hearing a lot of negative things.
We booked our flight in February of 2012 going to Zamboanga City via Cebu Pacific for our November travel at only Php1,066 per person round trip.
We booked our flight in February of 2012 going to Zamboanga City via Cebu Pacific for our November travel at only Php1,066 per person round trip.
I had plenty of time researching on where to go in Zamboanga City and I could not let the chance not to go to Basilan. . . I came to visit the blog site of Sir Dong Ho, and I was so excited to visit this so called notorious province called Basilan, as media would have dubbed the province.
Sir Dong was not able to give me a contact person or someone who could accompany us in Basilan but he's very much willing to entertain all your queries...until I came to read a comment from Sir Bobby Reynera that it was relatively safe to go there. I contacted him and he answered quickly that he will give a local guide from Zamboanga to Basilan.
Kuya Jungjung Corpuz met us at Zamboanga City ferry terminal in Canelar and upon arriving at Isabela City port, I was surprised that the Manager of the Malamawi White Beach, Kuya Poe Reynera, together with his son fetched us at the terminal...
We crossed this body of water for only 10 minutes at Php5 fare but Kuya Poe rented the whole boat, and I have no idea how much he paid for the whole boat trip...
Upon crossing, a truck was waiting for us and anyone who wanted to hitch a ride could do so...
Habal habal is the main transportation in Malamawi Island...you can reach the beach area in 30 to 45 minutes...
road going to the White Beach
mom and daughter excited to go to the beach
upon arriving at the beach...tinusukan agad kami ng malaking payong...Wow! VIP =)
armed personnel guarding the beach area
sarap buhay
This is Life!
buko given by Kuya Poe
shallow waters
kuya and ate having some siblings talk =)
baby James enjoying the sun and the beach
unlimited buko
Muslims playing volleyball
a glimpse of a Muslim woman sipping some fresh air
want to get wet...
untouched beauty of Malamawi
pangarap talaga nya ang mag model =)
beach so serene
the perfect view
my two boys enjoying the sun
with kuya Poe Reynera, Manager of Malamawi White Beach, and dad's relative he met here, Ate Chit Quicho
time to say goodbye
going back to Isabela city and then to Zamboanga City
Basilan is not as scary as many people think. I found the city just like any ordinary city. The media has put so much bad impressions in it. I hope that someday more Filipinos or even foreigners will also experience the beautiful tropical waters of Malamawi Island.
Cottages in White Beach ranges from Php100 to Php300 (but we get this for free =)
Entrance fee : Php10
Habal habal : Php150 roundtrip
Cottages in White Beach ranges from Php100 to Php300 (but we get this for free =)
Entrance fee : Php10
Habal habal : Php150 roundtrip
How to get here :
From Zamboanga City, ride a fastcraft ferry for an hour or less at Php150 for adults and Php75 for kids. Regular ferry rates are Php100 for adults and Php40 for kids but this would take an hour and 30 minutes.
When going to these places, dress as simple as possible, be polite and humble all the time. Look for a local who can guide you around Isabela. Travel safely.
Thank You Sir Bobby for your warm generosity. I never expected that we will feel so much important in this humble but beautiful city. I hope someday a pure heart like yours will lead the city of Isabela. Wake up Isabela, we need someone like him to renew and reborn the city.
Contact Numbers :
Bobby Reynera - 0916 7138518
Dept. of Tourism Isabela - 0917-6344989
The rates are as of November 2012
Dept. of Tourism Isabela - 0917-6344989
The rates are as of November 2012
salamat sa INFO- boss
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