Basilan is an island province and is the largest and northernmost of the major islands of the Sulu Archipelago. It is located just off the southern coast of Zamboanga Peninsula with Isabela City as capital.
Basilan is home to three main ethnic groups, the indigenous Yakans, the Tausugs and Chavacanos. The Yakans and Tausugs are predominantly Muslim, while the Chavacanos are mainly Christian. There are also a number of smaller groups.
ATTRACTIONS
Kalun’s Park/Shrine (Lamitan City) – This park/shrine was purposely built as a tribute to a known Yakan wily and fearless leader Datu Kalun (a.k.a. Pedro Cuevas a native of Cavite). It is a favored spot for meetings, resting and town walk.
Museum of Lamitan – It serves as an information center for the development ofLamitan Municipality. It also showcases the colorful and highlights of the traditional Yakan festival called “Lami-lamihan”
Malamaui Island – the gateway to Basilan. Here, the parola of the lighthouse guides ships and vintas to the Channel. Here can also be found the traditional final resting place of the nomad sea-faring Badjaos, Samals, Luans and Banguigui. It also be found the traditional final resting place of the nomad sea-faring Badjaos, Samals, Luans and Banguigui. It also boasts of the only lake in the province with wild ducks.
Kumalarang Waterfall – This has a 14 m drop waterfall and a proposed site for hydroelectric plant. Picturesque natures preserve soon to be altered by industrial modernization; a time limited scenic opportunity.
White Beach (Malamaui Island) – A fine white sandy beach suitable for recreation, swimming, snorkeling and fishing.
Palm Beach (Lamitan City) – a beach where most local frequently visit, about 5 km away from the town hall of Lamitan, offers a site suitable for snorkeling, sand bathing.
Block 35 Falls – Located at Menzi Plantation. This offers a picturesque magnificent wonder of nature. The sight is also ideal for spiritual upliftment.
Balagtasan Falls – The biggest waterfall where the Basila Hydroelectric Plant is situated.
Balas Beach – A cove-shaped about 25 minutes away from the town hall of Lamitan; ideal for scuba diving and water skiing.
Lami-Lamihan Festival (June 26-27)
Lami- Lamihan is a yakan word means merrymaking, started in 1983, a yearly festival celebrated in the town of Lamitan in Basilan province and showcases the traditional Yakan customs and traditions, music, dances, and crafts that has long been preserved.
Celebration of the event rekindles the native Yakans culture and diversity; the gentle people of province of Basilan south of the Philippines Townspeople are dressed in colorful costumes take part in horse races, parades, and other activities.
References:
Basilan is subdivided into eleven municipalities and two cities, these are the following:
Cities
- Isabela City
- Lamitan City
Municipalities
- Maluso
- Lantawan
- Sumisip
- Tuburan
- Tipo-Tipo
- Akbar
- Al-Barka
- Hadji Mohammad Ajul
- Hadji Muhtamad
- Tabuan-Lasa
- Ungkaya Pukan
ATTRACTIONS
Kalun’s Park/Shrine (Lamitan City) – This park/shrine was purposely built as a tribute to a known Yakan wily and fearless leader Datu Kalun (a.k.a. Pedro Cuevas a native of Cavite). It is a favored spot for meetings, resting and town walk.
Museum of Lamitan – It serves as an information center for the development ofLamitan Municipality. It also showcases the colorful and highlights of the traditional Yakan festival called “Lami-lamihan”
Malamaui Island – the gateway to Basilan. Here, the parola of the lighthouse guides ships and vintas to the Channel. Here can also be found the traditional final resting place of the nomad sea-faring Badjaos, Samals, Luans and Banguigui. It also be found the traditional final resting place of the nomad sea-faring Badjaos, Samals, Luans and Banguigui. It also boasts of the only lake in the province with wild ducks.
Kumalarang Waterfall – This has a 14 m drop waterfall and a proposed site for hydroelectric plant. Picturesque natures preserve soon to be altered by industrial modernization; a time limited scenic opportunity.
White Beach (Malamaui Island) – A fine white sandy beach suitable for recreation, swimming, snorkeling and fishing.
Palm Beach (Lamitan City) – a beach where most local frequently visit, about 5 km away from the town hall of Lamitan, offers a site suitable for snorkeling, sand bathing.
Block 35 Falls – Located at Menzi Plantation. This offers a picturesque magnificent wonder of nature. The sight is also ideal for spiritual upliftment.
Balagtasan Falls – The biggest waterfall where the Basila Hydroelectric Plant is situated.
Balas Beach – A cove-shaped about 25 minutes away from the town hall of Lamitan; ideal for scuba diving and water skiing.
FESTIVALS
Lami-Lamihan Festival (June 26-27)
Lami- Lamihan is a yakan word means merrymaking, started in 1983, a yearly festival celebrated in the town of Lamitan in Basilan province and showcases the traditional Yakan customs and traditions, music, dances, and crafts that has long been preserved.
Celebration of the event rekindles the native Yakans culture and diversity; the gentle people of province of Basilan south of the Philippines Townspeople are dressed in colorful costumes take part in horse races, parades, and other activities.
References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basilan
http://tourismarmm.blogspot.com/