The travel to Basilan was definitely not as long as the travel going to and coming from Sulu. It was relatively quick at a couple of hours. Besides, since it was a sea travel during the day, there were sights to see in the middle of the sea hence the passing of time was unnoticeable.

When we arrived in the Port of Isabela at around 08:30 AM, we were met by our local guide, Allan. He then accompanied us to our accommodation, Hotel Sofia, and were given just a few minutes to unload our baggage and freshen a bit so we may proceed to our first destination. When we were done, we walked back to the port to take the sea once again. In a single stride, that would be roughly 10 hours of overnight ferry from Sulu to Zamboanga, then two hours more of ferry from Zamboanga to Basilan, plus a few minutes more on a boat. We were not getting short of the sea, and I am not complaining.

Back to the port going to the island paradise that awaits us.

It was a very short boat ride, as our destination was the small port on the island right across the Port of Isabela. We in fact passed by the said port on our way to the island province, and I happened to take a photo of it albeit unknowingly back then. It was the Port of Malamawi.

Malamawi Island is arguably the most popular of all the beaches that Basilan has to offer. Its accessibility from the main island boosted by the boom of social media made it a staple destination for those who visit the province. Of course, we would not miss it. It was in fact first on our list.

After the boat ride, we transferred to a small jeepney that would take us to the other side of Malamawi Island where our destination beach is located. The jeepney plied on narrow roads that were just about right for its custom size, passing through alternating quaint houses and foliage. It was a pity though that I was not able to take any photo during the ride.

From the boat to a jeepney real quick.

In just around 15 minutes, we reached the other side of the island. Managed privately and otherwise known as Pahali Resort – Malamawi Island, Malamawi Beach is a tropical island paradise characterized by fine white sand, clear turquoise waters and marine biodiversity.

Excited as we were that as if we were not able to see the sea the days prior, we immediately bolted out from the group and took some photos. After a while, we headed to the long boardwalk at the other end of the beach. Pardon us, please. A flood posting of the Renegade Duo coming ahead.

View from the dock at the end of the boardwalk of Malamawi.

After taking photos from all possible spots, we went for a dip. Ran and I rented out snorkeling gears, though we do not have any photos underwater. The thing is, we actually opted not to bring the GoPro since we were backpacking and had to make room for extra clothes. Besides, we had no chance to know that we could actually go snorkeling. It was a shame, as there seems to be so much to see under the water, they were actually already peeping at the surface.

It’s fairly common to see fish in the sea, but squid?!

We spent around an hour swimming until it was time to bring the Malamawi tropical experience to a notch higher with food. It would be an early lunch and we had so much food to sustain us until the afternoon.

Crabs, squids and chicken!

We still spent some time in Malamawi after our sumptuous meal. Others went back swimming while some, myself included, have had enough sea and bathed already. While waiting for the rest of our companions, I settled down under the shade, just appreciating the things that make Malamawi a paradise and reflecting on how the place is a better paradise.

There are two things that faded in Malamawi. One, while going out on lengthy travels across the sea were adventures in themselves, they are still physically tiring. As if on a magical cue, however, the exhaustion brought about by the sea travels immediately went away when we reached Malamawi. Who can afford to remain tired in such a paradise anyway? Where you do not complain about the heat of the sun while being pampered by soft white sand under your feet and gentle taps of the waves of the sea? Two, Malamawi diffused to oblivion the stigma about Basilan being a dangerous place. It is safe and it is beautiful, and so long as people work together to keep Malamawi the paradise that is it, carefully treading upon the delicate balance between natural conservation and human progress, Basilan will be soon be known only for its pearly islands and hospitable locals with history books taking care of the past.

Napawi ng Malamawi ang pagod at pangamba.