It would be normal for people to associate islands with beaches, and with the rising popularity of Malamawi Island, it is not surprising that Basilan would be strongly associated with the tropical getaway. Enticing as beaches are, however, there are those who are not fans of salt water. Basilan has a place to offer for those who find the sea either overwhelming.

Located at the edge of the designated Basilan Natural Park in Lamitan is Bulingan Falls. A cascade waterfalls that is wider than it is taller, it visually resembles a dike. Water atop the falls drains to a pool and is known for its clear verdant waters. However, since it was rainy when we arrived in Basilan, the falls was nowhere serene and clear when we arrived. The downpour from the previous days has disturbed the rivers draining at the falls. Such made the water brownish and the down flow rather strong, there were loud clashes between the rocks and the water rush.

What would otherwise have been a serene falls was turned by the rains into a thunderous clash of rock and rush.

We were told that visitors would normally stand on the first few steps of the dexter side of the falls and have their photos taken. We were not able to do that during our visit though, owing to the water level and the strength of its flow. As such, we just contented ourselves in taking photographs by the riverbank.

Disturbed as it was, Bulingan Falls still showed its natural beauty.

One thing notable that I liked with Bulingan Falls was that though there were manmade structures, they were not in anyway obstructing anything that is natural to the falls. It could actually be a model for other local government units that aim to boost tourism to local wonders: just build what is necessary, as anything excessive may turn to be eyesores. Unfortunately, that was the thing with Tambuang Falls in Sulu.

When we were done taking photos in Tambuang Falls, we went off and dropped by the local market to try two of the renowned delicacies of Basilan, panyam and lokot-lokot.

Panyam, also known as panyalam, is a type of fried rice cake primarily made with ground glutinous rice. It has a strong cultural significance to the Yakan, being served during special occasions and religious holidays. Lokot–lokot, on the other hand, while made with the same primary ingredient as panyam, is prepared differently, with the batter being placed in a halved coconut shell with holes while being poured to the frying pan. The technique results into mats of fried flour, which are then either rolled or folded into wedges.

Panyam and lokot-lokot in Lamitan Public Market.

We tried both of the delicacies and even took out some lokot-lokot. Both are good in their own right, but both Ran and I liked the panyam better. There was just something heavenly about that fluff of flour, we would love to eat it over and over again.

There is indeed truth in the notion that food stands at the center of every culture. It strengthens human connections, which in turn comprise the fabric of cultural development. Panyam and lokot-lokot being considered as the delectable pride of the Yakan drives the point. To them, it is the staple of every special gathering, fortifying and tightening the bonds of familial and social connections that are all together important for building a robust community.

Having satisfied ourselves with the food that we have tried, we returned to our service vehicle, walking through the alleys of the market. The market itself made me feel nostalgic, as the means by which the vendors arrange their goods is the one I grew up seeing in the market in our place. There were goosebumps, as my grandmother used to have a store and she would arrange her goods the way it was arranged in Lamitan market.

If to be given more opportunity under the spotlight, Basilan could very well standout as a place where the beauty of nature, the timelessness of culture and the diversity of human interaction thrive. From its beaches and falls, its ingenuity in creating and creativity in disposing, to its people and food, Basilan has a bit of everything to offer the people, whether they seek plain relaxation or a deeper understanding of what the island province has undergone through and what the future holds for it. The days of braving Basilan is already over anyway. It is time for blazing Basilan.