Basilan and Zamboanga weren’t originally on my travel bucket list. But that all changed in 2023 when my foodie squad and I embarked on an epic escapade through Camiguin, CDO, and Bukidnon. We originally planned to explore the entire Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi (ZamBaSulTa), but a 4-day itinerary just wouldn’t cut it. So, we opted for Zamboanga and Basilan first.

This blog dives into our day trip to Basilan’s breathtaking Malamawi Island. Stay tuned for future posts that explore the wonders of Zamboanga City!

Flight and Accommodation

Taking Flight with Cebu Pacific

We flew from Manila to Zamboanga City then took a ferry to Isabela de Basilan. My foodie friends, ever the resourceful foodies used their remaining CebPass. As for me, I booked my flight through Cebu Pacific, the same flight as theirs for only Php 4,901. It was already a good deal given that I booked my flight a month before our trip.

Budget Friendly Accommodation at Isteraha Haven Inn

Before setting sail for Malamawi Island, we spent our days in Zamboanga City and stayed at Isteraha Haven Inn for the whole duration of this trip. A comfortable and budget-friendly accommodation located at Tetuan, Zamboanga City. There were 5 of us and we shared 2 bedrooms and paid Php 500 per person per night only.

The inn offers convenient access to cafes, restaurants, mini groceries, and CityMall. One highlight was it being less than 5 minutes walk to Alavar Restaurant which is famous in Zamboanga City. This also made our commute easier as the restaurant also served a landmark for us.

While Pahali Resort does have overnight options, staying in Zamboanga City provided us with easier access to amenities and the chance to explore the city before our island adventure. This way, we maximized our time in both locations!

Traveling to Pahali Resort at Malamawi Island 

On the 3rd day of our escapade, we took a ferry from Zamboanga to Isabela City, Basilan.

• We choose the most budget-friendly option and onboarded economy with Aleson Shipping Lines, Inc. for just Php 120. We sailed roughly for 1.5 hours. The ferry left at around 9:30 am.
• Upon arrival, we headed towards James Strong Boulevard (just outside the port) and located a waiting shed where you can hop on a small boat bound for Malamawi Carbon Port.
• The boat can fit 16 passengers for only Php 10 per person but since we are going back that day, we opted to get a roundtrip service, which cost us Php 320. The boat ride took less than 10 minutes.
• As we stepped off the boat, tricycle and motorcycle drivers lined the dock announcing their fares to Pahali Resort. We opted for a tricycle ride for Php 500 for the roundtrip journey. The ride took about 20 minutes and we arrived at the resort at 12nn, just in time for lunch!
• Both the tricycle driver and boat captain agreed to wait for us and we settled the fares after we visited Pahali Resort. It seemed that communication was more traditional here, and we opted to trust their words with our arrangement while ensuring we would be able to catch the last ferry ride to Zamboanga City.

Pahali Resort at Malamawi Island

We stayed for a total of 3 hrs at Pahali Resort. It was short but sweet!

We were all in awe upon seeing the pristine white sand, and a picture-perfect beach! It was truly a sight to see! While waiting for our food to arrive, we walked to the boardwalk and took some photos and videos. The water was crystal clear and you could see small fish swimming in the water!

 

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We easily booked our stay through their Facebook page (Pahali Resort) with a minimal downpayment, settling the rest upon arrival. We only paid Php 600 per person which is inclusive of the entrance fee, an open cottage, and consumable food and drinks.

They asked us to pre-order our food so they could prepare it. We indulged in a delightful spread that included a platter of Fried Chicken and Chips with gravy, a Rice platter, Manggang Hilaw with Bagoong, Pancit Bihon, Chili Garlic Crab, and soft drinks. Each dish was bursting with flavor, and the stunning beach view made the experience even more enjoyable.

The resort offers restrooms for changing and showering after a swim. However, the water was limited, possibly due to a previous group of tourists. Additionally, the hot weather didn’t help, as the water tank seemed to be heated by the sun resulting in us showering with hot water. We opted for a quick rinse to remove sand and planned to shower properly upon reaching our accommodation in Zamboanga.

Traveling Back to Zamboanga City

We checked the last ferry going back to Zamboanga City and also asked the staff, good thing the staff is fully aware of the schedules (better safe than sorry!).

We left at Pahali Resort at 3 pm riding the same tricycle. At the port, we just asked the people there where Ali was, our boat captain and he showed up immediately. We considered exploring the area before boarding, but with numerous vendors approaching us, we opted to head straight to the ferry. We boarded comfortably before 4 pm and enjoyed a smooth journey back to Zamboanga City, arriving before 6 pm. After freshening up, we treated ourselves to a delicious dinner at Palmeras, marking a perfect end to our trip.

Basilan Budget

• Tricycle to Zamboanga City Port – Php 150/5 pax
• Ferry from Zamboanga City to Basilan (economy) – Php 120/pax
• Boat ride from Isabela de Basilan Port to Malamawi Carbon Port (special roundtrip) – Php 320/5 pax
• Tricycle from Malamawi Carbon Port to Pahali Resort (roundtrip) – Php 500/5 pax
• Entrance to Pahali Resort – Php 600/pax
• Ferry from Basilan to Zamboanga City (economy) – Php 120/pax
• Tricycle form Zamboanga City Port to Isteraha Havenn Inn – Php 150

Estimated Total Expenses per Person – Php 1,064

Things to Know Before Going to Malamawi Island

• Malamawi Island is still a developing tourist destination. Be prepared for limited amenities and basic accommodations.
• Bring your snorkeling gear if you plan to explore the underwater world.
• Don’t forget sun protection, a hat, and a lightweight beach cover-up.
• Respect the local culture and dress modestly.
• Research and double-check ferry schedules as only a few ferries are going to Basilan and back to Zamboanga City.
• Bring enough cash to cover your expenses on the island.
• There are tours available for Basilan but we opted to DIY our trip as budget travelers.
• Travel safe! Like any destination, responsible travel practices are key in Basilan. Do your research, plan carefully, and have a fantastic experience!

Malamawi Island surprised us in the best way possible. It’s a picture-perfect paradise with delightful dishes. Definitely worth adding to your must-visit beaches in the Philippines.

Check out more travel itineraries here!