by Maricor Dans
ISABELA CITY, Basilan, July 13 (PIA) – Basilan
has been notorious for its gargantuan share of news about bombings,
kidnappings, and killings. Because of such a reputation, Basilan is not even
advised to be included in a traveler’s, both foreign and local, itinerary of
must-see places in the Philippines.
Except for some brave souls who happily rush
to Basilan for adventure, it is nonetheless a place where angels fear to tread.
But if beaches were pieces of heaven for sun and sea worshippers, then there
are a lot of them on the main island and its surrounding unsullied sandbars.
Most visitors coming to this place do not
know that behind Malamawi islet across the wharf of Isabela, the capital city,
is a little piece of heaven on earth.
How do you get there? From Zamboanga City,
there are at least 10 trips by ferry boats to Basilan which take an hour and a
half at a maximum. Upon disembarking, there are motorboats just a few meters
away. They are ready to take you for a two-minute ride across the channel to
the islet for a measly fare of five bucks.
Once there, you take a habal-habal ride if
there are only a few of you and do not have much to carry such as provision for
food. For groups, elf and mini-trucks can also be rented for round trips. You
will negotiate a typical village road with lush vegetation around, as a
breath-taking view awaits you on the other side. Or if you wish to go the
convenient way, get the services of a motorized boat that will take you around
the other half of the island and bring you right smack to the beach. You will
sail through mangrove areas and those oft-photographed houses on stilts that
speak of the Badjao’s peculiar way of life.
The boatman is at your beck and call as he
waits for you the entire day until you decide to go back to the city proper
across the channel.
All inconveniences are all worth the trip
upon reaching the place, known for its name as White Beach. Once there, you
could not help but gasp in awe at the sight of such pristine beach that has
maintained its rustic ambience. The sand is naturally white, unlike other
resorts filled with white sand coming from other sources. Taking a dip, lazing
on a hammock, playing beach volleyball, snorkeling, or simply lazing under the
shades are just few of the things you can do there. Walking on a bar of sand
equally proves like walking on clouds as you allow the surf to rush to and kiss
your feet.
When the tide has ebbed, picnickers are
transformed into beach combers who scour the stones on the side of the beach
for edible finds.
You also draw a little thrill if you also
happen to discover a starfish.
ogling eyes of the
male species. (MD/RVC/PIA9-ZBST)
