Photos by Datu Ayunan G. Gunting

Mostly popular for chaos, peace and order problems, and negative news, Basilan is actually a paradise just waiting to be explored.

The province of Basilan in Mindanao has often been overshadowed by the negative images attributed to it. Basilan, after all, is a place more popular for its notoriety rather than being an actual tourist destination.

But what most people don’t actually know is that Basilan is a paradise amidst the turmoil. The island province is, in fact, a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

"True, there's disorder here, but isn't it the same with any other place?” said Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) First Lady and Anak-Mindanao nominee Princess Sitti Djaliah Hataman.

Basilan is the largest and northernmost of the major islands of the Sulu Archipelago and is located just off the southern coast of the Zamboanga Peninsula. The island is a 30-minute boat ride from Zamboanga City. Mostly popular for chaos, peace and order problems, and negative news, Basilan is actually a paradise just waiting to be explored.

The island boasts of beautiful and unspoiled beaches like the White Beach of Malamawi Island in Isabela. "We are happy that tourism is at its peak during summer time,"  Hataman said.

With the genuinely serene and rustic environment, tourists used to living in the hectic and fast-paced lifestyle of the metropolis would surely get the peace and relaxation they are longing for in this paradise. Another scenic beach in Basilan is the Hami Beach of Baluno in Isabela. Hami Beach, although not as spectacular as Malamawi white beach, is an awesome picturesque beach that is definitely worth visiting in the island.

Besides its prized beaches, Basilan also takes pride in its must-visit historical landmarks. These historical sites include the Datu Kalun Shrine and Museo ng Lamitan in Lamitan, one of the ARMM’s fastest growing cities.

According to Lamitan First Lady Rose Furigay, the city is predominantly composed of Chabacano speaking tribes. She vowed to improve, develop and promote existing tourist spots in Basilan in the coming years.

But a trip to Basilan, particularly to the city of Lamitan, would not be complete without taking a peek at the breath-taking view of the Bullingan Falls. Tourists are welcome to stay and eat in the cottages right beside the falls and even bathe in the cold and clear stream of water that the Bullingan Falls offers.

Furigay said that the city government is now working to further develop the tourist spot while maintaining its natural beauty and the flora and fauna surrounding it.

Meanwhile, a couple of miles away from Lamitan is Basilan’s capital, Isabela City. In Isabela City are found some of Basilan’s historical sites like the Basilan Provincial Capitol and the Isabela City Plaza. Isabela is a city on the rise, thriving amidst the adversities. The presence of Jollibee, perhaps the country’s most popular fastfood brand, is a sign that the city has progressed. A beautiful yet affordable place to stay in Isabela is Anchong Tan's homey minimalist residence which provides a panoramic view of the entire city. In addition, the place also serves the best and freshest seafood that the city has to offer.

"The cost of living here is less than a fifth compared to the metro," Princess Hataman said.   Negative news on Basilan may still continue to prevent tourists from coming in but to those who dare, it might come as a surprise to know that a visit to Basilan would actually be a peaceful experience that will allow them to recharge and be rejuvenated.

Basilan hopes to turn things around in terms of how people perceive Mindanao by showing that in the middle of the chaos lies a paradise waiting to be noticed and explored.