Looking at the map of Basilan. Malamawi island comes to mind.
Basilan’s Gem
Striving for the best, and fast becoming a tourist destination for backpackers and vacationers, is Malamawi island. It is the crown jewel of Basilan, in Southern Philippines.
Battling rough seas to get there is an inconvenient route.
Straight from the port, riding on speedboats, we travel the turbulent waves into the open sea. To Malamawi, an island gem in the city of Basilan, visible to the naked eye from Zamboanga City.
Seeing undulating beaches in the horizon, the white sands are a welcoming site. Greeting us upon entry is a pier, extending into the sea. One of the landmarks of Malamawi.
Welcome to Malamawi island!
Community based initiative
Meeting us are the amiable and able employees of the resort. The driving force behind the workforce composition, is a community based initiative. Most of the staff and workers are locals.
Empowering and training them with additional skills, they are fully responsible for maintaining the island. Hence, they not only act as maintenance crew, environmentalists, tour guides and cooks. Consequently, they are also lifeguards, first aid responders, jet ski operators, and swimmers. Always ready, and alert to serve at a moment’s notice.
As assurance, you will enjoy your stay. The 11 hectare Malamawi White Beach Resort boasts of mangroves, picnic sheds, coral reefs, a hiking trail, cottages, open spaces for camping, villas and a wide shore for jet skiing
Overnight stay
Staying overnight is an option with the availability of their air-conditioned villas. The prices are affordable. To those who want to enjoy the amenities of the island, and prolong their visit.
In order, to fully serve their guest. The resort houses only three hundred persons at any given time. This is not to over burden the facility.
Picnics
Utilizing the numerous cottages for picnics, made our visit a wholesome outdoor experience. Made out of indigenous materials, the islander’s full ingenuity in cottage building are noticeable. Sturdy shades that offer a soothing respite for visitors.
Water and land base activities
Malamawi offers a unique experience for snorkeling. It is an enjoyable experience for us.
The clear blue waters are very alive, teeming with fish and corals on its pristine reefs. A spectacular seascape of varied colors, rock and coral formations. Star fish, sea cucumbers, crabs, and a variety of ocean dwellers lurks beneath the waves, and freely swim in this watery paradise.
Maximizing one’s stay, you could try additional land base activities. Jogging, brisk walking, camping and hiking, are in the offing. Trekking a trail that offers a wonderful sight of the beachfront. And, hiking through the coconut laden path is invigorating, the view from the top, exhilarating.
Offering its wide beaches, camping is also available in the resort. Registering and coordinating with the management makes the stay enjoyable, secure and safe. Lighting bonfires is an added thrill to enjoy the night.
Racing the open waters in jet skis is an adrenaline rush and thrilling experience. With the proper safety equipment and a driver to assist, guests can rent these machines and get around the shores.
Wading into the beach’s knee-deep waters is assuring. Frolicking in the powdery white sand is alluring. Notably, stretching a few hundred meters into the open sea, the undulating sands makes it safe for children to take a dip.
Food
Malamawi’s food offering consists mainly of harvests from the bounties of the sea. Fish, crabs, shrimps are in the menu. Incredibly, preparing such seafoods is an in-house team that serves the dishes at reasonable prices.
Bringing of food is allowed on the island. Be reminded, however, of taking all excess baggage out that are bought into the facility.
The way to Malamawi
Jumping off from Zamboanga City is the ideal route. Ferries are readily available at the Zamboanga City port that will take you to Basilan City. The trip takes about one and a half hour. Travelling on, there are available boats in the same port that will take you to Malamawi. Upon reaching the island, tricycle rides are available for Malamawi Beach.
Travelling through speedboat makes the travel time shorter by an hour. Availing of such, there are registered tour agencies and rental facilities available at Zamboanga City.
Group tours and family incursions
You can take family incursion or group tours at Malamawi. You can easily avail of these services from accredited tour operators in Region IX. Checking with the Department of Tourism makes a seamless trip possible.
Environmental sustainability
Adhering to environmental regulations, the Malamawi White Beach Resort is committed to natural resources sustainability. Since, the trash disposal services of the city are not available, recycling waste is a high priority. Turning food wastes into fertilizers, the management implements sound recycling practices, as it aims for zero waste.
It is bringing in, take all out policy in Malamawi. Not a trash left behind. Conserving the fragile habitat of the island, and maintaining ecological balance, is top priority. Preserving such for generations to come, as envisioned by the present management.
Security and safety
Deploying security guards at the peripheries keeps the island safe and secure. In assurance, the local police is regularly visiting the locality. Patrolling in tandem with them are the soldiers assigned to the detachments. Together they work for the improvement of peace and order.
Implementing additional security measures through the years is the armed forces. Having notice the tourism potential of this off-the-beaten path hideaway. Establishing firm security details and maintaining a proactive posture at all times. As a result, the island is now safe and secure.
Malamawi island slowly emerges. Overcoming adversity and shaking off its troublesome past, making it ready for the world. It is now among the shining jewels of South Philippines.
Glimmering, it’s brilliance, captivating and welcoming backpackers and tourist on its peaceful shores.
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