MALAMAWI ISLAND, "The Hidden Paradise of Basilan"

Malamawi is a small island off the coast of Isabela City, Basilan. An "off-the-beaten" destination that you should add in your bucket list!

During our trip to Zamboanga City last year, we made a side trip to Malamawi Island in Isabela City, Basilan. I've been to Basilan twice in the past, but this is the first time I've visited Malamawi Island. Thanks to our friends in Isabela City for taking us to this island paradise. Definitely one of the best beaches in the Philippines that I've been to.

Malamawi Island's White Beach has a long stretch of fine white sand that shines amid rich turquoise waters. Since the beach is already developed, there are open cottages and comfort rooms available for visiting tourists.

During our visit, rooms and cottages are being constructed. I think, by this time, they are now available if you wish to stay overnight.

The beach is devoid of tourists during our visit. So, we had the whole beach all to ourselves. Yey! If you love uncrowded beaches, you'll certainly love Malamawi Island's White Beach!

After spending quite some time enjoying the beach, we then went to the view deck where we were greeted with breathtaking views of the ocean, the nearby islets and the stunning beauty of nature.

Definitely, Malamawi Island's White Beach is a must-visit and should be in your bucket list of must-vist beaches in the Philippines!

TRAVEL GUIDE: Basilan - How To Get There, Ferry Schedules and Fares, Tips, Itinerary and Contact Details

How to Get to Malamawi Island?

From Manila, take a flight to Zamboanga City. Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines have several flights daily from Manila to Zamboanga City.

Basilan is only 30-45 minutes away from Zamboanga city if you are going to ride the fast craft boats. So I recommend a visit to Basilan's White Beach in Malamawi Island during your trip to Zamboanga City.

To maximize your time, be early at Zamboanga City Port and take the earliest fast craft from Zamboanga City to Basilan. The first trip leaves at 6:45 AM, but if you missed this trip, the next available trip is at 9:30 AM. Fastcraft fare is 150 pesos per person and travel time is about 30-45 minutes to about an hour depending on the sea condition.

Fast Craft Schedules

Zamboanga City to Isabela City

1st Trip: 06:45 AM
2nd Trip: 09:30 AM
3rd Trip: 12:45 PM
4th Trip: 03:30 PM

Isabela City to Zamboanga City

1st Trip: 08:15 AM
2nd Trip: 10:45 AM
3rd Trip: 02:00 PM
4th Trip: 04:45 PM

White Beach in Malamawi Island can be reached by taking a passenger boat from Isabela City wharf. Fare is about 7 pesos per person and travel time is around 5-10 minutes. Upon reaching Malamawi Island, hire a habal-habal or a single motorcycle that will take you to the White Beach. Travel time is about 30 minutes and habal-habal rental is about 200 pesos (2-way) which is good for 2 persons.

For assistance, you may go to the City Tourism Office of Isabela City, Basilan and look for Jason or Ate Yan-yan.

ALSO READ:

• En Route to Isabela City, Basilan
• LAMITAN, BASILAN: Meeting Uwang Ahadas, a "National Living Treasure Awardee"
• A Tour Around Isabela City Proper
• A Waterfall In BASILAN Not Everyone Dared To Visit: Bulingan Falls in Lamitan, Basilan
• Road Trip to the Rubber Plantations
• The Houses on Stilts
• TRAVEL GUIDE: Basilan - How To Get There, Ferry Schedules and Fares, Tips, Itinerary and Contact Details

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