Malamawi Island : A Hidden Paradise

White Beach, Malamawi Island, Basilan

Once in a while, it is nice to go out of our comfort zones. Break away from the monotony of everyday life- to not think too much nor plan too detailed, instead, to just get out there, explore and experience the earth's wonders. Take risks. Yesterday was one of those rare moments, and it's definitely one for the books!





I woke up at around 4 o'clock. Despite having only a few hours of sleep, I was able to hear the sound of my alarm. Immediately, I sent a text message to Sewang (my college bff who went home for a short vacation from Kuwait,) asking her for confirmation whether our trip will still push through. Not quite sure if our little adventure is a go, since she only told me about it the night before. Still, no reply. After 30 minutes, her cousin, Nooric, called me up telling me that they were on their way to our house! So I hurriedly dressed up, and was driving their white cooper to the docks (pantalan) in no time.

I only told my parents where we were going that morning, and the look on their faces were priceless. Daddie was the one who seemed more worried. After all, we were on our way to Basilan!

Zamboanga Port @ 5 a.m. (see our eyebags?)

We took the 6:45 trip via a (not-so) fast-craft to Isabela City, Basilan. After an hour or so, we reached the familiar docks of my mother's hometown. (We used to go there every year during All Souls' Day when I was growing up.)

All aboard the Weesam Express! We're excited!!!

That's the fast-craft at the background, Weesam Express, and yeah, the selfie-duo too

Samla (a.k.a. Samilby), our tour guide, had to go home to his mother first, and we gladly went with him. She was indeed surprised by our visit. We didn't stay too long as we were so excited to go to the our destination. But first, we had to buy some food to bring to the beach.

Foot bridge on the way to Sam's house. Notice the houses are on stilts!

Good morning Isabela!

We then took a short boat ride (less than 5 minutes) to cross to Brgy. Carbon, and rode a habal-habal for about 15 minutes to finally get to the famous White Beach at Malamawi Island.

Why so serious, Sab?

Drama-rama

Obligatory selfie shot

15-min Habal-habal Ride. Woohoo

The trip was well-worth it when we finally saw the clear blue-green waters stretched out in the horizon and the pristine powdery white sand by our feet. It was simply breath-taking!

Sewang and I jumped in the cold waters right away, while Doc Nooric was busy with taking selfies by the shore (see pic below.) Sab (Sewang's bro) and Samilby where by our table with our bags.

Whale sightings? lol

More pictures!

The Entrance

Workers piling up rocks for the wharf

We had the whole beach to ourselves!

The resort is currently being developed as of this writing. It has, however, a clean, working CR and a tiny store that sells the essentials plus more. 

Perfection

We're happy and we know it!

THIS IS THE LIFE!

SADAKO

Serious Mode

Wacky Mode

Silly Mode

with Doc Nooric (such a profile pic-worthy shot)

At around 1 p.m., we waited for our habal- habal drivers to take us back to the port so we can take the 2 p.m. trip back to Zamboanga City.

I said be discreet, oh well.

 At the dock- while waiting for the others 

These were our expenses (as of February 2015:)

Fast Craft Fare (Zambo to Isabela) - P150 (each/one way)
Speed Boat Fare (Isabela to Brgy. Carbon) - P80 (group/ one way)
Habal- habal (Port to White Beach) - P25 (each/ one way)
Beach Entrance Fee- P15 (each)
Table and Chairs Rental- P150 (group)
Food/snacks- >P200 (sharing)





Over all, it was a fun, exciting, breath-taking mini adventure. To be honest, we were scared to our wits end with regards to the peace and order issue (I even received an SMS that it was a triple red alert in Zambo. Geez) But, thank God we were safe the entire time!


I have heard of stories of how beautiful it was, but we had to see it for ourselves! This could definitely be the next tourist destination IF and WHEN the security concern is addressed. Malamawi White Beach may be Mindanao's Boracay, Bali, or Brazil!



The big question remains....



Will I still go back there?




And I say, DEFINITELY!