Exploring Basilan Philippines (Best Food and Beaches)

Basilan is a beautiful province located in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). It is surrounded by the beautiful Celebes Sea and the beaches are out of this world. We visited the former capital of Basilan, Isabela City, to know more about the people and of course, the food. It is considered a melting pot of people coming from different cultures and backgrounds so we are in for a gastronomic treat!
Erwan Heussaff is back in the islands and he’s sharing the untold secrets of this area of the Philippines. What will he unravel during this visit? Watch until the end of this first of a two-part travel guide to Basilan NOW!
For those who would like to visit the city, you may get in touch with the local government office:
Isabela City Tourism Office
09614578092
[e-mail]
isabelacityt...
Jump to:
(0:00) Intro
(1:25) Basilan
(4:00) Fresh Catch of the Day, Freediving
(10:38) Tasting the Food
(18:10) Sightseeing, Beachside Cooking
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The Fat Kid Inside Studios
Erwan Heussaff - Founder
Kashka Gaddi - Content Producer
Eamonn Quizon - Cinematographer
Edel Cayetano - Story Producer
Harold Singzon - Story Producer
Mary Lournette Baligod - Story Producer
Kleo Balares - Editorial Producer
Hans Rivera - Multimedia Producer
Julius Rivera - Camera Operator
Steven Sune - Editor
Lorraine Santos - Editor
Dana Blaze - Editor
Ivan Christian Cocjin - Editor
Martin Narisma - Food Editor
Kathryna de Bustos - Content Manager
Chester Velasco - Production Assistant
Kevin Amponin - Production Assistant
Dustin Dagamac - Colorist
Sofia Paderes - Graphic Designer
Kim Manuel - Graphic Designer
Roanne Salvacion - Accountant
Donalyn Aranda - Accounting Assistant
Interns:
Patricia Beatrice Te Seng
Social Media:
/ featrmedia
/ featrmedia
/ featrmedia
/ erwan
/ erwanheussaff

[@angeloooooo]

I'd heard of Basilan before, but I had no idea how beautiful the place and its people are. This is why I love this channel so much! This dispels the stereotypes and prejudices regarding the places in Mindanao. Truly, there are many beautiful places in the Philippines that are less known to the public, and somehow, worth gatekeeping for. Kudos to Erwan and the entire team!

[@Dino-pk5hc]

oh really ? Im sure they went there with LOTS of bodyguards and stayed only for an hour LOL ... nice try hahaha

[@DavidCarloAFermo]

​@@Dino-pk5hcit's been relatively stable since barmm.

[@marlindagomez5766]

​@@DavidCarloAFermoZamboanga City is part of Barmm.

[@fionaebrole6632]

@@marlindagomez5766 we are not under BARMM, I am from Zamboanga city.

[@marlindagomez5766]

@@fionaebrole6632 You will be part soon, since Zamboanga City is now 40% Islamic. You have the fastest growing Muslim population than any other cities outside BARMM. Muslims have high child birth while Christians in Zamboanga have low fertility rate. I been to your city and I feel like I'm in Pakistan, sadly it is supposed to be Asia's Latin City but Tausug language is becoming visible. 😢

[@angelo_arcangel]

Department of Tourism needs to support this Team for promoting the country's cultural diversities in world class quality documentaries. Kudos FEATR.

[@ianendangan7462]

May targets na sarili ang DOT. Si kulas ng Becoming Filipino na tap nila ng Sulu LGU Govt of Tourism. Anong meron kay Kulas na wala kay Erwan. On the ground ang videos ni Kulas at di halatang scripted.

[@hippomonsterboy]

Hindi nila kukunin si Erwan kasi favorite nila ang tuta nilang si Paul Soriano.

[@angelo_arcangel]

@@hippomonsterboy Please stop making this section political. None were mentioned primarily Sir/Madam neither this channel never promotes such topic.

[@marurez5908]

Feature nyo rin Sultan Kudarat. Miski mga taga Mindanao di gaano napropromote ang probinsya na yun. Curious lang. Ewan ko kung bakit. Sabi nila liblib na probinsya daw yun. Konti lang mga daan. Palagi nila sinasabi na maganda sa CDO, Davao at Bukidnon.

[@engr.EMgaca]

The same thought people

[@tonwins11]

I am an Igorot was born and raised in Basilan and lived till high school. Now living in La Trinidad, Benguet. Your docus and Kulas' journeys really made me miss my hometown. And yes, if it were not of the peace and order, Mindanao, in general, is so beautiful. Thank you. PS: Erwan's intro was well written. Magsukol!

[@nikkodaanoy6798]

Its amazing that Erwan used the term ethno-linguistic group rather than tribe, when referring to the Yakan/Yakal, an indigeneous group. Thank you for that. I hope that my fellow Filipinos, especially those in the media will follow-through in using that term over the term, tribe.

[@ronaldcarrillo5524]

Dude I admire your resilience in treading roads less traveled. To unearth the calming beauty of Basilian and the Muslim culture is so profound. Looking forward to more discoveries!

[@esb47]

This is one of the reason why I love to watch Erwan's vlog...promoting our tourism! Good Job.

[@belisarius1]

Peace in Mindanao, so ALL of us Filipinos can move forward. I hope they get to prosper and show their beautiful culture and islands.

[@janesandoval9325]

It takes a lot of courage to feature this place .Keep on promoting the culture and places of thr South.#proudMindanaohere

[@marlindagomez5766]

Proud Christian Mindanao

[@annearellano0904]

I CAN'T UNSEE DAHLIAAAAA. Thanks Erwan and FEATR TEAM for bragging our country!

[@iamasdee2324]

The LEGIT CONTENT CREATOR in the Philippines

[@fionaebrole6632]

I agree

[@isle143]

I love this channel. Not just marathon eating but also educational. I learned about how other cultures within the Philippines prepare & eat their food. Proud to be Pinoy. ♥️🇵🇭

[@starryeyed252]

These people, the people of Basilan, truly makes me proud as Filipino. I hope they continue to pass their traditions to the next. And one day, I hope I get to visit this paradise. Much love from Seattle. 🧡✨✨✨

[@MIGS0513]

Wow, this video about Basilan is absolutely mind-blowing! As someone who recently had the chance to explore Lamitan and Isabela Cities earlier this year, I was left in awe of the beauty and hidden gems this island province holds. However, I knew there was so much more to discover, and this video just made it possible for me to witness it all from the comfort of my screen. The stunning visuals and captivating storytelling truly transported me back to Basilan, evoking memories of my own adventures. From its rich cultural heritage to its breathtaking landscapes, every frame of this video highlighted the true essence and charm of the province. After watching this video I am really inspired to back to Basilan again.

[@pattrickmerete]

Basilan is a place that makes us wonder if we are still in the Philippines. The food, the people, and the rich and vibrant culture are all so different from what you would find in other parts of the country. It's a fascinating place to explore and learn about, and I wish we had more time to do so. I know someday, the stigma, the fear about Basilan and Mindanao in general would change.

[@MrMrsTab]

Thank you FEATR for featuring the beautiful unexplored areas of the Philippines. Saying that Philippines is a beautiful country is an understatement. Breathtaking beaches and amazing culture, never thought Basilan is a gem

[@ratapol07]

And for the nth time, FEATR is FEATRing again!!! Kudos!!! Will never get tired of watching this kind of series and everything y'all put out here. Sobrang ganda nito!!!

[@ronmel1661]

Heard of Basilan from my dad’s military days. One thing always stood out in his stories, the beautiful beaches and fresh seafood. Thanks for bringing in the visuals. Want to travel there one day :)

[@melai7459]

Thank you for promoting Filipino food and culture through these topnotch videos you post! You and the whole team really deserve that James Beard Award. Congratulations!

[@junj.20]

This is worth watching. Clear narrative, well-spoken host, and walang patirik-tirik ng mga mata while tasting the food. Congrats!

[@altonjan90]

Haha. Patiriktirik ng mata ahaha

[@shaunsantos8204]

This should be on Netflix, Disney + and other streaming channel. It makes me proud to be a Filipino when I’m watching your videos/documentary highlighting our different cultures, diversity, breathtaking places, and the beautiful, generous people you meet along the way. Thank you Erwan & Featr Team! ❤

[@christianjayreyes8839]

Erwan or Feat R deserve a TV Show showing the beauty of the Philippines

[@Karendisima]

By far one of my favorite episode. Thank you for celebrating and showcasing the indigenous cultures in our country.

[@markanthonyyubili3340]

Erwan for President of the Philippines! Thank you for exploring and introducing Basilan to all of us!

[@caicaia]

Thank you Erwan and the whole FEATR team for showcasing the beauty and the culture and traditions of our kababayans from this province. Thank you for sharing your time there, as we may not all be able to experience that and thank you for engaging with the locals. Ang ganda ng Pilipinas!

[@jnuevo61]

Never knew BASILAN could be this beautiful .

[@clarence_211]

This documentary is very raw... Very well explained at alam mo yun, kahit English gamit ni Erwan I can still understand it Kasi Hindi pilit.... Good job to this team

[@CrismayRamos]

Proud Basileña here 🙌. Thank you so much Sir Mr. Erwan for this FEATR... So much love for this...

[@CrismayRamos]

Something to be proud of as a Basileña... My heart is full... ❤

[@abegailannelantican]

This youtube channel really calms me. 😌

[@silversurfer1781]

Relate!

[@joeborromeo]

I should say it does the same to me 👍

[@jerardaraza3735]

True 😊

[@user-xd2oy6ui5e]

How beautiful and really inspiring. This is something that makes me wanna explore different parts of our country especially the off-the-beaten path locations such as Basilan. Kudos to you and the whole production. 💙

[@ry.aighty]

POV: 9:40 you just had your first free diving/scuba diving 😅, Just got back from a month vacation, but watching this video makes me want to explore another island already! Love how they entice you to visit this place!

[@featrmedia]

Struggle was real hahah thanks for watching until the end!

[@eatravelogue]

This kind of documentary is what I love about this channel. Keep creating more! 🧡 Erwan is the one I look up to in my content creation journey.

[@unoblock3296]

I have been to Basilan several years back. I like its pristine beaches and cheap seafoods. Good that Erwan went there to promote the tourism of the province. I wont forget seeing the egg of the pawikan when I was there. Hope people will come and visit the place.

[@financiallyblondeph6787]

Went to Basilan last April just for a day trip (we stayed in Zamboanga). We barely scratched the surface. What a great feature Erwan and team! Amazing Basilan indeed 😍

[@gg_Javier]

Erwan & FEATR team: I'm running out of ways to describe your AAAMAZZZING vlogs and vids. They are simply the BESTEST ever! 👏👏👏 Educational. Informative. Historical. Musical. Breath-taking. Heart-rending. Thought-provoking. Well-narrated. Delicious. Colorful. Inspiring. Indeed, a Feast for one's heart, mind, senses and soul!! ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ Every post you make is a GIFT, Erwan & Team. 💝 I'm forever grateful. Wishing y'all abundant blessings and fortune.

[@rosaliearienda-jose9966]

It’s very heart warming to see the whole community had come together, the women who devoted their time shared and expertise in the kitchen, this must be a very prideful moment for them to showcase their culinary snd culture.

[@enzotriguero21]

Went to Basilan for work last year and watching this video made me miss the place, the food and the people

[@kristeljanematining5918]

When you heard the place Basilan you'll think that there is always conflict but the place, people and culture is a truly a gem 💎

[@cheetomanuel]

Salamat for showcasing these beautiful localities, indigenous people and their culture and traditions. I have not known this much about Basilan until I come across your video. Hope Mindanao would open its doors to tourism but not to the extent of commercialism.

[@jacekmaraj1774]

Absolutely phenomenal. FEATR deserves all the national recognition. ive learnt a lot more on this channel than Pinoy tv

[@benpadero]

hey erwan and team featr. congratulations on the james beard award. this also means a lot to us as viewers because we always found your videos inspiring and culturally valuable as it is. and to be recognized internationally like that is great but it's also icing on the cake (and also, as a fan of top chef im freaking out, james beard awardee na kayo). so, still amazing. haha. again, congratulations and continue this advocacy on highlighting the various food cultures in the phils and staying true to yourself.

[@ricanodado4940]

Thank you for showing the beauty of my province, BASILAN ❤️

[@melodybermejo6316]

Always interesting stories, foods and places. Kudos Erwan and Team 🥰

[@martdi89]

THAT INTRO WRITE UP IS SUCH A MASTERPIECE!!!

[@EnglishLearnersHere]

Superb storytelling! Great analysis of Basilan's history and culture! Enjoyed your excellent video! ❤ Love the delicious food! Basilan is so beautiful! The people are amazing!

[@ruelgrubio]

The sounds truly reflects the identity of Basilan,hurrahhh! Awesome team FEATR! May you succeed more on your future endeavors, amazing content!

[@wankei2011]

I remember spending my summers there visiting relatives. The province has prospered since. I miss the untouched beaches and attending weddings that last up to 3 days...

[@kirktanilon7383]

He is my favorite storyteller.😻

[@TinTinIam]

FEATR (led by Erwan💗) videos are always worth watching! 🌟

[@eclipixnova]

I admire the generosity of this team. Salute to Erwan for gracing us these high quality content. For sure they've been offered by Big networks and they could have been earning more already by featuring Erwan's celebrity family and friends. But he isn't even after the views. His passion and vision is really one of a kind.

[@shahani6037]

I love what you guys do. Beautiful stories, man. I miss the islands!!!!

[@gracedaniel7322]

Never imagine how beautiful basilan is ♥️

[@pinknest2001]

You are so amazing! to take time and effort to discover these gems and share them with us! It can't be called anything but Philippines Untold! Bravo!!!

[@MoonaLoona8]

The woman's voice breaking also broke me. Oh, my heart. hank you for this, Erwan and Featr team. From a Zamboanguena now Manila-based, I truly miss home and everything else we do not get to see at our neighboring islands.

[@czar7507]

my mother is from Lamitan.Basilan napaka ganda talaga jan,specially the beach food is amazing mababait yung mga tao..

[@joeborromeo]

Amazing, beautiful...Kudos to you Erwan and your FEATR team for always giving us insightful glimpses of the Philippines' very diverse culture, cuisine and natural beauty.

[@monettebautista9468]

Basilan is my hometown❤❤❤ It is really overwhelming na na feature niyo po Basilan. Thank you Sir Erwan🎉😊

[@dionisiopobre88]

Lost the chance to visit this place and region decades back but this vlog provides virtual insight of the sights and culture to the viewers as in lieu of their personal presence. Congratulations for winning the social media account of the James Beard Foundation awards. 🤘

[@user-gu1wc7rk6b]

Thanks for this Erwan and FEATR. Basilan was one of my mama's fave place in Mindanao when she was still doing her very small business. too sad, she didn't have a camera and photos way back decades ago. she wanted to revisit Basilan and Zamboanga and bring me there to experience their culture and see how lovely the place is, but pandemic. she died months ago, so it won't happen anymore. but thanks to this, I get to see a glimpse of what my mama had experienced there.

[@antoniojroro8194]

Amazing story! Erwan and Drew Arellano collaboration please!

[@KenKen-sq1gw]

Happy to see someone like with this type of vlog showing the n true meaning of Filipino n Philippines as one. Thanks for showcasing my hometown Basilan n isebela. I'm proud yakan n the original of Basilan ❤❤❤❤

[@mayperez1003]

The food that were prepared are all delicious! He's right! Having first hand experiences on how and where the food on the table comes from gives a new perspective on each first bite. This made me crave 🤤 Missing the food in the south ❤❤❤

[@vanP591]

Ang ganda! Ang daming maooffer pa mg Mindanao. Beaches, mountains, caves, forests, food, and people and culture . Nasira lang talaga image ng Mindanao dahil sa gulo. Pero it seems like peaceful naman na ang island. Hoping to visit one day. And hoping na magboom ang tourism industry ng island of Mindanao

[@melanygamos]

Wow! Astig! Tapang NG team nyo :) thank you for your effort in promoting our culture. Ang Alam ko lang as Basilan ay yung mga may baril.. Ang Ganda pala NG Lugar nila:)

[@unclelao6882]

Thanks man for sharing the wonders of PH . i do not have the chance to go there . but with this video i enjoyed and once again be proud how beautiful our country is

[@veejaydulap5179]

Erwan, this is such an amazing content. I've been watching your content that shows deeper perspective in the Philippines, culture in different lense, and I love how you use the exact words to describe this place. Can't wait to see more of this.

[@shercastillo9887]

I dont skip the add. This team deserve the monetary earning from the add. Kudos Erwan and the rest of your team.

[@JL-qj4pi]

Great video! Glad you are doing what you can to highlight different Filipino cultures.

[@TheChuiShow]

This amazing Erwan and Featr! Basilan is beautiful!

[@TambayNaMaotPa]

Thanks for featuring our very own Basilan, Erwan and the team. ❤

[@NN-gx9ro]

Congratulations on your James Beard award! Well deserved! 🎉

[@sekreuzdeor2539]

amazing HIGH QUALITY content

[@yajm.8147]

Wow the people are amazing, the place is amazing. I am happy for Basilan.

[@muhibmohammad4616]

I am learning so much about my own culture/tribe through your contents, Erwan. (being born and raised in Manila) I really appreciate you going above and beyond on showing us Filipinos that there is more to explore in our own country. You have been my favorite content creator ever since.

[@enricolegados8386]

I grew up in Basilan ( Lamitan Area ) then became a military back 1979 / 82 as platoon leader with the Phil. Marine corp assigned on that place itself. Thank you to FPRRD he brought peace in Mindanao since he know the real problem occurred beside's being a mindanaon also.

[@chindee8176]

Thank you so much, Erwan for showing the beauty of Mindanao. All the best to you and God bless you

[@pearlyxtv2018]

Erwan ( FEATR) I Appreciate u thankz for visit us in MINDANAO

[@yvadroberts182]

This really makes me wanna pack my backpack and start my adventures to Basilan.

[@manilyncobilla1490]

Wow! This makes me get excited to go to Mindanao 😍. Thanks for these awesome features, FEATR.

[@cutiebonz]

Isa sa pangarap kong gusto mong puntahan yung Basilan namin, welcome poh 🥰♥️🖤🖤

[@mayetdomasin1968]

Worth watching for. God bless erwan & team🙏

[@HarveyG.]

This video is really well made, from the shots, music, naration and features is really on point. Basilan is a gem in rough hoping the government will try to develop more this area.

[@kimberly9197]

Wowww my hometown watching from kaula lumpur..

[@camretoots7292]

Thank you sir for featuring Baselan I’m excited for the next video

[@dabregs]

Erwan’s video is something that I smash the like 👍 button first even if I haven’t watch it yet ❤

[@Duthay]

Wow! Beautiful Marang-Marang Women! How I wish I could taste their food 🙂

[@JinkyBajar01]

Love this! Love you Erwan!! 🤍🤍😍😍

[@maerheamahinay6413]

Its so nice to know that you really came back to Basilan and explore their culture, foods and the beautiful people and places. Its an Island that has soooo much to offer! I love Basilan❤ I lived in Maluso, Basilan for a short period I can say I can live there forever because of the rich nature different variety of foods and so many Islands around with white sand with a very healthy sea I also miss the best sunset everyday in Maluso Basilan❤❤❤

[@aloha_pilipinas]

Great piece @featr keep up the great work!!!

[@loprease6082]

Ang ganda talaga ng Pilipinas 😍

[@cocouno]

Amazing vlog!Thank you Erwan and Featr team!

[@themediterraneanguy]

GREAT video content, very informative, I enjoyed exploring. Really thanks for sharing.

[@conniemw4886]

Amazing!Thank you for highlighting this part of Mindanao.

[@patriciamaearaquel7274]

21 mins. passed without me knowing.and usual, beautiful video.

[@ayrasanmiguel9363]

Yay! New Vlog from my favorite KZbin Channel🎉❤❤❤

[@benggalang9833]

Thanks Sir Erwan and your team. Godbless you more po💖

[@isteplegaria3458]

❤ it. So beautiful 😍 Looking forward for the part 2

[@JojoTagudin]

Thank you for this series.

[@BigMike88]

Been loving your content @erwan keep it up kid🔥💪

[@moannajanicasenoc6915]

My heart is full watching this.