Is it SAFE to visit BASILAN?

My last day on Basilan was by far the most interesting. I visited a Bajau Village on the sea and meet with a Senior Police Officer to discuss the safety and security situation on Basilan now. And, of course, I had something interesting to eat.
0:00 Intro and Bajau Sea Village
8:01 Satti Restaurant
10:24 Hotel reviews
12:35 Meeting with police
19:42 Final comments
Here's a great idea, if you'd like to show some love for the Channel, why not buy me a coffee at: www.buymeacoff...
If you like the music I've been using in my videos and want to avoid copyright strikes and legal problems you can do as I have done and subscribe for $15 a month to Epidemic Sound. They have a huge music library. The offer is explained below and if you decide to partake I will recieve a free month on my subscription at no extra cost to your good selves.
The offer:
A 60-day free trial by clicking on the personal referral link below.
Valid from March 20 until 31 2023
Valid for either Personal Plan or Commercial Plan, for new users only.
www.epidemicso...
++++++Don't forget to Like and Subscribe for updates on all new videos ++++++
🔴 SUBSCRIBE here ▶ www.youtube.co...
🔔TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS FOR UPDATES🔔
🔴 Come and join my Facebook group ▶ / marshallbuttersvlogs
🔴 For business or collaboration enquiries please email to [e-mail]

[@Badjao_Outreach]

I first visited Basilan in 2014 and have made several additional trips since then, primarily to Isabela City and Maluso. While the safety and security situation on the island has improved in recent years, I would have to respectfully disagree with MSG Mariano when he suggests all of Basilan is safe for tourists. There are still some areas, mostly in the southern and eastern parts, where frequent clashes between government forces and militant groups continue to occur. Also, the Abu Sayyaf group, while greatly diminished in strength, still has active members in Basilan who are capable of carrying out attacks and kidnappings pretty much anywhere on the island at any time. I'm not saying this to discourage anyone from visiting Basilan, but it's important to know that there are limits on where foreign tourists can safely go. For those who do decide to make the trip, it's imperative that you coordinate your visit with the tourism office or the LGU of the city or town you plan to visit prior to going there.

[@marshallbuttersvlogs6880]

Yes, I agree entirely. It's important to contact the Tourist Office and ask them to give your itinerary to the police especially if you intend to go outside the two main cities of Isabella and Lamitan - which I wouldn't recommend doing just yet.

[@thesocialspectrum2464]

Salute to one of the bravest vloggers I know who set foot in one of the most unpredictable places in the world.. hats off to you marshall.. you have my respect and admiration

[@thewannabevlogger71]

Fantastic Vlog, loved it. This is what real travellers do...

[@BobInTheUSA]

I am American, I lived in Davao City for 20 years. I visited Isabella City, Basilan in 2008. There were no hotels in Isabella at that time. I also went to Tawi Tawi on the same trip. Tawi Tawi is more undeveloped. I have such fond memories of that adventure! I am enjoying your channel!

[@ianendangan7462]

I hated the mainstream media how they portray ARMM as a dangerous place. I thank you for the video though Kulas was mentioned here we must not forget Kumander Daot and the Tourism Office for the effort making the Island a real peaceful place.

[@CheikoSairin]

A location rarely visited by foreign tourists and thank you for taking us to see the real world of Basilan. I am very excited about your trip. Big LIKE for your video. Greeting from Singapore.

[@ernestayathuray7395]

moving along we have the incredible mr butters making waves yet again👍🏼👍🏼🍻

[@geridayao8924]

I think the P700 fee for having your own personal guide is already a treat. It also gives confidence to tourists to explore more places.

[@marshallbuttersvlogs6880]

Yes it is and a very good idea too. If anyone is thinking of going to Basilan please consider getting a local tour guide. It creates employment for local people and keeps you safe and gives you a hassle-free holiday in a beautiful Basilan.

[@flightlieutenant6902]

​@@marshallbuttersvlogs6880Great idea 😊👍🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺

[@Melways007]

Great video Marshall. I have been a subscriber from the early days. I for one appreciate the effort you are making and how much your editing skills have improved. Keep it up mate.

[@kykyzim24]

Some of your best work, Ive been liking this series, like the in depth touch on Zamboanga. a lot ..

[@LeahandBlair]

I enjoyed this vlog

[@marshallbuttersvlogs6880]

Thanks mate.

[@MIKEBURROWS1]

That was a superb vlog and just as good as anything the National Geographic Channel could put out, looking forward to the next one.

[@nightwing4065]

Whoa, you got to visit the Bajau people, the sea-nomads of the Philippines! VERY EPIC! 👍

[@kevinnashskitchen3517]

Very cool brother! Nice showing us the area.. Good work !

[@caloy1206]

By saying that you need to be monitored by Police when going around Basilan means its not 100% safe. But you need to take risk to experience Greatness.

[@johnenriquez1439]

With so much cultural diversity within the Philippines, I've always a point that a person will need lifetime to discover and fully comprehend the country. Do you think so? By the way, very nice touch on the ethereal background music.

[@georgeacenas2349]

Yank born Filipino here and admire you and all brave bloggers who have been to the Proud Moroland. I would recommend all to refer to the "Badjau" as Sama. I could be wrong but Badjau might be pejorative. I would love to taste that satti. My hope is that respectful tourism is integrated to Sulu. This would be on a few levels, waste disposal, plan for infrastructure stress, etc. Finally, modest tourist conduct would be in order just as was requested by our Indonesian- Malaysian cousins for their regions. P.S. Dude, you did your research to thank my cousins in dialect, "Magsukul." Subscribed, mate. Mabuhay!

[@marshallbuttersvlogs6880]

Thanks George.

[@minervagracefernandez]

Hi marshal,how are you today? This is Jun Fernandez I’m using my wife iPhone.nice to see you

[@flightlieutenant6902]

Another Great Vlog Marshall 😊👍🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺 I think you're the first Australian who visited the BAJAU 's suburb there in Basilan . Good on you mate . Many thanks for sharing . Cheers!😊🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺.

[@jameslonergan5840]

Thanks for the tour of the village and information.

[@chessmaster9842]

I think the Department of Tourism should be the one to inform people if Basilan or Mindanao is safe for tourist.

[@marshallbuttersvlogs6880]

Good call.

[@carlosong6572]

Thank you Marshall for your courage and dedication to show to the world the real situation now in Basilan to clear the bad reputation that the place used to be A big salute and may God bless you in all of 20:18 your journeys

[@JanJan-th4bv]

I am from Basilan. It is pretty much safe to travel and tour around the island. But just to be in a lot safer side, always, AS IN ALWAYS, coordinate with the tourism office/s and authorities, so you could be properly guided and monitored.

[@marshallbuttersvlogs6880]

Yes, That's what I've been saying to everyone. Follow the protocols. Which is, in Basilan, liaise with the Tourism Offices of the Cities/ Towns that you intend to visit and let them guide you as to where to stay and what to do. Thank you for your comment my friend.

[@abubakaralah-kh8tn]

Yes there must always coordination to be made by any tourists who will visit Basilan. Coordinate with the LGU and its tourism officer so you will be guarded safely... What matters here is safety of our visitors so we can attract foreign investors to invest..

[@mondschamita6123]

Having a tourist guide makes you think its not really that safe..but looking back from previous years ..somehow it has definitely improved 👍✌️

[@marshallbuttersvlogs6880]

I'd recommend getting a Tour Guide on Basilan.

[@nestorluna8062]

So much respect to you , getting and roaming to that area is not easy .May peace progress in mindanao.The people and foods are very to similar Indonesia and Malaysia , the Malay Race.

[@mtownz6215]

I'm from U.S and I never trust their Travel advisory. I remember a long time ago they mentioned Malaysia is not good for tourist safety. I went and had the best time of my life. Friendly people. Great food. Do your own research.

[@alickak8346]

This is the place i would visit in January .. when i was in Zamboanga city the Tax driver told me not safe to go to Basilan and also warned me to be careful in Zamboanga city also..

[@nolorosales]

I went to Tawi tawi and experienced a little Badjao culture there, as we stayed with a family we met on a boat we rode there. I'd love to visit Basilan. Glad to know it's safe. More power!

[@munirbatah5910]

I really miss my hometown 🥰

[@abubakaralah-kh8tn]

As long as there is prior coordination being made for a tourist either foreign or local tourists then there is no problem regarding their safety...Tourists will be provided security by local pnp or afp as long as coordination has been made with LGU in the island.

[@JABM-AU]

I personally think that since the Marawi siege where the majority of the religious fanatic who joined the war are gone. The rest of southern provinces that were dangerous before are slowly getting better and safer.

[@Tom-mx4li]

The bajao did not eat meat from pig.

[@gamerwits4329]

Gud eve man

[@nyfilipina]

Thank you Marshall for your advice on Basilan.....Kulas Kyle Jennermann from Becoming Filipino Vlog also suggests finding a tour guide to guide anyone around.....I'm not ready to go to Basilan just yet, but when I do I will definitely hire a tour guide...... It is my understanding that the Bajau people are all over Southeast Asia, not only in the Southern Philippines......Vlogger Nelly saw the Bajau people in Malaysia a few months ago.....

[@humility387]

legend

[@bmmb8462]

Although encouraging, I could still sense some apprehension from the police when it came to uncoordinated tourism in the area. I also think it was a bit irresponsible for him to say unqualifiedly that all areas of Basilan are safe for tourists. It might give the impression that you can come and explore just as you would cebu, bohol etc. While am glad that tourism is picking up, Basilan and the neigboring provinces should still be treated as a class of its own.

[@Badjao_Outreach]

I agree. Perhaps there was something lost in translation during the exchange between Marshall and MSG Mariano, but I know for certain that there are other local and government officials that would disagree that all of Basilan is safe for tourists.

[@nolorosales]

Loved your monastic room in Isabela! haha

[@pearlyshell5775]

Enjoy the trip but stay safe Marshall!

[@kevinnashskitchen3517]

Should be able to find some of those people shopping or selling fish somewhere . But you lose the effect by not being out by the housing area.

[@alannavx]

Were you able to see Malamawi White Beach?

[@marshallbuttersvlogs6880]

My mission lead me to other places haha

[@alannavx]

@@marshallbuttersvlogs6880 Too bad. Maybe next time. Place is well-worth it.

[@mrq8402]

The water town reminds me of Brunei.

[@ambiecutler3263]

I love the Badjao park their boats it's like a garage and now the houses kept it clean maybe efforts from the Barangay itself

[@eugeniogonzalez5651]

😊

[@maritesvlogs96]

Another brave trip.They live in the water all their lives.

[@michaelnettleship3794]

You showed us another side of the Phillipines thank you 👍🏻

[@caloy1206]

When u visit us here in Singapore...u remember we went to place called Lau Pa Sat...where the Satay are being grilled on the street? Satay and Satii should be the same.

[@marshallbuttersvlogs6880]

They are a bit similar.

[@mmontalvan1848]

Always enjoy our country Sir, hope you can travel with Kumander Daot someday, so you can have more viewers. GOD speed .___.

[@chessmaster9842]

Philippines boat shouls be like that, a colorful one.

[@edr_tv]

❤❤❤ Keep safe sir

[@mamoojengvlog7009]

Correction sir those people you can see is not all Badjaos🙉 our houses is there and we're proud SAMAL BANGINGI🙋‍♀️🇸🇦

[@marshallbuttersvlogs6880]

My apologies sir. I was not aware, until you told me. I've since read a bit about the Samal Bangingi and found it fascinating. I will explore more when I'm next in the Zamboanga region. Thank you.

[@oxoelfoxo]

Now I'm curious about that hotel you were advised not to use... I remember a friend going to Legaspi and regretting that she had booked her hotel. She said she'd have done better to just get a place when she arrives since Agoda or Booking photos and reviews can be very misleading. I think when visiting the provinces that's definitely an option, esp. if you're in touch with locals.

[@marshallbuttersvlogs6880]

Not a good idea when you don't know what's on the ground. I had no idea what to expect but, I knew it would be relatively undeveloped. That thinking can be an option, say, in Manila or Cebu but, not in Isabella. What if you got there and the few hotels there are were all booked out? No Ministop or 7 Eleven to snooze in... But, thanks as always for your insightful comments my friend. I regard you contributions very highly and look forward to them.

[@oxoelfoxo]

@@marshallbuttersvlogs6880 unless there's an event/festival I think it's very unlikely that all rooms are booked in small cities. but if an LGU or local invites you, ask them if you need to book ahead or where they recommend you stay since they'll know best

[@ernestogimpes569]

Very safe to livein ❤❤❤ its like paradise

[@ashesfrombones]

wait... so the the chicken heart is quite livery... does that mean the chicken liver is quite hearty?

[@tubescapes]

Nice. I thought that the place is dangerous due to what is shown in the news before

[@jeffuk3940]

I have been to the Philippines 22 times including 2 trips to mindano Davao and CDO. But I think that part of Mindano is a bit risky. You don't want to end up in a kidnap situation.

[@acesrusselcloud5676]

Overreacting. Hahaha. Did anything bad happen to them?

[@jeffuk3940]

@@acesrusselcloud5676 No but remember the Two Canadians who were murdered by Islamic insurgents after being kidnapped on Samal Island. The insurgents had travelled 2-300 miles. And took them back to where they had travelled from in Mindano along with a Norwegian and one of the Canadians GF. The 2 Canadians were beheaded the Norwegian survived after his government paid the ransom. The Filipina was released. Samal is considered as a safe part of Mindano. Where Marshall went was risky, but at least he was escorted.. I actually went to Samal in 2012. But obviously they were in the wrong place at the wrong time.

[@pretamall]

I see a lot of women without hijab?...i hope i can visit basilan in the future

[@dongshengdi773]

Earthquake Run run run

[@SirChefsVlogs01]

Breaking the phobia and bad reputation in Mindanao because of the wars that had happened in the past between the Philippine government forces against the muslim rebels

[@Tom-mx4li]

Bajao people another group of indiginous people in Philippines, they are not muslim or moros but they had another God their God is only voice which they did not see they pray and worship through ritual. Some filipino people discrimanate them and not consider as Filipino. The Bajao living in water.

[@hontiveros1445]

i think cotabato city is much more dangerous place than zambaonga or sulu o basilan island .. because basilan o sulu island are only a market place for rebel or terrorist group , but cotabato is the residential area and breeding ground for terrorist and rebels.

[@rhadzlucilla9642]

Don't risk your life

[@kevinnashskitchen3517]

I don't know why they can't stick an old motor cycle muffler on those boat motor exhaust pipes.. Irritating 😂😂

[@marshallbuttersvlogs6880]

Yep, extremely noisey.

[@muhjm1946]

The video is fantastic, the music was not the best.

[@marshallbuttersvlogs6880]

Fair enough. I thought the music added a hauntingly beautiful tone to quiet sea-streets of the village. Maybe I got it wrong.

[@jayfallurin1585]

@Marshall Butters Vlogs ..no worries, I appreciate nit

[@The-lefthandeddoc]

As long as u are far from abu sayaf all good