FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF BASILAN (Philippines Misunderstood Paradise?)

BASILAN.
What does the name mean to you?
I went there to find out. These are my first impressions of what might be the Philippines' most misunderstood island.
Tausug, Yakan, Sama, Badjao, Chavacano, Bisaya and many other sub-groups meet in the City of Isabela de Basilan. And this city is so vibrant, so fascinating, and so stunning.
The energy here is unmatched.
Join me as I take a trip by boat, passing the mangroves, the world class white sand beaches, and the local communities that make up this energetic island. And then, join sleep deprived me as I visit some of the local craftsmen who keep centuries-old traditions alive.
** PLEASE NOTE: It is not a good idea to travel here alone. I strongly encourage you to go through the Isabela City Tourism Office - / isabelacitytourism
================
Follow me on FACEBOOK - / kumanderd
Daily updates on INSTAGRAM - / kumanderdaot
If you want to EMAIL ME - [e-mail]
Support me on PATREON - as little as $5 a month helps me create better content!
/ kumanderdaot
FIVE THIRSTY MERCHANDISE AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE!
Get it here - my-store-b5f1f...
LIKE MY MUSIC? Get a free one month trial of Epidemic Sound. This helps me out too!
www.epidemicso...
INTERNATIONAL MONEY TRANSFER - I use Wise (formerly TransferWise). It is the simplest, cheapest (most of the time!) and even gives you a digital bank account, and in some countries a debit card!
GET A FREE TRANSFER (up to £500/equivalent): wi.se/kdaot
--
00:00 Intro
01:01 Ferry Ride Zamboanga City to Isabela, Basilan
01:56 Arrival into Isabela
02:45 First Steps On Basilan
03:14 Badjao "Kumander Liponan"
05:18 You Seem Familiar (Kulas)
06:12 Boat Trip To The Mangroves
08:14 Marang-Marang Sama Banguigi Community
08:49 Traditional Snacks
10:21 Pang-Alay Traditional Dance
12:06 Crossing The Mangroves
14:01 Malamawi Beach (Insanely Beautiful)
16:55 Making More New Friends
18:27 Tausug Bolo Maker
20:04 Yakan Weavers
22:59 Reflections On Basilan

[@BecomingFilipino]

THANK YOU FOR COMING OVER BRO!! What an awesome day!

[@rexmascarina2169]

Hopefully other foreign vloger will follow you guys.

[@KumanderDaot]

What an awesome day!

[@AngryKittens]

@@rexmascarina2169 It's still mostly for local tourism at the moment. As they've said repeatedly, foreigners are still at risk there and need prior coordination with locals to be there. But hopefully it will change in the coming years. These areas are some of the most poverty-stricken areas in the Philippines because of the still relatively recent violence. Which is a shame because it has a very high potential to be prosperous as a tourist destination, not only for the beaches, but the preserved culture.

[@genovevastahlberg4516]

Lol ka kd sigi ko katawa nmo hahahaha

[@michaelmoniza4743]

Loooooow

[@KumanderDaot]

What an amazing, vibrant place! A real eye opener right at the end of Mindanao.

[@thethirdiii]

15:29..OMG.. it madded me seeing that dangerous jump off in the bridge the worst i've ever seen.. What the heck are you thinking and doing? The current still strong and the possibility to slam in the post under the bridge and a long way to swim going back to the seashore.. Daot gani.. 😊

[@KumanderDaot]

@@thethirdiii you know that I don't think before doing haha

[@hbirnalisa]

More collab ni Kulas please. Lingaw mong duha.

[@gregshackelford660]

Awesome vibes KD 😎

[@deanjaspe1035]

OMG! a big slap in the face to our media, Kumander you prove them dead wrong about this beautiful island. You and Kulas are awesome!

[@ronnelacido1711]

Actually, there's still some danger in some parts of Mindanao, basilan included. But it's not as dangerous as mainstream media portray it to be. Sensationalized and exaggerated. There's danger to tourists in every country in the world. Take a local guide to show you around especially if you're not familiar with the place. There will always be people who would take advantage of you if you're naive or don't know any better, so be smart and bring your common sense always.

[@javierreyes6251]

Nakakatuwa ipinakikita nila ang magagandang tanawin ,kultura ng ating bansa,at inaalis nila ang maling paniniwala na magulo at pangit ang lugar na yan.kabaligtaran pala ang lahat.MABUHAY ANG BASILAN ,AT MGA KAPATID NATIN SA MINDANAO NAPAKAGAGANDA NG MGA LUGAR NA NGAYON LAMANG NATIN ,NAMIN NAKIKIKITA👍👍👍❤❤❤😊🥰🥰 sana ay patuloy nating ipakita at ipakilala ang mgagandang lugar ng ating MINDANAO.❤ at mababait nating mga kapatid na mindanaoans

[@halfasian6594]

Most people think Basilan is a dangerous place .thank you for showing how nice people in Basilan .

[@kobeviajero3723]

Thank you Kumander for visiting my hometown! You and Kulas are both Legends. Bless you Guys more.

[@lizaujajun]

Me to very thankful 🙏 bicouse i show my hometown here🥰

[@ronnienestor]

It is so rare for foreign tourists to vlog about this island or this region. Thanks for sharing the beautiful island to the world.

[@scoc253]

_you are killing your intro narration. much better than any other local mainstream media travel journalist. you always wow me with that accent and style of narration to compliment those cut scene sequence. never thought you would be a great vlogger. lez get it kumander!_

[@RADTECHLAAGAN]

Thank you so much Kumander Daot for Featuring Our Place 🥰 keep safe♥️♥️ Little history about Basilan Basilan was called before BasihBalan ”, derived from their legendary weapon called “pira” which was made of basih, meaning iron and balan, meaning magnetic.

[@antoniodayandayan3867]

realy nice place

[@aurorasarmiento5742]

You and Kulas have a blast, enjoying the company of our brothers and the place....thats what misinformation is all about from media......God bless .

[@ellevables]

Beautiful island, beautiful people! I like the way you present Basilan. Honest and not sugar-coating anything. Thanks for sharing!

[@grapesz1085]

Thank you Department of Tourism in Basilan for helping Kumander Daot show the beauty of Isabela City/Basilan, its culture and its people. No doubt Basilan is a tourist destination. The culture is well preserved which the people of the northern Philippines don't know much about. Thanks Kumander Daot for your contribution in showcasing this beautiful place!

[@BongiePilapilMacas]

So proud when Anselm said, " I'm Kumander Daot!"

[@aishah4154]

Ganda pala ng basilan green at linis ng lugar grabe akala ko nakakatakot jan mababait nmn mga tao iba tlga ang karisma mo sir daot at sir kulas

[@paulravina8585]

Thank you kumander daot for visiting my birthplace isabela basilan. But now im already grown up here in davao. Thanx soo much.😁👍

[@gaufrid1956]

Yay Kumander Daot ug Datu Kulas! Maayo kaayo si Mindanao!

[@FreakyChumy]

Basilan in General, which includes Maluso Province, and Isabella is one of the most underrated places to visit here in the Philippines. If you read news, tabloids, etc, and U.S. Travel advisories, they say, "it's not safe to go there", "not safe to visit the place", etc. But in Reality it's one of the best places to visit here in the Country. "Langgas Island" in Maluso (Featured by Kulas) and Malamawi are just 2 of the gorgeous places that anyone should not miss when they travel in there. I went there twice.

[@ajujagriffin5705]

Thank you for showing to the world That mindanao is not bad to visit Remember guys when helicopter Explode in jolo? The people living in the mountain helped the dieng helpless military.....ask me who did and who are the kidnappers i will tell you...... Thank you KD. For promoting mindanao...... take care and kamaya

[@joetandingan6328]

I’ve heard that Basilan is a beautiful place. It is a paradise in itself. I hope to go there someday. Thanks for this great vlog. It is very interesting and informative.

[@emildacomision1045]

Excellent beach White sand and yummy Yummy food 😋 😍 😊

[@donz_view]

you two are legends .. "Becoming Filipino/ Kumander Daot 👌👌🇸🇦🇵🇭

[@mikechan4891]

Really enjoy watching two white guys getting famous in Mindanao. A kumander who vlog about agricultural side in the south and an authentic datu who introduced the beauty of Mindanao.

[@unoblock3296]

The province of Basilan is lush with greenery and has abundant marine resources. I remember for the first time there seeing fresh eggs of the pawikan laid on the sandy shore. Hope that tourists will consider this place as one of their destinations.

[@burningheart1224]

Thank you KD for showing this to the world that Basilan is a paradise and very safe for tourist.

[@MAF1Axxxx]

Wow wee what a place m8. Looking fantastic 👌 Get them beers into ya m8 🍻

[@KumanderDaot]

Get em in ya!

[@clint7291]

This is why, more people will love you channel.

[@vlogsfavorsphileco8788]

Ang ganda naman nitong nature at kultura dito. Peaceful while you visit there. I hope this peace is continuous at any time. Gagaling talaga hugis ng kanilang mga bangka at ang bibilis pa. Nag converge ang dalawang forces ni Filipino Kulas at kumander !

[@LilyGWard]

So glad to see you joined Kulas in Basilan. Yes, I would say I’m one of the people who will be afraid to hear the word Basilan and thanks to you and Kulas that changed. Beautiful local people and beautiful place. Oh and ‘lipunan’ is tagalog for society. 😊

[@antoniodayandayan3867]

Paradise place, first to see the beauty of the people and place.People so friendly and very intertaining

[@tinaraphael9783]

Beautiful Basilan white Beach and friendly people . KD and KULAS you guys are lucky to be in that Island.

[@donniebrasco99]

Fantastic video. You are a brave man, Kumander Daot. But, please, still be very careful, because sometimes appearances can be deceiving in places like this. It is a fact, and not exaggeration like what others are commenting here, that a lot of bad things happened in Basilan in the past. Before, even soldiers were not safe in certain parts of that island if they were not in sufficient numbers and fire support. Just be careful.

[@thethirdiii]

Mao man.. 👌

[@jenptrn]

Love the clear water of Basilan. hope you have your own merch or just wear a personalized shirt of yours so that everybody might see it and will boost your subscribers. Because, you really have a nice content that everybody should watch and see the beauty of Philippines. God bless and more power, kumander!

[@franciscogobi8357]

Kumander Daot is generous too the same with Kulas. Thanks for promoting the misunderstood Philippine paradise in the south.

[@lovesongmusic622]

Wow My hometown... Thanks for visiting Basilan...I miss you Basilan Proud to be Yakan Basileño here

[@Mamsh70]

I'm so glad and proud to see the happy and kind people of Basilan. I loved their smiles, it's a contagious happy smile. Allah bless them more!

[@theworldthroughmywindow90]

Thank you for visiting Zamboanga City and Basilan province.... God Bless you!

[@mariemurillo6172]

I’m so amazed how you can communicate both in Tagalog and Visaya. Most Filipinos can’t even do it, like myself 😃😁

[@KumanderDaot]

My Tagalog is so bad though haha

[@wavemaker2077]

He lives in Davao so learning Cebuano is a must or a priority over Tagalog. As for Tagalog, he has to learn it in order to be able to communicate in other parts of the country that are not bisaya speaking.

[@gabrielmkc8072]

Basilan is so peaceful today because of bangsamoro autonomous law

[@jmomandia]

The name "Kumander Daot" disarms them. And those boats ... they look cool. We should have more of them all over the islands.

[@AkosiBabin]

I miss my home. Thanks for featuring our humble island

[@derfjaos9077]

Basilan is tranquility, mabuhay!

[@robertaschalkhammer3446]

Ohhh, those beautiful children with their big smiles, how they love to interact with you! This vlog is one of my favorites of you. Get one of those awesome boats!! Thanks KD for taking us there. I truly appreciate it.

[@NickyDunn]

Wow. Great intro. Beautiful drone footage. You are a fantastic storyteller. Always good vibes. Great video. Beautiful sunset. Have a great week

[@vieltotoro3602]

Kumander Daot .. I wish I could meet you one of these days!! I really love what you do. You and Kulas are such a lucky person to be able to experience the Philippines. I’ve been trying to travel around the Philippines whenever I get a chance which is so rare . ❤️❤️❤️

[@margaritasun7908]

I know Basilan is geographicaly beautiful , and its people. I was just boat away when I first visited Mindanao. I hope someday , I can. But my on the other side of the coin , iMindanaos natural beauty , especialy on that area is somewhat protected of its negative image from over commercialism of tourism, I wish its natural beauty remains for more generation.

[@RONJENVLOG]

ASSALAMUALAIKUM KUMANDER DAOT YOU ARE SO MUCH WELCOME IN OUR PLACE ,,THANK YOU FOR VISITING BASILAN...

[@KumanderDaot]

Magsukol!

[@RONJENVLOG]

@@KumanderDaot you are always welcome kumander daot you and Kulas will be in our heart we treasure your presence in basilan...GOD BLESS

[@ronnienestor]

Kumander Daot reopened our eyes that Basilan is beautiful and peaceful. The people are so friendly. Salamat. I also praised the vlogger for his visit in Quiapo Muslim community . Cheers from Manila.

[@RONJENVLOG]

@@ronnienestor very much true...

[@estersantosildes447]

Hello Kamander Daot congratulation you're soo blessed to see this part of Philippines. Godbless!

[@luisagarciaedd119]

Thanks kumander Daot.You and Kulas are doing a good job explaining to the world abput the good side of that part of our country.

[@aurelioasoy7798]

It's really peaceful today my friend daot na

[@noelf3312]

The brave and fearless Kumander Daot invaded Basilan and getting loved by the locals 😁

[@tessieshipp2432]

You’re both cute Dancing there native dance hehe…Love that place. Missed my country 🤗👍👍👍🥰 be safe guys

[@santigodelacruz1672]

Thanks for showing or filming basilan how peaceful place it is and how friendly the people are

[@davidwarlock2510]

Been there and it was an amazing experience

[@gericornista8133]

Malanawi beach/resort is incredibly beautiful!! Looks like it's pretty hard to reach too!

[@dindoguiyab9002]

Basilan is where isnilon hapilon came from,the guy who started the marawi seige...you really went there KD! thats very brave of you,you are a very lovable guy so i bet everybody loves you,be safe always KD.thanks for the great vlog.

[@mikemikie8312]

Anselm your great, your love and interest of people is so special Basilan will always remember you .

[@floranteguron3513]

Good job KD keep speaking in tagalog sooner or later u'll get d hang of it. U learned bisaya n u speak it very well so tagalog is no sweat. I'm amazed with their boats in different flashy colors built to glide over water almost with their aerodynamic design...

[@floranteguron3513]

Thanks 4 d ❤ KD! I appreciate ur advice to potential tourists to contact local authorities before visiting d place. That's very considerate on ur part. Be a responsible traveler always. GB 🙏...

[@allanreysambu9721]

its nice to see how friendly and promoting basilan paradise island hope that peace and zero crime rate to uplift the standard of living and provide jobs about tourism.

[@christineparayno4032]

What a special place of Basilian. Thank you Ahnselm for showing us this Basilian.

[@luzswalls8893]

Loving how you vlog as if I am watching a documentary. More pa!

[@teresitacampagna4960]

Another amazing vlog! So good to see you and Kulas in the same vlog. You both are doing a remarkable job of showcasing the beautiful island of Basilan. Your vlog is so entertaining; it always have the elements of a KD vlog- some history, featuring a culture, gastronomic experience, beautiful drone shots, precious interactions with the locals, and most of all, the spontaneous light and hilarious "daot" moments. Thank you for taking us with you on this wonderful trip. Stay safe always.

[@nathanko6654]

Wow so cool. Very few people were able to visit Basilan. Consider yourself lucky.

[@christopherturco650]

18:06 I can see why you want one of those boats. They look so cool and are fast! Glad you had such an amazing time in Isabela de Basilan. Yours and Kulas' videos made me want to go there and experience it for myself. Puhon!

[@NickyDunn]

Hope you are keeping well

[@christopherturco650]

@@NickyDunn Aloha! Even though I haven't been commenting, I've been checking out your videos regularly. Mr. Wigglebutt is getting big. Keep it up with your vlogs and keep making it fun!

[@NickyDunn]

@@christopherturco650 I hope you are ok. Thank you for watching. It would not matter if you did not. Just not seen you in a while on youtube. I hope you are ok, he is a lovely boy. We are very blessed, lovely puppy growing fast

[@christopherturco650]

@@NickyDunn Thanks for your concern and interest. Been going through some life "stuff" - emphasis on "going through." All in all, I'm well. Just don't always get to see vlogs when they first come up, so I don't always comment, or comment early. I keep it positive and keep powering on! God bless!

[@gloriapenano3936]

Basilan is really majestic..hoping a lot of tourist will visit the place

[@ragnaroik]

well done, love to see the communites there come together. And do what matter things of respect and love.

[@oscarlintag315]

Thanks for visiting my Basilan, a very beautiful place.

[@lindafaber2693]

Theyre so welcoming people👌nice experience for you guys🤔

[@joseboriol7987]

idol sir unta mo adto ka sa among lugar sa maligue basilan amping god bless

[@elviramelivo8682]

Wow! Look at how locals welcomed you! I am impressed!

[@jcdgracie]

What an eye opener.. u totally dismantled the wrong perception about the place.. I can’t believe how peaceful it is..❤️❤️🇵🇭👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@igorotanomad]

oh gezzz one of the best video I watched from u again!!! The place and the hospitality and how u put them together in this video is the best to learn and engage with Basilan. Great people u experienced here! I’m envious!!

[@enricoguess6457]

Good luck to you kumander Daot, god bless you all the time while doing your vlog.

[@jemersoncruzlake]

BASILAN!!!!!!!!!!! This is such a beautiful vlog. More food yes!!!!

[@rodelsalatan6994]

Wow all vlogs is about Philippines what a heart buddy we Appreciate so much God bless always thank you

[@fortunatoplaza3970]

Thanks sirs both of you ,you're promoting our island of Basilan ...

[@ronnienestor]

Since kid, i wondered about Sulu and Basilan and the white sand beaches there.. still unmatched to this day

[@janwho9239]

Thanks!

[@filipinainthedesert4948]

Very nice Kumander😍thank you for sharing

[@alexsabado8254]

Hi! Commander DAOT I love your vlog about Mindanao,Southern PHILIPPINES it's informative and now in the Province of Basilan what a beautiful place stay safe🙏❤👍 watching fr.Doha,Qatar 🇶🇦🇵🇭

[@bradhenry2925]

wow thats awesome experience....more travel

[@Irishtraveler353]

Great job on the editing mate your getting much better and the backing tracks great choice + that was cool sharing it with Kyle and promoting the island for other potential visitors to visit, anyway take care catch you in the next one ☝️ laters mate

[@armstv6104]

Nice dance mashalah...very welcome tourist sa basilan see di msma kming tga Mindanao di totoo mga Balita at pnnkot NILA sa mga tourista n pmunta sa mindanao.yong nnira sa mindanao watch this.keep on sharing pra nmn mraming tourista pmunta sa Mindanao mktulong sa ating bnsa.

[@annmagoulas7034]

Wow fantastic to see you both together love it have fun beautiful time in your life ❤

[@ebrahimbatua]

Thank you for visiting my homeland

[@humminbird6990]

Wow, This place is so unique. So beautiful. One of this days I will see Basilan.

[@newlander11]

You and Kulas can be tourism advocates for Mindanao

[@giovannibuenaobra3576]

Ang ganda naman ng basilan.

[@edzeljereza8234]

The combination of Kulas and KD is just knee-slapping hilarious shenanigans😄. Good job and keep inspiring!....and that manong panday with his intricately designed blades would not be outdone either, he is a hoot! "do you know what is pok-pok?" classic! LOL!

[@KumanderDaot]

He would not be outdone, haha! Such a funny guy!

[@MrGlennvt]

Wow! What a video! I think thats the best one you done. I enjoyed watching. You really are improving! I can understand your Bisaya and Tagalog in British accent. Maayo kaayo bae! Makes me want to go there in Basilan. I had no idea it is such beautiful place. Thanks for bringing me there. You guys are funny without trying(Natural comedians)Specially with that Canadian guy that wants to be a Filipino. Kinsa gani ang pangalan?

[@ronnienestor]

I agree. This is one of his best vlogs !

[@elisalao6916]

Kulas

[@josemariaivescaner5184]

Great vid! Man, you’ve really gone a long way!congratulations and keep it up!

[@leoa6918]

Good job! i love the ending of the video napaka sincere. the best ka kumader.

[@crowcypher5821]

You and Kulas are the most confident socially awkward person ever XD.

[@reytayag4886]

Wow beautiful place pero wala pa gaano pumupuntang tao o tourista diyan dahil sa mga nakaraang kasaysayan ng Basilan sa mga Abu Sayap sana tuloy tuloy na ang kataimikan sa mindanao magiging payapa na ang philipinas sa mga rebelde god bless to all

[@henryrivera1815]

Kumander Daot + the DoT + Datu Kulas + all the beautiful people of this island🙏 = a day worth spending & believing that this island will be less travelled no more.

[@bevrogers1412]

Beautiful place and people! Love your dancing and hilarious singing. Fantastic vlog!

[@allaboutrecipes4607]

Dobleng ingat Sa lugar na Yan.....we know na Dili tanan taga Basilan bad..but the criminals and bad people Kasama Nila ...halo ang bad at good ..that's y U don't know who r they....pwede yung kausap Mo yon cla.....

[@thethirdiii]

Mao man.. 👏👌

[@freeparticle5068]

Real paradise... Thank you for this video full of good vibes ! Joseph from France

[@hbirnalisa]

Wow nagkuyog mo ni Kulas.

[@darlenecabatuan333]

Wow ❤️❤️❤️ kumander Daot you are the best 👋👋👋🌹🌹🇵🇭

[@gerryguanzongamad]

Thanks for showing us the beautiful places of the phils.