DiscoverAkbar
Discover the natural beauty, culture and heritage of Akbar.
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Top 10 Reasons to Visit Akbar
Reason 01
A Sneak Peak into Akbar
- Holidays to Akbar, Basilan offer a retreat into a small island municipality, less than five years old, formed in 2005, of a chunk of Tuburan, where sea and sky melt into a natural silence.
- The islands of Akbar are located in the west of the main island chain of Basilan, which creates a natural amphitheatre to be enjoyed by travellers as they listen to waves murmuring through immaculate shorelines.
- Here, people coexist in very close connexion to the maritime culture of the Sama and Tausug peoples, whose tales and songs reverberate through the waves.
- All the sunsets are painted in the palette of orange and pink, and the island is an alive postcard where you can walk and have the breeze on your skin.
- Its name that was named in honour of the local leader Wahab Akbar is a symbol of great respect towards leadership that has taken the municipality through its early years.
- Encircled in crystal turquoise water, the islands of Akbar provide a kind of natural playground, inviting, and not spoilt, which is a rare finding in the current holiday markets that are filled with people.
- Capital (of the province): Isabela City (de facto; Basilan’s official seat of government is Lamitan City)
- International airport: No international airport in Akbar
- Nearest commonly used:
- Zamboanga International Airport (Zamboanga City) – main gateway to Basilan
- Travel continues by ferry/boat to Basilan
- Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP)
- Time zone: UTC+8 (Philippine Standard Time)
- Driving side: Right-hand side
- Main electricity: 220 volts, 60 Hz
- Official / local languages: Yakan, Tausug, Sama, Chavacano, Filipino, English
- Major religion: Predominantly Islam
Reason 02
Highlights
- The unpampered, smooth sands of Akbar are cool to the feet, and the water is so clear that one can see fish swimming along the shore.
- Fishing continues as a tradition and people are able to see the boats sailing out in the dawn, and the rhythm of the nets thrown by experienced fishermen.
- The ecology of the island is a jumble of the mangrove forests, coral reefs, and star-lit nights which compose the ecosystem that is very rich and delicate but at the same time very diverse.
- The town has a solid sense of community as people get to know each other by smiling and people of the town gather in big numbers to enjoy music and dance together during festivals.
- Sama and Tausug inhabitants have a close familiarity with the sea, and have preserved through the ages the art of navigation and the art of making sea-craft.
- The sheer beauty of nature including rocky cliffs and crashing waves provides the photographer with an opportunity to take pictures that seem to be living paintings.
Reason 03
Seasons to Travel
- The dry season, which is between November and May, is the optimal time to plan the holidays to Akbar, Basilan as the waters are calm and abundant of sunlight, providing the ideal place to do the island-hopping and beach tourism.
- It is recommended that travellers avoid the high season of the typhoons between July and October when the roughs waters make boat travel dangerous and at times the infrastructure in the island may be in a state of strain.
- Tropical maritime climate is warm and humid, and the temperature seldom goes below $24^\circ C$ that provides a comfortable atmosphere to explore outside.
- It is cooler in early mornings and evenings, allowing you to take a walk along the shoreline and not to be overheated on hot walks, as in the middle of the day.
- The season is also dry, and thus the mosquitoes and other insects will not be present; this enables continuous relaxation or activities.
- It is also imperative that there is close coordination with the local security and government offices, particularly during the hard weather months when travelling limits can vary without notice.
Reason 04
Worth A Visit
Sama Fishing Village
- wander with nipa-roofed huts along narrow lanes, in which family after family receive you with pleasant smiles and a lingering perfume of sea salt.
- Sightseeing of fishermen, who had already set up their fishing gears, a step that had been practised over generations, and made the village a living cultural heritage.
- The open market of the village is filled with fresh catch which is cooked with simple seasoning allowing the fish its original taste.
- Local craftsmen exhibit woven mats and baskets, which were developed using some of the most ancient maritime practises.
- Children sport on shore, and dive into the waves to prove their manliness and create their own seafarer tales.
- Evening tours give a picture of a very quiet atmosphere with crabs and gulls making holes in night air.
Akbar Bay Coral Reef
- The colourful corals of the reef create a kaleidoscope of colours, a living laboratory of marine biologists as well as colourful dreamers.
- Snorkelers are able to sail through the schools of the tropical fish, where they come across rays and reef sharks in a natural safe haven.
- Conservation activities include the community members who conserve the reef by educating the visitors on sustainable ways of tourism.
- The shallow waters of the reef make it a good place to start as a beginner and the waters are easy to manoeuvre.
- The coral spawning is a visible event, which occurs during some months giving a unique display of the nature cycles and renewal.
- Guided tours: The ecological significance of reefs on coastline protection against erosion and storm surges explained.
Mount Kitan Viewpoint
- The climb to the small mountain-top is compensated by panorama views of the islands of Akbar, and the huge water of the Sulu Sea beyond.
- The path is a mangrove grove walk with hikers having the opportunity to be close to the rich vegetation of the island.
- Daybreak, the horizon is of the golden colour, and this is observed by local poets and storytellers.
- The seating area of the viewpoint provides one with a chance to take a break and reflect, and engage in the beauty of the landscape.
- The hilly terrain where it is located offers unique locations to endemic bird species, an experience that birdwatchers have gained on a personal experience of the biodiversity of the Island.
- Local guides tell folklore about the name of the mountain, and integrate the history into nature.
Sulao Sunset Point
- This is a secluded cove, which is now popular because of its spectacular sunsets, with the sky painting as a canvas by the dying rays of the sun.
- The small waves caress the beach, and it makes a great accompaniment of the dusk colours.
- One can sit on the sandy benches or lie on the ground and enjoy the silence/ closeness of the moment.
- Nightfall gives the quietness of nature; travellers can hear the far cry of sea birds and the rustle of the wind.
- Local musicians even play soft tunes, which also gives an audio touch to the visual presentation.
- The point is a tourist destination that couples and families enjoy and capture the memory of the occasion in both photos and hearts.
Reason 05
Discover More
Local Markets
- Market stalls are packed with fresh seafood, tropical fruits and fragrant spices making a sensational experience to the shoppers.
- Vendors put their catch on display with pride and it is made in plain and traditional ways that give the island the pride of their culinary culture.
- Children get to visit the stalls and get to know about the different foods that feed the population.
- The bustling ambience of the market offers a glimpse of how people live their day-to-day life, as far as bartering to talking with friends.
- There are also artisans whose woven products are sold and this provides an insight into the artistry that has continued over centuries.
- The evening market nights turn the place into a fun filled meeting spot, with music and laughs all around during your holidays to Akbar.
Traditional Boat Building
- The island has a small workshop where expert carpenters make boats by using ancient methods that exploit the forces of wood and rope.
- Each vessel can be considered a sign of deep connexion of the community with the sea, and it is made to travel both in the calm and rough waters.
- Visitors can observe the whole process of construction, including timbers choice up to the last lashings to fix the hull.
- The artistry emphasises harmony between the artistry of human beings and nature.
- Constructors tell tales of legendary journeys, relating historical descriptions of voyages to contemporary activities.
- The completed boats, which will be utilised in fishing or tourist tours, will be the living representatives of the maritime culture of Akbar during your holidays to Akbar.
Community Festivals
- There is also much enthusiasm in the celebrations of the festivals where traditional music, dance and feasting is a common practise.
- Visitors are also encouraged to join in the celebrations, and the visitors get to enjoy the hospitality and warmth of the local families.
- Rituals and prayers are a part and parcel, which demonstrates the commitment of the community to their religion and culture.
- Markets and stalls cover the streets, as well, with specialties that are specific to the cuisine of Akbar.
- Folklore and legends performed in cultural shows have defined the identity of the island since time immemorial.
- Efforts like the festivals produce long-lasting effects because tourists connect with the people around them due to their mutual happiness and celebration during their holidays to Akbar.
Marine Conservation Efforts
- Marine conservation efforts have been majorly directed at the preservation of the marine environment in its natural beauty.
- Community members and environmentalists work together to make sure that coral reefs and other marine environments are not overfished and polluted.
- Edu programmes that educate children and adults are taught on the need to conserve the island natural resources.
- Volunteers are also involved in beach cleanup, mangrove planting and wildlife health surveillance.
- Sustainable fishing policies can assist in conserving fish stocks to serve the generations of fish as well as the local people in their livestock.
- Conservation projects also offer employment to the residents, which combines environmental protection and economic growth for those on holidays to Akbar.
Reason 06
Culture Traditions
- The Sama, or the Sea Peoples, have carried the tales of the sea into their everyday life, and this has been the source of their navigational methods and boat construction.
- Tausug beliefs, as shown through music and dance, reflect the tenacity of their history, and the power of community ties.
- The discipline of the village life is determined by the Islamic activities, including daily prayers and the collective breaking of the fast of Ramadan.
- The traditional clothes are not flashy, but still colourful and form a living museum of the artistic heritage of the island.
- People and marine resources are connected by rituals like bula or the sea blessing.
- Oral histories transmitted by older adults to young generations are created to keep the myths about the establishment of the island and the spirits that protect the waters.
Reason 07
Food Fun Fashion
Food
- Fresh seafood is the order of the day and fish, crabs and shellfish are taken every day and cooked in uncomplicated yet delicious ways that bring out the richness of the sea.
- Local rice, steamed to perfection, is served with most of the dishes, providing a satisfying base to balance the spices and the fish in the passed over dishes.
- Chilli, coconut milk and shrimp paste are added to traditional Moro dishes like sambal and sambal ti, which gives them a delicious umami kick.
- The street vendors deal with takbil or grilled fish in banana leaves, lightly spiced with pepper and salt.
- Basic home-cooked dishes are usually made with fresh herbs, which in turn add a bitter aroma to every meal and the aroma soothes the soul.
- Group feasts in festivals demonstrate diversity of foods that manifest the wealth of sea and the prayerfulness of the community.
Fun
- Local boat tours allow to sail through peaceful waters and visit minor islands to discover hidden coves and see marine life.
- Beach relaxation is the ultimate luxury and the white sand, cool winds and the gentle swaying of waves gives a natural spa treatment.
- Cultural observation provides an opportunity of observing fishermen in their daily activities, in the market, and during traditional ceremonies closely.
- Sandcastle building contests can be conducted by children and adults alike, and this promotes creativity and a healthy competition.
- Stargazing on the beach at night is a heavenly spectacle, because the night sky is clear and the city lights are shut off, so that the vast sky abounds with hundreds of glowing points.
- Festival performances by the locals offers live entertainment where visitors are called upon to join in clapping and to be happy through rhythm.
Fashion
- There is a predominance of light dresses that are light, particularly in their compositions, such as cotton, linen, etc. that allow the body to breathe in the humid island weather.
- Modesty is also the most important, particularly beyond the beach, long sleeves and covering clothes observe the local Muslim traditions.
- Wear a hat, block the sun with wide-brimmed-hats, use a sun-blocking pair of sunglasses, and even light scarfs to protect the skin against direct sunlight penetration.
- Shoes are usually sandals or flip-flops, which keep the feet cool during the walks on sandy beaches or rough paths.
- Beaded bracelets or shell necklaces are simple but colourful accessories that can be traced to the artisanal nature of the island.
- Visitors can be advised to be comfortable with their culture but be included in the culture to have a good time at their destination on their holidays to Akbar.
Reason 08
Nature Safari
- The costal landscape is undeveloped and there are clean beaches with turquoise water colliding with limestones in an unbelievable display.
- Coral reefs have rich marine life that provides snorkelers an opportunity to have a look at the rich ecosystems and a variety of colourful fish species.
- Mangrove forests save the coastlines, the roots of which create natural habitats of crabs, fish, and wandering birds.
- Island sceneries offer sweeping views of other islets, which create an impression of the interconnectedness of the archipelago.
- Wildlife viewing is done on sea turtles, sea birds and at times dolphins that swim close to the coast in the early mornings.
- The natural environment is open to silent reflection and the visitors can get lost in the soothing pace of the sea.
Reason 09
Events Fiestas
- The most important ones are the Islamic holidays like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha when the community gathers to pray, eat, and share storeys.
- Traditional music, dance and group meals are traditional events that celebrate faith and heritage demonstrated by local celebrations based on lunar calendar.
- The harvest starts and ends with seasonal fishing festivals which celebrate the bounty of the sea and the unity of the community.
- Storytelling, display of crafts and performances are also part of the cultural festivals, which are usually conducted on the weekend and help in the uncovering of the history of the island.
- Community events of such events help make people feel like they belong, since families come together to maintain the common practises.
- The visitors taking part in the festivals feel the hospitality and generosity of the people of Akbar, and they could understand the spirit of the island better.