DiscoverTabuan-Lasa
Discover the natural beauty, culture and heritage of Tabuan-Lasa.
Book Now Pay Later
Loading traveller reviews…
Join Our Newsletter
Get tailored flight deals, travel tips & inspiration straight to your inbox.
HandpickedTabuan-Lasa HolidayDeals
Complete holiday packages with flights, hotels and experiences in Tabuan-Lasa.
Stays AcrossTabuan-Lasa
From luxury beachfront resorts to city hotels and budget stays.
UnforgettableExperiencesin Tabuan-Lasa
Search and book amazing activities and tours across Tabuan-Lasa.
Top 10 Reasons to Visit Tabuan-Lasa
Reason 01
A Sneak Peak into Tabuan-Lasa
- When you are in need of a special getaway, you will want to consider the islands of Tabuan-Lasa as a quiet relaxing place where the sea is the core of daily living, and the salty wind is full of tales of ancient maritime travellers.
- The municipality is located in the middle of Basilan Province, which overlooks the Basilan Strait and the Moro Gulf, and its primary island, Tabuan, is enclosed by a series of minor islands forming a natural archipelagic feeling.
- An average day in this place starts with the sails of old fishing pandhus, or vinta, moving over smooth water, and the life of this community is closely connected with seaweed farms which cultivate agar-agar high quality to be sold in the market long distances out of the region.
- The holidays to Tabuan-Lasa people are predominantly Sama-Bajau and Tausug who have a maritime culture that is evident in the stilt houses that stand out of the water, and the colourful designs of their woven mats and baskets.
- The tropical climate in the country is hot and humid with the most favourable seasons being during the dry months of November to May where the weather and waters are more predictable and can do the island hopping and marine activities with less risk.
- As a way of making the most of your trip, you may want to chech out the option of booking with world pinoy flights first when you arrive, and then you can be guided around by a local guide who would take you to the secret coves and reefs that showcase this silent paradise.
- Capital (of the province): Isabela City
- International airport: None in Tabuan-Lasa
- Nearest commonly used airports:
- Jolo Airport (Sulu) – domestic flights; small regional airport
- Zamboanga International Airport (Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur) – major domestic airport; nearest widely used gateway (~2–3 hours by ferry/boat)
- Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Manila) – primary international gateway
- Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP)
- Time zone: UTC+8 (Philippine Standard Time)
- Driving side: Right-hand side
- Main electricity: 220 volts, 60 Hz (some remote barangays may have intermittent supply)
- Official / local languages: Tausug, Yakan, Chavacano, Filipino, English
- Major religion: Predominantly Islam, with a Christian minority
Reason 02
Highlights
- The maritime culture of Tabuan-Lasa is a vibrant tapestry, as fishing is not only a job, but also a community feast that unites neighbours every morning.
- Not only a source of traditional income, as the seaweed farms covering the shallow shores are also a source of life and learning, where young generations can pick up the old skills of cultivation.
- The Sama-Bajau and Tausug spirit pervades throughout the island and provides tourists with the opportunity to experience the living life of the local people like hand-weaving of the handbags and spacing of the local spices.
- The island landscape in this place is undeveloped with isolated white-sand beaches with clear turquoise water, and a feeling of being isolated which enables the travellers to rediscover nature.
- The stilt houses constructed on water, which are made of wood, can be a credit to the adjustment of the community to its marine habitat and provide a unique architectural experience to the inquisitive visitor.
- The busy Basilan Strait is a commercial and local fishing boat waterway and a picturesque location to view the sunset and makes the sky turn to orange and magenta.
Reason 03
Seasons to Travel
- The dry season, a period between November and May is favourable to the tourist in that the seas are calmer and the skies clear and this would guarantee the safety of the inter-island travel for holidays to Tabuan-Lasa.
- In the dry seasons, the seaweed harvest among the locals is at its highest point and visitors can experience the entire process of planting and harvesting.
- The climate is a humid and tropical type characteristic of Tabuan-Lasa, which may be quite hot, but the sea breeze tends to make the temperatures cool, particularly in the evenings.
- In spite of the fact that tropical storms are not as common as in Luzon, travelling people should be aware of the weather warnings, because the changing situations can influence the activities at sea.
- Cultural immersion is especially favourable in the winter months, which is between December and February; the community has festivals in the winter months involving fishing and harvesting.
- Provided you want to visit quietly, it is better to avoid visiting the region during July and August when humidity and the occurrence of rain showers are usually prevalent and can quickly ruin any outdoor activity.
Reason 04
Worth A Visit
Seaweed Farms
- Behold the neat lines of seaweed seedlings attached to bamboo posts, the observation of which speaks of thorough design and consideration of the aquatic environment as well.
- Find out the way that the farmers harvest the grown seaweed in a gentle manner as they use nets and small boats, sailing over the shallow water.
- Find out the old ways of drying, where the seaweed is laid out on wooden boards and allowed to dry in the air and maintain its natural taste.
- Get an understanding of the chain of supply that takes local seaweed to the regional markets and observe how the industry contributes to the development of the community.
- Watch how farmers have adapted to the changes of the season, e.g. how they change the time of planting to prevent the monsoon rains which may destroy crops.
- Feel the serenity of the sea in the early mornings when fishermen get ready their boats when the fog is rising on the shoreline.
Local Beaches and Islets
- Go on a boat trip, where you can go to remote beaches and few people have ever stepped foot in them.
- Swim in the crystal-clear waters which are inhabited by the colourful reef fish, which can be enjoyed by snorkelling lovers who desire to have a quiet look at the underwater world.
- Hotels and beaches Relax on miles of white sand with no crowds as in the big tourist resorts.
- Spend the day having a picnic lunch made of the local foods with fresh grilled fish or coconut milk stews under the shade of the palm trees.
- Wander along not-so-obvious beaches, finding tiny natural pools in the leftover of the tide, where marine life abounds in a shallow pool.
- Go back to the mainland with the feeling of calmness, having been in the pure beauty most people can only describe as having seen.
Tabuan lasa town centre (Barangay Lasa)
- Tour the centre of administration in the municipality, here the local council sits, and the decisions of the community are made.
- Look at the busy market-place with its stalls of fresh sea-food, local produce, and local crafts which bear the mark of the cultural tradition.
- Stroll along the roads with stilt houses constructed by wood which stand elegantly over the water and is a rare occurrence that features adaptive architecture.
- Visit the local artisans who have perfected the art of weaving mats and basket with methods that have been practised over the course of centuries, and hear their storeys.
- Visit a small neighbourhood event, e.g. a prayer meeting or local festival and observe how the people of the town celebrate together.
- Get to know about the local projects and programmes that should be used to support sustainable fishery and seaweed harvesting, which would guarantee the future success of the region.
Fishing Communities
- Watch the fishermen of the Sama-Bajau and Tausug, with their vinta, the specially painted, many-coloured outrigger boats, which testify to their sea-going tradition.
- Get to know how they do their traditional fishing nets which are well positioned to ensure that the large quantities of the marine life are caught without overexploiting the resources.
- experience the trading of fish taken in the early morning, when fishermen swap their fish with vegetables and men of the town.
- Get the feel of the fishing boat on its way in the early light, and watch the waves washing the boat, as the fishermen sing an old hymn.
- Go on a fishing trip (guided), and this way you can have firsthand experience on how to cast nets and learn about fish behaviour.
- Listen to tales of the ancient sea navigation, in which the community relied on stars, wind direction and the sea currents to navigate around the Strait.
Reason 05
Discover More
Local Market
- Walk through the stalls that are loaded with fresh seafood, including snapper and tuna, crabs and shrimps, all of which are caught by local fishermen.
- Fresh grilled fish with smell of coconut milk and a squeeze of fresh lime, which is a basal of the local food.
- Visit a variety of spices and condiments, including the local peanut sauce and pickles, which are key ingredients in many of the traditional meals.
- Interact with suppliers and understand how they acquired the products, with a view of understanding the farming and fishing methods in the area.
- Sample local delicacies, such as the spicy satti skewers, which are cooked on an open fire giving it a smoky taste.
- Bring back gifts like hand woven mats or embroidered fabrics capable of depicting the artistic touch of Sama and Tausug people.
Traditional Arts and Crafts
- Observe master craftsmen as they make exquisite designs on mats and baskets out of the fibres of the local plants and sea-weed.
- Get to know the meaning of each design, which is often the symbolism of sea, animals or the spiritual beliefs of the community.
- Watch the laborious work on dyeing natural fibres, colours made with extracts of plants and earth.
- Talk to craftswomen, who will explain their methods, including the fine knotting which is done to tighten baskets when they are carrying nets.
- You can attend a workshop and give it a go at weaving a simple mat, which would allow you to appreciate the art of weaving better.
- Watch how these artisans market these crafts within the local market and export to the international markets, keeping the lives of many families in Tabuan-Lasa going.
View of Basilan Strait
- Board a boat and travel the Strait and see large ships pass, in the background of an open expanse of sea.
- Here see how the commercial shipping and the small fishing-boats, each of which was going about in the same waters, interacted.
- Hear the rhythmic creaking of the hulls, the sound that has been heard by the locals all their life.
- The built marine life like dolphins or sea turtles that randomly move close to the coastline are the spot marine wildlife that makes the experience a bit more magical.
- Photograph the sunset on the Strait, where the sky changes to a brilliant orange, and the water adopts the changing colours for holidays to Tabuan-Lasa.
- Consider how this busy passage has influenced the community identity keeping them in touch with trade routes extending the Sulu Archipelago.
Binalingan Peak
- Take an average walk up to the top of Tabuan Island, the path leads through the mangrove fringes and coastal forests.
- Climb the top and breathe in the clean, salty air with the smelling of seaweed and recent breezes of the Gulf.
- Enjoy long-distance views, which include the whole municipality, and the complex network of islands and reefs underneath.
- In the distance in sight of land, the glitter of distant islands, suggesting the immense extent of sea-trade in this part of the world.
- Get educated by a guide on the ecological value of the location of the peak which is a natural lookout against storms.
- Go back to town with tales of the climb, tell other people in the travel industry what the feeling of achievement is when you reach the peak of the island.
Reason 06
Culture Traditions
- Tausig and Sama are the two daily languages used by the inhabitants of Tabuan-Lasa but the Chavacano and Tagalog are also used in business and education.
- Everyday life is centred on the sea; the food is brought back home as fresh fish and families sit on the stilt houses and share their storeys as the sun falls over the Gulf.
- Islamic traditions influence the life of the communities, and prayers, conservative fashion style and communal feastings, which celebrate religious holidays like Eid el Fitr and Eid el Adha, are part of their daily lives.
- Conservative fishing techniques such as the use of small bamboo nets and the organisation of vinta crews is an aspect passed on by parents to their offspring in the hope of maintaining heritage.
- The sea folklore with mythological beings of the sea and heroic fishermen is incorporated in the local rituals and in narration.
- Community markets are not only the economic centres, but also the cultural centres where music, dance and crafts are shared and consumed.
Reason 07
Food Fun Fashion
Food
- A favourite breakfast which demonstrates the use of simple but tasty components is pastil, a rolled banana-leaf package with cooked chicken or beef and a hard-boiled egg on it.
- Satti, which is skew meat that is grilled, served with crispy sticky rice, and coated with a sweet and spicy peanut sauce, is a sample of the creativity of the regional food scene.
- Fresh seafood is also a staple where the seafood may be grilled fish that is flavoured with lemongrass or seafood stews that are simmered in coconut milk and bear a delicate taste of sweetness.
- A dark-chicken dish that is made by burning cocoanuts, Piyanggang has its unique, smoky, and solid flavour that can be attributed to the local ingenuity.
- The tropical wealth of the province is reflected in the local desserts which usually contain sweetened coconuts milk desserts or with fresh fruits.
- Families also come together on special events sharing bigger communal meals in which a storey of the land and the seas is reflected in each dish.
Fun
- Island hopping is something to do; using a small boat or a kayak, it is possible to see many islands with different beaches and marine wildlife.
- They promote cultural immersion; they can enjoy the routine of the Sama and Tausug fishermen and request permission before taking a picture of them.
- A trip to a sea weed farm is an educational experience that gives an insight into the science of growing a sea weed and its economic effects on the populations of the localities.
- The walks in the evenings of the beach will give the traveller an opportunity to observe the sunset above the Strait, which is a moment of relaxation that fades the activity of the day.
- Community festivals particularly associated with Islamic holidays provide the guest a glimpse into rich traditions, music and dance.
- Staying in a wooden stilt house offers a special experience in lodging because you will be waking up to the slight movement of the waves and the callings of the seabirds for holidays to Tabuan-Lasa.
Fashion
- Cotton or linen will be needed as the material is light and breathable in order to be comfortable in the tropical sun and dust.
- Dressing in a modest manner (shoulders and knees covered) is advisable, as the population is mainly Muslim and it is best to ensure they stay harmoniously.
- Rocky shorelines, mangrove trails and boat decks are best explored in comfortable shoes such as heavy sandals or water shoes.
- A broad-brimmed hat or a loose scarf would cover your face against the scorching heat of the midday sun besides giving it a local flavour.
- Valuables and electronics are saved by a small waterproof bag that is not too large such as to distract.
- Local markets are also likely to have handcrafted accessories like woven beaded bracelets or embroidered scarves that would make an ideal reminder of your visit.
Reason 08
Nature Safari
- With its vast waters, the Basilan Strait boasts of a vast variety of fish and octopus, among other marine creatures, and therefore forms a perfect place to snorkel and dive.
- Divers not only visit the seaside to see amazing underwater sceneries that are formed by the presence of seaweed beds but also to support local economies.
- Mangrove patches prevent erosion along the shoreline, they can offer natural habitats to birds, crabs, and small fishes that can only survive in brackish water.
- Little coral reefs along the islands provide colourful ecosystems wherein one can see rainbow of tropical fishes and sea anemones.
- The cultural practises of Sama and Tausug communities living on the island are intertwined with the ecosystems of the islands and coastal areas, which are managed in a responsible manner.
- Guided tours will also direct you to secret coves where you may see turtles of the sea, or you may see young fish on their way to adult life for holidays to Tabuan-Lasa.
Reason 09
Events Fiestas
- The Foundation Day of the municipality commemorates the administrative origin of the municipality, with parades, local literature and feasts, which present the local food of the region.
- The Islamic holidays are followed like Eid Fitr and Eid Adha with community prayers, feasting, and exchanging sweets among the family and neighbours.
- The fishing calendar also gives people the opportunity to honour the sea: seasonal festivals such as seaweed harvest or a successful catch of a season enable the residents to express their gratitude to the sea.
- During the communal fairs, local craftsmen display their work and visitors are able to buy localised textiles and weaves.
- Most of the celebrations are accompanied by music and dance performances with traditional Sama and Tausug songs providing a rhythm and colour to the celebrations.
- These festivals bring a spirit of community to the people of the town and provide tourists with an opportunity to experience the rich cultural life that is vibrant in Tabuan‑Lasa.