Basilan, Philippines: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2023]

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Ready to pack for Basilan, Philippines? If you're planning to go to Basilan, we've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Basilan, Philippines

Based on the climate and weather in Basilan, Philippines, the best time to go is January. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Basilan, Philippines

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Basilan, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Basilan, Philippines by month

January

January here is consistently hot. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Philippines has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Basilan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B and C. Check that you get the correct type. Many adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

February

February in Basilan is constantly hot. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Philippines has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Basilan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B and C. Be sure to pick the correct kind. A lot of adapters on sale are simply plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most places.

March

If you vacation in Basilan during March, you are likely to notice that it is really hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 70s F (mid 20s C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Philippines has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Basilan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B and C. Take care to choose the right type. Many adapters available are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most places.

April

If you vacation in Basilan during April, you might see that it is constantly hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 70s F (mid 20s C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Philippines has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Basilan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B and C. Be sure to choose the necessary kind. The majority of adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

May

May for Basilan is consistently hot. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (low 30s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Philippines has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Basilan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B and C. Check that you get the correct type. A lot of adapters available are just plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

June

June in Basilan can be sweltering. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C), although night temperatures can dip into the 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Philippines has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Basilan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B and C. Be careful to choose the correct type. Most adapters on sale are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

July

July in Basilan is really hot. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Philippines has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Basilan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B and C. Be sure to find the right type. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are just plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

August

If you vacation in Basilan during August, you will probably notice that it is extremely hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 70s F (mid 20s C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Philippines has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Basilan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B and C. Check that you get the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters currently available are just plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

September

If you are traveling to Basilan in September, you will notice that it is constantly hot. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Philippines has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Basilan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B and C. Be careful to get the right type. Most adapters currently available are just plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

October

October in Basilan is extremely hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Philippines has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Basilan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B and C. Take care to choose the necessary type. Many adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

November

November in Basilan can be sweltering. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Philippines has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Basilan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B and C. Be careful to choose the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

December

If you vacation in Basilan during December, you will probably notice that it is extremely hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Philippines has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Basilan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B and C. It's important that you find the necessary kind. Many adapters available online are simply plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

What to do in Basilan, Philippines

Basilan, a beautiful land situated in the southern part of the Philippines, is an undeniably charming place that offers an array of tourist attractions. This landlocked province has been overlooked for years by many tourists, but it’s now emerging as an ideal destination. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Basilan, Philippines:

1. Malamawi Beach

Malamawi Beach is undeniably one of the most magnificent places to visit in Basilan. It boasts pristine white sandy beaches that stretch on for miles, crystal clear waters perfect for swimming and idyllic palm trees. The beach is ideally situated at the southernmost tip of Basilan, and it offers stunning views of the sunset. It is worth taking a dip in the water and indulging in the delicious seafood options available here.

2. Mount Pulong Bato

Mount Pulong Bato is a mountainous range situated in the heart of Basilan. Trekking this mountain range provides the ultimate trekking adventure, and it offers breathtaking views of the island. Be sure to carry enough water and wear entirely suitable hiking attire as it could be challenging to climb, particularly for beginners.

3. Malamawi Island Day Tour

The Malamawi Island Day Tour is all about exploring the gorgeous and untouched islets that surround Malamawi Island. The day tour provides an all-inclusive package that takes tourists to visit many fascinating tourist spots like Takumu Marine Sanctuary, Cabug Island, and the Yakan Village, among others. Alongside this, you will have the opportunity to feast on exotic seafood options.

4. Santa Isabel Cathedral

Santa Isabel Cathedral, located in the capital city of Isabela, is among the oldest churches in the Philippines. The church holds a unique history that attracts many tourists. It has managed to keep its architectural style through time, making it an attraction for visitors who love history and architecture.

5. The Yakan Village

The Yakan community is a unique community found within Basilan, Philippines. The Yakan people are famous for their stunning weaving skills, which are known as their prized possessions. They use vibrant colors and intricate patterns to produce the most exquisite designs sure to capture your attention. You can always buy souvenirs from their local markets that come in various forms and shapes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Basilan is a lovely destination that is yet to be fully explored. The province offers one-of-a-kind experiences that every tourist should see. The attractions mentioned above are only a fraction of the many activities to enjoy in Basilan. You should go on this adventure with an open mind and immerse yourself in the local culture to have an unforgettable experience.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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