Basilan
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Welcome to Basilan, a Tropical island in the Celebes Sea, part of the majestic Pacific Ocean. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of what makes Basilan unique – from its geography and climate to its population, infrastructure, and beyond. Dive into the details:
- Geography and Size: Explore the island’s size and location.
- Climate and Weather: Weather patterns and temperature.
- Topography and Nature: Uncover the natural wonders of the island.
- Infrastructure and Travelling: Insights on reaching, staying, and making the most of your visit.
- News and Headlines: Latest News.
Geography and size of Basilan
Size: 1244 km²
Coastline: 231 km
Ocean: Pacific Ocean
Sea: Celebes Sea
Continent: Asia
Basilan is a Very Large Island spanning 1244 km² with a coastline of 231 km.
Archipel: Malay Archipelago – The world’s largest archipelago, located between mainland Southeast Asia and Australia, known for its immense biodiversity and cultural diversity.
Tectonic Plate: Sunda – Extends across Southeast Asia, encompassing parts of the Sunda Shelf, known for its interaction with the Australian Plate, contributing to volcanic activity in Indonesia.
The geographic heart of the island is pinpointed at these coordinates:
Latitude: 6.57918539 / Longitude: 122.04182597
Climate and weather of Basilan
Climate Zone: Tropical
Climate Details: Tropical Rainforest Climate
Temperature: Hot
Climate Characteristics: This climate is typified by heavy rainfall throughout the year, high humidity, and consistently high temperatures, leading to lush rainforests and rich biodiversity. Seasonal temperature variations are minimal.
Topography and nature of Basilan
Timezone: UTC+08:00
Timezone places: Australia/Perth
Max. Elevation: 853 m
Mean Elevation: 210 m
Vegetation: Evergreen Broadleaf Forest
Tree Coverage: 70%
The mean elevation is 210 m. The highest elevation on the island reaches approximately 853 meters above sea level. The island is characterized by Plateau: Elevated flatlands rising sharply above the surrounding area, with a maximum elevation over 500 meters but a mean elevation less than 300 meters, forming unique highland areas on islands.
Dominating Vegetation: Evergreen Broadleaf Forest
Characterized by dense, lush canopies of broadleaf trees that retain their leaves year-round. These forests are typically found in tropical and subtropical regions and are known for their high biodiversity. Basilan has a tree cover of 70 %.
Vegetation: 12 vegetation zones – Exceptionally Diverse Island
Islands with more than ten vegetation zones are among the most ecologically rich and varied in the world. These islands are akin to miniature continents, boasting an incredible array of ecosystems. The sheer range of habitats, from high peaks to deep valleys, rainforests to deserts, creates a mosaic of life that is unparalleled. They are crucial for conservation and ecological studies.
Infrastructure and Travelling to Basilan
Does the island have a public airport? no.
There is no public and scheduled airport on Basilan. The nearest airport is Zamboanga International Airport, located 19 km away.
Does the island have a major port? yes.
Basilan is home to a major port. The following ports are situated on the island: .
The mean population of Basilan is 158 per km². Basilan is Moderately Inhabited. The island belongs to Philippines.
The name of the island resonates across different cultures and languages. Here is how it is known around the world: Arabic: باسيلان; German: Basilan; Spanish: Basilan; French: Basilan; Russian: Басилан; Chinese: 巴西兰
Continuing your journey, Malamaui is the next notable island, situated merely km away.
The Best of Basilan Food (The Best Beach Views!) with Erwan Heussaff

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
Philippines is classified as Emerging region: G20: Group of Twenty – Major economies comprising both developed and emerging countries, representing the world’s largest economies. The level of income is Lower middle income.
News – Latest Updates and Headlines from Basilan
Stay informed with the most recent news and important headlines from Basilan. Here’s a roundup of the latest developments.
- Village official, husband hurt in Basilan shooting - pna.gov.phon 20 February 2025
Village official, husband hurt in Basilan shooting pna.gov.ph
- Chinese gray ships in Phl archipelagic waters exit thru Basilan channel - Daily Tribune (Philippines)on 4 February 2025
Chinese gray ships in Phl archipelagic waters exit thru Basilan channel Daily Tribune (Philippines)
- These floating cottages in Basilan garner prestigious ASEAN Community-Based Tourism Award - gmanetwork.comon 25 January 2025
These floating cottages in Basilan garner prestigious ASEAN Community-Based Tourism Award gmanetwork.com
- MILF, military give conflicting accounts of deadly Basilan ambush - Rappleron 24 January 2025
MILF, military give conflicting accounts of deadly Basilan ambush Rappler
- PHILIPPINES Ambush by Islamist rebels in Basilan complicates Bangsamoro election - AsiaNewson 23 January 2025
PHILIPPINES Ambush by Islamist rebels in Basilan complicates Bangsamoro election AsiaNews
- 4 killed, 12 hurt in Basilan clash - pna.gov.phon 23 January 2025
4 killed, 12 hurt in Basilan clash pna.gov.ph
- 4 killed, 12 wounded in Basilan clash - SunStar Philippineson 23 January 2025
4 killed, 12 wounded in Basilan clash SunStar Philippines
- 2 soldiers dead, 12 hurt in Basilan ambush - Philstar.comon 23 January 2025
2 soldiers dead, 12 hurt in Basilan ambush Philstar.com
- MILF to probe Basilan clash with Army - pna.gov.phon 23 January 2025
MILF to probe Basilan clash with Army pna.gov.ph
- 4 killed, 12 wounded in ambush of soldiers securing UN mission in Basilan - ABS-CBN.COMon 23 January 2025
4 killed, 12 wounded in ambush of soldiers securing UN mission in Basilan ABS-CBN.COM
Social Media Posts about Basilan
- on 24 January 2025
Mosque | Basilan, Philippines #mosque #basilan #mindanao #philippines #structures #architecture #Zamboanga
- on 16 April 2024
One of the top winners of the Department of Tourism's Tourism Champions Challenge is Isabela City in #Basilan, which proposes to use its P20-M prize to build a jetty port and other infrastructure, so tourists can enjoy the beautiful white beach of […]
- on 30 March 2023
#Philippinen: Fähre in Brand geraten. 12 Menschen verstorben, sieben werden noch vermisst, mindestens 23 Verletzte, so die Küstenwache. Die Fähre war auf dem Weg von #Zamboanga in die Stadt #Jolo in der Provinz #Sulu, als um Mitternacht in der […]
Please note: The data used here has been primarily extracted from satellite readings. Deviations from exact values may occur, particularly regarding the height of elevations and population density. Land area and coastline measurements refer to average values at mean high tide.