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21+ Basilan Tourist Spots (UPDATED): Best Places to See

Here is a comprehensive list of Basilan tourist spots you should see.

Basilan is one of the least visited provinces in the Philippines. News of violence and terrorist threats have placed it in a negative spotlight. What people don’t know is that it’s actually a safe destination as long as there is proper coordination.

Fortunately, the local authorities have been actively advocating for eco-tourism development.

After all, there is so much to explore in Basilan. From its untamed jungles, hidden waterfalls, to powdery, white-sandy beaches, there is just so much to unravel.

As Basilan opens itself to the tourism world, it is hoped that proper practices are implemented to ensure the preservation of the environment and the local culture. Without further ado, here are the best tourist spots in Basilan.

Behold Best Basilan Tourist Spots

1. malamawi white beach.

Malamawi Beach is similar to Boracay because of its powdery white sand beaches. But makes this beach unique is the tranquil setting as few tourists come here.

Interestingly, the beach remains unscathed by the wars that shook the province during the previous years. Malawi Beach is also ideal for snorkeling because the surrounding waters teem with diverse marine life. It is one of the best Basilan tourist spots.

• Location/Jump-off: Isabela City
• Boating Time: 20 minutes from Isabela Port
• Entrance Fee: Php 35 per person
• Cottage Rent: Php 350 per cottage, good for up to 5 people

2. Lampinigan Island

Another unspoiled destination in Basilan is Lampinigan Island that also boasts of sandy white sands, lush beach forests, and turquoise waters. Its raw location makes it one of the best tourist spots in Basilan for those who prefer rustic getaways.

As you get here, you can spot schools of fishes, corals, and other aquatic species on the crystal-clear waters.

• Boating Time: 45 minutes from Isabela Port
• Boat Fare: Php 2500 for a boat, good for 7-10 people

3. Bulingan Falls

If want another form of rejuvenating experience aside from swimming on beach fronts, check out Bulingan Falls. It cascades gently on seemingly terraces slopes, carving a beautiful batch basin where you can have an invigorating swim.

The falls measures 30 feet high surrounded with lush foliage. Bulingan Falls is one of the top Basilan tourist spots you should visit.

• Location/Jump-off: Lamitan City
• Entrance Fee: None
• Cottage Fee: None

4. Sta. Isabel de Portugal Cathedral

Although Islam is the major religion in Basilan, the number of Roman Catholics have been growing in recent years. Catering to that group is Sta. Isabel de Portugal Cathedral which serves as the seat of the prelature of Isabela de Basilan.

5. Yakan Heritage Building

If you want to explore and learn about the culture of the native inhabitants, then you should check out Yakan Heritage Building. Here, you’ll find various artifacts, materials, and crafts showcasing the Yakan peoples’ way of life.

Majority of the Yakan are Muslims, thus, you’ll notice that the building is Islam-inspired including the materials contained.

6. Lamitan Eco-Park

Extending all the way to the forested highlands of Basilan, Lamitan Eco-Park covers 14 hectares. It showcases various sustainability initiatives such as eco-friendly research projects, and waste management facilities.

Moreover, the park implements agricultural practices such as composting for organic fertilizer productions. The local authority is recently improving the park to turn it into a full-blown recreational area.

7. Tinuse Beach

Similar to Malamawi White Beach, Tinuse Beach also has a long stretch of white sandy beaches. Enjoy strolling around as the sea breeze give a caressing touch.

Or plunge into the pristine waters where you might have a memorable encounter with colorful fishes and thriving coral life.

• Location/Jump-off: Sumisip
• Boating Time: 5 minutes from Sumisip town

8. Lamitan City Public Market

One of the best places to experience the authentic food and products of Basilan is Lamitan City Public Market. Here, you’ll personally witness how the locals prepare native delicacies such as lokot-lokot and panyalam.

These are a must-try especially if you’re someone wanting to learn about the culture.

What I love about public markets is that they sell locally-made products at a much cheaper rate compared to malls or convenience stores.

9. Basilan’s Pink Beach

If you know of the pink beaches of Zamboanga City or Sorsogon, then you might also be interested to know that Basilan has one as well.

They call it Langgas Island which is now becoming one of the most visited Basilan tourist spots. Its pinkish appearance is attributed to crushed red corals in the sand.

• Location/Jump-off: Langgas Island, Maluso

10. Basilan National Park

Basilan National Park occupies the eastern part of the island. It is the last remaining forest ecosystem within Basilan. One of the critically-endangered species found here is the Basilan TaricticHornbill with only less than a hundred left in the wild.

This comes as a direct result of logging and deforestation. Thankfully, local authorities are pushing for measures to protect the forest. The park is also home to various other species. Waterfalls, rivers, and springs thrive in the slopes of the park.

• Location/Jump-off: Isabela City, Lamitan, Tipo-Tipo, Sumisip

11. Basilan Peak/Puno Mahaji

Basilan Peak is the highest point in the island with an elevation of 998 meters above sea level. It is one of the least explored mountains in the Philippines.

Only local hunters and officials were able to assault it and glimpse of its rustic beauty. Dense forests cover its slope, home to endangered wildlife species.

Hopefully, the local authorities will revitalize efforts to protect the mountain from deforestation and logging. It is one of the potential tourist spots in Basilan.

12. Monte Santo Shrine

Monte Santo Shrine sits atop Mt Ubit which offers a panoramic view of Lamitan City and its coastal communities. It is a popular pilgrimage site among devout Catholics especially during the Holy Week.

14. Kaum Purnah Mosque

KaumPurnah Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in the province. It has an imposing architecture that will greet you as you ride a ferry to Isabela. It is also a popular pilgrimage site among the local Muslim population.

15. Datu Kalun Shrine

The shrine pays tribute to DatuKalun, a known Yakan leader who led revolts against foreign invaders. Datu Kalun and other Muslim leaders are credited for the independence of the Muslim archipelago despite the 300-year reign of the Spaniards, followed by the Americans.

16. Cabunata Falls

Cabuna Falls is one of the most-accessible Basilan tourist spots, located just a few meters away from the highways. It cascades beautifully for some 30 meters to a naturally-built pool.

It lies hidden amidst rubber plantations. Hopefully, the local authorities will sustainably manage the waterfall for eco-tourism promotion.

17. Kayumkuman Island

Kayumkuman Island is often touted by travel bloggers as Basilan’s version of Boracay. That’s because of its powdery white sand beaches which are also evident in other islands in the province.

The surrounding waters are crystal-clear and at some parts, you can see a marine creature lurking underneath. You can also go for snorkeling because of rich coral life in many parts.

• Location/Jump-off: Masulo
• Boating Time: 30 minutes

18. Old Basilan Provincial Capitol

The Old Basilan Provincial Capitol was the site of Fort Isabela II. The original fort was devastated during World War II. A new Capitol Building now stands on the site where the old capitol stood after it was burned in the early 1990s.

The new building signifies the influences of both Muslims and Christians which paved way for modern-day Basilan. The new capitol stands on the highest point of the city proper.

19. Palm Beach

Palm Beach is one of the most locally-frequented beaches due to its accessibility to Lamitan. It just 5 kilometers away from the town hall. Aside from swimming, locals love coming here to snorkel and explore the rich underworld.

• Location/Jump-off: Lamitan

20. Kumalarang Falls

Kumalarang Falls is situated on Kumalarang River which emanates from pristine forests upstream. It is around 14 meters high with a wide and very deep pool.

Locals come here for outdoor recreations and photo shoots. Sadly, its natural beauty is about to be altered because of a proposed hydroelectric plant.

• Location/Jump-off: Maluso

21. Balas Beach

Balas Beach is one of the laid-back Basilan tourist spots, making it also one of the most preserved. It lies on a cove fringed by a palm vegetation and scenic mountains.

Just like Palm Beach, the thriving marine life here offers some of the best sites for scuba diving and water skiing.

• Travel Time: 25 minutes from town

For Your Information

If you need more information to help set up your itinerary to Basilan tourist spots, do contact Isabela Tourism Offica via the following:

• Contact Number: 0905 479 2819
• Email Address: [email protected]

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Hi there fellow traveler! My name is Daniel although you can call me Kumafor. That's my indigenous name. I grew on a remote village called Lias in Barlig, Mountain Province.

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10 Basilan Tourist Spots

Basilan is the place of peace weavers where the Yakans are, mainly called “Weavers of Peace,” live. Serenity and peace will surely attain there. Some of these destinations below are good places to visit!

Bulingan Falls

Bulingan Falls is a great place to visit if you’re looking for anything different than swimming on the beach. It features terraced slopes that carve a lovely little basin where you may go for a refreshing dip. The falls are 30 feet tall and surrounded by beautiful vegetation.

Yakan Heritage Building

Yakan Heritage Building is a great place to visit if you want to learn about the culture of the locals. It is here that you may see how the Yakan people live.

Lamitan Eco-Park

Lamitan Eco-Park comprises 14 hectares and stretches all the way to Basilan’s forested mountains. It features a variety of sustainability activities, including environmentally friendly research programs and waste management facilities. The park uses agricultural practices such as composting to produce organic fertilizer, ensuring that you breathe clean air.

Basilan Peak/Puno Mahaji

With a height of 998 meters above sea level, Basilan Peak is the highest peak on the island. It is one of the Philippines’ least visited mountains. Its slope is covered with dense forests, which are home to endangered wildlife species.

Basilan’s Pink Beach

If you’ve heard of the pink beaches of Zamboanga City or Sorsogon, you’ll be interested to know that Basilan has one as well. It’s called Langgas Island, and it’s quickly becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations in the province. Crushed red corals in the sand are responsible for their pinkish hue.

Kaum Purnah Mosque

The Kaum Purnah Mosque is one of the province’s oldest mosques. Its magnificent architecture will greet you as you board the Isabela ferry. It is also a famous pilgrimage spot for the Muslim community in the area.

Datu Kalun Shrine

Datu Kalun, a well-known Yakan leader who led revolts against foreign invaders, is honored at the temple. Despite the Spaniards’ 300-year domination, followed by the Americans, Datu Kalun and other Muslim leaders are credited with the Muslim archipelago’s independence.

Cabunbata Falls

Enjoy Cabuna Falls, one of the most easily accessible Basilan tourist attractions, which is only a few meters from the roads. It cascades for about 30 meters to a naturally formed pool. You can get a quick picture with it!

Kayumkuman Island

Travel bloggers frequently compare Kayumkuman Island to Boracay in Basilan. This is due to its powdery white sand beaches, which can also be found on the province’s neighboring islands. You can also go snorkeling because many areas have abundant coral life.

Tinuse Beach

Tinuse Beach also features a long expanse of white sand. Enjoy wandering around while being caressed by the sea breeze. Alternatively, dive into the clear waters for a spectacular encounter with colorful fish and vibrant coral life. Basilan, sincerely, offers a peaceful vacation, so consider booking and traveling now!

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Basilan Travel Guide for First Time Visitors (2024)

• Post author By Project Gora
• Post date January 6, 2024

Are you planning a trip to Basilan but don’t know where to start? Here’s my Basilan Travel Guide with a sample Basilan Itinerary. With this, I hope to inspire you to discover Basilan’s heritage – HABI (weave), HILOM (wellness) and HALAL (cuisine).

Basilan is often portrayed in the media as a war-stricken place that only a small number of tourists would visit. When I told my parents that I will travel to Basilan, they were cynical. They were probably wondering “why would anyone travel to Basilan, especially during the pandemic?”

I have always been curious about Basilan. So when I was invited by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) and Department of Tourism (DOT) to be part of a tourism recovery program, I didn’t hesitate. Along with a small group of bloggers and influencers, I got a first-hand look at the experience of traveling during the pandemic in Basilan. It was an eye-opening experience, to say the least.

Table of Contents

Basilan Travel Guide: Things to Know Before You Go

Why visit basilan, top 5 things to see and do in isabela de basilan, top 5 things to see and do in lamitan city, basilan sample itinerary, where to book your tours in basilan, how to get to basilan, where to stay in basilan, where to eat in basilan, culture and etiquette in basilan.

There are three main ethnolinguistic groups residing in Basilan – the indigenous Yakan , the Tausug of Sulu and the Zamboangueño of Zamboanga (Chavacano). The Yakans and Tausugs are mainly Muslim, while the Chavacano are predominantly Roman Catholic. If this is your first time to travel to a place with a Muslim majority and haven’t done so before, there are some things that you need to consider.

• Dress appropriately. For women, you don’t have to cover your hair but make sure your shoulders and knees are covered. My tip is to bring a pashmina, which you can use to cover your shoulders or upper body when necessary. You can wear a swimsuit on the beach, but you have to cover yourself in all other public places.
• Muslims are prohibited from consuming pork so eating halal is the norm. As with pork, Islamic laws prohibit alcohol, which can make it harder to come by.
• Not everyone is comfortable being photographed so, always ask nicely before taking a picture of them.
• Familiarizing yourself with common greetings will always make a favorable impression. “As-Salam-u-Alaikum,”which means “Peace be with you,” is a common way of greeting.

Is it safe in Basilan?

In terms of safety, a lot has changed in Basilan. In fact, our group didn’t have police and military escorts during the whole duration of the trip. Personally, I never felt unsafe or uncomfortable. I’ve seen in the news about how ‘dangerous’ Basilan is, and yet, the people I met were welcoming and kind.

If you have plans to travel to Basilan, consider reading blogs written by real people who share real-life experiences. You can also join travel groups on Facebook so you can ask locals and other travelers about the current situation.

Basilan is the ultimate backpacking destination and if you are a fan of off-the-beaten adventures, it’s time for you to travel to this place! 

Though only a few days, my experience in in Isabela de Basilan and Lamitan City, have given me a brief overview of the wonderful and colorful culture that make up Basilan and its people. Other than its beautiful tourist spots and delicious food, the hospitality of the Basileno is such a breath of fresh air!

Malamawi White Beach

Malamawi White Beach is one of the best beaches in Basilan and has always been the crown jewel of Isabela de Basilan. It is quiet and secluded. No bars, no hordes of other tourists, just the long white beach, turquoise water and you. I have been to a lot of beaches in the Philippines and I can say that Malamawi White Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve seen.

Marang-Marang Mangrove Forest Cruise

Aside from virgin beaches, I was surprised to know that Isabela de Basilan’s got a protected mangrove forest  too! As our outrigger-less boat (called Pupet ) cruises through the mangroves, we saw colorful houses on stilts, where a small community of Sama-Bajau lives. I was also amazed with the good variety of wildlife which can be found in the forest, including resident and migratory birds and red-eye mangrove crabs known to locals as “ kalugmata .” 

Seafood Feast at Marang-Marang Floating Cottage

Here, we were able sample the best of Sama and Tausug cuisine  from the comfort of a floating cottage. I was so delighted when I saw the feast prepared for us by the members of the Women’s Association of Marang de Isabela. They served some of their famous seafood dishes and delicacies like oko-oko (a sea urchin cooked with rice inside it), langka salad, utak-utak, junay, putlih mandi, panyam, lambi shells, imbao shells (halaan), and so much more! According to one of the cooks, all of their ingredients came from their surrounding environment. Trully, nature provides!

Cabunbata Falls

Cabunbata Falls is one of the most popular attractions in Isabela de Basilan. Located just beside the main highway, this waterfalls is surrounded by rubber trees. Unlike other waterfalls in the Philippines, getting to this falls is super easy and doesn’t require hiking. I told our guide that this is a Tita of Manila friendly waterfalls. Lol!

Rubber Tree Plantation

Your trip to Basilan will never be complete without understanding and appreciating rubber. According to our guide, the first rubber tree was planted by Dr. James Walter Strong in Isabela de Basilan in 1904. The rubber was considered as the White Gold of Basilan, which propelled economic growth of the island. 

Nature Tripping at Bulingan Falls

The dramatic Bulingan Falls is the most popular sight in Lamitan. According to our tour guide, if the weather is great on your visit, you will be delighted to see such clear waters descending down the waterfalls. It rained prior to our visit so the water was muddy but we were blessed to see the raging waters.

Meet the National Living Treasures of the Yakan People

Meeting Ambalang Ausalin in the GAMABA Weaving Center is definitely one of the highlights of my trip in Basilan. Awarded by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) with the National Living Treasure award in 2017, Apuh Ambalang inherited the skill from her mother, who was the best weaver of her time. She mastered the Yakan weaving process to make Tennun, a fabric that is the traditional textile of the Yakan.

Try traditional Yakan delicacies in Lamitan Oval Market

Our group stopped for a quick tour at the market where Panyam or Panyalam (local pancake) and Jaa or Lokot-lokot (crispy and rolled dessert made from flour and sugar batter) are produced. When in Lamitan City, you should try these Yakan delicacies and buy some as a pasalubong. These delicacies can be re-heated and best paired with a cup of brewed coffee!

I have to share a little story about this lady in the market. When I went to her stall, she gave me free panyam so I can have a little taste test and have some that I can take home with me. She gave me a lot so I insisted on paying but she said that I can take it for free. According to her, not a lot of people visit their place so she’s very happy to show us their delicacies. I paid for the panyam anyway and left quickly so she couldn’t give back the money lol!

Learn about the history of Lamitan at Lamitan City Library and Museum

Lamitan City Library and Museum, also known as Wee Siu Tuy Memorial Hall, serves as the historical and cultural archive for Lamitan. It was gifted to the city by a local Chinese businessman in 1981. Here, tourists, especially history buffs, will find a lot of reading materials and photographs about Lamitan’s rich history.

Take a selfie at the “I Love Lamitan” sign in Lamitan City Hall

I think nothing says “I’ve been to Lamitan” better than taking a quick photo op in this “I Love Lamitan” sign. This one was our first stop in Lamitan City and I can’t tell you enough how much excitement I felt at that moment.

1st Day (Arrival in Lamitan City)

• Take the earliest RORO/Ferry to Lamitan City from Zamboanga City
• Sample Yakan Delicacies in the market
• Visit Lamitan City Library and Museum
• Shop for Yakan Weave at GAMABA Weaving Center
• Lunch at Bulingan Falls
• Early afternoon at Calugusan Beach
• Travel to Isabela de Basilan 
• Check in to your chosen accommodation

2nd Day (Whole Day Isabela de Basilan Tour)

3rd Day (Departure from Isabela de Basilan to Zamboanga City)

To get the most of your trip in Basilan, I highly suggest availing a customized tour to ensure that you do not miss any of the must-see attractions. You may get in touch with the following tourism offices for more information:

Lamitan City Tourism Office Facebook Page: @lamitancitytourism

Isabela de Basilan Tourism Office Facebook Page: @isabelacitytourism Email: [email protected]

There is no direct connection between Manila and Basilan. From Manila or any other regions in the Philippines, you can take a domestic flight to Zamboanga City. At the airport, take a jeepney or hire a tricycle to Zamboanga City Port. Then, you can take a fast craft or a ferry to Lamitan City or Isabela de Basilan.

via Lamitan City

The estimated travel time between Zamboanga and Lamitan City is around 2 hours. A one-way ticket via Aleson Shipping Lines costs 145.76 pesos.

via Isabela de Basilan

The estimated travel time between Zamboanga and Isabela de Basilan is 1 hour and 30 minutes. A one-way ticket to Basilan via Weesam Express fast craft costs 150 for tourist class and 190 pesos for first class (air-conditioned).

Alternatively, Aleson Shipping Lines also operates in this route with the following schedule.

Kasinnahan Hotel & Resort Address: Barangay Binuangan, Isabela City, Basilan Contact number: (+63)977-077-3758 Facebook page:  @kasinnahan

Basilan Business Hotel Address: Magno Street, Isabela City, Basilan Contact number: (+63)906-921-9533 Email address:  [email protected] Facebook page:  @basilanbusinesshotel

Sofia Hotel Address: J.S. Alano Street, Port Area, Isabela City, Basilan Contact number: (+63)936-706-3315

The Farm Grill is an alfresco halal grill house which serves the best Inasal and Chicken Sisig in the whole island of Basilan. On our last night in Isabela de Basilan, our group dined here to sample their famous halal and Maranao dishes prepared by Kusinerong Maranao and the whole Farm Grill team. It was definitely the best way to end our trip in Basilan!

The Farm Grill Address: 7209 Mallari Street, Sunrise Village, Isabela City, Basilan Contact number: Globe (+63) 927-611-2332 and Smart (+63) 968-240-4204 Facebook page: @thefarmgrillisabela

That’s it, my dear readers! I hope you find the information you need in this Basilan Travel Guide. Explore Basilan and see why it’s not exactly like what the media has painted it to be.

Have you been Basilan? How was it? Share your experience in the comments section below!

• Tags Portfolio , Sustainable Travel

By Project Gora

Hey there! My name is Milet Miranda, and I'm a full-time corporate employee during weekdays and a traveler during weekends (and holidays...you get the picture). I'm a foodie at heart and I love joining food tours. When I'm not traveling, you'll find me walking my dogs or biking around my neighborhood.

A travel & food blog

Travel Guide to Basilan Province: Mindanao’s Hidden Treasure

Here’s a travel guide to the province of Basilan including a sample 2-day itinerary.

Before we proceed, let me tell you that this is one of the most difficult pieces I’ve written. Not because I don’t know what to write, but because I don’t know how to approach the subject properly. Due to its history, Basilan faces great security stigma and this is something that probably won’t go away soon.

In fact, whenever someone posts about it online it’s always how “I survived Basilan” or other similar sentiments. However, in my experience, Basilan is not something to survive from but a place to explore and discover. I’d tasted the delicacies of Lamitan, seen the smiling faces of children in a beach in Isabela City, talked with locals who are proud of their home.

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I want to talk about how elated I felt about my trip here but at the same time proceed with caution. After all, in selected places, military escorts are still required for tourists in this province.

With that, here’s everything you need to know about Basilan.

P.S. Planning a trip to Mindanao? Here is our ZamBaSulTa Itinerary and Guide .

About Basilan

It is safe to visit basilan, reminders and tips, zamboanga to lamitan city, zamboanga to isabela city, how to get around, 1. take a dip in bulingan falls, 2. explore the virgin shores of lampinigan island, 3. day tour in malamawi white beach, 4. food tripping at the markets, 5. visit basilan’s pink beach, lamitan city, isabela city, where to eat, 2 days itinerary in basilan, budget and expenses, what to read next:.

Here are some quick facts about Basilan:

• The current capital of Basilan is Lamitan City.
• Basilan is home to three ethnic groups: Yakan, Tausug and Chavacano. As such, the population is predominantly Muslim but there is also a significant percentage of Christians.
• Due to high concentration of Muslims, pork and other non-halal food are not widely available.
• The languages used here are Filipino, English and Yakan. The lingua franca is Chavacano.

Also here’s a fun fact: Lamitan City is part of Bangsamoro Region, while Isabela City is part of Zamboanga Peninsula Region. However, they are both under the province of Basilan.

Things to know before you go

As per the tourism officers I talked with, it is safe to visit Basilan. However, it is still recommended to coordinate with respective local tourism offices prior to your visit. In particular, in Lamitan City, tours are handled by the tourism office and they will provide you with a tour guide during your stay.

Also Read : Is the Philippines safe to visit?

• Plan your visit in advance. While walk-ins are possible, reservations are required for certain attractions including Lampinigan Island and Isabela Mangrove Forest Park in Isabela City.
• It’s best to dress conservatively. However, swimwear is accepted in beaches and waterfalls in Basilan.

How to get to Basilan

Basilan is easily accessible from Zamboanga City . There are regular ferries and fast crafts with daily schedule in Zamboanga sea port to either Lamitan or Isabela City.

Travel time is 1-1.5 hour. Fare is P150 per person.

• Zamboanga to Lamitan : 6:45 AM | 9:30 AM | 12:30 PM | 3:00 PM | 3:30 PM
• Lamitan to Zamboanga : 6:30 AM | 7:00 AM | 9:30 AM | 12:30 PM | 3:30 PM

There are several ferries bound for Isabela City. Regular ferries take 1.5-2 hours (regular P70, aircon P90 per person), while fast crafts via Weesam Express take 1 hour (P170-190 per person).

Regular ferry:

• Zamboanga to Isabela : 6:30 AM | 6:45 AM | 9:45 AM | 12:00 PM | 12:30 PM | 3:45 PM
• Isabela to Zamboanga: 6:45 AM | 9:00 AM | 9:30 AM | 12:45 PM | 3:15 PM | 3:30 PM

Fast craft:

• Zamboanga to Isabela: 6:45 AM | 8:25 AM | 9:30 AM | 10:45 PM | 12:45 PM | 2:00 PM | 3:30 PM | 4:45 PM
• Isabela to Zamboanga: 8:10 AM | 9:30 AM | 10:45 AM | 12:45 PM | 2:00 PM | 3:30 PM | 4:45 PM

For the last trip back to Zamboanga City, I recommend getting on the regular ferry because the difference is only a few minutes and it is cheaper.

If you arrive at Isabela City via ferry, you will get off at Isabela Port which is walking distance to commercial establishments and accommodations and the jump-off points to Lampinigan Island and Malamawi Island.

There are tricycles in Lamitan City and Isabela City you can use to get around.

Best Things to Do in Basilan

Bulingan Falls is a nature attraction in Lamitan City. Although it looks small at about 30 feet tall, it stands out with its natural cube-shaped rock formations.

Bulingan Falls can be visited as part of the town tour in Lamitan City. Entrance is free. There are also cottages for free usage.

Lampinigan Island is an underrated beach destination in Isabela City. On one side of the island is a small residental community and on the other a pristine white-sand beach where you can swim and snorkel to your heart’s content.

Lampinigan Island is about 45 minutes away from Isabela Port. Boat fare is P2500 good up to 7-10 people.

Malamawi White Beach Resort is perhaps the most popular tourist attraction Basilan. Its main feature is a stretch of fine white-sand beach with turquoise water.

It’s about 20 minutes from Isabela Port. To get here, you need to ride a boat to Malamawi Island (P5 per person) and then a habal-habal to the resort (10 min, P60 per person RT).

Renting a cottage is required for day tours (P350 good up to 5 people). Entrance fee is P35 per person.

From Lamitan City public market, you can witness the preparation and cooking of native delicacies, notably lokot-lokot and panyalam.

If that isn’t enough, you can also go on food tripping in the night market of Isabela City.

If Zamboanga City has the Great Sta. Cruz Island , Basilan has Langgas Island. Langgas Island is an off-beaten island with pinkish-sand shore, due to crushed red corals in the sand. It’s a popular swimming location among locals as it’s accessible and budget-friendly.

Langgas Island is located at the municipality of Maluso. To get here from Isabela City, take a tricycle to Maluso Terminal. Then ride a van to Tabuh. From there, walk towards Maluso Port. Secure a permit and then take a boat to Langgas Island.

Top Attractions in Basilan

For reference, here are the places you can visit in Basilan. Take note that some places in Basilan may still not be open to the public.

Lamitan City and Isabela City are the most visited places in Basilan.

Touring Lamitan City only takes a half-day. From here, you can stay overnight in the city or travel to Isabela City or Zamboanga City.

Read about our Day Trip in Lamitan City .

Places to see:

• City tour: public market, museum, city hall and Datu Kalun statue
• Yakan Village
• Lamitan City Tulips Garden
• Bulingan Falls
• Beaches: Palm Beach, Luksumbang, Calugusan Beach

Isabela City was previously the capital of Basilan until the title was transferred to Lamitan City. Isabela City is the most visited place in Basilan, as travelers often take a day tour here from Zamboanga City.

1-2 days is the recommended stay, depending on the places you wish to visit.

Read about our Day Trip in Isabela City , featuring Lampinigan Island and Malamawi White Beach Resort.

• Mat-weaving houses in Barangay Tampalan
• City tour: Mabarakat Mosque, Provincial Capitol, Santa Isabela Cathedral, James Strong Boulevard and Ukay Ukay Night Market
• Islands and beaches: Lampinigan Island, Malamawi White Beach, Hami Beach, Sumagdang Beach, Panigayan Beach
• Isabela City Forest Park
• Marang Marang Mangrove
• Cabunbata Falls

The municipality of Maluso is easily accessible from Isabela City. From Isabela, take a tricycle to Maluso Terminal and then a van to Maluso. To get around Maluso, you can charter a tricycle.

• Waterfalls: Garlayan Falls, Majayjay Falls
• Islands and beaches: Langgas Island, Taekela Island

Aside from Malamawi White Beach and Hami Beach, Tinuse is one of the best beaches you can find in Basilan. It’s 5 minutes by boat from the mainland in the town of Sumisip.

• City tour: Grand Mosque, Mat-Weaving Center, Sama-Badjao Village
• Tinuse Island
• Besse Janitla Falls
• Bohe Linuan River
• Macalang Falls
• Hallow Kabew

It’s easy to find budget-friendly eateries in Basilan.

Don’t forget to try out the native delicacies in Basilan. If you haven’t tried satti in Zamboanga City yet, this is the time to do so! There are satti restaurants you can visit for breakfast.

If you’re staying in Isabela City, you will also find a Jollibee branch near the port. 🙂

Where to stay

Here are the places you can stay at in Basilan.

Lamitan Hostel is located near the public market. Rate starts at P700 per night.

There are also private resorts in Lamitan City, such as Maarena, Luksumbang, Calugusan and Dangkalan beach resorts.

• Malamawi White Beach Resort . Rooms start at P2000 good for 2-3 people. Make sure to book ahead as it can get fully booked on weekends.

There are also accommodations in the mainland:

• Sophia Hotel or Casa Rosario Pension House . Rate starts at P1000 good for 1-2 people.
• Basilan Business Hotel . Rate starts at P2500 for a standard room inclusive of breakfast.
• Kasinnahan Hotel & Resort .

Here’s a sample 2-day itinerary in Basilan:

Following this 2-day itinerary, for a group of 5 people, a safe budget is P2500-3000 per person .

For inquiries, you may contact the tourism offices at the ff:

• Isabela City Tourism Office : Facebook
• Lamitan City Tourism Office : Facebook
• Sumisip Tourism Office : Facebook

Do you have more information to add about Basilan? If so, let us know in the comments below!

Planning a trip to Basilan? Here are our articles on Basilan:

• Travel Guide to Basilan
• Day trip to Lamitan City
• Day trip to Isabela City: Lampinigan Island and Malamawi White Beach Resort

Other related articles:

• ZamBaSulTa itinerary and tips

Get discounts on your travels!

Enjoy discounts with KLOOK using our promo code: TARALETSANYWHERE

Katherine Cortes is a long-time backpacker and a freelance writer/editor. She likes beaches, snorkeling trips, and relaxing staycations (preferably with bath tubs!).

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I just had one day in Basilan. 🙂 Surely I’m going back.

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Basilan Island Visitors Guide

This brief guide to Basilan Island will help you plan your trip. It contains information on what to do, eat, and drink as well as the must-see spots and the best hotels.

ABOUT SEE & DO EAT & DRINK STAY BUDGET ADVICE

Basilan is one of the most popular islands in the Philippines as it is on the news more often than other islands in the country.  The island is associated with chaos and violence caused by the clashing of the rebels against the forces of the government.  Most people avoid Basilan altogether so as not to get caught into the conflict.  As such, only a few got the opportunity to enjoy what this untamed island has to offer.

Its beaches are rugged and pristine, the waterfalls are rejuvenating, and the culture interesting.  What is more appealing is the fact that the island has become safe to visit so long as there is proper coordination to the authorities and adhere to safety practices suggested by them. 

Best Time to Visit

It’s best to visit the Philippines during the dry season .  Dry season in the Philippines spans from November through April .  These are the summer months in this country.

Be aware that temperatures and humidity levels are particularly high in April and May .

The best time to be a beach bum and explore the islands is from March to May.

TIP:  This guide recommends that booking for Basilan Island summer trips should be done as early as possible, at least a month before your travel dates, since resorts get fully booked early.

The period from June to October is the rainy (wet) season and is best avoided due to the high possibility of typhoons. The typhoons can not only be destructive, but most tours and activities are cancelled under such circumstances.  Transportation via plane and boat is also seriously impacted as well.  This happens frequently so beware!

This guide recommends traveling to Basilan Island in April-May or in November-December , just before and just after the rainy season. This will likely bring fewer crowds, yet pleasant weather, and is also a great time to score a travel deal.

Getting Here

There are many ways to get here depending on your starting point. This guide recommends using the following online tools to identify all the available options and cost for each while on Basilan Island:  Rome2Rio and PHBUS . The following are the major ports of entry for this destination.

BUS TERMINAL

Isabela City West Terminal

Isabela Seaport

Getting Around

The following are the modes of transportation available on Basilan Island …

Motorcycles

Motorized Outrigger

SEE & DO

The following is your guide to places to see and activities to enjoy while on Basilan Island.

1 | Enjoy the beaches

Malamawi Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Basilan.  It boasts of powdery white sand and rich water great for snorkeling.  The beach, however, is found on Malamawi Island, 20 minutes off the coast of Isabela City.

Beaches found on the main Basilan Island are Palm Beach and Calugusan Beach.  The two beaches are located in Lamitan City, the capital of the province of Basilan .

2 | Have a refreshing dip at the waterfalls

Aside from beaches, you can also enjoy a refreshing dip at a few waterfalls found on the island.  Bulingan Falls in Lamitan City is known for its beautiful rock formations where the clear water gently cascades into the natural pool below.

In Basilan, Cabunbata Falls is a beautiful waterfall located just a few meters away from the highway.  It is surrounded by rubber and mahogany trees and has a natural pool below.  The picturesque Kumalarang Waterfall, on the other hand, is a proposed site for a hydroelectric power plant.

3 | Explore the Basilan National Park

The last forest ecosystem on the island, Basilan National Park is home to rivers, springs, waterfalls, and various species of animals including Basilan Tarictic Hornbill whose population is threatened due to habitat loss caused by deforestation and illegal logging.

4 | Visit the places of worship

As a predominantly Muslim province, there are a few mosques found in Basilan.  The oldest mosque in Basilan is Kaum Purnah Mosque in Isabela City.  The mosque is known for its white paint and has a minaret which is painted yellow on its upper half.  Masjid Mabarakat is a newer mosque in Isabela City.  It has two minarets which measure 22.9 meters tall and three onion-shaped domes with the main dome measuring 6.68 meters tall.

Catholic devotees can go to Sta. Isabel de Portugal Cathedral in Isabela City and Monte Santo Shrine atop Mt. Ubit in Lamitan City.  The latter is a popular pilgrimage site especially during the Lenten Season.

5 | See the Yakan Heritage Building

The people of Basilan belong to the Filipino indigenous group called Yakan, one of the 13 Moro groups in the Philippines.  Aside from visiting their villages, another way to learn more about their history and culture is to visit the Yakan Heritage Building in Lamitan City.  Located within the city hall compound, the building is Islam-inspired and contains several artifacts and materials to such as traditional musical instruments and weaving tools.

6 | Learn about sustainability at Lamitan Eco-Park

The Lamitan Eco-Park is a 14-hectare property where projects and activities to help preserve nature take place.  Learn how to manage waste properly, composting, organic farming, and others.

NOTE: The Lami-Lamihan Festival occurs annually in Basilan Island the 29th of June.

EAT & DRINK

The following is your guide to the flavorful food to enjoy and restaurants to try while on Basilan Island.

1 | Font Restaurant

A small eatery near Isabela Cathedral, Font Restaurant serves local favorites such as sotanghon, batchoy, barbeque, and palabok.  Drinks, ice cream, and other desserts are also served in this restaurant.

2 | Kahapan Cafe

Craving for mouthwatering cheesecakes?  Satisfy your cravings at Kahapan Cafe, a halal certified restaurant serving a variety of Asians and Moro cuisines.  Try their buffalo wings and Basque burnt cheesecake.

WHERE TO STAY

There are many different types of accommodations available in this destination ranging from hostels to luxurious resorts. The following is your guide to our top choices for each range on Basilan Island.

1 | Casa Rosario Pension House (Budget)

2 | basilan business hotel (mid-range).

This guide recommends using the following sites to conduct research online of where to stay on Basilan Island or for a specific destination:

Book your room with these trusted online booking sites.  Booking online in the Philippines almost always guarantees the best price and a room when you arrive.  We use these sites frequently to get the best prices and enjoy convenient bookings. Click each of the buttons below to find the best place for you at the lowest rates:

TIP: Basilan Business Hotel is the best property to experience this destination.

Book Online & Save Money

Book Your Trip Flights Hotels Transportation Travel Insurance No-Fee Cards

Suggested Budget

Use the chart below to get an idea of how much to budget daily.  Actual amounts will depend on YOUR travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages … some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less. Prices are in USD.

Travel Costs

Accommodation.

A bed in a  hostel  dorm costs from 350 PHP ($7 USD), but smaller dorms can cost from 500 PHP ($10 USD).  For a private double, prices start around 700 PHP ($14 USD).

Most  budget hotels  begin at 700 PHP ($14 USD) per night for a double room and usually include free wifi and breakfast.  For  a three-star hotel , prices begin around 1,400 PHP ($28 USD) per night.    AirBnB  is also widespread throughout the country, with private rooms starting from as little as 500 PHP ($10 USD) per night.  For entire apartments, expect to pay at least 1,400 PHP ($28 USD) per night.

Resorts and luxury accommodations  vary greatly from 1,400 PHP ($28 USD) to 5,000+ PHP ($100+ USD).  However, there are some really nice resorts and luxury accommodations which are surprisingly affordable.

We use and recommend booking online to save money using  HostelWorld ,  Agoda ,  Booking.com , and  AirBnB . 

Local food is extremely cheap, with street food costing under 50 PHP ($1USD).  For an inexpensive meal at a local restaurant, prices start around 100 PHP ($2 USD).  For a meal at a mid-range restaurant with drinks and table service, expect to pay from 200 PHP ($4 USD).  Knowing that their target customers are primarily tourists, Western food venues can be pricey compared to Filipino food.  Also, some of the ingredients need to be imported, which contributes to the higher cost. Western food (burgers, pizza, pasta, etc.) is much more expensive but is still relatively affordable at around 200 PHP ($4 USD) for a meal and drink.

Fast food like McDonalds will cost around 200 PHP ($4 USD).  A beer at the bar will cost around 50-100 PHP ($1–2 USD).

A week’s worth of groceries will cost between 300-600 PHP ($6-12 USD) per person.  However, food in this country is so inexpensive, and kitchens & refrigerators are hard to come by, I don’t recommend cooking your meals here since there is plenty of delicious street food to eat at very cheap prices. You won’t make it as good as they do and the food is too delicious to miss!

Transportation

There are many modes of transportation available in the Philippines and each varies greatly. 

Public Transportation is cheap.  Bus services on the islands are inexpensive.  Local buses (called jeepneys) are the most common type of transportation in towns and cities. The fare is usually between 7-25 PHP ($.20–.50 USD).

On islands without a bus system, a taxi or tricycle is the only form of transport with fares starting at 50-500 PHP ($1-$10) USD for short trips. 

Taxis are everywhere, and they’re very cheap.  Most fares shouldn’t cost you more than 500 PHP ($10 USD) around town.  

To get between islands, you’ll need to take a boat or to fly.  There are ferries that connect the island together since they aren’t too far apart but, generally speaking, flights are the most realistic option. 

Flights between islands usually cost about 2,000-3500 PHP ($40-70 USD).  However, this isn’t the cheapest way to travel.  It’s only recommended if you have limited time. 

We recommend booking online to save money using:  Skysca n ner ,  momondo ,  Kayak ,  kiwi.com .

Attractions & Activities

Most attractions and activities in the Philippines are pretty cheap. Most attractions throughout the area are FREE to enter, though some of the more well known and popular ones cost 5-100 PHP ($.10-$2 USD) to enter. 

Depending on the activity, most day tours only cost around 1,000-1,500 PHP ($20-30 USD), oftentimes less.  You have more bargaining power if you go with a group. If you are expecting to do some climbing, remember to pack some warm layers. It gets cold at the top!  

Other activities such as Island Hopping, scuba diving, helmet diving, swimming with whale sharks, jungle trekking, canyoning, ATVs, jet skis, wakeboarding, cruises, parasailing, horseback riding, cultural experiences, and tours can cost as much as 1,250-5,000+ PHP ($25-100+ USD).

The Philippines is one of the least expensive places to learn how to scuba dive. Learning to scuba dive usually costs about 15,000-20,000 PHP ($300-400 USD), but often includes FREE accommodation for the duration of the course, which lasts three or four days.

Always book your tours and activities when you arrive.  Stick to travel agents who are selling on the ground. If a travel agent won’t negotiate with you, move on to the next until you find one that will.  Booking tours online is almost always more expensive. 

Typical Costs on Basilan Island in 2023 :

• Hostel Dorm Bed: 250-350 PHP ($5–7 USD) night
• Budget Hotel:  700 PHP ($14 USD) night
• Mid-Range Hotel:   1500 PHP ($31 USD) night
• Street Food: 50-150 PHP ($1–3 USD) meal
• Restaurant Meals: 200-300 PHP ($4–6 USD) meal
• Local Beer: 50-100 PHP ($1–2 USD) bottle
• 1.5L Bottle of Water: 38 PHP ($.75 USD) bottle
• Jeepney Ride: 7-25 PHP ($.20–.50 USD) ride
• Tricycle Ride:   20-100 PHP ($.5-2 USD) ride
• Long-Distance Bus Ride: 400-500 PHP ($8–10 USD) ride
• Public Ferry Ride: 200-300 PHP ($4–6 USD) ride
• Island-Hopping: 1,000-1,500 PHP ($20-30 USD) trip

DOWNLOAD: Budget Planner Template

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The following is some of our best advice on traveling to Basilan Island.  Learn what you need to know BEFORE you go!

Tips & Hacks

he following are our Top 10 Tips when visiting this destination in the Philippines:

• Be aware that a tourist VISA is only 30 days. You can extend it upon arrival, or within the first 30 days, for an additional 30 days for a fee of approximately 3,000 pesos.
• Don’t buy into the fear factor. The Philippines has an unjustified reputation of being a dangerous place. It’s true there are security guards everywhere, but that is to deter theft.
• Manila is NOT the Philippines. Get outside of the cities to see the real Philippines.
• Don’t over plan. Boats, buses, and even airplane schedules are notoriously unreliable. Be flexible.
• Check the weather. The weather varies greatly throughout the Philippines daily.
• Typhoons can have a huge impact on your plans. Account for this when planning your trip.
• It’s not cool to raise your voice or show outward frustration in public.
• Be polite at all times. Realize that your country’s sense of humor may be different from Filipino humor and take this into account when interacting with Filipinos and while in public places.
• Things move at a slower pace. Accept it … don’t get frustrated … but do account for it.
• Don’t drink the tap water… but stay hydrated! Save money by buying large bottles (6-10 liters) of water and using it to fill your water bottle or hydration bladder in your backpack.

For a complete list of our travel tips & hacks, check out the following guide and be sure to download a FREE copy for yourself.

VIEW & DOWNLOAD : The Ultimate Travel Tips & Hacks Guide for the Philippines

Money Matters

The Philippines has its own currency called the Philippine Peso. Banks, ATMs, and money-changers can be found on the island. If you are exploring the neighboring islands or provinces, make sure to bring enough cash that will last until the next time you get to an ATM or bank since most tours, transportation, and budget accommodations only accept cash.

READ MORE: Money in the Philippines: Everything You Need to Know

Health & Safety

While overall the Philippines is a safe country to visit, as is Basilan Island, you need to use common sense just as you would in any country, especially when traveling, and in a city, town, or area you are unfamiliar with.

Consult your hotel or resort front desk as they are more likely to give you reliable information than a random stranger on the street. Be careful when approaching strangers and selective about who you approach. Always pay attention to your gut feeling and follow it.

READ MORE: How to Avoid Scams & Thieves in the Philippines

There are many things to consider when traveling in order to stay safe … things that we may not be accustomed to during our normal everyday lives. The following are articles about tips on how to stay safe while traveling in the Philippines:

• 6 Common Accidents to Avoid   
• How to Beat the Heat in the Philippines
• Taxi Safety Tips: Dos and Don’ts
• Motorbike Safety Tips
• Beach & Ocean Safety Tips
• Sun Safety Tips   

TIP: The best way to avoid problems and stay safe is to travel with a local resident.

Staying fit & healthy can be challenging when traveling in the Philippines. 

The tropical Philippines climate requires you to prepare for illnesses that you may not normally be accustomed to. 

The following are our Top 10 Tips for Staying Healthy while Traveling in the Philippines:

• Maintain a Balanced Diet
• Stay Hydrated but Only Drink Bottled Water
• Get Plenty of Rest
• Allow Your Body Time to Adjust 
• Keep Active
• Sanitize Often 
• Be Aware of Food Safety Concerns
• Take Your Vitamins
• Practice Safe Sex
• Be Prepared Should You Get Sick

READ MORE: Stay Healthy in the Philippines: How to Avoid Getting Sick

Staying Connected

You need to have a local-based SIM card in order to stay connected when in the Philippines. Network giants such as Globe and Smart have SIM cards you can use to make calls, send text messages, and also to connect to the Internet. A SIM card costs around 50 PHP ($1 USD) and usually comes with a FREE load worth 50 PHP ($1 USD). You can buy a card containing a code you can enter on your phone to replenish your load or buy an electronic load that is available almost anywhere in the city.

While you may not have problems with signal strength when in the city, it is not always the case when on islands or in remote areas of a province.  So when arranging for transportation pick up, say when renting a boat to take you to and pick you up from the island, it would be best that you make it clear what time you need to be picked up before the boatman leaves.

Recommended Travel Apps

Apps for smartphones and tablets can be useful both before you leave and while you’re traveling.  Most are available for iPhones and Android phones.

The following are our Top 10 most useful travel apps on our smartphones when traveling in the Philippines:

• Grab (taxis/ride shares)
• Angkas (motorbike ride-hailing)
• WhatsApp (phone calls)
• Skyscanner (flights)
• Rome2Rio (transportation)
• Agoda (accomodations)
• Booking.com (accomodations)
• AirBnB (accomodations)
• Traveloka (flights, accomodations, activities)
• Klook (attractions & activities )

Be certain to download and set up apps BEFORE leaving on your trip to make certain each is installed and working properly.

For our complete list of travel apps that we use and recommend while traveling in the Philippines, checkout our checklist below.  Download a FREE copy for yourself as a PDF.

READ MORE: The Ultimate List of Travel Apps for the Philippines

Trying to decide what to do when traveling to a destination for the first time can be a bit overwhelming given your lack of familiarity with the place along with all of the available options. 

We’ve created the following itinerary to help simplify the process and ensure that you get the most out of your trip.  Although we provide a 7 day itinerary for this destination, it can always be adjusted to fit the length of your trip.

VIEW : Basilan Island 7-Day Travel Itinerary

Packing Checklist

The secret to a successful and stress-free trip is to start by using a packing list.  This will reduce anxiety from the start and ensure that nothing important is forgotten when packing.   To make this process easy for you, we’ve created a detailed packing list.  Click the link below to download it for FREE now. 

Carrying your checklist with you during your travels can be useful when repacking, by helping to ensure that you do not leave anything behind.

VIEW & DOWNLOAD : Our Ultimate Packing Guide & Checklist

Things to Remember

This guide recommends to take note of the following while traveling on Basilan Island or in the Philippines in general.

There is a nationwide ban which prohibits smoking in public places including indoors, the streets, on sidewalks, in restaurants , and on public transportation, requiring smokers to use designated smoking areas.  Selling tobacco to and purchasing from or for minors is also prohibited. Violators are subject to fines (up to 5,000 PHP | $100 USD) and even 4 months in prison.

The minimum legal drinking age is 18.  Alcohol such as beer and hard drinks can easily be bought in grocery and convenience stores.  The most common alcoholic beverage is beer, generally served cold.  Local alcoholic drinks include tuba (coconut wine which is usually very strong) and potent moonshine-like clear liquors made from sugar or fruit.  Imported beer, wine, and name brand hard alcohol are available but expensive.

Drugs are illegal in the Philippines.  Don’t use, buy, or sell any non-prescription drugs while in the Philippines … not even marijuana.  It is considered an especially heinous crime to buy from, for, or sell drugs to children.  The penalties are severe … up to and including death.

Public nudity is illegal in the Philippines and is not tolerated.  Most locals consider it offensive.  There are laws which prohibit provocative and erotic clothing and swimwear, therefore carefully consider your clothings and swimwear choices to make certain they are not too revealing.

Foreigners & Expats

If you are not a Filipino citizen, remember that you are a guest when visiting this country … be certain to act accordingly.  Respect the people, their customs, and the environment and wlidlife. You can be deported and banned … so behave … but have fun and enjoy all that this wonderful destination has to offer.

READ MORE : Practical Information about the Philippines

RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS

I always carry a Camelbak Hydration Pack with me when traveling. Not only does it allow me to pack all my daily gear and snacks, but it also has a 3-liter water bladder which holds enough water to get me through the entire day.

Bluetooth Speaker

Compact yet mighty, a bluetooth speaker setup is a breeze, and the sound quality it delivers for its size is nothing short of impressive. Beyond its audio prowess, it boasts exceptional durability, making it an ideal companion for outdoor adventures.

UV Shirt is an essential when travelling in a tropical country. Providing reliable protection during long hours in the water, not only comfortable but also ensures a secure shield against the elements.

Snorkel Gear

For my island-hopping escapades, a snorkel gear set has become indispensable. Designed to enhance the joy of snorkeling and free diving, each piece ensures comfort and functionality. Together, they create an immersive and enjoyable underwater experience.

Adventure Camera

As a long-time enthusiast of GoPro cameras, I can attest to their user-friendly nature, excellent image stabilization, and impressive footage quality. Waterproof and rugged, the GoPro is my reliable companion for capturing adventures in any environment.

When it comes to beach footwear, aqua shoes offer exceptional support, breathability, and overall comfort. Well-crafted and sturdy, it provides effective protection against rocky terrain, quick drying for added convenience, and easy maintenance. A must-have for any outdoor enthusiast.

CLICK FOR MORE TRAVEL GEAR

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Don’t Forget …

Download our free travel guides.

We have dozens of guides to destinations throughout the Philippines. Download your FREE copy for your next trip today.

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About the Author

Patrick is an entrepreneur, digital nomad, explorer, and photographer. Patrick is always in search of fun and adventure. He is well travelled throughout the world, and although location independent, his home base is Phoenix, Arizona in the USA. Patrick loves island lifestyle which is no wonder why he is so interested in spending time in the Philippines with it’s over 7,000 islands. Patrick created this site to share his knowledge of and experiences in the Philippines with Filipinos as well as other foreigners.

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Top Tourist Spots in Basilan [And How To Get There]

• Post author: escapemanila
• Post comments: 0 Comments
• Post last modified: June 12, 2023

Basilan is probably on the list of the least visited provinces in the Philippines due to the negative perception attached to its name. Basilan has actually something that you should see and experience. The white sand beach of Malamawi is one of the most popular tourist spots in Basilan but there’s actually more!

Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Basilan

Here are what people are missing out when overlooking Basilan as a potential tourist destination:

Malamawi Beach

Despite the troubles the province is facing, there is one side about Basilan that remains ever beautiful as seen through the shore’s unspoiled makeup and tranquil ambience—the Malamawi Beach. Not only is this place is peaceful for the relative absence of people , it also remains unscathed by the ravages of people in conflict in the region.

If there is anything which this seashore signifies, it is that there remains a place of serenity amidst a lingering turmoil. Without a doubt, Malawi Beach is one of the best tourist spots in Basilan.

How to get to Malamawi Beach?

Assuming that you are already in Isabela City, Basilan (if not, scroll down below to know how to get to Basilan) You can take a passenger boat to Malamawi Island. The boat fare is less than Php10 for a 5-10 minutes ride. After docking, take a habal-habal or tricycle to go to Malamawi Beach.

Lampinigan Island

Almost as barren as the majority of the province itself and its neighboring regions from the presence of people that would have otherwise flocked it, the Lampinigan Island makes for one of Basilan’s hidden gem. There are not many people who could brave going to this island, but those who do experience a kind of paradise that is unparalleled in its kind.

Like the many beautiful beaches that lie at the fringes of Basilan, the shore of the Lampinigan Island is remarkably composed of lush foliage, fine white sands, and turquoise, clear seawater. This island, too, is a hidden gem and is thus one of the best tourist spots in Basilan.

Bulingan Falls

Situated within the forest of Lamitan City, the Bulingan Falls never ceases to flow as it brings waters from a higher elevation to a lower basin for people to enjoy. If you love the idea of soaking wet for fun while also relaxing in the unending sound of white noise, the Bulingan Falls make for an ideal destination to getting the best of relaxation by the running water of a falls.

Basilan Capitol

What is Basilan without a capitol that is the seat of power that manages all of its political affairs? The Basilan Capitol is just that.

Not many will consider the capitol of Basilan to be a tourist destination per se. But if you happen to be in Basilan and is seeking a major landmark in the area, the Basilan Capitol is definitely it .

Sta . Isabel de Portugal Cathedral

The presence of Christianity is widespread across the Philippines. Nothing corroborates to this notion better than the comportment of Christians within the conflicted island-province of Basilan as well as the strong presence of the church, Sta. Isabel de Portugal Cathedral, that is the seat of the prelature of Isabela de Basilan.

While the city of Isabela was named after the Queen Isabela II of Spain, the church, on the other hand, was named after the patron saint, Sta. Isabel of Portugal.

Although the Sta. Isabel de Portugal is not as grand as those seen in the West, the church structure remains a powerful symbol with Basilan, especially among the practitioners of the faith in the area.

How to get to Basilan from Manila, Davao & Cebu

The jump-off point to Basilan is Zamboanga City. You can fly to Zamboanga from Manila, Cebu, Davao or Cagayan de Oro City. From there, take a ferry/boat to Isabela City or Lamitan City. Most travelers opt to explore Isabela City where Malamawi Beach is located.

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Basilan is an island province of the Philippines in Mindanao , just off the southern coast of the Zamboanga Peninsula . Basilan is the biggest and northernmost among the major islands of the Sulu Archipelago .

Understand [ edit ]

Basilan has a variety of natural tourist spots that dot the island's pristine beaches and cool inland resorts; it has a peninsula point called Punta Matangal in Tuburan that offers a haven for surfers, very similar to those at the north shores of Hawaii. Basilan has gradually evolved into a charming, even surprisingly hospitable place where you could relax and enjoy a laid back, stress-free vacation, but the danger from rebels and pirates persists; it is badly affected by the Moro insurgency, and bombings on civilians and kidnapping of tourists pose risks.

There are three main ethnic groups; the Yakans and Tausugs are predominantly Muslim, while Chavacanos are primarily Christian. The lingua franca is Chavacano, a Spanish creole dialect, understood by more than 80% of the population. Tagalog/Filipino and English are also widely spoken and understood.

Tourist assistance [ edit ]

• Hja. Gigi Carama-Junudi, Basilan Provincial Tourism Officer, Provincial Capitol Building, Isabela City, Basilan.
• Jayson Tubil, Isabela City Tourism Officer, Isabela City Hall Complex, Isabela City, Basilan.
• Pilar Raga, Guest Liaison Officer, "Isabela City Pasalubong Center", Basilan Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Inc., J. S. Alano Bldg., J. S. Alano St., Isabela City, Basilan.

Cities [ edit ]

• 6.7 121.966667 1 Isabela City - Capital of Basilan
• 6.65 122.133333 2 Lamitan

Get in [ edit ]

Access to the island province is usually through Zamboanga City which lies 31 km (17 nautical miles) (narrowest point of the Basilan Strait) due north. From there, a boat ride of 1 hour and 45 mins (for conventional passenger ferries), will take you to Isabela and Lamitan. The fare ranges from ₱20 (student and senior citizen's discounted fare on some conventional ferries) to ₱70 (first-class w/ aircon).

Another fastest way to the location is by taking the "Fast Craft" which will only take about 45 minutes boat ride.

• Isabela-Zamboanga-Isabela Route (1 hr, 30 min)
• Lamitan-Zamboanga-Lamitan Route (1 hr, 30 min)
• Maluso-Jolo-Maluso Route (6 hours)

Basilan joined the "Western Philippine Nautical Highway" through the construction of 3 new Roll-On-Roll-Off ("Ro-ro") ports located in the cities of Isabela and Lamitan, and in Port Holland, Maluso. A regular four door sedan is charged ₱2500 per trip, a van/light truck ₱3500 , while bigger trucks/heavy equipment may go up to ₱5000 per trip.

Basilan is served by several light plane landing fields located in Isabela (2), Lamitan (1), Maluso (1), Lantawan (1) and Sumisip (1), all of which were constructed and maintained by the multi-national plantations and have since been turned over to the Farmer Beneficiary Cooperatives.

Talk [ edit ]

The lingua franca is Chavacano , a Spanish creole language, understood by more than 80% of the population. Tagalog/Filipino, English and Visaya are also widely spoken and understood. Native Yakans and Tausugs have their own language which consist of 80% of the population in the island.

See [ edit ]

Nature spots

• Kumalarang River
• Tabiawan and Busay Waterfalls
• Balagtasan Waterfalls
• Sumagdang Beach
• Malamawi Island
• Alano White Beach Resort
• Sunrise/Lanote Resort Row
• Bulingan Falls
• Matagan beach paradise
• Calugusan Beach

Churches and religious shrines

• St. Peter's Parish Church
• Monte Santo
• Chapel of Peace
• Santa Isabel Cathedral
• Monte Santo Shrine
• Kaum Purnah Mosque

Historical sites

• Datu Kalun Shrine
• Museo ng Lamitan
• Basilan Provincial Capitol
• Isabela City Plaza (formerly Plaza Misericordia)/Plaza Rizal

Do [ edit ]

• Araw ng Basilan
• Lami-Lamihan Festival
• Cocowayan Festival
• Fiesta Santa Isabel
• Semana Santa (Holy Week) - March/April (movable)
• Flores de Mayo
• Fonda de Barangay or Fiestas del Barangay
• Pascua (Christmas)
• Isra Wal Miraj
• Eid al-Fitr/Hari Raya Puasa - (movable)
• Maulidin-Nabi
• Chinese New Year

Buy [ edit ]

A definite recommended "buy" would be the intricate Yakan weaves, trinkets and souvenir items usually made of woven material and hammered brass/bronze pieces, with colorful beads and hand-painted wooden bangles, rings, and handcrafted Yakan bags, table-runners, wall-decor, etc. Be sure to visit the Isabela City Pasalubong Center for authentic Yakan craft (1/F, J. S. Alano Zenith Bldg., J. S. Alano St.). Since you're already in Basilan, don't miss out on the "Basilan Brew" coffee available in nearby Lamitan town (only 45 minutes from Isabela City). A number of retail establishments may likewise be visited before 6PM (traditional closing time).

Eat [ edit ]

Sumptuous local delicacies may likewise be sampled. Not to be missed are hearty Muslim dishes such as:

• pianggang manok

Certain Yakan festivities likewise prepare a pyramidal dullang with the delectable mountain rice sappul .

Sleep [ edit ]

A number of hotels, resorts and hostels dot the City of Isabela.

• The Farmland Resort (Lanote),
• Anson's Hotel (Sumagdang),
• Hotel Royal Issra (Marketsite),
• Casa Rosario (Port Area),
• Basilan Hostel (Eastside),
• Buwalan Beach Resort (Sumagdang),
• ISAWAD Pool Resort (Cabunbata),
• Basilan Hotel (Isabela Proper),
• Grino House (Menzi).
• Sofia Hotel (Port Area).

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Basilan: exploring the beauty and diversity.

Basilan, a province located in the southern part of the Philippines, is an often-overlooked destination that offers a wealth of natural beauty and cultural diversity. Despite its reputation for being a conflict zone, the province has made significant strides toward peace and development in recent years, making it a safe and attractive destination for tourists.

Rich Cultural Heritage of Basilan

Basilan is a melting pot of different cultures, with a diverse mix of ethnic groups, including the Tausugs, Yakans, and Chavacanos. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture by visiting the Yakan Weaving Village, where they can witness the intricate art of weaving colorful fabrics and learn about the customs and traditions of the Yakan people.

Natural Wonders of Basilan

Basilan is home to a vast array of natural wonders, including pristine beaches, lush forests, and majestic waterfalls. One of the province’s most popular attractions is Malamawi Island, known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning coral reefs, perfect for snorkeling and diving.

Another must-visit destination is the Tumahubong Waterfalls, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of the lush rainforest. Visitors can take a refreshing dip in the cool waters and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Basilan’s Emerging Tourism Industry

Basilan’s tourism industry is still in its infancy, but it is quickly gaining momentum as more and more visitors discover the beauty and charm of this underrated destination. The local government is investing in infrastructure and tourism-related projects to boost the province’s economy and provide more opportunities for the locals.

Visitors can enjoy a range of activities in Basilan, from trekking and hiking to island hopping and cultural immersion tours. The province also hosts various festivals throughout the year, showcasing its rich cultural heritage and traditions.

In Conclusion

Basilan is a destination that deserves more attention and recognition. With its stunning natural wonders, rich cultural heritage, and emerging tourism industry, the province has something for everyone. Despite its troubled past, Basilan is now a safe and welcoming destination that is ready to be explored. So, if you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure, consider adding Basilan to your travel bucket list.

Isabela City

Isabela City, a charming city in the Philippines, is a treasure trove of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Lamitan City

Nestled in the heart of Basilan province, Lamitan City is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.

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This website includes 82 Provinces of the Philippines. Travel and Hiking Guides, Top Tourist Spots, DIY Itineraries, Backpacking, Hotels, and Resorts.

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ISABELA CITY, BASILAN: TOURIST SPOTS + 2023 TRAVEL GUIDE

Discovering the Wonders of Basilan

A heaven on earth. A piece of paradise. A beauty to behold. Welcome to Basilan!

Discerning travelers in search of their next unexplored destination need to look no further than the Province of Basilan.

Why visit the place?

One of the Philippine’s best-kept secrets, Basilan reflects the true description of an island paradise. It never fails to wow locals and tourists alike with its natural bounties and picturesque attractions. No wonder why it is touted as “An Island of Hope” since its early years of existence.

The province is a part of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and is the largest and northernmost of the major islands of the Sulu Archipelago .

A gateway to business and a key leisure destination, it was once considered the trading center of the metropolis.

What to do while in Basilan?

At this most sought-after sanctuary off the southern coast of Zamboanga Peninsula , life is lived and laughter is shared over a laid-back and stress-free lifestyle.

Places like Basilan are truly a step back in time. Being there seems like you are drawn back to the olden days where you can experience spearfishing in a lake in the Panigayan fishing village and go swimming in the waterfalls of the Kumalarang River.

You will see mangroves and Samal houses on stilts aligned all throughout the kilometer-wide channel that opens to the port of Isabela , the provincial capital.

Its pristine white and windswept Sumagdang Beach entices you to take a dip, gather shells, and perhaps never leave. Its cool inland resorts also dare take you away for a respite.

Basilan also boasts of a peninsula point called Punta Matangal in Tuburan . It offers a haven for surfers very similar to that of the north shore of Hawaii.

Spend your holiday by visiting some of its notable tourist sites such as Taguime Shrine , Santa Isabel Cathedral , Calvario Peak on which the Chapel of Peace stands, Kaum Purnah Mosque , Caves, White Beach, Rubber Block Plantations , Bulingan Falls , historical landmarks and museums.

Or join in the fun in Lamitan as it celebrates its “Lami-Lamihan Festival , “ highlighting the preservation of Yakan Cultural Heritage and showcasing the unique colorful Yakan cloth and cultural presentations.

How to get there?

If you are from Manila or Cebu , take a flight to Zamboanga City. Then, ride in a jeepney bound for Canelar and walk towards the port .

From there, a boat ride of 1 hour and 45 mins (for conventional passenger ferries), or 1 hour (for a fast craft), will take you to Isabela and Lamitan.

The fare ranges from P20 (student and senior citizen’s discounted fare on some conventional ferries) to P70 (first-class with aircon).

Fast craft usually charge P140 for ordinary and P170 with aircon. Terminal fee is 11 pesos in Zamboanga City and P4 in Isabela port.

A one-way ticket to Basilan via Weesam Express’ fast craft costs P140 and P170 for ordinary and first class (air-conditioned) fare respectively.

Before entering the Basilan road, you will come across the Malamawi Island , where the Badjao, Samal-Luaans-Banguingui and Muslim cemeteries are situated.

Although the official language is Filipino and English, the lingua franca in the province is Chavacano, a Spanish-based creole dialect.

So when you visit Basilan, greet everyone your warmest “Buenas dias” (Good morning), “Buenas tardes” (Good afternoon) or “Buenas noches” (Good evening/night) or simply say “Gracias” to express your gratitude for the Zamboangueños’ hospitality.

An oasis combining adventure and relaxation for the most perceptive traveler, there is indeed a lot to discover in the island. So, seize the splendor of the place. Please say “Si Si” (Yes) to Basilan!

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Basilan Travel Tips

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Basilan Travel Guide

Many people are discouraged to set foot in Basilan due to the security stigma attached to the territory. But in reality, this island in the Sulu archipelago in the Philippines is a fantastic destination. People are warm and friendly, their food tasty, and their tourist spots very inviting for exploring tourists, locals and foreigners alike.

The best thing to do in Basilan is to experience the local way of life. Lamitan City is the provincial capital and should be on top of your list of must visits. This is where you can partake in local delicacies, like lokot-lokot and panyalam, and even watch how they are prepared. To those who love the sun, sand, and sea, you may check out Malamawi White Beach in Isabela City or Pink Beach in Maluso. Other attractions include Bulingan Falls, Isabela City Forest Park, and Bohe Linuan River.

It's about time people start looking past the negative things said about Basilan and into its charming attractions. The province is easily accessible from the Zamboanga City seaport. It’s also a great start to discovering the rest of the Zamboanga Peninsula and its major cities like Dapitan, Pagadian, and Dipolog.

Basilan Essentials

How much does it cost to visit Basilan ? Click below to compare rates and discounts online:

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Click below to search recommended Basilan hotels/hostels/home rentals within your budget. Book online with these trusted booking sites for rock-bottom prices & convenient bookings.

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Pro tip : Remember to set your minimum/maximum price, travel dates, and sort by review ratings. Book sooner rather than later if you already have your dates set. Cheaper-priced rooms and hotels with high reviews tend to get fully booked faster, especially during busy days like weekends, holidays & peak tourist seasons.

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Top Things to Do in Basilan Island

Things to do in basilan island.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for Kids
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Budget-friendly
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Couples
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Malamawi Beach

2. Tenusa Island

3. Malamawi Island

4. Bulingan Falls

5. sumagdang beach.

6. Calugusan Beach

7. Plaza Rizal

8. Cathedral of St Elizabeth of Portugal

9. kalun's park.

10. Palm Beach

11. pusuac spring park, 12. cabunbata falls, 13. kaum purnah mosque.

14. The Wine Cellar

What travelers are saying.

• Malamawi Beach
• Malamawi Island
• Bulingan Falls
• Tenusa Island
• Plaza Rizal

Top 5 Tourist Attractions in Basilan Province

Malamawi island.

A beautiful white sand beach located on an island off the coast of Isabela City. Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and island hopping.

Santa Isabel Cathedral

A historic church located in the heart of Isabela City. It is one of the oldest churches in Mindanao and features a blend of Spanish and Muslim architectural styles.

Tumahubong White Beach

A scenic beach located in the town of Mohammad Ajul. The beach is known for its crystal clear waters and white sand.

Tabuk Island

A secluded island located off the coast of Maluso. It is home to a variety of marine life, making it a popular spot for diving and snorkeling.

Akbar Pearl Farm

A pearl farm located in the town of Akbar. Visitors can learn about the process of pearl farming, see the pearls being harvested, and purchase souvenirs.

Top 20 Bataan Tourist Spots

Top 5 tourist attractions in aurora province.

15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Moscow

Written by Diana Bocco Updated Dec 23, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Moscow is one of Europe's most enigmatic destinations, home to a fascinating history and colorful, awe-inspiring architecture you won't find anywhere else in the world. Moscow might be one of the most populous cities in the world with over 11 million inhabitants, but this hasn't changed its strong cultural and social traditions.

Walk the cobblestone streets of the Red Square or the banks of the Moskva River early in the morning, and it's hard to tell what century you're in.

Tsarist architecture, must-see churches, and glamorous shopping opportunities blend together for a visual experience you won't forget. For ideas on what to see and do while visiting Russia, here's our list of top tourist attractions in Moscow.

1. Marvel at the Size of the Kremlin

2. catch a performance at the bolshoi theatre, 3. shop at the luxurious gum, 4. make your way into lenin's mausoleum, 5. spend an hour (or three) at red square, 6. discover history at the museum of cosmonautics, 7. ride the stunning moscow metro, 8. explore the moscow state integrated museum-reserve, 9. spend a rainy day at the tretyakov gallery, 10. walk up and down arbat street, 11. stop by the vdnkh all-russian exhibition centre, 12. wander around gorky park, where to stay in moscow for sightseeing, map of tourist attractions & things to do in moscow.

Moscow's most recognizable structure is without a doubt the Kremlin, a 15th-century fortified complex that covers an area of 275,000 square meters surrounded by walls built in the 1400s.

The Grand Kremlin Palace -which has over 700 rooms- was once home to the Tsar family and is now the official residence of the president of the Russian Federation, although most heads of state choose to reside elsewhere.

The massive complex also includes many other buildings, some of which are open to the public and can be visited regularly. Aside from three cathedrals (including one where the Tsars were once crowned) and a number of towers, the Kremlin is also home to the Armory building, a museum holding everything from the royal crown and imperial carriages to the ivory throne of Ivan the Terrible and Fabergé eggs.

The Bolshoi Theater is home to the largest and one of the oldest ballet and opera companies in the world . While the theater has undergone several major renovations over the past century-including a recent one in 2011 to restore some of the imperial architectural details-it still retains all of its Neoclassical grandeur.

The Bolshoi Theater you see today opened in 1824, after several older versions burned down. Inside, red velvet, a three-tiered crystal chandelier, and gilt moldings give the place a Byzantine-Renassaince grandiose feel like no other.

Catching a show from the resident ballet and opera troupes is a treat, as the theater often presents a number of classic performances, such as Tchaikovsky's Mazeppa and Rachmaninoff's Francesca da Rimini, both of which originally premiered here.

Moscow's oldest and most upscale shopping center is an architectural marvel. GUM (short for Glávnyj Universálnyj Magazín or "Main Universal Store") was built in the late 1800s in neo-Russian style to showcase a beautiful mix of a steel skeleton and 20,000 panels of glass forming an arched roof.

This was a unique construction at the time, since the glass had to be strong enough to support the snow-heavy Russian winters. The building is just as impressive outside, with all three levels covered in marble and granite.

While GUM is no longer the largest shopping center in Moscow, it's still by far the most beautiful. Home to brands like Gucci and Manolo Blahnik, this might not be the ideal destination for most budget-conscious visitors, but the beauty of the building itself is worth a visit.

On the third floor, there are also great dining options, including a Soviet-style canteen that serves traditional Russian food, and a stand selling ice cream made by hand using an original 1954 recipe originally approved by the Soviet government.

Lenin's Mausoleum, the final resting place of Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin, occupies a central spot in Red Square. His body has been in the mausoleum since his death in 1924-and although the original plan was for him to be buried after a short period of public display for mourning, the plan quickly changed.

After over 100,000 visited the tomb over a period of six weeks, it was decided that a new sarcophagus and a more permanent display space could actually preserve Lenin's body for much longer than expected-and Lenin's Mausoleum was built.

Over the years, the mausoleum and its marble stairs also became the main spot from where Soviet leaders would watch parades and events happening in Red Square.

Lenin's embalmed body can still be seen today, lying down in a bulletproof glass sarcophagus as if he's sleeping. While a visit to the mausoleum is certainly unusual, it has become a must-do for history buffs looking to understand how Lenin's legacy truly changed the nation. Come ready to wait, though -there are usually lines to get in.

All of Moscow's main streets start at Red Square, so it's easy to see why this is considered the heart of the city. A massive space of 330 meters by 70 meters, the square is flanked by the Kremlin, Lenin's Mausoleum, two cathedrals, and the State Historical Museum.

In 1945, a massive Victory Parade was held here to celebrate the defeat of Nazi Germany by the Soviet Armed Forces.

St. Basil's Cathedral , one of the most recognizable buildings on the square, was built in 1555. The unique cathedral has architectural details inspired by Byzantine and Asian design, as well as details that resemble those found in famous mosques. There are nine individual chapels inside the church, all decorated with colorful mural art.

Both the square itself and the Kremlin are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites . On weekends, there are sometimes stalls selling souvenirs and traditional items here, such as matryoshka (Russian nesting dolls), at the entrance of the square.

At one point, Russia and the US were toe-to-toe when it came to space exploration. While that might no longer be the case, the museum's amazing collection-which includes over 85,000 items-is still awe-inspiring.

Main exhibits include the space capsule used by Yuri Gagarin , the first human to travel into outer space; a USSR flag with moon fragments; a Soviet spacesuit; and a rocket propulsion unit from the 1960s. A special two-story hall showcases sections of the Mir space station interior, and there are also models of the first sputniks and a replica miniature spaceship.

English-language tours are available, and there's also a Cinema Hall showing subtitled short films about the history of space exploration programs and the first manned space flight.

The museum is located inside the base of the monument to the Conquerors of Space, which was built almost 20 years before the museum opened.

Riding the Moscow metro is an experience all in itself, but even just heading underground to walk through the stations is something no visitor should miss. With 223 stations and 12 metro lines crosscutting through Moscow, however, this can be tricky, so visiting at least a few of the most impressive ones is a good start.

Arbatskaya station was designed by a skyscraper architect, so it's no surprise that it features multicolored granite slabs and impressive bronze chandeliers.

Park Kultury station , located next to Gorky Park, is covered in marble and features reliefs of people involved in sports, while Teatralnaya station is decorated with porcelain figures dancing and wearing traditional Russian costumes.

The metro is open between 5:30am and 1:00am but it's very crowded in the early morning and after 4pm, so it's better to visit in the late morning or early afternoon to really appreciate the architecture without the crowds.

The Moscow State Integrated Art and Historical Architectural and Natural Landscape Museum-Reserve is a cultural open-air museum complex comprised of four different historical sites.

The most important site, the Kolomenskoye Estate, was once the summer residence of Tsars as far back as the 14 th century. The complex, which covers almost 300 hectares, is home to fairy-tale wooden palaces; a tent-roof stone church built in the 1500s; a water tower; fort towers and structures; and the 24-room Museum of Wooden Architecture , which includes the restored dining room of Tsar Alexei I.

Beautiful manicured gardens , riverside picnic areas, and a massive collection of both artifacts and structures make this a great destination to help you see what medieval Russia looked like. English-language tours are available, but you're also free to wander the grounds on your own.

The largest collection of Russian art in the world sits here, with over 180,000 paintings, sculptures, and religious art dating back to over a millennia ago. The gallery, built using beautiful red and white colors from classical Russian architecture, is located near the Kremlin and it was built in the early 20 th century.

Significant art pieces include the Vladimir Mother of God; a Byzantine icon of the Virgin and child dating back to the 1100s; Andrei Rublev's The Trinity icon from the 15 th century; and several works by Ilya Repin, the most famous realist painter in Russia.

On the grounds of the museum, there is also an 86-meter-tall statue of Peter the Great, as well as a number of Socialist Realism sculptures.

Moscow's one-kilometer-long pedestrian street has been around since the 15 th century. Originally a trade route in the outskirts of the city, Arbat Street is now very centrally located, home to posh buildings and lots of places to eat and shop.

Beautiful street lamps and two significant statues-one of Princess Turandot (from Puccini's last opera) and one of Soviet-era poet Bulat Okudzhava-adorn the street, which fills up with both locals and tourists on evenings and weekends.

A great place to pick up souvenirs or sit down at an outdoor café, Arbat Street also offers a chance to visit the former home of poet Alexander Pushkin and the café both Anton Chekhov and Leo Tolstoy used to visit.

Although it was originally designed as a general-purpose trade show venue, this park complex now houses amusement rides , ice rinks , and a number of galleries and other attractions for all ages.

The park's most famous landmarks are the Moskvarium, a marine biology center home to over 8000 species of marine animals, the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art, and a shopping center selling traditional products from former Soviet countries.

There's even a film museum showing Soviet cartoons or even a full-length film (for an extra fee) and an education center offering masterclasses on everything from becoming a barista to video montage (call or write in advance to find out which ones are English-friendly).

Soviet-era pavilions, sculptures, and fountains abound here as well, including the famous Friendship of the Peoples Fountain, which features statues of women dressed in costumes from different former Soviet countries.

Named after the famous Russian writer Maxim Gorky (who was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature five times but never won it) and sitting right across the Moskva River, Gorky Park covers 120 hectares of beautiful ponds and green spaces.

Popular with both locals and tourists, the park offers a variety of things to enjoy-from sunbeds, hammocks, and drinking fountains to free yoga classes and children's playgrounds. There's free Wi-Fi and sockets for charging your phone, as well as many food stands and plenty of wild animals, including deer, rabbits, and pheasants.

Visitors can rent paddle boats and bicycles to explore the park-and from May to October, there is also an open-air movie theater, as well as scheduled presentations by street performers, musicians, and artists. Gorky Park attracts the young and old, so don't be surprised to see a mix of people exercising, playing chess, and sunbathing.

Luxury Hotels :

• Lotte Hotel Moscow is one of the top 5-star properties in Moscow offering the largest Royal Suite in Russia. The trendy rooms and suites here all have contemporary style and great city views. On-site amenities are plentiful. There are two restaurants: one serving contemporary Italian fare, and the other Japanese. There is an impressively lit indoor swimming pool, a well-known spa, and a state-of-the-art gym.
• Another excellent luxury hotel is the Ararat Park Hyatt Moscow . The residential-style property is in the heart of Moscow just next to the Bolshoi Theatre and within walking distance of the Kremlin and Red Square. The rooms and suites have been opulently designed by Tony Chi. The on-site restaurant serves a mix of European and Armenian specialities. There is also a Japanese sushi bar and a rooftop lounge with fabulous city views.
• The St. Regis Moscow Nikolskaya also has a central location just a few minutes from the Kremlin and Red Square. The 5-star property has a mix of elegant rooms and suites, including interconnecting room options for families with kids. There are multiple restaurants on-site including an Italian bistro. Other amenities include the fabulous Iridium Spa, which does a full range of treatments and has an indoor swimming pool, sauna, and steam room.

Mid-Range Hotels :

• Palmira Business Club is a top mid-range choice. The contemporary lifestyle hotel offers well-appointed rooms and suites, including options for families. Suites are quite spacious and have kitchenettes. Amenities here include a complimentary breakfast at the on-site restaurant, a hot tub, sauna, and spa. There is also a fitness center.
• The trendy Mercure Moscow Baumanskaya offers a mix of rooms and suites with contemporary decor. The mid-range hotel can arrange airport transportation and offers baggage storage. Other amenities include a restaurant and room service. The front desk is open 24 hours.
• Boutique Hotel Brighton is about 10 minutes from the city center in a leafy park area. It offers excellent value for money and has charming rooms and suites with sound-proof windows and doors, as well as blackout curtains. A complimentary breakfast is served, and there is also an indoor swimming pool.

Budget Hotels :

• Hotel Ibis Budget Moscow Panfilovskaya is about a 15-minute drive from Moscow's downtown, and it's within walking distance from a metro station that will take you there. The soundproof rooms at this budget property are clean, comfortable, and can sleep up to three people. The hotel is pet friendly, has paid parking available on-site, and also has a salon.
• If you just need a budget hotel near the airport then check out Aviator Hotel Sheremetyevo . Located right at the airport, it has soundproof rooms, including options for families. Amenities include an indoor play area for kids, a sauna and swimming pool, and a free breakfast.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Exploring Russia: Whether you are interested in history, nature, or architecture, there's much to see in Russia. For a good introduction to some of the most fascinating spots in the country, take a look at our article on the Best Places to Visit in Russia . For more on Russia's second-largest city and all it has to offer, check out our piece on the Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in St. Petersburg .

Moscow’s Top 13 – The Main Attractions of the Russian capital

13 Moscow Attractions

One of the most fascinating metropolis, breathtaking city, and a vibrant European capital, Moscow is a powerful mix of history and edginess, full of world famous sites and attractions that are worth exploring. However, it would take weeks to really explore all facets of the Russian capital – unfortunately hardly any traveler has that much time, which is why you should concentrate on the absolute Moscow top attractions and highlights. Here is the list of top 13 Moscow attractions you can choose on your next Russian travel journey.

What Times Square means to New York, Pariser Platz with the Brandenburg Gate to Berlin, or Trafalgar Square to London – Red Square means to Moscow. The heart of Russia’s capital it is the central meeting point and the most famous photo opportunity. No place stands for Russia and Moscow more than “krasnaja ploshchad”, as Red Square is called in Russian.

It is arguably one of the Moscow main attractions and most visited. With the gigantic military parade on Victory Day in World War II, which takes place every year on May 9, the pictures of the square go around the world year after year. But for the rest of the year you will mainly meet local and foreign tourists here, who take peaceful pictures and soak up the unique spirit. The square looks spectacular illuminated at night, but you should visit the square at least once in daylight as well.

If you stand in the middle of the huge cobblestone square, in the clockwise direction you can see the Kremlin and the Kremlin Wall with a total of 20 individually designed towers, Lenin’s Mausoleum, Historical Museum built with red bricks, the little Kazan Cathedral, the impressive luxury department store GUM, the imposing St. Basil’s Cathedral and, the bridge over the Moskva River. This unique ensemble offers more sightseeing highlights at one stroke than any other tourist attractions in Moscow or the world.

So it’s no wonder that Red Square is UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers the most popular photo opportunities worldwide. When visiting Moscow, there is no reason not to visit to Red Square and a selfie is practically also a must – getting there is easy even for Russia newcomers. Although Red Square does not have its own metro station, it is still child’s play to find the way there – especially since the Square is the absolute geographical center of the city.

There are four metro stations in the vicinity, from which it is only a short walk to Red Square, Okhotny Ryad and Teatralnaya directly at the northwest entrance of the Square at the Historical Museum; further to the west is the Lenin Library station, from which one arrives at the same entrance through the Alexander Garden. As well as the station Revolution-square behind the GUM department store, which leads past to the northeast side of the Square.

The Kremlin

This is the biggest active fortress in Europe offering a week’s worth of attractions. For more than 70 years, the Kremlin was the power center of the Soviet Union, which the US President Ronald Reagan called the Empire of Evil exactly 35 years ago, one of the symbols of the East-West conflict in the Cold War. People in the West feared the «dark» plans that were built behind the thick walls of the Kremlin.

The Kremlin is built in a triangular shape on the natural elevation above the Moscow River, known today as the Kremlin Hill. Today’s metropolis Moscow has expanded in a circle around it and the road around the Kremlin is considered the first of several ring roads in Moscow counting.

Now Kremlin has lost its terrifying image, although it is still the seat of the Russian President and thus one of the most important places in World political events. It is an inviting, historical sight for tourists, and one of the famous Moscow tourist attractions which can be visited for just a few dollars.

The large parts of the 28 hectare site can be visited by tourists – with the exception of the Kremlin towers, the presidential Grand Kremlin Palace and the Senate Palace. The first port of call on the site is the so-called Cathedral Square, which is the geographical center of the Kremlin and at the same time the highest point on the Kremlin Hill and contains the three oldest structures in the complex. The three 15 th -century cathedrals of the Kremlin (the Dormition, Archangel Michael and the Annunciation Cathedrals), which together with the Ivan the Great Bell Tower and the Cathedral of the Deposition of Mary, make the most famous ensemble of the Kremlin. Also to be visited here are primarily the Armoury and the Patriarch’s palace.

To get to the Kremlin, you have to pass a security gate at one of the two publicly accessible entrances – these are located at the Kutafja and Borovitsky towers. Tickets cost from 700 rubles upwards, the admission to the Armoury, the Ivan the Great bell tower and the Patriarch’s Palace being paid for separately.

More about the Kremlin

Lenin’s Mausoleum

This is the ultimate love it or hate it tourist attractions in Moscow It may be mistaken for a gloomy performance, but Lenin remains an absolute attraction almost a hundred years after Vladimir Lenin death. The founding father of the Soviet Union is not only a fascinating historical figure of world renown for supporters of communism. Despite ongoing discussions about a final burial of the leader of the communist October Revolution in 1918, hundreds of thousands come year after year to the dark marble building on Red Square, right next to the Kremlin wall, to see the embalmed body of the legendary Russian revolutionary.

First opened to the public in 1924, the Mausoleum attracts 2.5 million visitors every year, so, visitors have to wait a long time to get into the illustrious building. Also, photos from inside the Mausoleum are prohibited. But a visit is still a must for Moscow visitors, especially since the visit is free. Please note that the Mausoleum is only open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The queue starts behind the Historical Museum and before you get into the actual mausoleum, you have to pass an airport-like security gate – cameras and cell phones are not allowed into the Mausoleum, but can be safely placed in a cloakroom for a small fee. On the way out of the Mausoleum, after the visit, you pass the graves of the other Soviet heads of state. Including the grave of Josef Stalin, who was briefly kept next to Lenin in the Mausoleum after his death. But in the course of de-Stalinization, the cruel dictator was moved to the less prominent place behind the Mausoleum.

More about the Lenin Mausoleum

The Alexander Garden (Alexandrovsky Sad)

If you visit Moscow in summer, the hustle and bustle in the metropolis of millions can get over your head. The city, best known for its icy winters, can turn into an absolute burning furnace in summer. It sometimes takes over an hour to get to the edge of the metropolis. The perfect retreat, located in the center of Moscow, is therefore the Alexander Garden and one of the Moscow top attractions.

Located directly on the western wall of the Kremlin, the Alexander Garden is just a small, but all the more well-kept park that extends to the nearby Manege Square (Manezhnaya Ploschad). The garden undergoes a lot of changes, with old trees cut down in 2012 and over 200 planted, the authorities also claim that there will be a rosary of 3000 roses. As soon as the first rays of sun warm up the Muscovites, tormented by the long winter, they set off into the countryside. If you are right in the center, you can choose the small park right by the Kremlin.

With a café in hand, which you can get yourself on Manege Square, you can linger here between the carefully tended flower beds. With the Grave of the Unknown Soldier and the regular changing of the guard, there is even a real tourist attraction on top. Entry is free.

The Moscow Metro

In no other metropolis in the world would the subway be declared a sight. Yes, that is truly right as riding this one of the top Moscow tourist attractions is an experience in itself or just a walk through the station is amazing in itself. Whether in New York, Berlin, London or Paris – the big city inhabitants of the world metropolises have a love-hate relationship with their metro. It’s different in Moscow – the residents of the Russian metropolis love their metro and there is a reason for that: in the early days of metro construction, dictator Stalin had built the stations into “palaces for the workers”.

All the splendor of the tsars, which the ordinary Russian never saw, is now open to everyone, regardless of their origin. Indeed, a number of stations on the Moscow Metro, each built shortly before or after the war, are unmatched architectural masterpieces. Mayakovskaya station is often compared to a ballroom for its chandeliers and ornaments. The Teatralnaya stop, located directly below the world-famous Bolshoi Theater, shines with decorations reminiscent of the country’s theater and ballet tradition. Colorful glass windows, almost like in a sacred building, adorn the Novoslobodskaya station.

But the uncalled queen among Moscow’s metro beauties is Komsomolskaya station, named after the youth organization of the Soviet Union. With its huge chandeliers and detailed ceiling decorations, it is the crown jewel among the 331 metro stations. It is not uncommon for tourists to stand in the middle of the platform and take photos under the glances of passengers who just want to walk past the annoying tourists to and from work as quickly as possible.

A ride on the metro currently costs 57 rubles, which is less than one dollar. You should plan a few hours for a tour of the most beautiful stations, but the good news is, once behind the turnstile, a single ticket is enough to stay in the metro system as long as you want.

The Bolshoi Theater

To see Tchaikovsky Swan Lake or the Nutcracker by the same legendary Russian composer on the famous Bolshoi stage – that is the dream of every ballet fan. Home to the largest and one of the oldest ballet and opera companies in the world, nowhere else is the fine art of musical dance lived as much as in Russia – and has been since the times of the tsars.

The Bolshoi itself has been shining back to its former glory since it was built in 1776 since its extensive renovation that cost almost a billion dollars a few years ago. The large historical hall of the building impresses with its opulent golden decorations and creates a very special atmosphere – this was also used by the communist leaders of the Soviet Union, who held their congresses in the building directly at the Kremlin. The Theater is so famous that it currently adorns the 100 ruble banknote and is among the Moscow main attractions.

If you’d like to go to what is probably the most famous ballet theater in the world today, it’s easier than ever. The program can be found months in advance on the official website bolshoi.ru  and can be ordered at very reasonable prices. The cheapest seats in the hall can be booked for as little as 100 rubles, i.e. less than $ 2. However, you should reserve tickets early, as the performances are usually booked weeks in advance. Even for good seats, you pay very moderate prices compared to Western Europe.

There are a few things to watch out for, however, proper, appropriate clothing is welcome, but apart from the obligation to wear trousers, it is not an exclusion criterion for men. If you arrive late, you have to wait outside until the next break so as not to disturb the other guests during the performance. The best way to get to the Bolshoi is by taking the Moscow Metro via the Teatralnaya station, which was built especially for the theater and which stairs are right in front of the main entrance.

More about the Bolshoi Theater

The GUM department store

The Russian abbreviation GUM means main all-purpose shopping center and sounds quite formal for such a shopping temple. Located in front of the Kremlin on Red Square, GUM has existed as a department store since 1920 and was previously a market. It is the most iconic and largest department store in Russia and among the Moscow tourist attractions .   The facade of the building, built in 1890, fits perfectly into the overall picture of Red Square and is illuminated photogenically at night.

In contrast to the scarcity economy of the Soviet era, the GUM today really has everything to offer that one can imagine. It has become the flagship of the shopping and fashion metropolis Moscow. But today you will mainly find smaller luxury shops here. From western high-couture boutiques such as Prada or Gucci to fur for the icy Russian winter, a well-to-do Muscovite or a tourist will find everything their heart desires here.

People can walk through the wide and beautifully decorated arcades of the GUM, free of charge. Cafes invite you to linger. A delicatessen shop on the ground floor sells Russian specialties at affordable prices. Chocolate, honey and caviar, as well as the all-round vodka in Russia, can be bought here as souvenirs for friends and family at home. In addition, the Soviet-style cafeteria on the upper floor is very cheap for lunch.

The GUM offers a special highlight every winter when the department store administration built an ice rink in front of the building directly on Red Square. For only 200 to 300 rubles per hour, depending on the time of day, you can lace up your skates and glide over the ice with the unique panorama of Red Square.

More about the GUM department store 

The Historical Museum

The Historical Museum is a museum of Russian history wedged between Red Square, Lenin Mausoleum, small Kazan Cathedral, and Manege Square. The red brick building of the Museum is a real eye-catcher and Moscow top attractions located on the opposite side of St. Basil’s Cathedral. It is dedicated to Russian history and is built in the Old Russian style, the building did not open until 1883.

The Museum houses everything from an exhibition on the archeology of Russia, through the technological achievements, to the art of the gigantic empire in 16 sections and has a total of 5 million exhibits. So if you are interested in the history of Russia, you cannot avoid visiting this Museum and should plan enough time for it.

A visit costs 150 to 500 rubles, depending on which exhibition you want to visit. The Museum is open in winter, autumn and spring from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., closed on Tuesdays. In the summer months, the extended Saturday times apply daily.

It is probably the most famous park in the Russian capital and the top Moscow tourist attractions – a novel and its film adaptation and a Russian rock band have its name and numerous songs by Russian and international bands and TV series, such as House of Cards, mention it or act here. Gorky Park is a premier green space offering entertainment for every taste. Located southwest of the center of Moscow on the Moskva River, it is designed more for family attractions and rest and the classic park on the other side – has become one of the meeting places for Muscovites of all kinds in recent years.

Whether for a yoga class, a family picnic or beach volleyball match, skateboarding, and cycling – people meet here often. Because even in the Gorky there is an ice surface in winter, the largest in Moscow, which attracts many Moscow residents as well as tourists.

A large-scale renovation in 2011 breathed new life into the park – the roller kiosks were removed and more emphasis was placed on the maintenance of the green spaces. The park remained free of charge and developed into one of the most popular places in the capital. Whether with the rental bike through the green lungs, the pedal boat across the numerous ponds or simply watching the goings-on on the park bench – a visit to Gorki is also absolutely worthwhile for tourists.

Day trip to the Golden Ring

As much as the metropolis Moscow is fascinating, the side effects of a cosmopolitan city like Moscow – the noise, the traffic and the crowds – can overwhelm any tourist. What could be better than a day trip to escape the organized chaos of the cosmopolitan city?

The places on the Golden Ring near Moscow are an ideal destination for this and among the Moscow main attractions – located north-east of the metropolis, these old Russian cities, some of which have existed for much longer than Moscow itself, offer a welcome change from the hectic hustle and bustle of the capital.

Developed in the late 1960s uniting several mediaeval Russian cities located to the north-east of Moscow it is the most popular route around provincial cities of central Russia. More than a thousand year old city of Yaroslavl on the Volga is the largest, but at 260 km from Moscow also the most distant city of the Golden Ring. For only 650 rubles, however, you can take the three-hour train ride there.

Yaroslavl has been part of the world cultural heritage since 2005 and is best known for its two monasteries – the Monastery of our Savior and Transfiguration and the Monastery of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Tolga are located directly on the Europe’s longest river Volga and its inflow Kotorosl. Both testify to the long history of the Russian Orthodox Church. The cityscape of Yaroslavl is also really worth seeing with its classicist buildings – walking through the streets of the city with 500,000 inhabitants is a welcome contrast to Moscow. Things are even more slow in the small towns of Suzdal and Vladimir, both of which can still be reached with the Moscow suburban train network (known as Elektrichka) for a good 500 rubles. In both cities time seems to have stood a little – large sacred buildings dominate the cityscape.

Especially the Assumption Cathedral, located in the center of Vladimir, and the Golden Medieval Gate are the main attractions for tourists. The church, built in the early 12th century, is best known for its almost 700 year old wall paintings and frescoes and is a World Heritage Site. The Suzdal Kremlin is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage List and was first mentioned in writing in 1024.

Suzdal with its only 10,000 inhabitants has still retained the character of a small Russian town and in the town, which will celebrate its millennium in 2024, you can still find numerous wooden buildings typical of rural Russia – whether churches or houses, the colorful buildings are ideal as Photo motif and give an impression of the simple Russian provinces life away from the metropolises.

The exhibition of the achievements of the national economies is not in every travel guide as a classic Moscow main attractions and a must see of the Russian capital. But no other place in the modern mega-metropolis exudes the spirit of the Soviet Union as much as the enormous VDNKh (All Russian Exhibition Centre) in the north of Moscow. It was built as an agricultural exhibition before World War II, but was then renamed world exhibition for the 15 individual Soviet states and their achievements.

From the Armenian, Estonian and Kyrgyz culture, to the Soviet achievements in space travel and nuclear power, to statues about the heroes of the Soviet history, the VNDKh (Vystavka Dostizheniy Narodnogo Khozyastva) was an absolute attraction until the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991. After that, the old charm fell into disrepair and the large central pavilion, which was built in the splendidly pompous Stalinist style, was filled with small traders selling souvenirs and matryoshkas.

Since its renovation in 2014, the exhibition in the park-like area is absolutely worth a trip again and with the metro station of the same name you can get from the center to the VDNKh quickly and without problems. There are still strange souvenirs, plus huge Soviet monuments worth seeing, as well as numerous rides for children. The Kosmos exhibition still exists and is now part of the Cosmonaut Museum, which is located at the front end of the park when coming from the metro station.

Here you can experience the various achievements of Soviet and Russian space travel vividly. From the very first Sputnik satellite, the spacesuit of Yuri Gargarin, the very first human in space, to the Buran space shuttle, you can learn an incredible amount about the conquest of the cosmos here. However, you should plan several hours just for a visit to the Cosmonaut Museum.

More about the cosmonaut museum

The Pushkin Museum and the Tretyakov Gallery

To complete the cultural program in Moscow, you should definitely make a tour to the Pushkin Museum and the Tretyakov Gallery when visiting the Russian capital. It is the largest museum of European art and among the Moscow top attractions. The former Museum of Fine Arts was named after Alexander Pushkin’s death in 1837 – it is still one of the most important art collections in the world today.

It boasts one of the richest collections of foreign art in Russia, showcasing global artistic developments from early times to the present day in expositions numbering 700,000 works of art.  Not far south of the Kremlin, exactly opposite the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, the Museum is housed in a classic building specially built for this purpose in 1898. From early Byzantine art to the famous Madonna by Lukas Cranach, the Italian masters, Peter Paul Rubens and masterpieces of Expressionism, for example by Paul Cézanne, you can admire a huge selection of important art here.

The regular entry ticket costs 800 rubles and the Ьuseum is open on weekends from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., during the week until 8 p.m. – only Monday is closed.

The second important art collection in the capital is the State Tretyakov Gallery. It is the national treasury of Russian fine art and one of the greatest museums in the world. Started by the textile entrepreneur and philanthropist Pavel Tretyakov as a collection of local contemporary art in 1851, the gallery has now developed into one of the cultural highlights of Russia. In contrast to the Pushkin Museum, you will primarily find Russian art from the 19th century and older icons.

Entry cost is 400 rubles and the Gallery is open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. – Monday is also the day off.

Take a stroll across Red Square, meet Lenin and see the world-famous Kremlin?

Then first of all you need a visa! !

Alexander Popov

Welcome to Russia! My name is Alexander, I was born in Moscow and I'm a passionate tour guide. I want to share my passion for Russia and my hometown with you. On my website you will find useful information to make your individual trip to Russia as interesting as possible.

The Museum of Cosmonautics and the Planetarium in Moscow

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• 19 Must See Attractions In...

The Top Things to Do in Moscow

As a vibrant capital and Europe’s largest city, Moscow is a powerful mix of history and edginess, full of world-famous sites. Russia ’s capital was just a small town when it was first recorded 800 years ago, but there is enough here today to keep you busy for months. Here’s the ultimate first-timer’s list of things to do in Moscow, from exploring the Kremlin and St Basil’s Cathedral to getting a cable car from Sparrow Hills or skating in Gorky Park.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips , compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips .

The heart of Russia’s capital, Red Square is surrounded by striking sites including the Kremlin, St Basil’s Cathedral and Lenin’s Mausoleum, and is where so much of the country’s history has unfolded. What was once a humble market square has become known as the place where rebels have been executed, protests staged and military strength put on show throughout Russia’s tumultuous history.

However long you’re visiting Moscow for, you must set aside some time to soak up the archetypal image of Russia’s capital with the glistening rainbow roofs of St Basil’s Cathedral. The onion-shaped domes were designed to make the building look like flames on a bonfire. The cathedral was commissioned in the 1500s by Ivan the Terrible and according to legend, the Tsar thought it so beautiful he ordered that the architect be blinded so they would never surpass this creation.

Lenin’s Mausoleum

The love-it-or-hate-it of Russia attractions, Lenin’s Mausoleum houses a glass sarcophagus containing the embalmed body of the legendary Russian revolutionary, Vladimir Lenin. First opened to the public in August 1924, the Mausoleum attracts around 2.5m visitors a year, who presumably don’t mind queueing and going through a thorough search to enter Lenin’s presence.

Moscow Kremlin

The biggest active fortress in Europe , Moscow’s Kremlin offers a week’s worth of attractions on its own. Once you get behind the 2,235m (7,332ft) of walls, there are five squares to wander around, various buildings to explore, 20 towers to learn the names of, and the world’s largest bell and cannon to see.

State Historical Museum

An attraction in its own right, the State Historical Museum, founded in 1872 by Ivan Zabelin and Aleksey Uvarov, was once the principal medicine store, also containing antiquaries owned by the royal family. It now houses an impressive collection, which includes relics of prehistoric tribes that once inhabited the territory of present-day Russia, the country’s largest coin collection, as well as 6th-century manuscripts and artworks collected by the Romanov dynasty, among other treasures.

Russia’s main department store, GUM’s stunning interior houses a variety of high-end boutiques. Built between 1890 and 1893 and known as the Upper Trading Rows until the 1920s, the legendary store is now home to over 100 boutiques selling a variety of brands: from luxurious Dior to the more affordable Zara. Even if shopping is not on your list of what to do in Moscow, the GUM is still worth a visit; the glass-roofed arcade faces Red Square and offers a variety of classy eateries.

Arbat Street

An elegant, pedestrianised street right in the historic city centre, Arbat is one of Moscow’s most touristy spots. With lots of cafes and restaurants , live music performers and caricaturists, as well as souvenir shops and tattoo parlours, monuments and a theatre, Arbat draws crowds of visitors every day.

Tretyakov Gallery

Built between 1900 and 1905, Tretyakov Gallery started as the private collection of the Tretyakov brothers, who were 19th-century philanthropists. Designed by Viktor Vasnetsov, the gallery is home to one of the largest collections of Russian art in the world. Here you can see icons including Rublev’s Trinity, and pre-revolutionary masterpieces such as Girl With Peaches by Valentin Serov, Demon by Mikhail Vrubel and The Rooks Have Come Back by Alexei Savrasov.

Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts

The largest foreign art museum in Moscow comprises three branches housing a collection of incredible works by masters of ancient civilisations, the Italian Renaissance and the Dutch Golden Age. The main building contains masterpieces by Botticelli, Tiepolo, Veronese and Rembrandt, some of which had never been displayed before. The Gallery of European and American Art, located next door, stores an incredible collection of impressionist and post-impressionist paintings.

Moscow’s premier green space, Gorky Park offers entertainment for every taste: outdoor dancing sessions, yoga and fitness classes all summer, as well as beach volleyball and ping-pong, rollerblading, skateboarding and cycling opportunities, along with Segway and boat rentals. In winter, half the park turns into one of the city’s biggest ice skating rinks. The park is also home to an open-air movie theatre and one of the less obvious places to visit in Moscow for art lovers, the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art.

Sparrow Hills

If you take a walk from Gorky Park along the Moscow river embankment, you’ll end up in the city’s other legendary park, Sparrow Hills. Although the park doesn’t offer as many activities as its hip neighbour, here you can take a closer look at the tallest of the seven Stalinist skyscrapers (the Moscow State University), admire the view from the observation deck or get a cable car ride.

Bolshoi Theatre

Opened in 1856, the legendary Bolshoi Theatre is one of the pest places in Moscow for an evening of entertainment. It’s the home of Bolshoi Ballet and the Bolshoi Opera – among the oldest and most famous ballet and opera companies in the world. Alongside the classics, the theatre also stages contemporary works by young international composers and choreographers. The theatre’s imperial decor was restored in a six-year refurbishment that finished in 2011.

VDNKh All-Russian Exhibition Centre

The enormous VDNKh contains about 400 buildings and is said to cover an area bigger than Monaco. The centre started out as the all-Soviet agricultural exhibition in 1935, and now serves as an open-air museum of Soviet architecture. With the iconic fountain at its entrance, the park complex is home to a number of museums, shopping pavilions, multiple eateries , a massive oceanarium, a zip-line, a horse-riding rink and a Russian space shuttle. In winter a skating rink opens – the largest in Europe.

Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve

The former summer residence of Empress Catherine the Great was commissioned in 1775, and succumbed to deterioration during the Soviet era. The whole of Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve has been fundamentally renovated since the 1980s to look even brighter than the original. With its opulently decorated buildings, gardens, meadows and forests, Tsaritsyno Park is the perfect place for a green respite in Moscow.

Mostly known for the city’s largest flea market, the district of Izmaylovo is home to a maze of shops where you can get just about anything: from handmade items to Soviet antiquities. It’s also one of Moscow’s largest green spaces, where you can hide from the city buzz.

Ostankino TV Tower

Built in 1967, Ostankino TV Tower was the tallest free-standing construction in the world at the time. Now it’s still the best observation deck with a glass floor and 360 degree views. So be sure to book one of the hourly tours; the speedy elevators will take you 337m (1,105ft) in no time.

Kolomenskoye

A 10-minute metro ride from the city centre will take you to Kolomenskoe Museum-Reserve, where you can get an idea of what Medieval Moscow looked like. Here you’ll find ancient churches (one dating back to the 16th century), the oldest garden in Moscow and a favourite estate of Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich, father of Peter the Great.

Novodevichy Convent

Founded in 1524, the Novodevichy Convent is a place steeped in history. Behind the walls that once served as a fortress, there are four cathedrals with a fascinating icon collection and a venerable cemetery. Back in the day it was common for women from noble families to retire in monasteries, and the Novodevichy Convent had some notable residents such as Princess Sophia and Eudoxia Lopukhina, both related to Peter the Great (and imprisoned by him). The former was his half-sister who claimed the throne; the latter was his first wife, who stood in the way of his marriage to Catherine I.

Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

One of Russia’s most visited cathedrals, Christ the Saviour is a truly remarkable site. The grandiose cathedral was built in the 1990s where a 19th-century church of the same name stood before it was demolished in 1931 by the Soviet authorities. Designed to look like its predecessor, the modern building also contains the icon Christ Not Painted by Hand by Sorokin, which survived the demolition of the original cathedral. The cathedral was the site of feminist punk collective Pussy Riot’s 2012 protest that led to the imprisonment of several members.

Moscow City

Home to Europe’s tallest office building, Moscow City, also referred to as Moscow International Business Centre, is one Russia’s most ambitious engineering projects of recent years. With its various high-rises, the business district is where you should come for great crowd-free shopping and the best panoramic views of the city.

Izmailovsky Market

For those on a budget, ditch window shopping at the exclusive GUM and take a foray into the bustling world of Izmailovsky, Russia’s best flea market. Delve into the bargains, rifle through the artisan crafts, admire the local handiwork and be tempted by the silky smooth traditional fur hats. Expect walls of matryoshka dolls, fascinating Soviet memorabilia, and glittering hand-crafted jewellery. Head up to one of Izmailovsky market’s cafes for a warming mulled wine before continuing your shopping spree.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

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Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

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9 Things to See in Moscow's Red Square

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In most cases, you'll be entering Red Square from the north, passing landmarks such as the Bolshoi Theatre and Duma parliament building as you make your way southward. Although you don't necessarily have to pass through the Voskresensky (or Resurrection in English) Gates in order to gain access to the square these days, they definitely provide a sense of arrival, to say nothing of the way their left arch frame's St. Basil's Cathedral if you look from just the right angle.

An interesting fact is that while a gate of some kind has stood here since the mid-16th century, the one you currently see wasn't built until 1994, having been destroyed in 1931 so that tanks could enter and exit Red Square during military parades.

St. Basil's Cathedral

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson 

Few sights are as iconic not only of Moscow and Red Square but indeed of Russia than St. Basil's Cathedral, whose colorful, onion-shaped domes are a symbol of the country around the world. Officially known as the Cathedral of Vasily the Blessed, this church has stood since 1561, which is quite miraculous when you consider all the turbulent history that has transpired since then.

Among other things, religion was severely prohibited during the Soviet period , which led some to believe that this emblem of the Russian Orthodox church might not withstand the tenure of the USSR. 

An interesting fact is that St. Basil's is the so-called "Kilometer Zero" of Russia; all of Moscow's main roads (which can take you anywhere in Russia) begin at the exits to Red Square. In this way, St. Basil's iconic status also has an extremely tangible element.

The Kremlin

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

When you think of The Kremlin, it's unlikely that positive images enter your mind. The fact that simply saying the word "Kremlin" is too vague a descriptor (most Russian cities have their own Kremlin complexes; you should say "Moscow Kremlin") notwithstanding, this misunderstood place is incredibly beautiful, even if you don't like the policy that comes out of it.

Senate Square

In spite of its name, which refers to the role the building that rises above the square played during Imperial Russia, Senate Square is actually home to Russia's presidential administration, currently helmed by Vladimir Putin. In order to see where Russia's legislature operates from, walk just outside Red Square to the Duma parliament building.

Dormition Cathedral

Dating back to the year 1479, the gold-domed Dormition Cathedral pays homage to an Orthodox religious feast that commemorates the death of the Virgin Mary . As is the case with St. Basil's, it is curious that such a conspicuously religious structure was able to survive through the Soviet period.

Armoury Chamber

Though it takes its name from the fact that it housed Russia's royal arsenal when it was built in the 16th century, the most notable resident of the Kremlin's Armoury Chamber today is the Russian Diamond Fund.

Notable Kremlin Towers

Robert Schrader

The interior of the Moscow Kremlin is more beautiful and inviting than you'd expect, but the walls and towers that rise around it better live up to the intimidation with which the complex is associated. 

Borovitskaya Tower

Named to commemorate the dense forest that once stood atop the mount where it's built, this tower is extremely picturesque. Built in the late 15th century, it's visible from most places in the square, and also as you walk along the Moskva River.

Nikolskaya Tower

Also built in the year 1491, this tower currently suffered destruction at the hands of Napoleon's army in the 19th century. What you see now is the result of an 1816 re-design and renovation, though artillery fire during the Russian Revolution also caused superficial damage to the tower, named to honor St. Nikolas of Mozhaysk , so it's difficult to know which elements of it are original.

Spasskaya Tower

Known in English as the "Savior's Tower," this iconic, star-topped tower is perhaps the best-known of all the Kremlin's towers. Built in 1491 like the other two towers on this list, it's certainly the most photographed. As a result of its proximity to St. Basil's, it often makes its way into tourists' pictures.

Mausoleum of Lenin

Just as it's strange to learn how many religious monuments survived through the Soviet period, it's a bit odd to think that Lenin's preserved body still sits in a mausoleum just beneath the walls of the Kremlin on Red Square, given the lack of consensus about the ultimate impact of his Revolution, even in Russia.

It's not guaranteed that you'll be able to see the body (which, believe it or not, seems to be improving with age ) when you go, and if you do you will likely have to wait in line, but even strolling past the outside of the Lenin Mausoleum, flanked by stone-faced guards that almost look like statues, illuminates the gravity of his body still being here.

GUM Shopping Center

You might cringe, at least initially, when you realize that one of the most iconic stops on a tour of Red Square is a department store—until you see said department store, that is. Built in 1893 and known during Soviet times as the State Department Store, GUM  ( Glávnyj Universáľnyj Magazín​ or Main Universal Store in English) hearkens back to the grandeur of the late 19th century, both seen from the outside (especially, when lit up at night) and the interior, which might have you feeling like you're further west in Europe.

A trip inside GUM is a particularly good idea during winter, when frigid temperatures outside will have you savoring the heat, the quality of souvenirs, confections and other goods sold inside notwithstanding. Also, make sure not to confuse GUM with CDM, which sits near the Bolshoi Theatre, even though both are stunning and iconic in their own right.

State Historical Museum

The Russian State Historical Museum is located near Voskresensky Gates, though you should wait until after you've seen the first few attractions of Red Square and the Kremlin to head back there and go inside. To be sure, as you pass by its facade (whose late-19th century grandeur somewhat obscures that fact that it's currently a museum accessible to the public) you might not even think to try and gain entry.

Once inside the museum, you can plan to spend at least a couple of hours, given that artifacts here date back to the very beginning of the Russian state in the ninth century. As is the case with GUM, this will be a particularly alluring prospect if you visit in winter, when Moscow is arguably at its most beautiful, but certainly at its least tolerable. 

Minin-Pozharsky Monument

It's somewhat easy to disregard this monument, which pays homage to the two Russian princes who ended the so-called "Time of Troubles" in the mid-16th century, during which Polish-Lithuanian forces occupied Russia, among other awful things including a famine. That's because the statue currently sits just at the base of St. Basil's Cathedral, which makes it very difficult to photograph or even see without being overwhelmed by that much more famous edifice.

Though the statue originally sat at the very center of Red Square, it came to be an obstacle to the movement of tanks during the Soviet period, much like the Voskresensky Gates. As a result, authorities moved it during that time, and it's stayed where you currently find it ever since.

Kazan Cathedral

Taken by itself, the smokey-pink Kazan Cathedral is an architectural marvel; originally built in the 17th century, the church you find here today, located just north of the GUM department store, dates back only to 1993.

Unfortunately, since it sits not only in the shadow of GUM, but also in the shadow St. Basil's and the Towers of the Kremlin, it's easy to miss entirely if you aren't looking. As a result, you might wait until you've seen just about everything else in Red Square before coming here to take photos, and to appreciate the understated beauty of this oft-overlooked cathedral.

Moskva River

As you head south from St. Basil's Cathedral to exit Red Square, make sure to walk onto Bolshoy Moskvoretskiy Bridge, which crosses the Moskva River. If you look due north, you can get an excellent shot of the church framed, on the left, by the towers of the Kremlin. Directing your gaze a bit to the west allows you to see the skyscrapers of Moscow City as they rise above the Kremlin's walls.

Walking westward along the riverbank is also a worthwhile excursion, for the views it provides of Red Square and the Kremlin, as well as the fact that doing so takes you to other iconic Moscow attractions, including Gorky Park and the Pushkin Museum. The views you enjoy from the river and the bridge are particularly stunning at night, though you should make sure you bring a tripod if you want to get a clear picture, given how strong winds over and near the river can be.

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The Maya Train Will Get You to All of Yucatán’s Best Spots. But Not Yet.

In December, the train began running on its first route through Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. On a five-day journey a few months later, the author encountered enthusiasm, and scheduling hiccups.

By Elisabeth Malkin

Elisabeth Malkin has been visiting the Yucatán Peninsula for three decades.

I stepped off the platform at the gleaming new Maxcanú train station, eager to see the magnificent Maya archaeological site of Uxmal. All I needed was a taxi to take me there, a trip of about 30 miles away.

There are no taxis, said the stationmaster, as we stood on the polished limestone floors of the high-ceilinged station, which was cool and breezy despite the brilliant late-morning sun outside. And I was the third person in two weeks to get off at Maxcanú expecting to reach Uxmal, he said.

I was midway through a five-day trip to explore the brand-new Maya Train and several of its destinations in the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico . Designed to run 965 miles (1,554 kilometers) around a loop of 34 stations when completed, the train will whisk passengers in cool comfort through colonial cities, archaeological sites, splashy resorts and tropical forests.

Now I was stunned. Wrangling a taxi has never been a problem in Mexico. But the drivers gathered in the main square of Maxcanú offered only beat-up vans that hopscotch through small towns, where I might or might not find a taxi to Uxmal. The next van was leaving in 45 minutes.

Yucatán’s layers of history have long held me spellbound. During earlier car trips, I have clambered up deserted Maya temples and palaces, stepped into the cool naves of massive 16th-century churches and visited restored haciendas, testaments of the ostentation — and hardship — of the peninsula’s 19th-century plantation economy. Traveling by train, I thought, would allow me to steep myself in more of that history.

But as I found in Maxcanú, a train won’t necessarily get you to where you want to go.

During my February trip, I traveled on the only route then available, an east-west leg that opened in December and runs from Cancún to Mérida, and then south through the port city of Campeche to the Maya site of Palenque (a short route between Cancún and Playa del Carmen opened last month, with three trains a day). I encountered scheduling confusion, unfinished stations and a dearth of trains — just two operating daily each way between Cancún and Campeche, and only one to Palenque. Overnight sleepers and special dining trains seem years away.

President Andrés Manuel López Obrador considers the Maya Train his showcase development project, and wants to inaugurate the rest of the train before he leaves office on October 1. Based on my experience, that goal seems elusive.

A $29-billion route through the jungle

I started my journey in Cancún, where in the pre-dawn gloom the station hovered like a glowing spaceship. An attendant scanned the ticket I had bought online and a half-dozen more pointed me toward my tourist-class car, which was about a quarter full. I planned to go to Campeche, about 300 miles away, stopping once each day. At 120 kilometers (about 75 miles) an hour, the train covers the route in about six hours, the same as a car. (When construction is complete, the train’s speed should increase to 160 kilometers an hour.)

The car’s wide windows looked out at a wall of low jungle. The blue-green seats were comfortable and there was ample space between the rows. I bought a very good cappuccino at the snack bar, but declined the plastic-wrapped sandwiches. The rest of the merchandise was fruit cups, milk boxes and junk food.

The train will ultimately cost much more than the $29 billion budgeted so far, and it’s not the first time ambitious planners have alighted on the region. Cancún was once a tiny fishing village, selected half a century ago as a tourist hub. Last year 10 million international tourists flew into its airport, more than the airports of Mexico City, Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta combined.

But uncontrolled growth has stressed the Caribbean coast’s fragile environment. The Maya Train, scientists warn , will push those problems south, threatening the area’s water supply, its unique system of underground limestone caves and its vast nature reserves.

Mr. López Obrador has charged ahead, handing the train over to the military , and arguing that it will spread Cancún’s wealth and attract new visitors. Mexico received more than 42 million overseas tourists last year and they spent almost $31 billion .

Local governments see an opportunity. “The train will allow people to disperse throughout the peninsula,” said Michelle Fridman, the tourism secretary for Yucatán state, which promotes dozens of attractions far beyond highlights like Mérida and Chichén Itzá .

Now that the train is operating, transport companies will begin to connect stations with lesser-known sites nearby, she said.

It’s fair to ask whether the train is the most effective way to develop the peninsula’s tourism. Tour companies already run trips to many sites from major cities, which are well served by buses. Driving a rental car through most of the area is considered safe , according to U.S. State Department travel guidance .

Route of Mexico’s Maya Train

Canceled trip.

It took two hours (and one time-zone change) to reach Valladolid, a colonial city of handsome streets and ancient churches, where I bought the rest of my tickets at the station. A tourist-class ticket from Cancún to Valladolid costs 472 pesos (around $28) for foreigners and 355 pesos (around $21) for Mexicans. First class, with wider seats, costs 755.50 pesos and 566.50 pesos, and discounts are available for older travelers and residents of the five states along the train’s route. (A first-class bus from downtown Cancún to Valladolid costs between 222 and 344 pesos, depending on the time of day, and takes half an hour longer.)

It was impossible to run the new Maya Train tracks into dense city centers and the Valladolid station, like the rest, was outside the urban core. A waiting bus took disembarking passengers downtown, a 15-minute ride for 35 pesos.

That day I toured Ek Balam , the site of a ninth-century Maya kingdom that is dominated by a 100-foot palace distinguished by a facade of carvings depicting winged warriors, stylized animal features and geometric patterns bordered by giant fangs. Admission to the site includes entry to the X-Canché cenote, one of thousands of limestone sinkholes that were sacred to the Maya.

Later that afternoon, I was wandering through the Museum of Ethnic Clothing, a private collection of traditional dress, embroidery and hats, when a WhatsApp message from the ticket office blinked on my phone. My train scheduled for the following day was canceled.

I decided to deal with the problem in the morning and enjoy the city. As I wandered past the antique shops and boutique hotels of the elegant Calzada de los Frailes, it was clear that Valladolid’s tourism, and the infrastructure to handle it, was well established. The Maya Train is simply an alternative way to reach a city that tourists discovered years ago.

‘We’re on the Tren Maya!’

In the morning, I found that my train had not been canceled, but the station for which I had a ticket, Tixkokob, was closed. I got off instead one stop earlier at Izamal, known for its ocher streets and the giant Franciscan convent of San Antonio de Padua, built atop the ruins of a pyramid.

During the 90-minute ride, I heard widespread enthusiasm among fellow travelers who expressed a willingness to give the train time to work out the kinks. “We’re an experiment,” said Oliva Escobedo Ochoa, 64, who was vacationing from her home in central Mexico.

Leticia Iliassich, 57, who is Mexican, was traveling with her Croatian husband along with relatives from Mexico and Croatia. They had initially been scheduled on an earlier train to Mérida that had been canceled. “We knew that it was a new project,” she said. “We don’t mind.”

The group had already sent a video to friends declaring, “We’re on the Tren Maya!”

At the Izamal station I hitched a 15-minute ride into the town center with a man who had asked me to take his photo alongside the train and his father. From there I negotiated a taxi to Hacienda San Lorenzo Aké, a working hacienda that still turns the fiber from an agave plant called henequén into coarse rope. Global demand for henequén, known as Yucatán’s “green gold,” brought fantastic wealth to the region in the mid-19th century, speckling the peninsula with more than 1,000 haciendas. ( Many are now sumptuous hotels.)

Where geometry, nature and the divine merge

It was during my third day that I found myself stuck in Maxcanú, after a 90-minute train ride from Izamal. The stationmaster, an army captain, offered me a ride to Uxmal, just as he had to the stranded tourists before me.

Eying Uxmal’s 4 p.m. final ticket sale, I accepted.

My situation made it clear just how distant the Maya Train’s promises are for tourists seeking to explore more of Yucatán. In time, that will change, said Ms. Fridman, the tourism secretary. “The idea is to have more hotels along the train line,” she said. “That will happen little by little.”

But Uxmal , among the most stunning of the Maya sites, made up for the inconvenience. Uxmal’s grand buildings are faced with intricate decorative masks as well as friezes in which geometry, nature and the divine merge. New plaques at each structure offer detailed information in English and Spanish, part of the government’s investment in improving displays at Maya sites for the train project.

Most tourists either take day trips by car or bus to Uxmal from Mérida or stay at one of three nearby hotels. As I finished dinner at my hotel, the dining room began to fill up: 47 Polish tourists had arrived.

Panama hats and a cramped van

My plan for the day was to go by taxi to Bécal, a town where Panama hats are woven in limestone caves to keep the fibers soft, and then pick up the afternoon train in nearby Calkiní for the port city of Campeche.

But I spent so much time watching the hat-making demonstration and then fitting my new hat and buying gifts that we set off with little time to reach the station. To my chagrin, I missed the train, the last one of the day.

On Calkiní’s central square, I found a van that was leaving for Campeche. Cost: 65 pesos. Time: about 1 hour and 20 minutes, similar to what I would have spent on the train. Of course, I was trapped in a cramped seat and had to listen to the driver’s choice of sentimental ballads, but I was dropped off in downtown Campeche, close to my hotel.

The next day, I toured the Museum of Maya Archaeology , an expertly curated collection that included haunting jade funeral masks, glyphs and delicate ceramic figures.

José Madrigal, 45, an engineer from Fremont, Calif., was trying to make Maya pottery interesting for his twin sons. The boys had just turned 5 and their birthday present had been a ride on the Maya Train. “They love trains,” Mr. Madrigal said. Then the family moved on, keeping up a brisk clip through the museum. They had another train to catch.

Should you take the train?

Yes, if you are traveling between larger stations. The train also offers a way to get to Palenque, which is harder to reach and has roads with security concerns. Travelers can stow bicycles on board.

To see train times, check the destinations on the website . You cannot buy tickets online more than a week in advance. But when you finally board, the ride is smooth — and the coffee is excellent.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

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Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .