PUNU ULAYAN (Basilan Peak)
Sumisip and Albarca, Basilan
Main jumpers: Mahatalang, Sumisip, Basilan (6°32’18″N 122°03’03″E)
LLA: 6°32’53″N 122°4’25″E (+400), 1001 MASL* (not verified)
Number of days/hours required to reach the summit: 1 day/3-4 hours
Specifications: Minor; Difficulty 4/9, Off-Road Level 1-3
Features: Tropical rainforest, historical and cultural significance, Sulu Sea landscape
Article history: Created on September 15, 2025
Author: Gideon Lasko
background
punu urayan (or Puno Uleyan and its variations), more commonly known as basilan peakrising to about 1,000 meters above sea level from the rainforest of Basilan, the northernmost large island in the Sulu Archipelago, adjacent to the Zamboanga Peninsula. Throughout the region’s long history, Punu Ulayan has been an important landmark for the Yakan people and a navigational guide for Tausug and Maguindanao traders passing through the waters of the Sulu and Celebes Seas. As part of the Basilan Natural Bioregion, Punu Ulayan is home to a variety of flora and fauna, and is a famous bird sanctuary where aristocrats such as the Colassi and the Philippine Fairpine Bluebird can be seen; the author witnessed some sunbirds and Zamboanga Bulbuls during the hike, as well as Nepenthes sp. in the upstream.
During the American colonial period, Punu Ulayan and other Basilan mountains were heavily logged and developed, causing harm to the island’s biodiversity and economy, and contributing to sociopolitical conditions that fostered insurgency and terrorism. Despite being declared a national park for decades, the peak is inaccessible to hikers and locals and is the center of the notorious Abu Sayyaf group. However, by 2025, Basilan officially declared that there was no longer an Abu Sayyaf presence, and on September 14 of the same year, the first official ascent to Punu Ulayan was attended by Governor Mujiv Hataman and the author, as well as various military and civilian stakeholders, officially launching the ecotourism peak.
The contours and setting of the hike itself are very similar to other peaks in the Sulu Archipelago, including Bud Tumantangis. Beginning on the current bumpy road of Sumisip Mahatalang, about 600 MASL above sea level, the hike winds through logging trails until it transitions to steeper forest trails. After 800 MASL, the forest becomes denser and greener, covered with various mosses and ferns. There is a huge tree (banyan tree?) on the top of the first hill, and there is a tomb on the top of the second slightly higher hill, which is said to be the tomb of the ancestors of some local people. As a sacred space, Basilan’s highest peak demands reflection and quiet celebration: the many sacrifices involved, and the years it took, to make peace – and being there – possible.
journey
(from Isabella)
0500 Depart Isabela for the starting point of Sumisip Mahatarang
0700 Courtesy visit to the military camp; if necessary, other procedures need to be completed
0730 Start hiking
0800 Rest along the way
ETA 1000 seconds First summit summit
Chapter 1030 Visiting the Second Peak
1100 starts to fall
1300 Return to trailhead.
ETA 1500 Isabela; possible to Mahamawi Island
Practicality: BUD Tumantangis
| transportation | Due to the current situation, it is highly recommended to arrange for a vehicle to take you to the trailhead |
| Register | Subject to current circumstances; the Tourism Officer or Coordinator will provide advice to local government units and relevant military units and/or be responsible for registration as needed. |
| guide | available |
| Contact number | Ms. Nulkaisa Alindan (09457324595) – Basilan Province Mountain Tourism Product Officer |
| Campsites and waypoints | Camping is available on the top of the mountain |
| water source | without any |
| Cell phone signal | only at the top of the mountain |
| river crossing | without any |
| rope segment | without any |
| Limatic | without any |
| Lipa | + |
| rattan | Some |
| Hiking notes | The route is relatively straight; please show cultural sensitivity and respect local traditions and customs, including avoiding loud noises during prayers, not carrying/drinking alcohol, and respecting the Second Summit as a cultural space |
| bypass | There are many possibilities for travel around Basilan – including beaches (Maramawi Island) and other mountain peaks (e.g. Punu Mahaji) |
| alternative route | There are a variety of routes to choose from, but be sure to coordinate their feasibility with your local guide/coordinator first |
| Day trip | Yes |
| Jumping facilities | None as of 2025 |
| estimated budget | 1000-2000 (will depend on the final arrangement after the ecotourism is established) |
Photos of PUNU ULAYAN (Basilan Peak)
trivia
As with most Philippine mountains, there are no real technical barriers to reaching Basilan Peak, and some locals report being able to visit the summit in the past. However, Basilan Peak has never been recorded as a hiking destination and the first official hike was conducted on September 14, 2025. Details can be found in the following announcement from the author:
Happy to announce the historic first official hike up Punu Ulayan, also known as Basilan Peak, the highest point in Basilan and the entire Sulu Archipelago at approximately 1007 meters above sea level (971m above map elevation)! Puno Ulayan, once an Abu Sayyaf stronghold and passage, is a beautiful mountain, especially on its upper reaches, with pitcher plants, mossy trees and views of the Sulu Sea beneath the canopy.
It was an honor to launch this hike and a big thank you to Governor Mujiv Hataman for organizing and participating in this hike and hosting us in Basilan. I also thank Brigadier General. Gen. Frederick Sales, 101st Infantry Brigade, who led the military contingent comprised of the 32nd and 45th Infantry Brigades and Special Forces; those from MENRE, PENRO, CENRO; thanks all the military, police, local officials and civilian participants who provided support, companionship and cheer throughout the process – including former Abu Sayyaf members. I would like to personally thank Isabela City Councilor Ameen Camlian for her generosity, Ica Fernandez for her guidance, and Julius Devera, John De Castro and Charina Javier for accompanying me to Basilan. Finally, I would like to thank my good friends Paulo Tugbang and Usec. Myra Abubakar from the Ministry of Transportation facilitated my visit!
May the spirit of peace, development, trust, love and friendship flourish and continue to allow people to experience our great outdoors! I will leave Basilan with a sense of gratitude for the hospitality and beauty we experienced, and hope that I can go back not only to climb more mountains, but to deepen my connection to this incredible island.
The author’s trek up Punu Ulayan on September 14, 2025 will be documented in Hiking Matters.