Punu Ulayan – Basilan Peak (1001m)

PUNU ULAYAN (BASILAN PEAK)
Sumisip and Al-Barka, Basilan
Major jumpoff: Mahatalang, Sumisip, Basilan (6°32’18″N 122°03’03″E)
LLA: 6°32’53″N 122°4’25”E (+400), 1001 MASL* (unverified)
Days required / Hours to summit: 1 day / 3-4 hours
Specs: Minor; Difficulty 4/9, Trail class 1-3
Features: Tropical rainforest, historic and cultural significance, views of Sulu Sea
Article history: Created September 15, 2025
Author: Gideon Lasco

BACKGROUND
Punu Ulayan (or Puno Uleyan and variants thereof), more popularly known as Basilan Peak, rises to around 1000 meters above sea level from the rainforests of Basilan, the northernmost large island of the Sulu Archipelago just off Zamboanga Peninsula. Throughout the region’s deep history, Punu Ulayan has served an important landmark for the Yakan people – and navigation guide for Tausug and Maguindanao traders passing by the waters of Sulu and Celebes Sea. As part of the Basilan Natural Biotic Area, Punu Ulayan is home to various fauna and flora and is known to be a bird sanctuary, with sightings of the Colossi, Philippine Fairy-bluebird, among other avian nobles; the author personally saw some sunbirds and a Zamboanga bulbul during his hike, as well as Nepenthes sp. in the upper reaches.

During the American colonial period, Punu Ulayan and other Basilan mountains were heavily logged and exploited, taking a toll on the island’s biodiversity and economy, contributing to the sociopolitical conditions that fueled insurgency and terrorism. Although declared a national park for decades, the peak was inaccessible to hikers and locals alike, and was a hub for the notorious Abu Sayyaf group. In 2025, however, Basilan was formally proclaimed Abu Sayyaf-free and the first official hike up Punu Ulayan took place in September 14 of that year, with Gov. Mujiv Hataman and the author in attendance, among various military and civilian stakeholders, formally opening the peak to eco-tourism.

The hike itself is very similar in terms of profile and environment to the other peaks in Sulu Archipelago, including Bud Tumantangis. Starting at around 600 MASL from what is currently a rough road in Mahatalang, Sumisip, that hike meanders through a logging path until it transitions a steeper, forest trail. Past 800 MASL, the forest becomes more dense and verdant, with various mosses and ferns. The first summit is marked a giant tree (Ficus?) and the second, higher summit is marked by a grave, said to be that of a ancestor of some of the locals. As a sacred space, the highest peak of Basilan calls for reflection and quiet celebration: of the numerous sacrifices involved, of the many years it entailed, to make peace – and being there – possible.

ITINERARY

(From Isabela)

0500 Leave Isabela for the trailhead in Mahatalang, Sumisip
0700 Courtesy call in military camp; other formalities if necessary
0730 Start trekking
0800 Rest along the way
1000 ETA first summit
1030 Visit second summit
1100 Start descent
1300 Back at trailhead.
1500 ETA Isabela; possible sidetrip to Mahamawi Island

PRACTICALITIES: BUD TUMANTANGIS

PUNU ULAYAN (BASILAN PEAK) PICTURES

TRIVIA

Like most Philippine mountains, there are no real technical barriers to reach the summits and some locals have reported being able to visit the peak in the past. However, Basilan Peak has never been documented as a hiking destination and the first official hike was conducted in September 14, 2025, with details captured in the following announcement the author made:

Pleased to announce the historic first official hike up Punu Ulayan, also known as Basilan Peak, the highest point in Basilan and all of Sulu Archipelago at ~1007 meters above sea level (higher than the map elevation of 971m)! Once an Abu Sayyaf stronghold and passageway, Puno Ulayan is a beautiful mountain especially in its upper reaches, with pitcher plants, mossy trees, and views of Sulu Sea peeking out of the canopy.

Honored to have initiated this hike and most grateful to Gov. Mujiv Hataman for organizing and joining the hike and hosting us in Basilan. I also thank Brig. Gen. Frederick Sales of the 101st Infantry Brigade for leading the military contingent made up of 32nd and 45th IB and Special Forces; people from MENRE, PENRO, CENRO; to all the military, police, local officials, and civilian participants – including former Abu Sayyaf members – who provided support, company, and cheer throughout. And personal thanks to Isabela City Councilor Ameen Camlian for his generosity, Ica Fernandez for the guidance, and for Julius Devera, John De Castro, and Charina Javier for accompanying me to Basilan. Finally, I thank my good friend Paulo Tugbang and Usec. Myra Abubakar, both of DOT, for facilitating my visit!
May peace, development, trust, and a spirit of camaraderie and friendship all thrive and continue allow people to experience our great outdoors! I will leave Basilan with much gratitude for the hospitality and beauty that we experienced, and with hope that I can go back not just to climb more mountains but to deepen my connection with this incredible island.

The author’s hike up Punu Ulayan on September 14, 2025 will be chronicled in Hiking matters.