July 2006, my Zambuangeño hosts invited me to go to Great Santa Cruz Island a day after we visited Basilan's Malamawi White Beach. I was still overwhelmed with the fact that I stepped on Basilan territory, and can't believe we will go next to a pink beach.
The small port for Santa Cruz Island-bound boats can be found near Lantaka Hotel along Valderrosa St. We got there early morning, but had to wait for the tourist police who will be escorting us to the island. Santa Cruz was a popular stop for tourists, until kidnappings in nearby areas caused a decline on the number of visitors. And for the brave who insist on going, they shall be escorted.
The small port for Santa Cruz Island-bound boats can be found near Lantaka Hotel along Valderrosa St. We got there early morning, but had to wait for the tourist police who will be escorting us to the island. Santa Cruz was a popular stop for tourists, until kidnappings in nearby areas caused a decline on the number of visitors. And for the brave who insist on going, they shall be escorted.
