Bunggalow House – Along the quiet shores of Langil Island, facing the open sea where boats gently dock at low tide, stands a house that is more than wood and nails. The Bunggalow House is not simply a residence — it is a witness.

When I interviewed Hiya Musa, married to Misba Kallung, he told me he was 93 years old according to his birth certificate — though he quietly believes he is older. When I asked him what president he remembered as a child, he said there was none yet — only Americans. That simple response anchored the memory of an entire generation.

The Bunggalow House was built later, during the time of Hamid Camlian, son of Maharadja Camlian, the respected local leader of Langil. Strategically positioned facing the beach, the house became the island’s political and social center. Whenever Hamid arrived from travel, a large gong would be sounded. Upon hearing it, the community would gather in front of the house.

And what gatherings they were.

When facing the house from the shore, this is the right portion of the house facing the oldest recorded masjid in Langil Island.

When facing the house from the shore, this is the left portion of the Bunggalow House

This is the biranda facing the shore. A very strategic position for speech and announcement.

This is the front view facing the shore with wide space for any gatherings. The small rectangular cemented wall is the oldest recorded well in Langil Island.

This date was written in the biranda part of the building saying that this building was built on June 24, 1962.

Feasts were prepared. Conversations about politics, resistance, and community welfare were held. The wide open space in front of the balcony — large enough, by my own estimate, to hold 500 people — transformed the house into a public forum.

The Bunggalow House later became associated with the historic movements of the Moro struggle. It served as a meeting place for officials of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), particularly connected to what locals call “Batch 90 and 300” — groups of fighters who were sent abroad for training.

Beside the Bunggalow House, facing the sea, stands the oldest recorded masjid in Langil. In front of the house is the island’s oldest deep well — a well that, according to Hiya Musa, was already there in his earliest childhood memories. His grandfather told him it had always existed.

Houses can age. But some houses endure as living memory.

Reaching the Bunggalow House in Langil Island is itself a journey through the maritime lifelines of the Basilan archipelago — a route shaped by tides, weather, and local networks rather than formal tourism infrastructure.

How to Travel to Bunggalow House

First Stop: Zamboanga City → Lamitan City, Basilan or (Isabela City if you missed the ferries to Lamitan).

Travel begins at the port of Zamboanga City Port. From here, regular ferries cross the Basilan Strait to Lamitan City or to Isabela City.

Travel time:

• Fast craft: approximately  1 hour & 20 mins

• Regular ferry: approximately 1.5 to 2 hours

Estimated fare:

• Fast craft: ₱250–₱350

• Ferry: ₱120–₱200

Schedules vary daily, so early departure is recommended.

Step 2: Boat Ride from Lamitan Port → Langil Island

From the coastal jump-off point, a pump boat or motorized banca transports passengers across open sea to Langil Island.

Travel time:

• Approximately 1 to 2 hours, depending on sea conditions

Estimated fare:

• Chartered boat: ₱2,500–₱5,000 per trip

• Shared ride (if available): ₱500–₱1,000 per person

Boat trips are usually arranged in advance through local contacts or island residents. There are no regular commercial routes.

Second Option: Isabela City → Coastal Jump-Off Point (Basilan Mainland)

From Isabela City port, travelers must proceed by land to the nearest coastal barangay where travel boats travel to Langil Island. Depending on local arrangements.

• Approximately 5 to 7 minutes, walk depends on your pace.

Estimated fare from Isabela Port → Langil Island

• Chartered boat: ₱4,500–₱7,000 per trip

Local coordination is strongly advised, as routes may change due to weather, sea conditions, or security advisories.

Arrival at Bunggalow House

Upon arrival in Langil, the Bunggalow House is easily identifiable. It faces the shoreline where boats dock and sits nearby:

• The oldest recorded masjid on the island

• The oldest deep well known to residents

• An open gathering space large enough for community assemblies

The house’s seaside position reflects its historical function — welcoming returning travellers, receiving delegations, and serving as a center of communal life.

Stay in Langil Island

If you plan to stay and enjoy the beautiful scenery in Langil Island, aside from the historical Bunggalow House, you can also check the Oldest Recorded Masjid in Langil, the Oldest Recorded well, and Caves. But make sure to talk with the local Tourism Officer of Hadji Mohammad Ajul, Hart Matsunaga’s facebook account.