RaiTravel: Tawi-Tawi

Tawi-Tawi
Date: March 11-14, 2016

A trip to the southern most tip of the Philippines requires great attention to details, from timeline down to security. One of the major concern and common question from the people who were informed about our trip to Tawi-Tawi was the "security." Which is quite understandable, considering that it is situates near the islands of Jolo, Sulu and Basilan, and even nearer to Sabang, Malaysia. However, upon our arrival in the province, we knew already that "security" is at the least of concern, you can easily forget about being kidnap and worry on how much weight you are about to gain from having fresh sea foods and sumptuous delicacies.

The trip to Tawi-Tawi was officially set in time for inauguration of the first "Women's Peace Center" in the municipality of Panglima Sugala, 45 minutes ride from Bongao, and the ceremonial signing of Memorandum of Agreement for the establishment of WCPU in the province. So it was quite official, alright!

Nonetheless, our team are not duty bound not to enjoy the place where "peace" is possible, no matter how laid back, you'll be surprised by how a simple environment could bring so much meaning to the lives of 387,000 Tawi-Tawinians.

Hut by the sea.


A part of Tawi-Tawi including some of the islands. Tawi-Tawi is a cluster of 108 islands and islets, spread over Sulu and Celebes Seas.

Tawi-Tawi is a projection of the Malay word "Jauh" meaning "far" and is best known as a Muslim area. It was part of Sulu until September 11, 1973.

Be at peace with nature especially during sunset at the old provincial capitol building of Bongao.

Perfect sunset and the Bongao Peak.

Sunrise.

Personal Itinerary:

Day 1: Manila - Zamboanga City via Philippine Airlines at 5:45PM flight. Best to stay overnight at Garden Orchid Hotel, located just outside the airport.
http://zamboanga.net/GardenOrchidHotel.htm.

Day 2: Zamboanga City - Sanga-Sanga Airport, Tawi-Tawi at 6:30AM flight.

Day 3: Official activities and shopping.

Day 4: Tawi-Tawi - Zamboanga City at 7:50AM flight. Had a quick shopping at Barter in Zamboanga City and lunch, then proceed to a connecting flight to Manila at 1:30PM.

What to do in Tawi-Tawi:

Trek the Bongao Peak
Wait for the sun to set at the Capitol Building
Shop at the Badjao Market and Barter
Charter a private speed boat to visit the first mosque of the Philippines and Karimul Makhdum at Simunul Island and Panampangan Island.
Visit the Turtle Island. The island is just 30 minutes by boat from Malaysia.

Where did I stay: