The Pearl of Parang, Sulu | A Tropical Paradise Beyond Misconceptions

October 15, 2022October 29, 2022 Rex Lim Lim 2022, ADVENTURE, BEACH, beaches, BLOG, BUDGET, GUIDE, HOW TO, ITINERARY, TOURIST SPOTS, TRANSIT PINAS, TRAVEL GUIDE

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Parang, Sulu: It was a dreamy tropical holiday: long stretches of white powdery sand, continuously lapped by shallow turquoise waters and fringed by coconut groves. I was swimming to my heart’s content here at Tanduh Beach, a relatively raw and unexploited beach.

I then recalled that this was not just any tropical getaway like the ones in Palawan or Boracay – I was in Sulu, a province part of an archipelagic region that stretches from Mindanao to Borneo.

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Table of Contents

Hidden Gems

It is just recently that these beautiful beaches of Parang slowly have gained popularity being rediscovered by people as they receive tourists from all over the island province. Tourism for the municipality has increased since the establishment of some resorts in the area. The pandemic and the decline in insurgents did Sulu Tourism a favor.

These beaches are hidden gems to many Tausugs, but not anymore. From being unnoticed for so long, they have become the most visited beaches in Sulu.

The trip to Parang in itself provides a refreshing sight. Coconut trees cover the sprawling plains and hills as they sway from the breeze brought about by the coast. Also, kids are out and about as they walk hastily and try not to be late for the morning flag ceremony.

Mang Sali, Sionogan

As our rented vehicle entered Mang Sali Beach, colorful Pandala’s fluttered along the beachfront. In fact, Pandalas, are festive tribal flags that evoke a deeper meaning through their colors – green (peace and hope), yellow (royalty), and red (bravery).

Mang Sali Beach has very fine sand on its shores that’s on a creamy shade of white – one which can rival that of those in Palawan. These white sandy shores stretch for more than a few kilometers that are further subdivided into other beach resorts and public beaches.

The relaxing atmosphere in this part of Sulu is really far from what the media paints it to be. We also did not have a military escort that day, but never have we felt in danger or scared the whole day we are traversing the roads from Parang to Patikul.

Not far away from Mang Sali Beach is Sionogan Beach with the native stilt huts that serve as cottages for the guests.

Biradali, Tanduh

Then just a few cartwheels away are Tanduh Beach which is open to the public. You can also rent cottages here during your stay.

Coconut Trees dominate the landscape as it is contrasted by the creamy white sand shores of Parang.

Not far away from Tanduh Beach is the Biraddali Beach Resort. This beach is known for the long concrete bridge that serves as a wharf for small boats, in here you can try freediving or relax in the hut at the bridge’s far end.

The People of the Currents

I did envy the Tausugs once I saw this stunning beach for myself. Furthermore, this is just an hour away from the capital. For the people of Sulu, there is no denying that they are proud to have this – but it is also the other way around before. Access to the beaches was quite limited due to distance and caveats for safety, as getting to Parang from other municipalities required about an hour or so.

Back then, tourism was not even an option for the locals of Sulu. They were hotspots, plagued by fears of getting harmed. Consequently, locals, ironic as it is, were foreigners in their own land. But as the peace situation improved gradually, these beaches finally had gotten the attention that they deserve.

Back then, the beaches of Parang were rarely visited by the Tausug population, tourist arrivals barely reaches a hundred per month, and usually, only one to five families went there for their weekend outing.

Beyond its troubled past, Sulu province, as of today, is no longer just for the brave, it is for every Filipino to experience paradise and to acknowledge for themselves that situations have since changed drastically.

It is such a humbling experience to witness this paradise that has been hidden for so long.

Indeed, the people of the currents, from the Kingdom of Lupah Sug, is so blessed to have these stunning white sand beaches around their very own corners that every Tausug can truly be proud of.

How to Get There

The white sand beaches of Parang, Sulu are located almost 26 kilometers from the port of Jolo.

- From Manila to Zamboanga:
  - Zamboanga International Airport operates daily Cebu Pacific Air from Manila
    - MNL-ZAM: 4x daily. (As of September 26, 2022)
  - Zamboanga International Airport also operates daily Philippine Airlines from Manila
There are 2 options to go to Sulu from Zamboanga. You can either book a plane to Jolo Airport from Zamboanga City or ride an overnight ferry/fast craft. The second option is the cheapest and most convenient way to travel to Sulu.
- By Air from Zamboanga City to Jolo, Sulu: you can book another Zamboanga to Jolo flight via Sky Pasada.
  - Zamboanga-Jolo: Monday-Wednesday-Friday
    - Regular Fare: 2,900php/pax (Departs 07:30 AM, Arrives: 08:15 AM)
- By Sea, there are daily 8 pm regular ferry trips from Zamboanga to Jolo, Sulu via Aleson Shipping Lines, Montenegro, or Ibnerizam Shipping Lines.
  - Travel time is 10-11 hours, departs 08:00 PM and arrives at 06:00 AM the following day.
Tour Guides: A Do-It-Yourself tour is discouraged when visiting Sulu. Prior to your planned visit, it is important to coordinate first with the Sulu Provincial Tourism Office at 0917 573 4191 and look for Ms. Almira.