Sulu Provincial Capitol | Into the Golden Domes of Jolo

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

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Jolo, Sulu: As cliché as it sounds, but a trip to Sulu isn’t complete without taking a picture with the Sulu Provincial Capitol. (Plus, you really have to visit the provincial tourism office to register!)

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Table of Contents

Golden Domes

The capitol is located near the Sulu State College and is Islam inspired, this is because of the fact that 97% of the population are Tausugs who embrace Islam as their religion.

As we walked straight to the facade passing through the circular fountain of the capitol grounds, we finally made it to the Provincial Capitol of Sulu!

The two-story building is a timeless legacy of the late Sulu Gov Murphy Sangkula. Further, it is composed of the main art deco concrete façade then topped off by an octagonal structure that ends in a gold-painted hemispherical dome.

On both sides are succeeding minaret-like towers ending in smaller golden domes. Going up to the second floor is an open terrace with glass and grillwork that serves as the view deck of the capitol grounds.

With its Moorish-inspired architecture and golden domes, the Sulu Provincial Capitol is hailed as one of the most beautiful government buildings in the country.

Abdul Mari Asia Imao

Still adorning the staircase of the Sulu Provincial Capitol is the triptych stained glass murals made by the late National Artist for Sculpture – Abdul Mari Asia Imao.

This work was commissioned in 1969. Moreover, the murals make use of the sun as it filters through the glass that explodes into a bright montage of colors as seen from the staircase.

Depicting symbols of Tausug culture and history such as the Sarimanok, Kris, and various Islam motifs that are Abdul Mari Asia Imao’s trademark.

Moreover, the courtyard down below is made even more beautiful by the same mural. It is complemented by large arching windows of geometric patterns with an octagonal fountain in the middle.

How to Get There

Sulu Provincial Capitol is located in Jolo, Sulu. This is around 2.5 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 at 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.