Tawi-Tawi Travel Guide 2022 | An Isolated Paradise in PH’s Deep South

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Bongao, Tawi-Tawi: Exploring the southernmost province of the Philippines often comes with a caveat. But for intrepid travelers, as the popular adage goes, difficult roads always lead to beautiful destinations.

So steady your hearts and open your minds as we take you on a journey to an isolated paradise in PH’s deep south, the province of Tawi-Tawi!

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False Preconceived Notions

Still, a mystery for many Filipinos, the island province of Tawi-Tawi is a promising tourism destination that is teeming with raw and unspoiled beaches, mountains, unexploited natural attractions, mountains, and pristine diving sites. Also, this is said to be the birthplace of Islam in the Philippines with the first-ever mosque built in the municipality of Simunul.

The southernmost province of Tawi-Tawi has always been my dream destination and we failed to visit it two years ago because of the imposed ECQ of April 2020. As the restrictions slowly lifted, we braved and flew to the farthest province notorious for armed conflicts and kidnappings. Later on, we realized that Tawi-Tawi is a paradise that dares you to discover.

There is so much to see in Tawi-Tawi that we barely scratched the surface on our three-day stay on the island. Anything about false preconceived notions painted by the media was all washed away the moment we arrived in the southernmost province of the country.

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Where is Tawi-Tawi?

Tawi-Tawi is the southernmost province in the country that is nearer to Malaysia than the PH mainland. Moreover, this is composed of 107 islands that share sea borders with Sabah, in Malaysia, and North Kalimantan in Indonesia.  

Tawi-Tawi is part of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (or BARMM), the only Muslim-majority autonomous region in the Philippines. Not only does its isolation presents some challenges in reaching it, but also the risks to the peace and security situation in the province.

However, all of these challenges add to the allure of the Deep South, this keeps over-tourism in check, and the rich culture is still preserved.

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How to Get There

Tawi-Tawi is closer to Sabah, Malaysia, than mainland Mindanao. Going to the province used to be difficult not until airports and seaports are built, and the frequency of flights and ferries started to pick up after the pandemic.

By Air

• Sanga-Sanga Airport in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi operates daily Cebu Pacific flights from Zamboanga City. (5J839)
  • ZAM-TWT: Departs at 11:10 AM, Arrives at 12:10 PM (1 hour)
  • TWT_ZAM: Departs at 12:40 PM, Arrives at 01:35 PM (1 hour)

• Consequently, Cebu Pacific Air flies to Zamboanga from Manila
  • MNL-ZAM: 4x daily. (As of September 26, 2022)
• As of September 2022, Philippine Airlines operates twice daily from Awang Airport in Cotabato City to Sanga-Sanga Airport in Tawi-Tawi every Monday and Thursday. (PR2487)
  • CBO-TWT: Departs at 07:30 AM, Arrives at 08:40 AM (1 hour)
  • TWT- CBO: Departs at 09:40 AM, Arrives at 10:50 AM (1 hour 10 minutes)
• Consequently, Philippine Airlines flies to Cotabato from Manila
  • MNL-CBO: 1x M-W-F and 2x T-TH-S-S. (As of September 26, 2022)

By Sea

• Sea travel is the main mode of passage going to Tawi-Tawi. Aleson Shipping crosses the waters of the Sulu Sea to connect passengers at the following schedules:
  • Zamboanga City to Bongao every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday departs at 06:00 pm.
  • Bongao to Zamboanga City every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, departs at 06:00 pm.

• Ship voyage usually takes 15 to 18 hours.
• You may contact Aleson Shipping at the following numbers:
  • Main Office: 172 Veterans Ave., Zamboanga City
    Fax # (062) 991-2099
  • Cargo Office: Alejo Alvarez St., Zamboanga City
    Tel # (062) 992-3853
  • Ticketing Office: Alejo Alvarez St. & Port Area, Zamboanga City
    Tel # (062) 992-6410, 992-4585

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Getting Around

The most convenient way to explore Bongao town and its nearby tourist attractions is by tricycle. You can hire one for a half-day or whole-day city tour. Another mode of transportation is by habal-habal or motorcycle.

• You may contact Bensar Abdumonab for his tricycle tours around Bongao and Sanga-Sanga Island
  • 0910 831 1840 or 0975 867 6324

• Going from island to island is by boat. There are public ferries from the Chinese Pier of Bongao to the islands of Simunul, Sibutu, Sitangkai, Sipangkot, and Liyaburan. If you plan of going to other islands, you have to rent a boat.

• During our initial planning, the Provincial Tourism pages and numbers were all unresponsive, so we opted to contact Ms. Nursida Nurullaji or known by many travelers as “Ate Sidang”, you may contact her to assist you on your next Tawi-Tawi tour. Her Facebook Page HERE.

• • Please be reminded that Ate Sidang is no longer connected to the Tourism of Tawi-Tawi and is only doing this to help travelers. She is now connected to MSU Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography
  • She will not ask for any fees for assisting you but it is best to avail her services of meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and tips are recommended.

• • Bring some donuts and cakes for her kids from Zamboanga City!

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Where to Stay

• We stayed at RnR Garden Inn and Restaurant. This is located just outside the Sanga-Sanga Airport
  • Contact Number: Ms. Vhing 0967 238 6723, Facebook page HERE
  • Room Rates as of September 2022:

Accommodation	Room Rate
Super Deluxe (Good for 3pax)	2,0000,00 php
Deluxe (Good for 3 pax)	1,500.00 php
Standard (Good for 2 pax)	1,300.00 php
Economy A-B (Good for 2 pax)	800.00-1000.00 php
Barkadahan (good for 10 pax)	400.00php/pax

• Beachside Inn Hotel and Restaurant
  Barangay Sowangkagang, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi
  Contact No: +639204815447/(68)268-1446/(68)268-1435

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Things to do in Tawi-Tawi

Visiting the province is such an eye-opening experience, the people are peace-loving and hospitable, the attractions are promising, and the culture is diverse and still intact. From the capital of Bongao down to the islands south of the province, there’s so much to see!

Visit the country’s longest sandbar at Panampangan Island 

If you’re going to ask me what is the most beautiful island I have ever been to, Panampangan Island will always be my answer without any second thoughts. It is famed for its sandbar that is PH’s longest at three kilometers, it is like the forbidden fruit that is truly hard to resist! Panampangan Island, Tawi-Tawi | A Glimpse of an Elusive Paradise

Participate in the Saturday Barter Market at Panglima Sugala

This Saturday market is called Adlaw Pagtabuh-Tabuh, every Saturday, the Sama and Badjao people, farmers, and fisherfolks, of Panglima Sugala flock the town market in Brgy. Batu-Batu to participate in this ethnic market. Adlaw Pagtabuh-Tabuh, Tawi-Tawi | Panglima Sugala’s Barter Market

Trek the sacred Bud Bongao and meet the Monkey guardians

They say that a visit to Tawi-Tawi is not complete if you haven’t trekked the revered peaks of Bud Bongao. You will be greeted by a horde of Long Tailed Macaques asking for food at the concrete staircases halfway to the viewing decks. Also, make sure to get some colored ribbons to tie at the top, the practice is known as Pagbaggut. It is open from 6 AM to 4:30 PM. Bud Bongao (342m) | Tawi-Tawi’s Last Bastion of Biodiversity 

See the Sheikh Karimol Makdum Mosque on Simunul Island

It is considered a National Treasure and has been declared a National Historic Landmark of the country. Masjid Sheik Karimol Makhdum, Tawi-Tawi | PH’s Cradle of Islam

Swim to your heart’s content at Sangay Siapoh Island

Large fishes are seen on one side of the boardwalk that connects to the white beach-laden island of Sangay Siapoh.

Witness the sunset at Bihing Tahik Beach

Experience local culture and taste authentic Tausug cuisines

From fresh fishes such as Samaral, Piyalam, Taballung, to the savory Tiyulah Itum and Chicken Piyanggang, to desserts such as Jualan, Palih Kambing, Pitis, and Daral. Fill your stomach and let your senses experience a gastronomic joyride as the Sama and Badjao cultures are handed to you on a plate.

   

Explore Downtown Bongao and visit the Tawi-Tawi Provincial Capitol

It is lively, it is distinct, and it is much more developed than you can ever think of. The provincial capitol is located on top of the hill that overlooks the town and nearby islands. To add, it has a large dome and minarets that are inspired by mosques in the province.

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Itinerary and Expenses

Zamboanga City-Basilan-Sulu-Tawi-Tawi Adventure 2022
(Expenses are divided among 5 persons)

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Breaking the Social Stigma

Life will take you to a number of detours, some good, some bad, but this trip to Tawi-Tawi proved to be a beautiful one.

I think that behind all the social stigma, the false preconceived notions, how it is painted by the national media, and the security concerns – this southernmost province knows its own truth and you really have to see for yourself to believe.

It dares you to discover. Undoubtedly, it beckons you to steady your hearts and spirits as you set foot on the deep south.

From their intact culture and tradition, peace-loving and hospitable locals, raw and pristine islands, and crystal clear waters stretching as far as the eyes can see. PH’s southernmost islands are a gift that keeps on giving.

I think that after all of this stigma, is the silver lining that Tawi-Tawi is kept hidden from the country and the world for a reason. That the ones who brave to see uncharted territories are the ones rewarded with a lifetime of extraordinary stories to tell.

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Travel Tips

• Mobile Signal is present for major networks, data reception is reliable for Smart/Sun and intermittent for Globe/TM
• There are banks in Bongao if you need to withdraw cash, banks include Landbank and PNB
• Bring enough cash with you
• Respect their culture and tradition, Tawi-Tawi is predominantly Muslim so avoid wearing revealing dresses and outfits

• Boat rental for island hopping going to Panampangan Island, Sangay Siapo Island, and Simunul Island is expensive. Best to travel in a group to share the expenses. The price may range of boat rental is from 9,000.00php to 15,000.00php
• Best to plan your trip ahead, and coordinate with local authorities and guides prior to your visit
• Plan to visit during the summer months to experience calm seas and sunny skies
• Do not litter. Bring your trash with you or put it in proper trash bins.
• Protect your gadgets, bring waterproof bags, and apply sunscreens, sunglasses, etc.

Magsukul Tawi-Tawi!

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Tawi-Tawi Travel Guide 2022 | An Isolated Paradise in PH’s Deep South
Updated October 04, 2022

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