EXPLORE PHILIPPINES
TAWI-TAWI
Being the Philippines' southernmost province, Tawi-Tawi stands out as a rarely explored destination. Once disregarded and unfairly tied to security worries, Tawi-Tawi is now gaining popularity among travelers. It is a province showcasing numerous hidden gems brimming with breathtaking sights, vibrant culture, and traditions meticulously upheld for centuries, and promises visitors a one-of-a-kind experience.
Bud Bongao Peak I Image Source: https://danielsecotravels.com
Tricycle in Tawi-tawi I Image Source: https://outoftownblog.com
How to get there
The primary airport in operation within Tawi-Tawi is Sanga-Sanga Airport. In order to get there, you can fly from Manila to Zamboanga or Cotabato City then to Tawi-tawi. Another way to get there is via sea travel. Aleson Shipping operates routes across the Sulu Sea, linking passengers from Zamboanga City to Bongao every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, with the journey typically lasting 15 hours. 2GO Travel has ferry routes going to Bongao, Tawi-Tawi from Cebu, and Manila. Also a ferry from Semporna in Malaysia goes to Bongao once a week.
Going around tawi-tawi
Jeepneys, motor taxis (habal-habal), and tricycles constitute the primary modes of transportation. Tour companies also provide private vans for travel. Public ferries for inter-island connections can be accessed from the island's main port.
View from Panampangan sandbar in Sapa-Sapa I Image Source: https://www.mindanews.com/
DESTINATIONS
Ticao Island boasts some of the finest resorts, while Masbate City provides budget-friendly hotel options. For those seeking affordability, Burias Island offers a range of inexpensive beach resorts and inns.
Panampangan Island I Image Source: https://kotheexplorer.net/
Panampangan Island
Just an hour away from Bongao by a high-speed boat or a bit more if taking a regular-speed boat, Panampangan Island stands out as one of the most stunning islands in the Philippines. It's renowned for boasting the country's longest sandbar.
Bud Bongao Peak
Regarded as a sacred peak, Bud Bongao stands at 1,100 feet, yet its significance extends far beyond its height, intertwining with the local history, culture, and religion of the province.
Bud Bongao has become a sought-after destination for relishing picturesque vistas, picnicking, witnessing sunrise or sunset, and capturing stunning photographs from its peak. Including this destination in your itinerary is strongly advised for a complete Tawi-Tawi experience.
Bud Bongao Peak I Image Source: https://danielsecotravels.com
Sheik Makhdum Mosque I Image Source: https://www.tripadvisor.com.ph
The mosque believed to be the oldest in the Philippines is Masjid Sheikh Karimul Makhdum, situated in Tubig Indangan on the island municipality of Simunul.
At present, this mosque holds the distinction of being a National Historical Landmark, named in honor of the Arab missionary Sheik Makdum Karim.
Sama Dilaut and Tausug Stilt Houses in Sitangkai
A captivating communal setting unfolds on Sitangkai Island, where a majority of the Tausug and Sama Dilaut people opt to reside in stilt houses above the sea rather than on solid ground. These elevated dwellings encircle the island's azure waters and scatter along the inner canals that navigate through various municipalities on the island.
Sitangkai is also renowned as Tawi-Tawi's hub for seaweed production.
Houses in Sitangkai I Image Source: https://guidetothephilippines.ph
Balobok Rock Shelter I Image Source: Johnny R. Lee via Maharlika.tv
Balobok Rock Shelter
The Balobok Rock Shelter, shaped by continuous ocean wave erosion and natural weathering, has been a focal point for archaeological excavations. These digs have unveiled an array of ancient materials, including bone tools, flake tools, artifacts, and remnants of animals, dating back approximately 8,800 years.
A short distance from the cave lies the Boloboc Rock Formation, a natural karst rock that offers an excellent setting for cliff diving or jumping. This formation serves as a prime platform for thrill-seekers to take a daring leap into the crystal-clear waters below.
What to Eat in Tawi-Tawi
The culinary landscape of Tawi-Tawi draws heavily from its thriving seafood trade, featuring a fusion of Moro and Malaysian cuisine alongside native dishes from various Filipino ethnic groups in Mindanao like Tausug, Maranao, Jama Mapun, Banguingui, and others. Prepare for an exceptional culinary journey exploring Tawi-Tawi's diverse and delicious blend of flavors.
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Chicken Piyanggang
Pyanggang Chicken comes from the Tausug tribe of Mindanao, Philippines, and is a dish that is traditionally stewed in its flavorful sauce, then finished on the grill
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Pickled Agal-Agal (Seaweed)
Locals have come up with an appetizing seaweed-based salad. They call it the Pickled Agal-agal, which is prepared with brown sugar, olive oil, lemon juice, and thin slices of green mangoes.
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Tiyula Itum
This dish takes its name from Tiyula which means soup or stew and Itum which means black. The soup’s color came from the burnt coconut meat which flavors the dish making it unique from any other dish found in the Philippines.
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Kahanga Rendang
Known as Kinilaw or Kilawin in Tawi-Tawi, this delectable dish features shellfish meat. The preparation involves marinating the shellfish meat in a mixture of vinegar and spices, combined with finely chopped onions, ginger, and chili peppers.
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Chicken and Beef Satti
Satti, a delectable dish well-loved in the Zamboanga Peninsula, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi, features grilled chicken or beef served on skewers alongside a rich sauce and sticky rice.
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Mee Goreng
The culinary scene in Tawi-Tawi has been shaped by its close proximity to Malaysia, with numerous local eateries featuring Malaysian specialties like Mee Goreng which is fried noodles.
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