Sulu - Land Of Treasures And Farers Of The Sea
Far-flung Sulu is the southernmost part of the Philippines, lying between the Sulu Sea on the north and the Celebes Sea on the south. Although far, many tourist travel here to see and experience the beauty of island province. One of its famed sites is the Tubbataha Reef. The Tubbataha Reef Marine Park was honored by UNESCO in December 1993 as the first natural site in the Philippines to be inscribed in the prestigious World Heritage List.
Sulu has other treasures aside from its rich natural resources. Its capital, Jolo, has its own version of Intramuros. The province also has white sand beaches, museums, and other sites worth visiting.
Demographics
1. Population - 849,670
(as of 2007 Census)
2. Land Area - 2,135.3 sq. km
3. Capital - Jolo
4. Language/Dialect - Tausug, Samal, Cebuano, Chavacano,
English, and Filipino
5. Divisions
Cities (0)
Municipalities (19)
Walled City
Jolo's walled city is the smallest in the world. Here
are located the historic brick walls of Jolo that lay
proof to its historic and continuous strife.
Tubbataha
Reef
It draws divers from all over the world with its underwater
splendor and the rich marine life that abounds in the
reef.
Pearl Farm
at Marungas Island
Pearls are extensively gathered and a pearl farm is
established in the island.
Cultural
American
Calvary Monument
Location: Jolo, Sulu
Known as the Sunken Garden, this was built to thank
the American soldiers who fought for the people from
Jolo.
Sulu Ethnological
Museum
Location: Notre Dame of Jolo College, Jolo, Sulu
It is a private museum that has displays relating to
the local culture and to Jolo's early trade with Indonesia
China and the Arab world. Visitors can watch mat-weaving
and purchase fine handicrafts such as cloth, mats, and
bags at NACIDA shop at Notre Dame College.
Historical
Walled City
/ Walls of Intramuros
Location: Jolo, Sulu
The wall measures at 8 ft. high 1-1/2 ft. thick and
surrounds the former Spanish garrison of Jolo. It served
as a protection against intermittent attacks by Moro
sabil-illah (Juramentados). It was constructed by the
Spanish occupation army soon after the fall of Jolo
on February 29,1878, with labor supplied by Filipino
deportados who were prisoners of the Spanish Army.
Plaza Tulay
Monument
Location: Brgy. Tulay, Jolo, Sulu
This monument was erected by Spanish Gov. Jose Arolas
in 1891 to commemorate three occasions when Jolo was
occupied by Spanish forces. One side of the monument
bears the inscription “A la gloria de los que
con su esfuerzo hicieron esta tierra Espanola “;
the second side bears the inscription” Corcuera,17
de Abril de 1638”; the third side , “Urbiztondo,
28 de Febrero de 1851”; the fourth side, “Malcampo,
29 de Febrero de 1876”.
Poon Tao
Kong Marker
Location: Jatin Tunggal, Indanan, Sulu
The marker remembers the contribution of Psi Hsien who
served as leader ambassador of goodwill of China. He
died in 1408 and was given the name Poon Tao Kong, the
Celestial. He was a Muslim Chinese Emperor to send Moslem
emissaries or tribute collectors to Moslem countries.
Fort of
the Princess of Asturias
Location: Jolo, Sulu
Built by the Spaniards, this building was dedicated
to the Princess of Spain. When Spanish forces left Jolo
in 1899, the Americans made this military headquarters
of the Philippines scout then later the Constabulary
up to 1942. When Japanese Imperial Forces occupied Jolo
the basement of this building served as the dungeon
where Filipinos were tortured in 1945.
Man-made
Sulu Provincial
Capitol
Location: Jolo, Sulul
It was constructed during the administration of Governor
Murphy Sangkula. Its Moorish-inspired architectural
design makes it a must-see site.
Natural
Tubbataha
Reef
Location: Sulu Sea
It draws divers from all over the world with its underwater
splendor and the rich marine life that abounds in the
reef. Snappers, sweet lips, groupers, angel fish, and
morays can be found amid huge fan corals and sponges.
Large schools of barracudas, jacks, rainbow runners,
and surgeons pass by while tunas race about.
Pearl Farm
at Marungas Island
Location: Marungas Island, Jolo, Sulu
The island, located in Sulu Sea, is dotted with coral
reefs and can provide probably some of the world's best
dive spots for those seeking the ultimate in underwater
beauty and adventure.
Maubo Beach
Location: Patikul, Sulu
It boasts of about one kilometer of white sand, and
is most frequented by the residents due to its accessibility.
Tanjung
Beach
Location: Indanan, Sulu
It is a white sand beach situated just three kilometers
away from the town proper.
Rajah Baguinda
Festival
Place: Jolo, Sulu
Date: 2nd Week of August
A three-day cultural show and festivites commemorating
the arrival of Rajah Baguinda who was responsible for
the spread of Islam and reinforcing the Sultanate Government
in the Sulu Archipelago.
By Air:
Take a flight to Zamboanga City. From there, take
a chartered flight bound for Jolo, Sulu. Plane
lands at Jolo Airport.
By Sea:
Commercial ferry boats travel to Zamboanga City.
Travel time from Manila to Zamboanga City is 29
hours, estimated. Ferry boats at Zamboanga Port
travel towards Sulu.