Sulu Wedding Destination

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)

  • Banguingui (Tongkil)
  • Hadji Panglima Tahil (Marunggas)
  • Indanan
  • Jolo
  • Kalingalan Caluang
  • Lugus
  • Luuk
  • Maimbung
  • Old Panamao
  • Omar
  • Pandami
  • Panglima Estino (New Panamao)
  • Pangutaran
  • Parang
  • Pata
  • Patikul
  • Siasi
  • Talipao
  • Tapul
Famous For ...

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.

Places of Interest

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.

Festivals

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.

Learn More
How To Get There?

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.