Tawi-Tawi - Philippines' Southernmost Pearl
Tawi-Tawi is a projection of the Malay word “jaui" meaning "far." Prehistoric travelers from the Asian mainland would repeat the word as “jaui-jaui” to mean “far away” because of the distance of the islands from the continent of Asia. The word “Tawi-Tawi” was picked up to later become the official name of the province.
Although ‘far away’, Tawi-Tawi is not far from other provinces when it comes to industrial improvement and tourists spots. It boasts of numerous destinations that are a must-see for anyone who wish to see the beauty of Mother Nature.
Demographics
1. Population - 450,346
(as of 2007 Census)
2. Land Area - sq. km
3. Capital - Bongao
4. Language/Dialect - Tausug, Banguingui, English, and
Filipino
5. Divisions
Cities (0)
Municipalities (11)
Gusong Reef
Gusong Reef is a top producer of the delicious turtle
eggs, ranking second only to the Turtle Islands
Bongao Peak
It is a veritable monkey sanctuary in the principal
town of Bongao. It provides a view of the expanse of
sea and the necklace of islands for miles around.
Manuk-Mangkaw
/ Musa
It is an island located slightly beyond and across the
channel. It is said to be "floating like an umbrella,"
Cultural
Badjao Vilage
Location: Bongao, Tawi-Tawi
One can visit the Badjao Village to see their lifestyle
and the intricate art of weaving, which the Badjaos
are known for.
Sitangkai
Location: Bongao, Tawi-Tawi
Eye-catching Sitangkai is considered the "Venice
of Tawi-Tawi" for its houses built on stilts above
water. It is also the site for one of the few floating
markets left in Asia, although it remains one of the
liveliest.
Historical
Makhdum Memorial
Location: Sibutu, Tawi-Tawi
Legend has it that Arab Missionary Sheik Makdum,who
constructed the Mosque in Tubig Indangan,was a powerful
imam who could lift 3-foot diameter pillars. His remains
are allegedly buried in two separate islands one of
which is Simmunul the other,Tandubanak on the southern
shore of Sibutu.
Natural
Gusong Reef
Location: Mapun (Cagayan de Tawi-Tawi), Tawi-Tawi
Seagulls, known to the natives as "tallah-tallah,"
have settled here by the thousands to lay their eggs.
Gusong Reef is a top producer of the delicious turtle
eggs, ranking second only to the Turtle Islands.
Bongao Peak
Location: Bongao, Tawi-Tawi
Dominating with a prominent vertical cliff on its north
side,Bongao peak towers above the island,welcoming tourists.
The peak is a protected monkey sanctuary in the capital
town of Bongao. A natural watchtower provides a view
of the expanse of sea and the string of islands of Tawi-tawi.
Manuk-Mangkaw
Island / Musa
Location: Bongao, Tawi-Tawi
It is an island located slightly beyond and across the
channel. It is said to be "floating like an umbrella,"
under which submarines of the Allied Forces sought refuge
from enemy depth charges during World War II. Manuk-Mangkaw
derives its name from a cluster of branches atop an
ancient tall tree forming the image of a hen about to
walk. It was used as a landmark by seafarers who jestingly
called upon the "hen" to take the first inevitable
step - " manok mankaw," meaning "walk,
then walk."
Tahing-Tahing
Beach
Location: Tabawan, South Ubian, Tawi-Tawi
With its crystal clear waters, it forms a natural swimming
pool. A picnic haven, it is where a group of American
soldiers were inspired to compose the song, "Tawi-
Tawi Beach."
Turtle Islands
Location: Turtle Island, Tawi-Tawi
The Turtle Islands,together with three islands of neighboring
country Malaysia, and the surrounding coral waters,
are the only living area of the Green Sea Turtles in
Asia and in the whole world.
Religious
Tubig Indangan
Location: Simunul, Tawi-Tawi
On this location stands the first Muslim mosque built
by the Arabian missionary Sheik Makdum in 1380 A.D.
It is a pilgrimage site for Filipino Muslims.
Tandubanak
Mosque
Location: Sibutu, Tawi-Tawi
It is the biggest mosque in Sibutu is the one in Tandubanak.
Sporting a pink and green motif,it stands proudly along
the narrow and singular road that bisects the island.
Kamahardikaan
Tawi-Tawi”
Place: Tawi-Tawi Province
Date: September 24 - 27
The festival commemorates the foundation anniversary
of the province. Highlight of the event include cultural
presentation that showcases the colorful ethnic cultures
of the Sama, Badjaos, Jama Mapuns and Tausugs, fluvial
parades marine sports like the Paglomba-lomba ma Tahik
Tawi-Tawi, a boat racing competition, and beauty pageant.
By Air:
Take a flight to Zamboanga City. From there, take
a chartered flight bound for Tawi-Tawi. Plane
lands at Sanga-Sanga Airport. Currently, only
one airline company flies to Tawi-Tawi.
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 Bongao Commercial Port.