Melo Villareal
Tawi-Tawi: Tourist Spots, Places to visit, Experiences, and Food to Try
Gone are the days when Tawi-Tawi was just known as the southernmost province in the country. Now, it’s becoming one of the tourist hotspots to watch out for. With its pristine beaches, seafood and delicacies, and extraordinary experiences, Tawi-Tawi positions itself as the next must-visit tourism site in Mindanao.
To know more about this off-the-beaten-path, we’ve listed down some of the exciting experiences you can do in Tawi-Tawi for every type of traveler.
Hike Bud Bongao
Bud Bongao is the tallest peak in the mountains of Tawi-Tawi. It’s known as a holy mountain where visitors trek to see a wraparound view of the Zamboanga peninsula and the great Bongao view. Concrete stairs are available to make the trail bearable. It’s a viewpoint to see the glorious sunset too!
Eat Breakfast at Sameera Coffee Shop
Enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning at Sameera Coffee Shop, the town’s go-to cafe. Aside from their coffee, you’ll enjoy delicious Tausug fare you’ve never had before. The place is serene and peaceful, perfect for morning quiet time.
Visit Sheik Karim al Makdum Mosque in Simunul
Did you know that you can find the oldest mosque in the country in Tawi-Tawi? Make sure to visit the Sheik Karim al Makdum Mosque in Simunul, built as far back as the 17th century. It’s a National Cultural Treasure where Muslims go for worship. Inside, you’ll be able to see the original remnants of the old mosque.
Visit the Old Chinese Port
The Old Chinese Port is the major trading site of Tawi-Tawi and Sulu traders and the neighboring Sabah and Indonesia. Still a prevalent way of transaction, these two neighboring islands exchange agricultural and marine products. When in Tawi-Tawi, drop by this busy port area to witness barter trading happen.
Hunt for local street food
Looking for cheap eats? Try the street food that locals have for an afternoon snack. Aside from the usually grilled innards, they have local street food that you can only try in Tawi-Tawi. Tip: Don’t forget to dip it in their special homemade sauce to make it more flavorful!
See mat weaving art in Badjao Village
In many communities in Badjao villages, mat weaving art is their livelihood. The Badjaos weave mats for worship use or decorations using dried pandan leaves cut in strips and dyed in different colors and designs. Buy one to support their source of income; at the same time, it’s also a perfect souvenir idea!
Sama Dilaut and Tausug Stilt Houses in Sitangkai
The Sama Dilaut and Tausug communities in Tawi-Tawi are known to live in the shallow coastal waters with their house on stilts. They’re also known as sea gypsies because they depend on marine life for shelter and livelihood. Some indigenous people also dwell in boats, too. A visit here will teach you more about these IPs’ cultures. With respect to local communities, refrain from taking photos of their community without consent.
Tawi-Tawi Provincial Capitol
You can also go to Tawi-Tawi Provincial Capital which showcases a beautiful architectural design. In front of the capitol is a people’s park, where locals go sunset-viewing, relaxing, dancing, and even skateboarding.
Day Trip to Panampangan Island
Panampangan Island is located in Basibuli Shoal and is one of the most magnificent islands you’ll see in Mindanao. Its powdery white sandbar surrounded by crystal clear waters is a spot a beach lover shouldn’t miss.
Visit Bihing Tahik Resort
Looking for a family-friendly resort during your Tawi trip? Bihing Tahik is the answer. They have beautiful modern clam-shaped cottages by the sea where you can relax, swim, and enjoy a getaway with your families and friends. It’s the most recommended accommodation if you want top-notch accommodation on the island.
Visit Sangay Siapuh Island
If you’re a fan of secluded islands, you’ve got to see Sangay Siapuh. It’s an island accessible by boat ride. It’ll remind you of Maldives, with its white sands and blue-green waters. Apart from just chilling by the shore, it’s a place to go swimming and snorkeling too.
Visit Hja. Uppay Eco-Rubber Farm
Know more about the eco-rubber farms in Tawi Tawi! This farm lets you see how rubbers are harvested and made, which is one of their livelihoods as rubber farmers. It’s a sustainable livelihood that you should support when in town.
Experience Barter Trade at Panglima Sugala Market
See barter trading in action when you visit the Panglima Sugala market! You’ll be amazed at how the locals transact by exchanging agricultural and marine goods without the use of money. It’s the best way to see the tradition being kept alive in Tawi-Tawi.
Have Snacks at Salakot Beach Eco-Diner
This alfresco diner is another must-try restaurant in Bongao. Their charming traditional huts make the eco diner more appealing as you come here for an afternoon snack. Situated by the beach, it’s a place where you can enjoy good food and great views.
Buy Kahawa Sug Coffee in Bongao
Coffee lovers will be delighted to know that they can buy local single-origin Sulu robusta coffee known as Kahawa Sug. If you love your coffee rich and strong, make sure to try Kahawa Sug as your morning fuel to jumpstart your day. It’s good to purchase as a souvenir too!
Buy Baulu and other delicacies at Awal St in Bongao
Find delicious Tawi-Tawi delicacies at Awal Street in Bongao. It’s where you can get the famous Baulu pastry, a sweet kind of biscuit that you can munch on while on a trip. These snacks make for a great pasalubong too.
Snacks at Tawi-Tawi Martabak
Eating local snacks is definitely a must-try activity in Bongao. They have lots of unique and flavorsome dishes that you can only try in Tawi-Tawi. From their own versions of roti and mei goring, you’ll love the budget-friendly dishes they offer here.
Experience riding colorful tricycles
Try riding their colorful tricycles a la local! They have colorful, beautifully designed tricycles that are eye-catching and you can only find them in Mindanao. It’s bigger than the usual trikes you see in Luzon. Ride one to go to nearby destinations on the island.
How to get there + Travel Requirements
From Manila, book a flight bound for Cotabato via Philippine Airlines. PAL also flies directly from Cotabato City to Tawi-Tawi every Monday and Thursday at 7:30 AM, and Tawi-Tawi to Cotabato on the same days at 9:40 AM. Before departure, bring a valid ID and your vaccination card as part of their safety protocols. If unvaccinated, present a negative RT-PCR test result and a valid ID.
We’re so excited for you to discover the unspoiled wonder of Mindanao! Let us know your Tawi-Tawi experience by sharing your stories in the comment section below!
Read: Zamboanga City Travel Guide
