From our window seat on the plane, the islands below looked like scattered gems across the sea — a sight that instantly had us in awe. Just this view alone had us buzzing with excitement for this trip to Tawi-Tawi — the southernmost province of the Philippines!
It is composed of several islands, including Cagayan de Tawi-Tawi and Turtle Islands, which are actually closer to Borneo. The largest is Tawi-Tawi Island, but the airport and the provincial capital are located in Bongao, which also serves as a base for tourists. From what we’ve experienced, Tawi-Tawi is among the destinations worth considering if you’re craving adventure beyond the usual tourist map.
For this article, we’re sharing some of the best places to visit and activities to enjoy in the province. If Tawi-Tawi is on your bucket list too, here’s a glimpse of what this remote destination has to offer.
WHAT'S IN THIS GUIDE?
Is it safe?
While we’re not security experts, we can say this — at no point during our stay did we feel unsafe. In fact, the locals were among the warmest and friendliest people we’ve met. Just remember to be mindful and respectful of the culture. Here’s a reminder for tourists from the Provincial Tourism Office of Tawi-Tawi.
Island Hopping Tour
Let’s kick things off with some island hopping. The town of Bongao was our jump-off point. Days before booking our tour, we went to the municipal hall to register and coordinate with the local tourism office. Then, we booked our tour with an accredited operator. The usual packages cover three islands: Panampangan, Simunul, and Siangay Siapuh.
The highlight of this tour for us and — hands down — our absolute favorite was Panampangan Island. But it is a bit farther out, so visiting it can be pricey. If you feel that the rates for the packages that include Panampangan are beyond your budget, you may choose to skip it. But here’s a workaround: You’ll save more if you are in a big group. If you’re traveling solo or as a pair, consider joining other travelers to form a larger group to lower the cost.
Island Hopping Rates
The Bongao Tourism Office recommended Layag Tawi-Tawi Tour Services. Below are just two of the several packages they offer. They also do combination tours and half-day tours. Just message them through their official Facebook page. Here are their rates as of February 2025:
Panampangan, Simunul & Sangay Siapuh
- 14 pax: P1,819/pax
- 13 pax: P1,899/pax
- 12 pax: P1,999/pax
- 11 pax: P2,099/pax
- 10 pax: P2,109/pax
- 9 pax: P2,399/pax
- 8 pax: P3,199/pax
- 7 pax: P3,599/pax
- 6 pax: P3,999/pax
- 5 pax: P4,199/pax
- 4 pax: P4,999/pax
- 3 pax: P5,999/pax
- 2 pax: P7,299/pax
- Solo: P13,119
Simunul & Sangay Siapuh Only
- 14 pax: P1,319/pax
- 13 pax: P1,439/pax
- 12 pax: P1,499/pax
- 11 pax: P1,599/pax
- 10 pax: P1,899/pax
- 9 pax: P1,909/pax
- 8 pax: P1,999/pax
- 7 pax: P2,599/pax
- 6 pax: P2,799/pax
- 5 pax: P2,999/pax
- 4 pax: P3,999/pax
- 3 pax: P4,999/pax
- 2 pax: P6,199/pax
- Solo: P9,999
Island Tour Inclusions
Here are the inclusions for the above rates:
- Sangay Siapuh Entrance Fee
- Tour Guide
- Seafood Lunch
- Boat
- Transportation (BnB – Wharf & vv)
- Free 1-night Dorm-type Accommodation w/ Breakfast
Panampangan Island
We were up and about early — partly because we were really excited to explore the islands, and partly because we had to travel for nearly two hours to reach Panampangan Island, our first stop. As our boat was approaching the island, we were greeted by the sight of a long, glistening sandbar stretching into the sea. And we knew. The journey was well worth it!
Aside from having the island practically to ourselves, what made exploring the island even more enjoyable were the stretches of white sand and the crystal-clear shallow waters. We had a blast taking photos, especially along one of the sandbars.
We were so ecstatic because Panampangan Island is known for having the longest sandbar in the Philippines! It stretches over three kilometers all the way to its neighboring Basibuli Island. Our guide told us we could reach the next island on foot during low tide!
Aside from the longest one, the island has three other sandbars — the second lies on the northwestern end, while the third and the fourth are on the southeastern end.
The package we booked included lunch: grilled fish, pre-cooked crabs, cucumber, bananas, and rice. Currently, only day trips are allowed.
Simunul Island
Our next stop was Simunul Island, which is part of the town bearing the same name and is much closer to Bongao. This island is home to the oldest mosque in the Philippines and, some also say, the oldest in Southeast Asia.
Named after its founder, Sheik Makhdum Mosque was constructed in the 14th century when the Arab missionaries first arrived on the island. From here, Islam spread across Tawi-Tawi, Sulu, and mainland Mindanao.
It is open to tourists outside of its prayer hours, but make your way first to this office right beside the mosque to change into proper attire. Don’t worry — they’ve got you covered, and it’s totally FREE! Donations are welcome, though, if you wish to contribute. Once you’re ready, you may enter the mosque.
Although the exterior appears modern, as soon as you step inside, you’ll see the four ancient pillars that are part of its original structure. Due to its historical and cultural significance, the mosque was declared a National Historical Landmark by the National Historical Commission and a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum.
In addition to the mosque, there are other attractions worth visitng, including Bohe Sallang — a public freshwater lagoon popular among locals, especially on weekends. While it may be small, beneath its calm surface, the water is cold and deep. According to our guide, many locals enjoy diving and swimming here.
To get around Simunul, you can hire either a jeepney or a habal-habal (motorcycle taxi). During our trip in 2022, the rates for the Simunul tour were P1,500 for a jeepney and P350 for a habal-habal.
Sangay Siapuh
Our last stop was Sangay Siapuh, a privately owned resort island. At the time of our visit, construction was still ongoing as they were developing the place. We noticed newly constructed overwater cottages connected by a wooden boardwalk. You’ll pass by them on your way to the island from the docking area, which is located at the end of the boardwalk.
On the island, you’ll find beachfront huts as well as shower rooms and toilets. On the other side, there’s another boardwalk that became the perfect backdrop for our photo session!
Similar to Panampangan, the waters around Sangay Siapuh are shallow, making it great for a dip.
Since it is closest to Bongao, this is either the first or last stop for island hopping tours. But it’s better to have this as your last stop so you can catch the sunset here, just like we did! From here, we could also see parts of the capital town.
During our visit, we paid P100 each for the entrance fee.
Bud Bongao & Town Tour
Besides island hopping, another popular activity is the Bongao Town Tour. The usual stops for this tour include the public market, the Badjao village, and the Chinese pier. You can also visit Masjid Raayat. But the highlight is the Bud Bongao (Mount Bongao). We’ll talk more about that in a bit. Meanwhile, if you want to take a guided town tour, Layag Tawi-Tawi Tour Services also offers a Bongao Day Tour package, which includes a hike to Bud Bongao.
Bongao Day Tour Rates
If you’re interested in booking this tour, here are the rates as of February 2025:
- 14 pax: P899/pax
- 13 pax: P959/pax
- 12 pax: P979/pax
- 11 pax: P999/pax
- 10 pax: P1,099/pax
- 9 pax: P1,199/pax
- 8 pax: P1,469/pax
- 7 pax: P1,599/pax
- 6 pax: P1,799/pax
- 5 pax: P2,099/pax
- 4 pax: P2,799/pax
- 3 pax: P2,199/pax
- 2 pax: P2,399/pax
- Solo: P2,699
Bongao Day Tour Inclusions
- Environmental Fee
- Tour Guide
- Transportation
- Free 1-night Dorm-type Accommodation w/ Breakfast
Bud Bongao
“You haven’t really been to Tawi-Tawi until you’ve climbed Bud Bongao,” Kuya Al, the tricycle driver who took us to the mountain’s jump-off point, confidently told us. Talk about marketing! And we’re glad we listened! It was tiring but incredibly fulfilling, especially once we reached the top and took in the stunning view.
But first, you need to go to the registration area and pay the entrance fee, which was P20 per person at that time. However, while researching the updated rate, we found it has increased to P50. If you have visited here recently, please let us know if this is still the rate.
Then, the staff will check your bags and belongings, which you also need to bring with you on your descent. All of them. Remember! Leaving your trash or littering is prohibited. They will also hand you a ribbon that you can tie while making a wish in designated areas close to the summit. Many believe that wishes made here come true and that the mountain has healing properties.
Bud Bongao (Mount Bongao) is a sacred to locals, especially the Sama Dilaut, who believe it is the final resting place of two direct disciples of Sheik Karim ul-Makhdum , the founder of the oldest mosque in Simunul. Along the trail, you’ll notice tampat — small shrines wrapped in white fabrics.
There are several viewpoints along the way, but the highest is the Sibutu Peak, which is around 342 meters above sea level. From any of the six peaks, you can admire Bongao Town and the surrounding area, including a few nearby islands. Others say that you can even see Sabah from here!
By the way, the trail is made of concrete stairs and paths.
Bud Bongao Eco-Tourism Park
- Jump-Off Point: Bud Bongao Registration Area in Barangay Simandagit
- Opening Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Entrance Fee: Non-Bongao Residents, P50
Trivia! According to mapping enthusiast Ervin Malicdem of Shadow Expeditions, the trail has a total of 3,608 steps.
Sitangkai
This was actually part of our original plan, but we couldn’t visit because it was raining hard at the time. Sitangkai is a town built on water. Similar to Venice and other settlements surrounded by water, the main mode of transportation here is by boat. But for now, that’s all we can share about Sitangkai. We’ll give you more information once we are finally able to visit and explore.
Where to Stay in Tawi-Tawi
We booked our hotel directly with the property because at the time of our visit — and even at present, our trusted hotel booking sites did not have a good inventory of accommodations in Tawi-Tawi. You can check out a few homestays, inns, and transient houses. Our team stayed at Rachel’s Place Hotel and Restaurant, which is conveniently located near the town center. Below are the contact details and other options:
- Rachel’s Place Hotel and Restaurant
Address: Barangay Tubig-Mampallam, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi
Contact Number: +63 949 348 6468
Social Media: Facebook Page - Almari Beach Resort
Address: Barangay Pasiagan, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi
✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY: Booking.com | Agoda - Bihing Tahik Resort
Address: Barangay Pasiagan, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi
Contact Number: +63 953 322 5742
Social Media: Facebook Page - Budjang Tawi-Tawi Beach Resort
Address: Barangay Pahut, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi
Contact Number: +63 977 776 3601
Social Media: Facebook Page - Beachside Inn
Address: Barangay Tubig Tanah, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi
Social Media: Facebook Page
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2025.05.08 – First uploaded
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