The Last

Where it all began ?

The creation
The Tawi-Tawi was previously part of the province of
Sulu. In addition, the human presence of this place
has been carbon-dated between 6,810 and 3,190
BC.. However, on September 11, 1973, pursuant to
Presidential Decree No. 302, the new province of
Tawi-Tawi was officially created, separate from Sulu.

The name of Tawi-Tawi is a projection of the Malay word "JAUI" MEANING "FAR."
geography
The province is located between the Sulu Sea and
the Celebes Sea in the country’s southwest corner.
The province is part of the Sulu Archipelago, and it
consists of Tawi-tawi Island. In addition, aside from
that island, there is a 106 surrounding islands that
covers a total land area of 1087.4 square kilometres
or 419.8 in square miles
The good thing about Tawi-Tawi is that
it is not part of the so-called "typhoon
belt" of the Philippines, making it an
ideal destination to visit all year long.
The tropical rainforest climate prevails on
the island of Tawi-Tawi. In addition, every
year, this place is usually very warm,
humid, and rainy. Therefore, the average
annual temperature of Tawi-Tawi is 29°F,
with an annual rainfall of 784 mm. On the
other hand, with an average humidity of 76
percent and a UV-index of 7, it is dry for 120
days a year.
 TARLAC-MANILA

MANILA-TAWI TAWI

TAWI-TAWI
 HOW TO GET TO
Tawi-tawi
Currently, there are no direct
flights from Manila to Tawi-Tawi
so you need to book a
connecting flight via
Zamboanga. Sanga-Sanga
Airport in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi
serves Philippine Airlines and
Cebu Pacific flights from
Zamboanga City.
Aleson Shipping plies the waters of
Sulu Sea to connect passengers
from Zamboanga City to Bongao
every Monday, Wednesday, and
Friday. Sea voyage usually lasts 15
to 18 hours.
2GO Travel also has ferry routes
going to Bongao, Tawi-Tawi from
Cebu, and Manila. Another ferry
from Semporna in Malaysia goes
to Bongao once a week.
“HABAL-HABAL” TAWI - TAWI
“HABAL-HABAL” (motor taxis) and Tricycles are the mainland
transportation in Bongao and the other islands in Tawi-Tawi. If you are
exploring a town in Tawi-Tawi, the best way is to take the tricycle as they
can easily navigate narrow streets.

FARE TIPS: Remember to politely negotiate with your driver but refrain
from haggling too much to the point that you may short-change them.

While motor taxis and tricycles are the main mode of transit
on the islands of Tawi-Tawi, sea travel is another main
transportation of going from island to another.
Public ferry boats are available from Bongao going to
Sitangkai, Simunul, Liyaburan, Sibutu, Sipangkot, and
Languyan. Renting a private boat is also possible, especially
if you will visit the sandbar of Panampangan Island.
economy
AGRICULTURE, FISHING, AND AGAR-AGAR (SEAWEED) FARMING

are the primary sources of income for the people of

Tawi-Tawi, with a significant number of people
involved in barter exchange. The most important
agricultural product is copra, which is followed
by root crops, fruits, and vegetables.
Local Governments Units In the 2020 census, the
Tawi-Tawi has 11 municipalities and 203 barangays in the province. population of Tawi-Tawi

POPULATION AREA IN BRGY.

was 440,276 people,
NAME TYPE
KM2 COUNT with a density of 400
(2020)
people per square
Bongao Municipality, Capital 116,118 365.95 35
kilometre.
Languyan Municipality 37,096 581.20 20
Mapun Municipality 30,038 181.29 15
Panglima Sugala Municipality 48,055 416.66 17
Sapa-Sapa Municipality 33,580 235.61 23
Sibutu Municipality 34,243 56.54 16
Simunul Municipality 34,245 167.25 15
Sitangkai Municipality 37,319 735.46 9
South Ubian Municipality 29,583 272.04 31
Tandubas Municipality 34,316 552.05 20
Turtle Islands Municipality 5,683 62.50 2
Total: 440,276 3,626.55 203
Religion MUSLIM (99%)
the tawi-tawi's population is almost entirely Muslim
with a small Christian minority (0.7 percent ). The
majority of Muslims follow SHAFI'I SUNNIISLAM
SHAFI'I SUNNI ISLAM,
while a small number have converted to Shiite Islam.
Evangelicals, Mormons, Seventh-day Adventists,
Jehovah's Witnesses, and other Protestant
denominations are examples of non-Catholic
Christians.
Lakbay sa
Tawi Tawi !
PHILIPPINES LONGEST SAND BAR

On PANAMPANGAN ISLAND, there is a sandbar that is

said to be the Philippines' longest. It is one of the best Tawi-
Tawi tourist destinations because of its raw and unspoilt
beauty.

Swim in the lovely turquoise waves and run across the white
sands. The abundant marine life makes for a great
snorkeling adventure.

Location/Jump-off: Bongao town

Boating Time: 1-2 hours
Bud Bungao Peak
THE HIGHEST PEAK OF TAWI-TAWI
The biodiversity of Tawi-Tawi is represented by Bongao Peak.
Hundreds of monkeys live here, some of whom are white and
others who are brown. Tawi-Tawi’s sacred mountain of Bud
Bongao is only 1,100 FEET ABOVE SEA LEVEL, but it holds a
taller significance to the history, culture, and religion in the
province.
LOCATION/JUMP-OFF: SIMUNOL
TREKKING TIME: 1-2 HOURS
OPERATING TIME: 6 AM TO 4:30 PM
The Turtle Islands, also known as "TAGANAK ISLAND" are a breeding
ground for the endangered Philippine Turtle.
As a result, a Natural Wildlife Sanctuary was established to protect the
animals from poaching and other illegal activities. Every year, hundreds
of these turtles lay their eggs on the island's shore.

LOCATION/JUMP-OFF: TAGANAK
 Sangasiapu Island is known for its PURE WHITE SANDS
and TURQUOISE WATERS It is a little island that
is home to only five families.
That's what makes it exciting since you'll get to experience
the locals' hospitality. It's one among the more laid-back
Tawi-Tawi tourist sites, ideal for individuals who like less
touristy places.
LOCATION/JUMP-OFF: BONGAO
Balobok Rock Shelter
The relentless crashing of ocean waves
and other weathering conditions created
the Balobok Rock Shelter. Inside,
archaeologists discovered bone tools,
flaked tools, artifacts, and animal remains,
among other things.
The Boloboc Rock Formation, a natural
karst rock, may be found a few meters
away. It's a great place to do cliff diving or
jumping.

LOCATION/JUMP-OFF: BRGYLAKITLAKIT, BONGAO

The Islamic-inspired architecture of the Tawi-Tawi Provincial Capitol is
well-known. Examine its GOLDEN DOMES AND MINARETS, and
you'll undoubtedly be awestruck by such a massive monument.

LOCATION/JUMP-OFF: BONGAO TOWN

Tahing-Tahing beach
During the American period, a troop of soldiers arrived
only to be astounded by the natural beauty of the area.
They wrote a song called "Tawi-Tawi Beach," which
Tahing-Tahing Beach
was inspired by the tropical surroundings. With its
crystal-clear waters, it's a popular picnic spot.
LOCATION/JUMP-OFF: SOUTH UBIAN
SangaySiapo Island, like Panampangan Island, is
known for its WHITE SAND BEACHES AND
TURQUOISE WATERS. Snorkeling and scuba
diving are popular hobbies here due to the
abundance of marine life.

LOCATION/JUMP-OFF: SIMUNUL
BOATING TIME: 30 MINUTES
Sitangkai
THE VENICE OF THE PHILIPPINES
SAMA DILAUT AND
TAUSUG STILT HOUSES
IN SITANGKAI
Most Sama Dilaut and Tausug people
prefer to live on stilt houses on the water
than to settle on dry land.

These stilt houses can be seen

surrounding the island’s turquoise waters
and into inner canals leading to several
the island’s municipalities.
Aside from this interesting way of living,

Sitangkai also holds the reputation of

being Tawi-Tawi’s
TAWI-TAWI’Sseaweed capital.
SEAWEED CAPITAL.
 TIYULA ITUM
PASTIL
Pastil appears like a SMALLER
VERSION OF THE EMPANADA but
inside its fillings are rice noodles
(pancit bihon) perfect for a pairing
with spicy vinegar. This is the favorite
snack of most locals.
It is characterized by a black sauce made with
burnt coconut meat that adds a distinct taste to the
tender braised beef. This dish is also referred to
as "Food for the Royalty" and is commonly
served during weddings and other special events
like the Hari Raya festivities.
PICKLED AGAL-AGAL (SEAWEED)
Since seaweed is among the main produce of
Tawi-Tawi, locals have come up with an
appetizing seaweed-based salad. They call it
the Pickled Agal-agal, which is prepared with
brown sugar, olive oil, lemon juice, and thin
slices of green mangoes.
TRAVEL TIP: Eating pork is strictly prohibited in the
province of Tawi-Tawi by Islamic dietary laws
Agal-Agal
This festival includes a street parade and
dancing competitions with each contingent,
formed by representatives from various towns,
depicting the way of life of the Sama people.

Spellbinding choreography re-enacting the

HARVESTING
HARVESTINGOF
OF SEAWEEDS
SEAWEEDS
(agal-agal), courtships, and supernatural
rituals are performed. Every year, the festival
is hosted in a different town in Tawi-Tawi.
 OLDEST MOSQUE IN THE PHILIPPINES
Located in the island of Simunul, this
mosque is considered the oldest in the
Philippines. It was built in 1380 and
was named after its builder, Arab
merchant, and Islamic preacher Sheik
Makdum Karim.
While the mosque has been rebuilt
many times, four of the original wooden
pillars inside the mosque still exist. The
graveyard at the back is believed to be
where the remains of Sheik Makdum
REMAINS OF SHEIK MAKDUM KARIM
Karim was buried.
MALDIVES OF THE SOUTH
If you are in search of a new destination that is not too crowded and is teeming with rich culture, spectacular
sights, and bounteous nature, Tawi-Tawi should satisfy all your wanderlust checklist.

This destination teeming with beautiful

islands, quaint coastal towns, sacred
mountains, savory cuisine, and historic
mosques, should definitely be a part of your
Philippines travel bucket list.

GROUP MEMBERS:
ESPINOSA, ADRIAN
FELIPE, LEONARDO
TABERDO, LENARD
CASTANEDA, HARVEY