Here’s a short list of what to do, where to go and what to eat while you’re in the sunny side of tropical Tawi-Tawi based on the eyes of a first timer. I’ll be putting a mark as to which I have done myself. Take note that this would be a really short 2 day visit to Tawi-Tawi’s capital, Bongao. You can view my photojournal for more photos!
Where to Go
- The Provincial Capitol
has the best view of Bongao.
- See the oldest mosque in the Philippines, Sheik Karim-ul Makhdum Mosque at Simunul.
- Take a dip in the clear blue waters of Panampangan Island.
- Go on a trek to Bud Bongao and feed the monkeys because you haven’t been to Tawi-Tawi if you haven’t climbed the Bud.
- Discover
8,000 year old artifacts at the Bolobok Rock shelter Cove.
What to Do
- Make friends with the people everywhere you go because the people are very friendly around the area.
- Tie a plant knot and make a wish at the Bud Bongao Eco Park like the locals do.
- Don’t forget to plan your trip during the Agal-Agal Festival. Tawi-Tawi is known for being the largest producer of seaweed in the country and the best this may be the best and only place to celebrate this in the country . which happens around September.
What to Eat
- Before you go off tasting the vast seafood in the area, better try their seaweed since Tawi-Tawi is the seaweed capital of the Philippines.
- Purchase freshly caught seafood by the Badjaos especially at Panampangan Island. The catch is random, so every bucket will always be a surprise. We got a basin of sea urchins at 50php only!
- Try exotic seafood such as the Kamon (Sea Mantis). You can go to Mardo’s Eatery and get their Bilao
Seafod Combo Meal.
- Tiyula
Itum is the blackest beef stew you can ever try in your lifetime. Don’t let this intimidate you! This is actually made with burnt coconut, hence the blackness of the soup. - Taste Tawi-Tawi’s local delicacies such as the
sugar coated biscuit Isikalang.Theres also crispy rolls called the Batang Burung and the fluffy little muffins they call Baulo. - Look for the infamous Hot Moro Chili Powder. Most of the locals love spicy food and this condiment will surely serve as an awesome gift for your spice inclined friends.
- One can also pack a box of salted dried fish if you get to visit the market. For someone like myself, I think this serves as an awesome gift for the Bulad lovers.
Restaurants
- Sandbar Beach Lepa and Restarurant, Pasiagan, Bongao
- Beachside Inn, Sowang Kagang, Bongao
- Ibbo Beach Resort, Pasiagan, Bongao
- Rachel’s Place, Lamion, Bongao
- Mardo’s Eatery, Downtown, Bongao
- AMZ Snack House, Downtown, Bongao
- King of Chicken, Downtown, Bongao
- Juana Hotel & Restaurant, Downtown, Bongao
