Tawi tawi (Bongao)

Panampangan Island

- An hour away from Bongao by a fast boat, one arrives at probably one of the most stunning islands in the country, Panampangan Island. It’s believed to have the longest sandbar in the Philippines. According to environment and mapping advocate Ervin Malicdem “during low tide, the sandbar extends far out to about three kilometers to its neighboring islet, Basibuli; also in the same reef.” 

Bud BUngao Peak

- 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. Some even believe that one of the followers of Karim ul-Makhdum — the Arab preacher who first brought Islam to the country more than 600 years ago — was buried here. Today, Bud Bongao remains much revered by the locals. It’s also a biodiversity area that spans 250 hectares, protected by both the local government of Bongao and the hundreds of playful long-tailed macaques who hang out along the trail to the top.