t r i p
j o u r n a l
168
{ }
AREA CODE
(68)
CURRENCY
Philippine Peso (PHP1 =
US$0.02)
TOUCHDOWN
There are no cabs in
Tawi-Tawi. Tricycles are everywhere,
however, especially in the capital
Bongao. Drivers charge PHP15–20 per
5
km. To visit nearby islands, rent a
lantsa
(
small motorboat) for about PHP100.
SEE &DO
Hike up Bongao Peak and
marvel at the awesome view from the
top. If you have time, take a boat ride
around to nearby islands like Sinumul,
where Sheik Makhdum Mosque, the site
of the first mosque built in the country is
located.
SLEEP
Sandbar Beach Lepa in Pasiagan,
Bongao offers cottages with a scenic
view.
Tel: +63 68 268 1018
EAT
Try the local specialty
Beef Tiyula
Itum,
a spicy beef stew cooked with burnt
coconut.
SHOP
Buy traditional mats handwoven
by women from the Badjao Village.
Check out the Bongao Souvenir shop too.
MUST-TRY
The province of Tawi-Tawi
has 107 islands and islets. Make sure to
go island-hopping.
Kara Santos
writer/photographer/
travel blogger at
traveling-up.com
PHILIPPINES
TAWI-TAWI
EDGAR ALAN ZETA YAP
SAMUEL DE LEON
AREA CODE
(62)
CURRENCY
Philippine Peso (PHP1 =
US$0.02)
TOUCHDOWN
From the airport, take a
jeepney (PHP7) or tricycle (PHP20–25)
to the
pueblo
(
city) as there are only a
few taxis. Plissap Rent-A-Car charges a
minimum of PHP150, and may be the
best way to go.
SEE &DO
Set up a voluntourism tour
with Project Banig Zamboanga to take
you to communities to do storytelling and
bond with the locals. You may also want
to visit Layag-Layag of the Yellow Boat
Foundation and meet the kids who need
to swim just to go to school.
SLEEP
La Casa Maria along Sta. Maria
Road offers a cozy ambience that is
wallet-friendly.
Tel: +63 62 991 8230
EAT
John’s Grill serves fresh grilled fish,
seaweed salads, and a whole bunch of
seafood delights that are budget-friendly.
SHOP
Buy souvenirs at the Yakan
Village or Badjao Village. The barter is an
experience too!
INSIDER TIP
Make sure to bring a
handy flashlight with you. Brownouts are
rampant is Zamboanga City.
PHILIPPINES
ZAMBOANGA
LESTER LEDESMA
Zamboanga City's Fort Pilar was
founded in 1635.
DIDYOU
KNOW?
Kiko
Miranda
college instructor;
children’s literature
advocate
