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
If you can afford it, charter
a pump boat along the Chinese Pier
in the mainland of Bongao and visit
Panampangan, a secluded, pristine
paradise. Be sure to coordinate with
Tawi-Tawi Police and the local Department
of Tourism for security reasons.
SLEEP
Enjoy barbecue food and karaoke
at Beachside Inn Hotel and Restaurant.
Tel: +63 (68) 268 1446 or 68 268 1435
EAT
Take a walk down to the market in
Bongao and try utak-utak and syagul,
and down it with kahawa lubug.
SHOP
Bring home a gorgeous Tawi-Tawi
mat from Bajau Village. The intricate
designs are uniquely Tawi-Tawi.
MUST-TRY
If you’re a diver, get in touch
with the Tawi-Tawi Divers Club, to take
you to the sunken Japanese shipwreck.
Maria
Theresa Chio
Gonzales
community
solutions program
fellowat IREX
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
Visit Great Sta Cruz Island and
try dipping your toes into its pink-sand
beach. Also see Fort Pilar, an old Spanish
port built from limestone converted into
a shrine. Go to Paseo del Mar, a seafront
parkway offering a variety of food stalls
and restaurants.
SLEEP
Garden Orchid Hotel is within
walking distance of the airport.
Tel: +63
(62) 991 0032
EAT
Go to Alavar Seafood Restaurant for
local cuisine and try the curacha covered
in rich Alavar sauce.
SHOP
Go to Yakan Village and purchase
a pasalubong made from traditionally
woven yakan cloth.
INSIDER TIP
You can get the best view
of the city from Abong-Abong Park on
Mount Pulong Bato.
John
Michael F.
Dellariarte
medical doctor
PHILIPPINES
ZAMBOANGA
LESTER LEDESMA
Zamboanga City's Fort Pilar was
founded in 1635.
DIDYOU
KNOW?
