I recently had my trip to these 3 beautiful provinces - Zamboanga, Basilan and Tawi-Tawi. Contrary to what the news usually portrays, these cities are generally safe specially the downtown area which are usually guarded by the police and military. The key is to stay low profile and don't attract too much attention.
ZAMBOANGA
Starting my trip in the Latin City of Asia, Zamboanga known for its strong Hispanic influenced culture.
Yakan Village is pretty popular to the tourist who wants to visit Zamboanga. Not as much as I expected, this place is a commercial area with few stalls that exclusively sell products made from hand woven fabric. A beautiful thing about it is that since every product is woven by hand so it comes with a distinct style depending on the weaver.
How to get there:
In Zamboanga City, go to the public market where you can find the jeep terminal bound for Upper Calarian. Look for the one that passes Gate 2. Asked the jeepney driver to drop you off at Yakan Village. Travel time is about 40 minutes.
After getting back to the hotel and had rest for a bit, I then started walking towards Paseo Del Mar.
Also passed by Zamboanga City Hall, Rizal Park and National Museum Fort Pilar.
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| Badjaos in Paseo Del Mar |
Santa Cruz Island
Santa Cruz island is the main reason why I went here. Known for having a pinkish sand, this rosy hue came from red organ-pipe coral dissolved by the waves. Both big and small Santa Cruz Islands have been declared as environment protected areas and its coral reefs are currently undergoing rehabilitation.
Little Santa Cruz
Just a few minutes from Santa Cruz Island is the little Santa Cruz, a highly protected sanctuary for sea turtles & other rare marine life. We were only allowed to stay here for 10 minutes.
How to get there:
In Paseo del Mar, there is a booth where you can register for Sta. Cruz island. I suggest you register ahead of time specially during the peak season as there are only limited number of boats and guests allowed in the island.
Boat costs Php 1000, good for 10 person
Cottages are available from Php 100 to Php 200
Boat to Little Santa Cruz Php 200/boat
Note: If you are traveling alone or in a small group, you may wait for other passengers to share the boat just like what we did.
Merloquet Falls
Merloquet Falls is one of the popular waterfalls in Mindanao. A 2 tiered cascading curtain located in the eastern part of Zamboanga City, in Baranggay Sibulao close to the border of the next province Zamboanga del Norte.
How to get there:
Ride a van going to Vitali and tell the driver that you're going to Merloquet Falls. Fare is Php 130 and travel time is 1 hour and 45 minutes. There are habal-habal in the drop off point that can take you to the falls. Fare is Php 60/person roundtrip (Habal-habal driver waited for us)
Another option is to ride a bus bound to Pagadian, Dipolog or Ipil drop in Vitali bus stop and ride a habal-habal to the falls.
Entrance Fees: P5.00 per person
BASILAN
I have never imagine I'd be able to step my foot on this land.
Basilan, being known for terrorism and battles between the Philippine armies and the militants because of the news. I was first hesitant to come here because everyone back home ask me not to. Even some people from Zamboanga City do not dare to visit the island. But being the adventurous me, no one can stop me, so here i am :).
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| Basilan Provincial Capitol |
Malamawi Island
A few steps away from the port where we get off the boat from Zamboanga is a small port going to Malamawi Island.
How to get there:
Ride small boats going to Malamawi, Fare: Php 5
Hire a habal-habal at the tiny port of Malamawi going to the white beach. Fare: 25/person
TAWI-TAWI
Tawi-Tawi is the southernmost province of the Philippines with 107 islands and islets. It is actually near to Malaysia than in the Philippines. Landed in Bongao airport, the capital of Tawi-Tawi and where my adventure begins.
Upon arriving, we went to Tawi-Tawi's tourism office where we met our guide, Wadz Ali.
Our first stop is going to the peak of Bud Bongao. Before going up, we bought some banana up for the monkeys as this has already been their practice.
We reached the top after an hour of trekking. From above is an exceptional view; the blue Celebes sea and some of the islands surrounding Bongao including Simunul Island and even the outline border of Borneo.
Badjao Village
As we entered Badjao viillage, we were welcomed by this playful children around the place. The Badjaos here have relatively large population and they are not like the Badjao's we know in Manila. They are friendly, loves sports and hardworking people.
Wadz led us to a certain house, which we were shown how women from Badjao Village weave this colorful banig (tepo)/mats.
Balobok Rock Shelter
Provincial Capitol
Tawi Tawi Provincial Capitol resembling a mosque is a symbol of faith of the province. In front of the capitol is a great view of the town proper and the bay.
Simunul Island
The next day we went to Simunul Island, an hour boat ride from Bongao. Simunul being the birthplace of the Islamic Faith in the Philippines is where the first mosque was built.
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| The 16 ft. crocodile caught in Simunul Island |
Sangay Siapo Island
On our way back we dropped by Sangay Siapo Island
I wouldn't miss the opportunity to try their local foods like stingray, puffer fish, etc.
Itinerary:
