Tawi-Tawi (Bongao)
The southernmost frontier offering raw natural charm and deep cultural roots.
Welcome to Tawi-Tawi
Tawi-Tawi is a peaceful, beautiful island province located at the southwesternmost tip of Mindanao, bordering neighboring Sabah. Bongao, the capital island, features white sand beaches, traditional seaweed farms, and historic places of worship.
Bud Bongao: The Holy Forest Peak
The island is dominated by Bud Bongao, a sacred limestone mountain covered in thick jungle. Climbing this peak is a spiritual tradition for locals, who hike the stone steps to pray at ancestral shrines while feeding wild long-tailed macaques that guard the forest trails.
The Aromatic Agal-Agal Festival
Tawi-Tawi’s status as a major producer of seaweed is celebrated during the annual Agal-Agal Festival in September. This unique street dancing competition features local performers wearing highly creative costumes styled completely from dried seaweed, sea shells, and pearls. The festival showcases traditional dances, boat races, and culinary fairs featuring unique, seaweed-infused dishes and local snacks.