Tawi-Tawi tourism is booming and here’s why
Is the island province the next big destination in Mindanao?
“Tourism to Tawi-Tawi has tripled against figures from last year, the province said in a report to the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. The tourism boom comes as Simunul town celebrates the arrival of Sheikh Karimul Makhdum six centuries ago. The event, meant to mark the advent and practice of Islam in the Philippines, is celebrated every November 7,” writes Roel Pareño.
This is despite the entirety of Mindanao being under martial law since May, which has been extended until 2017’s end.
Mobin Gampal, provincial tourism officer, attributes the rise in tourist visits to increased peace and order in the province. Tawi-Tawi is now averaging approximately 3,000 monthly visitors, as opposed to last year’s 1,000.
Gampal shared that Tawi-Tawi’s tourist route currently consists of the following highlights: Bongao Peak, Panguan Island, Turtle Island, and Panampangan Island (a white beach with the longest sandbar in the Philippines).
Not to be left out are Simunul, the cradle of Islam in The Philippines, and Sitangkai, which is famous for its Venice-like waterways.
More exciting times lie ahead for Tawi-Tawi tourism, with development coming in unabated:
Pareño notes that “ARMM has allocated more than P3 billion for projects in the province since 2012. The regional government has developed Bud Bongao into an eco-tourism park with the construction of a visitor receiving center, waiting sheds, view decks, solar-powered post lights, concrete paved steps and handrails and a 400-meter access road.”
“To encourage tourism, parks in the province do not charge entrance fees.”
via Philippine Star / Roel Pareño
