Visiting Tawi-Tawi can feel like stepping into a different world within your own country. Located near the southernmost tip of the Philippine map, it is a place deeply rooted in Muslim Filipino culture and is home to communities such as the Badjaos. Historically, its isolation has made it feel somewhat detached from the rest of the Philippines.

With the Philippines recently updating its official count of islands from 7,107 to 7,641, it becomes clearer why the Philippine map often shows just two landmasses representing Tawi-Tawi, even though the province is made up of nearly 300 islands.

Traveling to Tawi-Tawi is a unique experience, and locals can often tell when someone is an outsider. With only two daily flights from Zamboanga to Tawi-Tawi, the community tends to recognize most of the passengers on board. Upon arrival, I was struck by the sight of many travelers being met by men carrying long firearms—an unfamiliar and surprising scene.

While aboard the plane, you might notice the curious stares of other passengers, possibly wondering where you're from. Many travelers speak in native Muslim dialects, which can create a language barrier, leaving you to embrace a sense of uncertainty as you navigate unfamiliar words and customs. The experience, though challenging, is an immersive way to explore the unique culture and identity of this remarkable archipelago. I was fortunate to visit this island through my research work, which aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a government program to alleviate the conditions of the poor in this province. I was surprised to learn that Tawi-Tawi is considered the safest place in the region because of its fewer reported crimes, but visiting this place for the first time will surely be a different kind of feeling because of so many stories we have heard about some Muslim communities in this country.

As you board the plane and take your window seat, you'll pass over breathtaking islands like Basilan, Jolo, and Sulu. As a Filipino, you can’t help but admire the beauty of the Philippines and the diverse landscapes of its many islands.

Tawi-Tawi is best described as the place where the sky meets the sea, where the clouds reflect the crystal-clear waters. Its pristine beauty feels like the paradise you've always dreamed of. Now, that dream is a reality—you are here. Welcome to Tawi-Tawi, the southernmost gem of the Philippine archipelago. Have you ever seen people living on boats, particularly the Badjaos, who have built their way of life around the sea? During our visit, we spoke with the locals to understand how they live and sustain themselves in this unique environment. They shared that their survival largely depends on the abundance of the sea, which provides them with food and livelihood. Fresh fish is sold at incredibly low prices along the streets, a testament to the richness of the Philippines' coastal life.

Since Tawi-Tawi consists of nearly 300 islands, the ability of its people to navigate between them is remarkable. One thing I’ve noticed is that young children can often be seen swimming along the nearby beaches.

The beaches remain pristine, untouched by mass tourism, making the islands feel like a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. As you gaze into the horizon, it appears as if the sea is embraced by the clouds. The sunsets in Tawi-Tawi are mesmerizing, transforming from a perfect circle to a half-moon and shifting into various breathtaking formations. It’s a rare and exquisite experience—one that can only be fully appreciated on this island.

To make our journey even more exciting, we hiked up Bud Bonggao, the most prominent landmark of Tawi-Tawi, known for its unique rock formation resembling a monkey. As we ascended, we encountered countless monkeys along the trail, from tiny babies clinging to their mothers to playful pairs that seemed like affectionate companions.

As visitors, it's recommended to bring food for them—bananas being their favorite, of course. However, we soon realized we hadn’t brought enough, and we found ourselves trying to "negotiate" with the monkeys, hoping they would understand our limitations. It was a fascinating experience that made me reflect on how little we truly understand animals. These monkeys seemed to communicate with us, expressing their need for food while also sensing that we didn’t have enough to offer.

As we climbed higher, the monkeys appeared to guide us, reinforcing the local belief that Bud Bonggao is protected by mystical white monkeys. The mountain is home to ancient trees and sacred spaces where Muslim pilgrims come to pray. At the summit, we were rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of Tawi-Tawi, where the vast ocean stretches endlessly beyond the horizon.

when you reach the summit of Bud Bonggao, you are greeted with mesmerizing views of distant islands stretching across the horizon. The vastness of the sea inspires a sense of adventure, making you dream of exploring these islands by boat if time permits. Locals say that from the farthest island, one can already reach Malaysia through the back border. This realization gives you a deeper understanding of how the Philippines serves as a natural bridge to other Southeast Asian countries.

If you're looking for a place to disconnect from the world, Tawi-Tawi is the perfect escape. One of the places we visited was so peaceful that the only sound we heard was the gentle hum of a boat gliding through a vast mangrove forest.

Tawi-Tawi offers a unique opportunity for those unfamiliar with the Muslim community in the Philippines to gain a deeper understanding. In the early morning, young locals rise to jog, their energy and determination filling the air as they push themselves to run farther.

A visit to a traditional mosque is also a must, where you can witness the beauty and devotion of Muslim prayers offered to Allah, further enriching your experience of this remarkable place.

Although Tawi-Tawi is a predominantly Muslim community, it is considered one of the safest places for non-Muslim Filipinos to visit in that province. Non-Muslims can walk safely in the area even if women do not wear hijabs. Early in the morning, groups of young Muslim boys can be seen jogging and engaging in physical exercise. For them, this routine is more than just fitness—it is a meaningful expression of brotherhood. You can also sense a strong masculinity in this place because of the island life.

With its numerous unexplored islands, Tawi-Tawi holds great potential for future tourism and investment, awaiting discovery.