Where is Tawi-Tawi and How to Get There

DIRECTIONS TO TAWI-TAWI

Tawi-Tawi is at the southern-most tip of the Philippines.

By Eugene Alvin Villar (seav) – English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=770266

It is part of the Mindanao Islands (bottom left).

Photo from: https://justkalinaw.wordpress.com/about/

It is near Malaysia and Indonesia.

Photo from: https://www.hobotraveler.com/newsletter-hobo-206-mindanao-philippines.shtml

How to Get There

There is no direct flight from Manila to Tawi-Tawi. You have to go to Zamboanga first and then you have two ways of getting into the island.

First, is thru a boat ride from Zamboanga port to Bongao port (Capital of Tawi-Tawi) travel time is about 18 hours. The highlight of this trip is that you can capture, and you can experience sunrise in Bongao Island while you are in the boat ( I have seen pictures of it, and it is superb).
Second, is thru a plane (currently only Cebu Pacific has a flight schedule from Zamboanga to Tawi-Tawi) travel time is about 30-40 minutes. Read More:http://twomonkeystravelgroup.com/diy-travel-guide-tawi-tawi-philippines/

How to Get There From Zamboanga City

By Air

Sanga-Sanga Airport in Bongao is the gateway to Tawi-Tawi by air. Currently, only Cebu Pacific flies there with their daily flight from Zamboanga City. Check out their website for the latest flight schedule and fare.

Sanga-Sanga Airport is located in Barangay Sanga-Sanga, approximately 15 minutes from Bongao town proper.

By Land and Sea

Aleson Shipping connects Bongao to Zamboanga with ferry trips during Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Travel time is approximately fifteen hours and fare is at least P1,000.

Going to Zamboanga City, Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific connect the city from Manila, Cebu and Davao. By ferry, 2Go Travel connects the city from Cebu and Manila. And by bus, there are daily trips from Ozamis City and Dapitan.

From Semporma (Malaysia)

A public ferry plies Semporma to Bongao (and vice versa) once a week.

Photo from: http://www.rappler.com/life-and-style/travel/ph-travel/93689-tawi-tawi-travel-mindanao-sights

Although Tawi-Tawi is relatively more peaceful compared to its neighboring provinces of Sulu and Basilan, it’s still advisable to coordinate with the local tourism office prior to your visit. This way they can inform you about the ongoing security situation in the area and provide you with escorts if they find it necessary. Accredited tour guides will come from the tourism office to ensure the safety of visitors. You may also course through hotel bookings with the guide the tourism office assigns you.

For further assistance, please contact

Tawi-Tawi tourism officer Ms. Salve Pescadera
+63 910 671 6367
+63 905 154 7865.