Where is Sulu and How to Get There

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SULU

By Eugene Alvin Villar (seav) – English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=770269

How to Get There

Philippine Airlines flies three times a week to Jolo from Zamboanga City. Flight time is only 35 minutes. Alternatively, Aleson Shipping Lines runs ten-hour overnight ferry trips also from Zamboanga City. Camp Bud Datu is located 8 km away from Jolo Airport. Travel time takes at least 15 minutes by private car. Tourists may arrange accommodation at Camp Bud Datu through the provincial tourism office. Read More: http://www.eazytraveler.net/2014/11/indanan-sulu-rajah-baguinda-shrine-camp-bud-datu/

Photo from: http://www.philippineflightnetwork.com/2014/04/i-left-my-heart-in-philippine-airlines.html

The Sulu Islands are a region of the Philippines, an island chain that stretches from near Zamboanga, at the southwestern tip of Mindanao, almost to the Malaysian province of Sabah, at the eastern end of Borneo. Politically, they are part of the Philippines but culturally they are close to Malaysia and Indonesia; in particular they are almost entirely Muslim.

In terms of Philippine government administration, they are part of the ARMM or Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, though geographically they are separate islands, not on Mindanao.

This is probably the most dangerous area in the Philippines; all western governments advise strongly against travel to this region. Back in the 19th century, Sulu was a pirate kingdom and Jolo had a huge slave market. Today, there are still some pirates and other bandits. Perhaps more dangerous, there are also several armed Moro (Filipino Muslim) independence groups, including some radical Islamists.

Photo from: https://bangsamoro.wordpress.com/2013/03/19/international-court-of-justice-on-sabah/

The island of Jolo, Sulu in Mindanao has been on the news for years. It is a sad fact that this volcanic island paradise is dubbed as a “danger zone” when in fact, it should not be, as there are thousands of places that are holiday worthy.

Worry not, as there are so many ways on how you can enjoy the island without having to fear of anything. Just follow these tips:

Jolo is a dream destination to some. If you happen to share the same views, then make it all worthy. Before visiting the place, make sure that you have a contact who knows how to speak the local language. He will be of good assistance when it comes to communicating with the people throughout your journey.

Most of the people in Mindanao are Muslims, so it is important that you are aware of their laws and culture. Proper etiquette must be observed just as you would enter any another destination around the world. Be sensitive to their dress code by wearing a scarf if you prefer too.

Photo from: https://www.flickr.com/photos/fraginal/3641995214

Travel Advisory

Due to socio-political unrest, armed conflict and kidnappings in some areas in Sulu, all travelers are required to seek the assistance from the provincial tourism office beforehand for their safety and security. Exploring the province safely and responsibly entails being escorted by the military.

While there are a few traveler inns in Jolo town, military camps offer safer – and more scenic – accommodations, especially at Camp Bud Datu and Mt. Bayug Eco-Cultural Park in Indanan and Talipao, respectively. Staying at the camps can be arranged through the provincial tourism office. For more information, contact provincial tourism officer, Ms. Jainab Abdulmajid at +63 9175929225 or heressulu@yahoo.com.ph.