Tawi Tawi

It is the southernmost province of the country, sharing sea borders with the Malaysian state of
Sabah and the Indonesian North Kalimantan province, both on the island of Borneo to the west.
To the northeast lies the province of Sulu. It is a cluster of 106 islands and islets scattered over
Sulu and Celebes sea. It consist of 11 municipalities and 203 barangays.

The name of Tawi-Tawi is a projection of the Malay word "jauh" meaning "far". Prehistoric
travelers from the Asian mainland would repeat the word as "jaui- jaui" to mean "far away"
because of the distance of the islands from the mainland. The word "Tawi-Tawi" was picked up
to later become the official name of the province. ne The people make their living mostly from
the sea. Many of them live in house-boats, and more live in houses built over the water and
connected by little bridges.

Badjao Village

The famous water village where Badjaos live in peace and harmony with one another.
The Badjaos here have relatively large population and they don’t live a life like the
Badjaos we know in the streets of Manila. Here, they have a descent home and source of
livelihood. The waters of Tawi Tawi have been their source of livelihood, of harmony
and of community.
Makhdum Memorial

Location: Sibutu, Tawi-Tawi

Legend has it that Arab Missionary Sheik Makdum,who constructed the Mosque in Tubig
Indangan, was a powerful imam who could lift 3-foot diameter pillars. His remains are allegedly
buried in two separate islands one of which is Simmunul the other. Tandubanak on the southern
shore of Sibutu.
Gusong Reef

Location: Mapun (Cagayan de Tawi-Tawi), Tawi-Tawi Seagulls, known to the natives as "tallah-
tallah," have settled here by the thousands to lay their eggs. Gusong Reef is a top producer of the
delicious turtle eggs, ranking second only to the Turtle Islands.

Bongao Peak

Location: Bongao, Tawi-Tawi

Dominating with a prominent vertical cliff on its north side, Bongao peak towers above the
island, welcoming tourists. The peak is a protected monkey sanctuary in the capital town of
Bongao. A natural watchtower provides a view of the expanse of sea and the string of islands of
Tawi-tawi
Manuk-Mangkaw Island / Musa

Location: Bongao Tawi-Tawi

It is an island located slightly beyond and across the channel. It is said to be "floating like an
umbrella", under which submarines of the Allied Forces sought refuge from enemy depth
charges during World War II.

Tahing-Tahing Beach
Tubig Indangan

Location: Simunul, Tawi-Tawi

On this location stands the first Muslim mosque built by the Arabian missionary Sheik Makdum
in 1380 A.D. It is a pilgrimage site for Filipino Muslims. Tandubanak Mosque Location: Sibutu,
Tawi-Tawi It is the biggest mosque in Sibutu is the one in Tandubanak. Sporting a pink and
green motif.it stands proudly along the narrow and singular road that bisects the island.

Festival
Kamahardikaan Tawi-Tawi
Place: Tawi-Tawi Province

Date: September 24-27

The festival commemorates the foundation anniversary of the province. Highlight of the
event include cultural presentation that showcases the colorful ethnic cultures of the
Sama, Badjaos, Jama Mapuns and Tausugs, fluvial parades marine sports like the
Paglomba-lomba ma Tahik Tawi-Tawi, a boat racing competition, and beauty pageant.

Seaweed Festival
Location: Bongao, Tawi-Tawi
Date: September 25

This Festival is also called Agal-agal Festival (local name for carrageen seaweed), Thanks giving
festivity for its good harvest (similar to Meguyaya). This week-long festivity is celebrated every
forth week of September showcasing the region's economic potentials. culture, costums and
tradition

Sheik Karimul Makdum

Location: Simunul, Tawi-Tawi

Date: November 07

Sheik Karimul Makhdum Festival is celebrated in commemoration for his good deeds for
bringing Islam to the land. Sheik Karimul Makhdum is a 13th century Muslim missionary from
Malaysia who established the first mosque in the Philippines: the mosque is located in Tubig
Indangan, Simunul, Tawi-Tawi.
Gastronomy

The ARMM Region is famous in rice delicacies, namely; duldul, pastil, katilapan, and pawa.
Native dishes like chicken with currypowder. In addition of the muslim delicacies are putrid,
sinigang na baka and tinadtag.