Cast Away in the Islands of Tawi-Tawi

The world is a box full of amazing surprises. It is worth opening.

I always keep a list of places I would want to step foot into. And sometimes, my list includes the farthest, the hardest and the places less explored.

Tawi-Tawi is an island that can be found in the southernmost part of the Philippines. It has 107 island and islets and it shares sea borders with Malaysia. The area is rich in marine culture and is considered the center of marine biodiversity. It's only 2% of the worlds oceans but it has the highest number of marine species.

Tawi-Tawi is also one of the provinces under Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao. It is tagged as the most peaceful part of the region but the old notion still questions the peace and security. The notion affects the tourism and development of the area. But the province has a lot to offer in terms of tourism. It has fine white sand beaches 10x than those found in Boracay and wonders of nature that is truly a wonder.

Going around Tawi-Tawi is not as easy as going to Cebu or Palawan. It takes a lot of resources and energy to get there. I was lucky enough to be part of an expedition to make a film about Tawi-Tawi and to document the rich culture of the islands last May 2014. This is one of the hardest, unforgetable and maybe the most challenging trip I have ever experience so far.

Aboard BFAR-MCS 3009 with the Philippine Coastguards, BFAR Officials and a team of filmmakers, we travel from Zamboanga to the islands in Tawi-Tawi with the excitement and fear of what awaits us.

The islands that I luckily step foot into are the following:

Mapun, Tawi-Tawi

Mapun Municipal Hall

Also known as Cagayan de Tawi-Tawi, Mapun is an island municipality. Inhabiting in the island is the Jama-Mapun (people of Mapun). The island is approximately 16 hours by sea from Zamboanga and it is actually closer to Sabah, Malaysia. Getting there by lantsa or passenger boat happens only once a month depends on the weather. 

During courtesy call

During our courtesy call with the local officials, the constituents of every barangay shared to us the problems they have in the municipality. Some of the problems brought up were the transportation going to mainland. Since they are close to Sabah, it's best to get their supplies and stocks there instead of going to Zamboanga. Problem is, Sabah requires passport to enter the border.

We were invited to witness a traditional Jama-Mapun wedding when we were there. I noticed that it seems like everyone is invited in celebrations like this.

Old lady playing gongs

Bangcauan Island

My most favorite island.

Near Mapun is a small island also known as San Miguel Island. This is the island where I would want to go back to if given a chance. I felt like I was in a real paradise when we were there. It was like a magical wonderland that offers a surreal view.

There were 4 people guarding the island when we went there. They are turtle rangers paid by the government to guard the island and protect the turtles nesting in the area. Seagulls live here and they are not afraid of people going near them. No accomodation, no comfort rooms, no electricity, no nothing. Just the sound of the seagulls at night and the calm waves. Simply back to basics.

Sunset Limited

The coastguards brought this baby seagull with them because the rangers told them that once this baby falls off the tree, their mother won't feed them anymore and will let them die.

Seagull in the island

TURTLE ISLANDS

Turtle islands is composed of 400 islands. It is right at the edge of the international treaty limits separating the Philippines to Malaysia. ( http://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5032/ )

At night, turtles are like human beings too stolling at the seaside looking for place to nest their eggs.  

• Baguan Island

• Taganak Islands

Taganak Island is the backdoor exit of the Philippines to Malaysia. For those who knew already what I mean, good for you. 

• Lihiman Islands

Going to this side of Turtle islands is challenging in its own way. The boat we were in was small so we endured an hour of big waves. It was like riding a roller coaster in an open sea. The coastguards with us were cursing all the time saying they might end up barren.

We were advised to sail back to Taganak before 2pm to avoid the much bigger waves. 

The only mud volcano in the Philippines can be found here. And I bet no one took a picture of it ever. Some of the locals don't even know there's a mud volcano in their island. We hiked up to the crater for almost 3 hours. 

Me taking a video of the crater. The place where I am standing is the lava-like in ordinary volcanoes. It's summer so its dry.

kids in Lihiman with me in pink.

Sibutu, Tawi-Tawi


According to locals Sheik Makdum is the first shrine ever built in the Philippines. It was built to honor Sheik Makdum, the first missionary who introduced Islam in Tawi-Tawi.

Sheik Makdum Shrine

Sitangkai, Tawi-Tawi

Sitangkai is the Venice of the South. Eh... well because of the floating market and that feels but the local government give more attention to this island. Aside from the problems in water, waste management is also a problem.

With Philippine coastguards and production team.

Ever wonder how fun it was to climb that mosque without using the stairs inside? Hmm?

So we did climb up and it was AWESOME.

The 10 days Tawi-Tawi expedition was a life changing experience. I had fun, I got tired and whiny, I got tanned and sometimes because of water shortage didn't shower but I learned so many things. I had the chance to open my eyes wider to the things I didn't know existed. I might look back at these pictures years from now and try to remember the names of the people I've met but one thing I can't forget is that once upon a time in my life I traveled to a place that some people didn't know even existed. And with that I opened a huge box of surprises.

The Beauty of Pagsanjan Falls

Nature is the best artist of all time. I don't know how she does it, but she does it perfectly. She creates flawless wonders, produces unimaginable destruction and makes the world worth discovering.

Just like any other wonders, Pagsanjan Falls is like an art created by nature. Situated in the isolated areas in Laguna, the beauty and serenity of this treasure was preserved up to this date.

Going to the falls can be done via Pagsanjan or via Cavinti. In the Pagsanjan route, you can rent a boat that can take you to the falls or if you want to get there in the hard way, take the Cavinti route where you need to be physically fit. The cavinti route is way cheaper than the former so we chose the latter plus we want the challenge.

As we reached Pueblo El Salvador around 2pm, we paid Php270 fee which includes the gears you will use, a guide and the waterfalls ride to the foot of the falls.

After paying, we readied ourselves for the adventure. We left our things at the Pueblo office and brought only our valuables and the things we will need. As I've learned from my previous travels, I always bring a small bag/dry bag with me for emergencies. We trek for 10-15 minutes before reaching the first metal ladder. I was so excited to try it and I was smiling the whole time. It was my first time to try rappelling and damn I want to try it again.

My turn

After the second metal ladder, you will have the steep stairs going down so they have to put safety harness on you.

After the steep stairs, you will reach the stopping point where boats from the Pagsanjan route stop and wait for the tourist who took the Pagsanjan route. You cannot take this route if you take the Cavinti route.

I was in awe with the beauty of the falls. To be honest, it was so magical and mysterious and beguiling that I can't even explain my feelings. It felt amazing. It was like when you see such beauty, your smile becomes automatic. Such a flawless creation in the middle of the wild boasting it's raging power and force.

Look at our faces getting ready to experience the rage of the water.

We experience the water massage 4 times and the second time we were just 5 in the raft together with 2 Koreans so we were thrilled because the guides made the water massage longer. Being at the foot of the falls seems like you were being flushed by a million drums of water. It hurts.

These experiences is what I consider worthwhile. As you witnessed such beauty and took it into your system, imagine what it can do to change you for the better. 

Burot Beach: Overrated?

Captured the sunrise while in the boat bound for island hopping

While other travel bloggers write solely about the positive experiences they had during their travel and share little to nothing about the negative, you read so much greatness about the place and you expect so much when you go. The thing is, the negative will always hunt you and if you let it win, it will ruin your whole trip. For me, it's a challenge that I always want to accept. It is a piece of learning that wasn't written in any form and can only be acquired through experience. The fun and learning in traveling then, starts.

Planning the unplanned is common to young ones. You just thought of going somewhere today, drag your friends with you, pack your bags and your off to go. This is exactly what happened to us on our trip to Burot Beach. Friday night, Jhen and me wanted to go to a nearby beach to beat the summer heat. So we both googled on where to go and we stumbled to a blog featuring Burot Beach since it's a three to four hours away only from Manila.

Thrilled to pitch a tent to experience a camping style accommodation, bonfire and sleeping to the sound of the beach sounds great. It's going to be our first time to do just that. I thought we won't make it but on Saturday afternoon, we meet at Metropoint in Pasay Rotonda and head to the van terminal bound for Calatagan. It's a van terminal near Kabayan Hotel and Metropoint. I advise anyone taking this route to be early to avoid long queue. The vans also are not frequent and can only seat 16 pax. Fare is 180php. Get off at the van terminal near the Calatagan Public Market and ride a tricycle going to Burot. Fare is 150php one way to Burot, another 150php going back to the market. The travel time to Burot from he market is around 10-15 minutes bumpy road. I contacted a tricycle driver the night before to assist us. Here is his number. Kuya RC: 0905 358 7083

Look closely and you will see the people scattered all over the area.

This Burot trip came in a short notice. I just told Jhen to pack whatever she thinks we will need. We didn't prepare that much bearing in mind that we are headed to a secluded place, without electricity, good accommodation and descent comfort rooms. Why not?

True enough, Burot Beach is a secluded area. It is Henry Sy's property waiting to be developed. I don't know the real deal about having visitors, but it is a place where there's a "private property, no trespassing" sign. Guards man the area that collects the fees upon entering and a certain caretaker that owns a small store inside.

We arrived around 7PM at the beach and we were welcomed by a very big crowd. What to expect? It's a given fact. It's summer and a weekend. We paid 130php each for the entrance fee and we went to the store to rent a tent. Unfortunately, there's no more tent left available for rent. Opppps. We don't have any tent with us too. Think...Think... Think...

Since we have nothing to do about the supply of tents and torches, we looked for a place to settle our things and lay our picnic mattress. We ask Kuya RC not to leave us until we were settled and if he can find us a tent. He said his tent was broken. We just decided to stay the night in the open under the tree with our things and a picnic mattress with us. Besides, we're not here to sleep. Kuya RC left us and told us we can text or call him if we need anything.

2 hours had passed and I received a call from Kuya RC saying that he fixed his tent and he will be lending it for a fee. We agreed so he came back with his tent and his friend to pitch it for us. Yahoo! Tent it is.

We spend the night chatting about random things and from time to time distracted by random people doing crazy stuff. A man urinating in the seafront, (the heck?) a young couple near our place arguing about something,( melodramatic ) a female sitting alone in the sand, ( there's nothing wrong about it. I know! But it freaked me out because she stayed their like an hour, not moving) group of friends drinking beers and talking like the person they are talking to is a kilometer away from them (she was like that the entire evening until 4 in the morning, just imagine) and a drunken man spitting, kicking and splayed beside our tent. Good god his friends noticed and removed him from our sight.

Jhen asking Kuya Bong about the island hopping deal. The sun is not yet rising

We already saw the sun slowly rising in the east by 5:30 am. We can now fully see the full scenery of the place and it was crowded, plastic everywhere and the disappointing feeling of another hidden treasure slowly fading. We saw a bus parking in the parking space and sooner, the place became as crowded as you can imagine. Not as we expected as blogs described it as a nice beach area. It wasn't.

Just imagine the mess every single person in this planet contributed for leaving traces to the places they went. No exception.

Blurry shot but look at the plastics scattered all over the place.

So we decided we need to get outta here. But we didn't allow it to stop us from hoping that there is something positive about this area. So we approached the man in the boat and ask him how can we avail of an island hopping tour. He told us he was one of the boatman offering tours and it's 100php per head but you have to wait for other tourist to join before they leave. There's 8 -15 passengers depending on the size of the boat.

In our case, we chose to rent the boat for an hour which cost us 500 pesos for 1 hour. Kuya bong helped us arranged our bags and tent and then we were off.

And that island hopping tour sums up our weekend getaway. When Kuya Bong started the engine of his boat, I felt that familiar pang of feeling I always feel when I travel. That kind of peace and infinite happiness.

Who would have thought this was the house used for the All My Life movie starring Aga Muhlach and Kristine Hermosa. That movie was ONE of only a FEW local romantic movie I like.

This one was also used to some local television series. Kuya Bong say's its a series from ABS-CBN but I have no idea what series.

I really can't remember what series Kuya Bong was talking about so we just posed for a picture.

Besides, the area was good. 

My friend Jhen was excited to see the starfish, but when she was able to see and had a chance to hold one, she chickened out. So instead of her, I posed with the stars on my hand. LOL!

Never ever bring it with you

After our island hopping, we swam along the shoreline. We settled in a spot were there is lesser people and cleaner area. While walking, I saw a girl holding a starfish that appears like she's taking it home. What the heck? They're not supposed to take those sea creatures away from their home. I pity these kind of people, such ignoramus. Imagine it being done to a poor child taken away from his mother.


If you plan to visit the place, I suggest go really early so you can choose a good spot. Prepare to use the comfort rooms built without logic. One common logic of separating the female CR to male CR is to avoid men from peeking to the ladies or vice versa but in Burot Beach's case, well, wait till you see it. :)

Is it overrated? Well I guess depends in your experience. For me, some travel blogs exaggerate their description of the place. I've read some travel blogs that says pretty much about what to expect from it. But you cannot say it indeed until you experience it.

The island hopping tour made this trip memorable. I enjoyed Kuya Bong's company. I wanted to go back because of him. To explore the hidden wonders of the area more. I wanted to cross to the other side of the island, we're locals really live.

I wanted to join these women while they paddle and look for whatever their looking.

I'll be back Burot. I will...

Goodnight sleep in Kapuluan Vista Resort

I was planning to book at Polaris and Madrid but they weren't answering any of my phone calls and text messages so I tried Kapuluan Vista Resort. The shoreline wasn't good for swimming but it's an area where you can spot good waves for surfing during peak season. The owners of the place was also living there and are surfers themselves. I find it cool.

You can go surfing and rent their facilities. I just forgot to ask how much. Anyway you can still ask them. Their staffs are accommodating.

For the dorm room good for 2 persons, I only paid Php 650 and it comes with complimentary breakfast. The complimentary breakfast wasn't advertised so I don't know if it also applies during peak season. If you are alone, you will have the room all by yourself. They will not book it to others. What a giveaway right? The room is equipped with an electric fan and thres wifi at the restaurant area. Only Php 650 for a night in a very good place. The restaurants and services ends at 10pm.

So I just sleep the whole time and I had a goodnight sleep during my stay. When I woke up the next morning, I walked at the shoreline and here is the view.

The view of Dos Hermanos Island from Kapuluan Vista Resort

Conquering Ilocos

Please check my posts on where I stayed in Pagudpud. Goodnight Sleep in Kapuluan Vista Resort

It took me a while to write something about my Ilocos trip. The reason would be I'm too lazy and my sched is too tight at the moment. But seriously, I don't know how to begin it with. There are so many things to say about Ilocos. I stayed there for 2 days and 1 night but it was one of the my best experiences so far... well, it was the farthest place I've ever traveled ALONE which is why. Good thing I have Kuya Edu, my ever dearest and bloggers favorite tour guide in Pagudpud.

For the lack of better way to put it into writing, I will note down the things which I enjoyed and noticed during my trip in Pagudpud and Laoag.


Let me kick it off with Pagudpud's Kapurpurawan Rock Formation.

I was interested to see this firsthand as it entices me with very good pictures online. Seems like a view from another country eh? But what amaze me most about this attraction is it's mysterious existence. I thought, because of the name that it was just a big white rock but seeing it up close made my jaw dropped. I'm in awe of this rock formation or should I say, sand formation. It is a fine white sand formation. I tried to answer my question how did it happened. Looking at the sand in the area, it isn't white. And it is really a big rock sitting in the area.

I'm not really fund of taking pictures of myself but Kuya Edu want's me to pose so here I went.

If my memory serves me right, Kapurpurawan in Ilocano means white so they called it like that.

Slowly decaying sand. Please do something about it.

The sad thing about it, people visiting the area is not cautious about the sand. They vandalize and sometimes throws trashes anywhere. The local government prohibited tourists to enter some areas because they are slowly decomposing. Adding to this is weather disturbances that contributes to ruin the formation.

Kapurpurawan Rock Formation is a must see in Burgos but I will not recommend it anymore if people will just destroy this natures wonder.

Second in my list is the famous Bangui Windmills

During my trip from Laoag to Pagudpud and with a John Denver song Country Road on radio, I got the chance to talked to the two remaining passengers in the bus. I thought they were locals but soon I discovered that it was their first time in Ilocos too. oh! just like me. But they were in Pagudpud for work. They will be the workers for the additional windmills which will be added in Burgos. According to them, there will be additional 50 windmills to be build in the area.

I know what to expect from this site already. Windmills supplies electricity for the people in Pagudpud. But the view is great so I took the opportunity to go there. While my tour guide was driving me there, I already saw it from afar and he told me to examine the windmills. Why are some of them thin and do not rotate, while others are rotating and seems thicker than others. And it picks my mind. So he schooled me that the reason was if it stops, there is already much electricity in it and it rotates its propeller so it will stop receiving. hmm?

Cape Bojeador


From the beautiful pictures aside, I expected more from this attraction. If you read my previous post, you will see my fascination with ruins and old structures. Not because I want creepy ghost stories but I wanted to know the history behind it. I thought visiting it would make my heart beat faster because of other blog posts I've read about it. But as I arrived in the area, you will be welcomed by this view.

It seems surreal since I only see this in Tim Burton movies (I am a fan)

So to speak, no goosebumps, no creepy stories and definitely not a scary place. The caretaker told me that the his co-worker who also works here is not in the area at that moment. He was the one telling scary stories to visitors even it's not true. Good for some, bad for me lol :)

Someday I will be able to film a movie like Tim Burton's :)

The fine white sand in Blue Lagoon

I have nothing much to say about the sand but the view is good for photographers and the water is inviting. I must say I'll still choose the sand in Mangodlong, Camotes Island.


Kabigan Falls

This was another first for me. My first time to see a real falls. So I paid 100php for a tour guide and were good to go. My personal tour guide and Kabigan falls tour guide accompanied me to trek for 30 minutes to reach the falls. While trekking, I was a bit exhausted with the heat from the sun. I can already see a tan line from my wrist watch.

View from up above

This is what you'll see during the trek

This is truly nature

And here it is.

This is what I like when travelling alone. I get to see what really needs to be seen. When we got there, I was like a kid smiling from ear to ear upon seeing the falls. Good thing I was the only visitor when we arrived together with my guides. The atmosphere there was so cold and the water was so clear. It's really inviting but I managed not to dip because they say it's deep and I don't know how to swim (which I will learn someday haha). Meeting locals like my tour guides is one of the best things about my travels.

View of Patapat Viaduct

The Patapat Viaduct is just a bridge but the thing is, it's not just a bridge. Usually bridges have water underneath. As you can see, there's none here aside from the water in the shoreline. Kuya Edu said that the local government constructed the bridge because the bridge there was once higher and a lot of accidents happen like some trucks fall off to the shore especially when the weather is not good. If going there, you can still see the road above it but it was already close so people won't try to take that route. The water on the area was also bluesh green.

Paraiso ni Anton

I didn't spend much time in here and didn't even took pictures of the Anton's, but I was intrigued with this structure. It used to be a townhouse of a former politician which I forgot the name . When he died, they abandoned the place and no one took credit for it. So here it is. Rusty, dilapidated and ruined structure. I want to go up but we don't have so much time so I missed it.

Bantay Abot Cave

The Bantay Abot cave was the one that surprised me. Seeing it in pictures was so ordinary and nothing much to expect from it. But when I was there, the rush of going down and climbing up to that whole was amazing. I got wet because of the strong waves plus the strong wind might carry you away.

Let's go to Laoag by kicking in UNESCO's Paoay Church


Marcos's remains

Inside the museum

The remains of Marcos wasn't on my itinerary. I never planned to visit it. Since I was already there, why not do it. During my short stay in Ilocos, I happen to speak with some locals and their loyalty to the Marcoses is apparent. They told me how the family developed Ilocos.

"For every tear, A Victory"

Anyway, picture taking inside Marcos's mausoleum is prohibited. But seeing it myself sends chills to my being. A dictator who once took the freedom of my country, a person who thought he was greater than life and stole the lives of my countrymen. Seeing his dead body, though lifeless and cold, still reminds me of the dark days of the Philippines.

AND Macy's Diner

To be honest I like it better than 50's diner in Baguio. I enjoyed the food much than I enjoyed the offerings in Baguio's. Among other places in Laoag, what I really wanted to visit was this restaurant. I can actually skip the Paoay Church, Sand Dunes and others alike but no way to miss this one. I am a fan of Americans 50's to mention the cinema and the icons in the limelight during those times. Being in this kind of place makes me experience a little bit of what it was like way back 50's.

I haven't watched Gone with the Wind cause its total running time was like 3 hours and I don't have the nerve to sit like that for three hours as of the moment

James Dean on the low

This is what I ate for about 200php