SIMUNUL ISLAND, TAWI-TAWI

The first Muslims in the Philippines are said to have arrived at Simunul.

The first mosque in the Philippines was built here by Sheik Karimal Makhudum.

This mosque is called the Sheik Karimal Makdum Mosque.

Inside the mosque stands 4 hags where it is repaired every year.

Legend has it that Sheik Makdhum is a giant. It is evident in his tomb located few meters behind the mosque. Muslims believe that if a holy man was buried, the ground will mount. The sands on his tomb remain intact regardless of the weather.

Simunul, officially the Municipality of Simunul, is a 4th class municipality in the province of Tawi-Tawi, Philippines. According to the 2015 census, it has a population of 31,223 people.

HOW I GOT THERE:

I was in Zamboanga when I was invited by my friends from Cagayan De Oro to travel to Tawi-Tawi.

We took Aleson Shipping from Zamboanga to Bongao, Tawi-Tawi for 1000php.

Upon arrival in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, we were greeted by Wads, our contacted tour guide from Department of Tourism (DOT). Mobile number: 09268752346.

Guided tour (Php3000/pax) itinerary includes:

Tawi-Tawi Capitol
Baloboc Cave
Simunul Island: Sheik Makhdun - Oldest Mosque
Sanguip Siapo Island
Panampangan Island
Bud Bongao
Chinese Pier
3 Days Accommodation in Beachside Inn
Tour Guide
Service Vehicle
Boat with Boat Man
Bottled Water

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LANG DULAY WEAVING CENTER

SOCCKSARGEN - SOUTH COTABATO Lang Dulay is a dream weaver who was recognized as a National Artist of the Philippines for promoting and preserving the traditional T'nalak Weaving. She was able to pass down the tradition and is being kept alive by the new T'boli generations before she died last 30Apr15. Dream Weavers are T'boli women who learned T'nalak weaving taught by goddess Fu Dalu in their dreams. T'nalak, the T'boli sacred cloth, made from abaca is the tribe's traditional textiles used as cover during births and exchanged during marriages. Lang Dulay Weaving Center is open for all. No entrance fee but donation is highly appreciated. HOW I GOT THERE: From Cebu, I took a flight to General Santos. Upon arrival GenSan airport, take the white multicab to Bulaong Terminal. In Bulaong Terminal, take a van or bus to Surallah. In Surallah Terminal, take a habal-habal to Punta Isla, Lake Sebu In Punta

Sto. Nino Shrine and Heritage Museum

In 1979, Sto. Nino Shrine is one of the 29 Presidential rest houses. Late President Ferdinand Marcos has built this mansion for his wife, First Lady Imelda Romualdez-Marcos who was born in Tacloban City. An entrance fee of 230php is collected for the maintenance of the museum. The Sto. Nino Shrine and Heritage Museum is open daily from 8:00am to 5:00pm. For inquiries, call (53) 321-9775 or (53) 401-8172. A private chapel dominates the ground floor with the image of Sto. Nino as its focal point. The red carpet in the center isle was removed due severe damage caused by Yolanda. Elevated 2-3 steps from the presidential chapel are 13 guest rooms representing the 13 regions of the Philippines. Bamboo Room Banig Room Shell Room Palawan Room Sampaguita Room

CATMON

MOUNT KAPAYAS Mount Kapayas is the second highest peak in Cebu. It is called the Torre Peak or Lantawan Peak by the locals. I was invited by an officemate whom I am not quite acquainted with, but I enthusiastically accepted his invitation. Meeting place was at Phoenix Gas Station in Mandaue where I met a group of 6 strangers for the first time namely, Jonathan , Dynah , Jan-Jan , Dale , Dennis and Claire . At 7am We took a regular bus to Catmon for 59php (non-aircon bus). Registration is at Catmon Police Station and paid 650php for the Climbers Permit good for 20 climbers. Catmon only accepts 1 group of climbers per day. If the group decides to camp and spend a night, Catmon will not accept climbers the next day. This is for the maintenance and preservation of their timberland. We hired a habal-habal for 350php per pax to take us to the jump off point in Brgy. Agsuwao. We asked for our drivers contact numbers and will contact t

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