Bud Bongao in Tawi-Tawi province, is sacred and a Muslim's pilgrimage site; a place where our Muslim brothers and sisters meditate and offer prayers to Allah. Not just the center of religious activity, this mountain is an iconic landscape, thus, it is the top tourist spot in the province. By the way, "bud" is a Tausug word that translates to "mountain" in English.
The Trails of Bud Bongao: The pathway is concrete and with railings on the side, but it is an assault. The wind blowing is cool but sunblock might be needed because the trail is open and no trees that can block the sun's UV rays. Monkeys are on every side of the trail, so, take care of your belongings and don't panic.
How To Get To Tawi-Tawi: Bought a ticket at Aleson Shipping Lines. FARE: 1,100 Pesos. ETD Zambonga City: 6:48 PM, ETA Bongao: 12:20 PM. NOTE: The port entrance is situated on the left side of BPI near Zamboanga City Hall. For Aleson schedule, please visit Aleson Shipping Lines Facebook page.
Contact Person and Tour Guide in Tawi-Tawi: I highly recommend Shiela, which can be reached on 09068329816. She is very friendly and accommodating. She has a great talent in cooking - ANSARAP NYA MAG-LUTO PROMISE!!! She has a room for tourist accommodation and she can arrange a boat to Panampangan Island - has the longest sandbar in the Philippines.
RESORTS AND HOTELS IN BONGAO, TAWI-TAWI: Kuya Hotels and Restaurant (at the port), Rachel's Place, Beachside Inn Hotel and Restaurant, Sanbar Lepa and Restaurant. READ: Solo-Backpacking in ZamBaSulTa, Zamboanga Provinces and Misamis Occidental.