Bud Bongao

The place

Mountain in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi

A 314-meter peak above the capital, climbed as a pilgrimage and for the view.

• Mountain

  One of the guide’s own places.

• When to go

  Early morning, before the heat builds (the guide's own advice).

• Safety in Tawi-Tawi

  Generally calm, and the province has worked hard at that reputation. It is the part of BARMM most often recommended to visitors without local ties. Foreign advisories covering the Sulu Archipelago frequently name Tawi-Tawi in the same breath as Sulu and Basilan even though the situations differ; read the current text rather than the headline. Coordinate island trips through the provincial tourism office, which is normal practice here rather than a precaution.

About this place

What to do

• Climb the stone steps to the view deck on Tambisan Peak

  A cobblestone trail of 3,608 steps runs from the jump-off at Barangay Pasiagan to a view deck at 317 metres, looking over the Celebes Sea to Tambisan Island in Sabah; start early, as the heat builds fast.

  en.wikipedia.org

• Register at the visitor centre before you climb

  In 2017 climbers registered and got a briefing at the visitor centre, and paid an entrance fee of PHP 20 towards upkeep.

  ptvnews.ph

• Bring bananas for the macaques along the trail

  Friendly monkeys gather beside the path on the way up, so bring enough bananas for them, and keep other food in a closed bag.

  sunstar.com.ph

• Visit the tampat shrines near the summit, quietly and dressed modestly

  Pilgrims climb to pray at the burial shrines under the Tampat rocks, where 2 followers of Sheik Karimul Makhdum are said to be buried.

  sunstar.com.ph

• Look out from the peaks named after the islands they face

  The mountain has 6 limestone peaks, and each one looks out towards the island it is named after: Bongao, Simunul, Tambisan, Tinondakan, Pajar and Sibutu, the highest at 342 metres.

  sunstar.com.ph

• Tie a ribbon at the pagbaggut spots

  The registration office hands out coloured ribbons to tie near the summit while making a wish; each colour stands for a kind of wish, such as health, peace or success.

  transitpinas.com

What to eat

• A knickerbocker after the climb

  Tawi-Tawi's knickerbocker, fruit in chilled cream topped with ice cream, is a common refreshment on a hot afternoon; a store at the jump-off sells snacks, drinks and bananas.

  garage.com.ph

Before you go

• This is a sacred site before it is a viewpoint. Dress modestly, keep your voice down near the graves, and follow what the people around you are doing.
• Bring bananas for the macaques, and do not carry food loose or in an open bag — they will take it.
• Start early. The trail is steep and unshaded in places and the heat builds fast.
• Guides are available at the trailhead and are worth taking, both for the route and for what they can tell you about the site.

Where you’ll be

Bongao, Tawi-Tawi

Sources

• en.wikipedia.org
• philstar.com
• transitpinas.com
• janisnarvas.com
• philippinebeaches.org
• garage.com.ph