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Also known as Tubig Indangan Mosque.
The place
The site of the first mosque in the Philippines, founded in 1380.
Mosque
One of the guide’s own places.
When to go
Simunul marks the arrival of Sheikh Karimul Makhdum every November 7.
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.
Sheik Karim al-Makhdum, an Arab missionary, reached Simunul in 1380 and built a mosque at Tubig Indangan. That is the beginning of Islam in the Philippines as a settled presence — roughly 140 years before Magellan landed at Cebu, and the fact that reorders most visitors’ sense of the country’s history.
The building has been replaced over the centuries, but four old hardwood pillars, which the National Museum dates to the 17th century, stand inside the present structure. Standing next to them is the whole visit. The site is a National Historical Landmark and the Sheik’s tomb is nearby.
See the 4 old hardwood pillars inside the mosque
The National Museum dated the pillars to the 17th century, which makes them the oldest known Islamic artefacts in the Philippines; ask before photographing them.
en.wikipedia.orgVisit Sheik Karimul Makhdum's tomb nearby
The missionary's remains are buried close to the mosque; cover up and keep quiet, as at any pilgrimage site.
sunstar.com.phCome for Sheikh Karimul Makhdum Day on November 7
Simunul marks the Sheik's arrival and the beginning of Islam in the country every November 7.
philstar.comSwim at one of Simunul's beaches
The municipality has 6 beaches across Simunul Island and Manuk Mangkaw Island, 3.5 km to the south.
en.wikipedia.orgBorrow proper clothes at the office beside the mosque
The office next to the mosque lends visitors suitable attire for free; donations are welcome.
philippinebeaches.orgSwim at Bohe Sallang
Bohe Sallang is a small public freshwater lagoon on Simunul, cold and deep, where locals dive and swim at weekends.
philippinebeaches.orgCatch the noon boat and stay the night
Public boats to Simunul usually leave the Chinese Pier in Bongao around noon and the return boat leaves at about 8 am, so without a chartered boat you stay overnight.
rappler.comSimunul, Tawi-Tawi
resort
Bihing Tahik Resort
Bongao
Beach resort in Bongao; hosted an MIPA consultation, February 2025
bangsamoro.gov.ph · as of 2025-02hotel
Rachel's Place
Bongao
Hotel and restaurant in Bongao; hosted an MPOS and UN Women training, April 2024
mpos.bangsamoro.gov.ph · as of 2024-05resort
Danmar Beach Resort
Brgy. Pasiagan, Bongao
Beach resort listed as a Bangsamoro Parliament venue, July 2026
parliament.bangsamoro.gov.ph · as of 2026-07hotel
Mayan Hotel
Lomboy, Nalil, Bongao
Hotel listed as a Bangsamoro Parliament venue, May 2024
parliament.bangsamoro.gov.ph · as of 2024-05resort
Dahuwan Tampeh Resort
Brgy. Pahut, Bongao
Resort registered with the Bangsamoro Board of Investments in 2024; a Parliament venue by October 2025
parliament.bangsamoro.gov.ph · as of 2025-10inn
Beachside Inn and Restaurant
Sowangkagang, Pasiagan, Bongao
Inn and restaurant; the MOLE Tawi-Tawi field office gives it as its address
mole.bangsamoro.gov.ph · as of 2024-01resort
Sangay Siapu Island Resort
Off the coast of Simunul Island
Island resort with overwater cottages on boardwalks, described by the municipality
simunul.gov.ph · as of 2025-05inn
Island Inn Resort
Barangay Tabawan, South Ubian
Inn and restaurant in Tabawan; hosted an MSSD distribution, October 2025
mssd.barmm.gov.ph · as of 2025-10Named where a public source names them; no rates or availability. Ask the place directly.
Island · Simunul, Tawi-Tawi
A small white-sand resort island near Bongao with a boardwalk and shallow, clear water.
Best: Late afternoon: as the island closest to Bongao it works best as the last stop of a boat day, in time for the sunset
Mountain · Bongao, Tawi-Tawi
A 314-meter peak above the capital, climbed as a pilgrimage and for the view.
Best: Early morning, before the heat builds (the guide's own advice)
Heritage · Bongao, Tawi-Tawi
A cave on Sanga-Sanga that holds some of the oldest evidence of people in Southeast Asia.
Heritage · Bongao, Tawi-Tawi
The seat of the provincial government, on a hill over Bongao, with a large dome and minarets modelled on the province's mosques.
Best: Late September, for Kamahardikaan, the founding anniversary of the province (separated from Sulu on 27 September 1973), when decorated lepa fleets sailed off Bongao on 24 September 2023
