Island · Mapun, Tawi-Tawi
Mapun
A remote island far out in the Sulu Sea, home of the Jama Mapun, with freshwater lakes and rocky cliffs.
Best: Early September, for Mapun Day
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Island · Turtle Islands, Tawi-Tawi
Turtle Islands
Green sea turtle nesting beaches, protected jointly with Malaysia.
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The place
Island in Turtle Islands, Tawi-Tawi
Green sea turtle nesting beaches, protected jointly with Malaysia.
Island
One of the guide’s own places.
When to go
Night, when the turtles come ashore to lay their eggs; the boardwalks and watching lounges planned for Taganak, Bakkungan and Baguan were designed for night viewing.
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
A cluster of islands west of Tawi-Tawi proper that form one of the most significant green sea turtle nesting grounds in Southeast Asia. Baguan is the main sanctuary island, and the whole group is managed as a transboundary protected area shared with Malaysia — the only arrangement of its kind in the region.
Nesting happens year-round with seasonal peaks, and seeing it is a matter of being on the right beach at night with the people who are permitted to be there.
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The Turtle Islands Wildlife Sanctuary, a protected area since 1999, covers 242,967 hectares of sea and the islands of Baguan, Taganak, Boan, Great Bakkungan, Langaan and Lihiman; all are inhabited except Baguan. It averages more than 13,000 turtle nests a year, is an ASEAN Heritage Park and is on UNESCO's tentative World Heritage list. From Bongao the only way there is by sea, a trip of 15 to 16 hours.
What to do
Watch the turtles nest at night, with supervision
Visitors come to watch green turtles lay their eggs at night, and outside the strict protection zones visits are allowed only with guidance from government staff; no lights, flash or handling.
en.wikipedia.orgGo between late August and December
From the end of August to December the turtles come ashore by the hundreds to lay their eggs.
en.wikipedia.orgWatch the hatchlings head for the sea
Visitors to Baguan, the main sanctuary island, also come to watch hatchlings climb out of their nests and make for the water.
gmanetwork.comLook for the islands' birds
At least 71 bird species have been recorded, among them the Philippine megapode, the grey imperial pigeon and the Mantanani scops owl.
en.wikipedia.org
Before you go
- This is a protected area, not an attraction. Access requires clearance and is arranged through the protected-area management and the municipality — not on arrival.
- The crossing is long and weather-dependent.
- No lights, no flash, no handling. The rules exist because the turtles abandon nesting attempts.
Where you’ll be
Turtle Islands, Tawi-Tawi
Sources
Where to sleep in Tawi-Tawi
resort
Bihing Tahik Resort
Bongao
Beach resort in Bongao; hosted an MIPA consultation, February 2025
bangsamoro.gov.ph · as of 2025-02- No photo of this hotel yet
hotel
Rachel's Place
Bongao
Hotel and restaurant in Bongao; hosted an MPOS and UN Women training, April 2024
mpos.bangsamoro.gov.ph · as of 2024-05 - No photo of this resort yet
resort
Danmar Beach Resort
Brgy. Pasiagan, Bongao
Beach resort listed as a Bangsamoro Parliament venue, July 2026
parliament.bangsamoro.gov.ph · as of 2026-07 - No photo of this hotel yet
hotel
Mayan Hotel
Lomboy, Nalil, Bongao
Hotel listed as a Bangsamoro Parliament venue, May 2024
parliament.bangsamoro.gov.ph · as of 2024-05 - No photo of this resort yet
resort
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 2025-10 - No photo of this inn yet
inn
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 2024-01 resort
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 2025-05- No photo of this inn yet
inn
Island Inn Resort
Barangay Tabawan, South Ubian
Inn and restaurant in Tabawan; hosted an MSSD distribution, October 2025
mssd.barmm.gov.ph · as of 2025-10
Named where a public source names them; no rates or availability. Ask the place directly.
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