BUD BONGAO: A Trek Guide To The Sacred Roof Of Tawi Tawi

Tawi Tawi is an island province rarely known for a lot of things other than it is located at the southernmost tip of The Philippines and is almost near Malaysia. It is not some destination on everyone’s bucket list so allow me to tell you what you’re missing out on. If you love the sea then you’ll be glad to know that Tawi Tawi is surrounded by several stunning islands, all unexplored with fine white sand beaches. One of them is the gorgeous Panampangan Island which is said to have the longest sandbar in the country. It is also home to some of the most abundant waters perfect for scuba diving. If cultural immersion is what you’re after, Tawi Tawi is simply the best to do just that as it is the melting pot of several Muslim tribes and Christians of various ethnical descent. The food scene here is interesting too. From the usual Filipino dishes to exotic Muslim delicacies, Malaysian streetfoods have also joined in the mix to spice things up a bit for your pallette. And if you’re looking for adventure, there is Bud Bongao to keep you occupied.

Bud Bongao is not your usual place for adventure but it has all the amazing ingredients to make an epic trek. Elevation, not much as it only stands a mere 300 meters above sea level. Difficulty, just enough to make you sweat a bucket. The views are simply one of the best you’ll see. So what makes it different? Hmmm. The monkeys 🐒 I guess? Yes. There’s lots of monkeys to either make the hike more fun and less of a task, or scare the shit out of you. Either way, a hike to the top of Bud Bongao sure is a must when you visit Tawi Tawi.

The hike is generally easy and the difficulty will very much depend on your fitness level. It doesn’t require any navigational skills as it will pretty much be a walk in the park and climbing flight of stairs, like literally. The hike will start with an easy walk along a concrete path with some steps in between. This will go on for about a kilometer or two. This part of the hike is shaded by towering trees so the sun shouldn’t be an issue. There will be resting stations as well. Not long after starting the hike, the little monkeys will start to show up. You can feed them bananas and other fruits but never ever try to touch them as they can get very aggressive if they feel threatened.

The monkeys will pretty much be anywhere as you get deep into the forest. After the easy start, two steep flights of stairs will follow, each maybe more than 300 steps. Be careful as this part is also slippery due to mildews from the surrounding trees. Past this is a gradually ascending path and short flights of stairs broken by short walks along flats. This will go on for another 500-600 meters. There will still be resting stations but this time, they’re a bit distant from one another. Still slippery but after overcoming this part of the hike is the first peek to the panoramic views that Bud Bongao has to offer.

After being welcomed by the stunning view of the coast of Bongao follows the last steep and long flight of stairs. This is shorter compared to the first two that preceded but is more challenging since the trail is exposed to the sun. Past the stairs, a flat path follows which leads to the dense forest. Here you’ll see ribbons tied in branches of trees. This is a tradition practiced by the locals for they believe that by tying ribbons, their wishes and prayers will be granted. Continuing with the gradual ascent and short climbs on stairs will lead to the first viewing deck of Bud Bongao. The first viewdeck showcases the nearby islands of Simunol and Sangay Siapo. Walking to the other side is another viewdeck showcasing a river and the airport. Few walks more is the more spacious viewing and picnic area that offers a wider and unobstructed view of the coast. From there, the same path will have to be taken in going down.

The first thing you’ll need to do is to go to Tawi Tawi. Did you know that you can now fly directly to Tawi Tawi from Manila via Cebu Pacific or PAL? Once you’re in Tawi Tawi, Bud Bongao is just a tricycle away. If you happen to be elsewhere, here are the other routes you can consider.

From Zamboanga – Fry to Bongao via Cebu Pacific or ride the overnight sea ferry at 6PM during Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays.

From Davao & Cebu – You can both fly to Zamboanga from these two cities. Once in Zamboanga, you can either take the sea ferry or the plane to go to Tawi Tawi.

• Hiking Bud Bongao doesn’t require a guide nor does it need one. You can hike on your own at your leisure and time.
• Bring with you enough drinking water since there are no water sources along the trail. There are small stores before reaching the viewing decks but they sell water and other beverages at twice the regular price.
• Bud Bongao Park is accessible from 6AM – 3PM daily. They don’t allow anyone to stay for the night. At 5PM, everyone is expected to descend and leave the premises.
• Place your food and water in reusable containers to keep trash at a minimum. The park management also goes a little extra in ensuring trash is accounted for by inspecting every visitor’s bags. They determine which one of your stuff is a possible trash. The rule is simple, “trash in, trash out.” A corresponding penalty is imposed on violators.
• Please have the utmost respect for Bud Bongao. Keep your voices low and avoid making too much noise that may disrupt its residents.
• The monkeys are harmless unless they feel threatened. Make sure to keep your distance. Feed them but don’t get too close or try to touch them. Believe me, there is nothing more dangerous up there than an angered chimp trying to get its hands on you for a little scratch.
• Hiking Bud Bongao doesn’t need reservation. Walk ins are welcome even on its busiest days.
  There are eateries and stores at the foot of Bud Bongao. There you can fill your tummies before and after the hike.
• There are no public transpo that regularly ply the roads leading to Bud Bongao. The only way to get in and out is through a private vehicle or chartered tricycles.
• Hiking Bud Bongao is not really expensive. A round-trip tricycle ride from downtown Bongao to Bud Bongao should set you back P300 and entrance fee is only P50.

I hope you find this trekking guide helpful. I don’t know how to stress this enough but Bud Bongao and the rest of Tawi Tawi are such gems we should all see at least once. For more of my travels, make sure to follow this blog. Until next time. Ciao!