When talks of beautiful islands and dreamy white sand beaches in the Philippines is on the table, it’s really hard to compete against the all-time favorites, Palawan and Boracay. Rarely would someone mention any place better than these two unless they truly have what it takes to beat them or at least, be at par with them. They have set the standards so high that it became difficult for most of us to appreciate other islands and beaches unless they’re of powdery white sands and turquoise clear waters. That is often the case but I still would like to insist that every place possesses a beauty of its own and is charming in its own way. Although in my years of traveling, I’ve only come to know a few islands that could rival those two heavy contenders. Say, Calaguas Island that dazzles similarly like Boracay and the rarely spoken pureness of Cresta De Gallo in Romblon with its gatorade blue waters. And just when I thought I’ve seen it all, Panampangan Island of Tawi Tawi showed up and blew my mind away
Tawi Tawi is not known for having beautiful beaches but Panampangan Island is about to change that. Having been in the shadows for a long time, just like Siargao, Tawi Tawi is slowly making a name for itself. All thanks to its virgin islands and their white sand beauty making rounds on the gram, leaving everyone in awe. Panampangan is just one of the many untouched islands of the province but is more than enough to take the internet by storm. The photos don’t even give justice to the raw beauty of this island. Fine white sand that goes far and wide. Crystal clear water that shimmers under the blue sky. Tall coconut trees that sway along with the wind. Unmatched serenity with only the chirping of birds playing sweet melodies to the ear. If this doesn’t fit your definition of the perfect island paradise then I don’t know what is.
It was our 3rd day in Tawi Tawi and the 4th to our Zambasitaw Holy Week Escape when we finally got to see Panampangan Island. The plan was to also include a quick beginner dive to the tour. At 8AM, we loaded ourselves to the boat along with our dive masters and tour guides complete with scuba diving gear. From the port, we slowly made our way into the open sea. Hundreds of stilt houses on either side of the view. We encountered small fishing boats along the way. Even raced with some of them. The main draw were the Bajao kids who have made the sea their playground. It was amusing to see them skin dive with ease as if they have fish gills and tails. Their smiles are genuine. Their laughter resounded. Their innocence so pure it took me back to my days as a kid. Ah, nostalgia. Guess, I’m really getting old.
Finally leaving the confines of Bongao and into the open sea, we sailed. We still came across fishing boats but instead of fishnets, we saw seaweeds filled them to the brink. I was confused then a voice caught our attention. It was our dive master explaining the reason behind those seaweeds. Turns out, Tawi Tawi is the number one supplier of seaweed in the country, both for export and national consumption. That seaweed which is used to produce my favorites, gulaman and nori. This also explains Tawi Tawi’s Agal Agal Festival. I thought it was some tribal tradition or ritual. Turns out, it simply stands for agar agar. You know, that substance used to produce jelly. How was I so naive not to know that?! I sighed, grateful for the new things I know.
The voyage continued far into the sea, the sight of Bongao dwindling. We saw small islands far into the horizon but what got us so hooked were the several stilt houses in the middle of this seemingly unending blue water. It was mind-blowing trying to understand how they could live in those circumstances or how were they even able to build such houses with no land for foundation. They didn’t seem like floating houses so it must have taken quite the unimaginable and tenacity to build them. I refused to think they were poor. I resisted the idea that they needed our help. Although a part of me hopes they have access to proper sanitation and medical care. I know a lot of kindhearted individuals would be willing to extend them assistance but a lot of times, our good intention, when uncalled for, does more harm than good.
The journey to Panampangan was buttnumbing yet filled with spectacular views. There were sandbars scattered around. Naked islands are what they call them. The water also entertained, switching colors from deep blue to light, from emerald to a clear turquoise. And when I thought the boat ride could ever get boring, there’s coffee to fill me up with happiness again. The journey lasted almost 3 hours but we barely felt it. Everything in sight was interesting. Even better when the island finally came in sight, long strip of white sandbar, gatorade waters and all. As we made our way to the shore, we spotted hundreds of sea stars on the ocean floor. Walking on knee deep water, looking around the crystal clear as it glistened, its flawless beauty reflected the clouds and blues up above, the scorching heat of the sun burning on our skin and hearing us utter not a single complaint, that’s bliss out there.
The hours went by. The tides have gone from high to low. We feasted on a sumptuous lunch, eating with our hands and exchanging laughter after every bite. The food was good but I never thought it could get better in the company of friends and wonderful conversation. I have eaten a tasty meal but my hunger was not satiated until I traced my way to the tip of one of its sandbars on foot. My soles against the fine white sands of this amazing island, my skin two shades darker. My cheeks were turning red and my hair, all tangled. I let myself get lost, entranced at the charms of Panampangan. I ran along its shores. Felt the water against my skin. Laid at its sand. Stared aimlessly at it for minutes. Contentment filled me. My excitement, contagious. I have seen many beautiful islands but the feeling is the same every single time. It’s always like the first. Baffling. Engrossing. Humbling.
We set sail to our scuba diving spot at 2PM. Leaving Panampangan Island was bittersweet. I didn’t wanna bid it goodbye but I also didn’t want to miss the promise of abundance of Tawi Tawi’s underwater. Unexpectedly, the waters became unfriendly. We had a rough 2-hour ride just to reach Sangay Siapo Island. Our two dive masters could only take two at a time underwater. Given the remaining hours before sundown and the preparations needed before the dive, we decided not to go diving anymore. We settled for the untouched goodness of Sangay Siapo with its shallow water and smooth sands. The remaining two hours were not so boring though. It got even better when the sun finally decided to show off. Crimson and orange against mustard and pink. A beautiful collision of colors. Tell me sunset is not your favorite part of the day! The tour may have not gone as planned but this day turned out to be better.
From Manila – Fly directly to Tawi Tawi via Cebu Pacific or Philippine Airlines. Make your way to the port via a tricycle and hire a boat to take you to Panampangan Island. Alternatively, you can fly to Zamboanga and take the 18-hour sea ferry to Bongao.
- Going to Panampangan Island doesn’t require reservation nor any booking in advance. However, I would suggest that you get in contact with a local boat operator ahead so you can settle the cost. Boat rental cost P8000 for a day tour of island hopping. It can be haggled down to P6000. You may contact Sir Wadz Ali – 09268752346 to arrange your tour.
- Start your tour as early as 6AM so you can maximize your time exploring all the islands in your itinerary.
- Simunul and Sangay Siapo Islands can be explored along with Panampangan Island. All three can be explored within a day.
- Bring enough food and drinking water to fill you up the whole day. You won’t find stores in the islands.
- Expect for rough seas and account for delays especially during months of July-December.
- Make time for a scuba dive. Should you decide to include it on your tour, Sir Mon and his team is best to assist you. You may get in touch via Sir Mon (Scuba Diving) – 09169341989
There you have it lovelies!
I hope this post encouraged you to explore more of our homeland and made you realize that there is more to the Philippines than Palawan and Boracay. Until next time. Ciao!
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4 Comments
Thank you, Ms. Keza for sharing your experience. I came across your post right after you posted this it got me really excited to visit the island however I wasn’t able to plan it accordingly — your experience helped me a lot to really push this hopefully by next year.
I am wondering if you have any idea whether if the island is open for tourists already? I am planning to visit by Feb of next year?
Thank you & Stay safe!
Hello Vee. I know Zamboanga and Basilan are now open to tourists. Not sure with Tawi-Tawi. You can just check their Fb page for official announcements.
Hi Miss Kez! I’ve read your blogs for quite some time now, and I must admit that you really have a heart for this. I enjoyed reading your stories which feels like I’m also in that place <3 and of course, I'm really getting excited to go there too! By the way, thank you for sharing your adventure stories with us. It also helped me a lot with my tourism planning school tasks, just like the Romblon and now the Tawi-Tawi.
Continue on with your career. I hope for your great success and more subscribers to come! Lovelove <3
Thanks you! Lablab ♥️