It's impossible to not get a glimpse of Bud Bongao for anyone who has been to Bongao, Tawi-Tawi. Surely it won't be hard to miss this towering sight that has a resemblance to the flat-topped Table Mountain of Cape Town in South Africa and whether you arrive by plane or boat, you will certainly be captivated by its beauty and splendor.
It is actually possible to climb this 315-meter high mountain on your own but in my case, I decided to hire a guide since I am not familiar with the jump-off point and I could use some company since my travel buddy was still in Zamboanga.
At first sight, one could think that climbing Bud Bongao would be a challenge especially for someone who is not fond of hiking like me but in reality, any person can scale this mountain in no less than an hour. On my way up I saw different kinds of people like an old man, a mother with her 1-month old infant and a number of tourists; an obvious proof that anyone can climb this sacred peak.
Make sure that you bring some bananas with you if you plan to scale this mountain because chances are you might encounter some hungry monkeys on your way up and these primates are believed to be the guardians of this sacred peak. These monkeys are already accustomed to getting bananas from tourists as a pass-through fee but unfortunately I wasn't able to see one on my way up so we ended up eating all the bananas that we brought.
Near the top of the mountain are two Muslim shrines where one can pay respects and ask for forgiveness. Passing a few more meters from these shrines will take you all the way up the summit where you can have a magnificent view of Bongao, Sanga-Sanga and several outlying islands of Tawi-Tawi.
I was fortunate enough to meet a Pinoy Travel Blogger named Pen of Doctor on Travel who happens to be on the summit as well. This was actually a rare moment for me to meet a co-member of the group and for it happen on the summit of this sacred peak makes it even more memorable especially if it's someone who shares the same passion for traveling as you do.
Locals say that you haven't been to Tawi-Tawi if you haven't climbed Bud Bongao and after paying respects to this sacred mountain, I couldn't agree more. The expansive views at the summit, the opportunity to see the traditional customs of our Muslim brothers and the experience itself makes this hike truly a memorable one that I will gladly remember every time I think of the Philippines' southernmost pearl.
How to get there:
From Sanga-Sanga Airport, take a tricycle and ask the driver to take you to the jumpoff point of Bud Bongao. The trip takes just about 20 minutes and the fare is around Php100-150. The rate is almost the same if you're staying at the town center. If you're staying at Beachside Inn, you can walk towards the jumpoff point which could take around 20 minutes. Simply follow the trail and you'll find your way up to the summit.
It is actually possible to climb this 315-meter high mountain on your own but in my case, I decided to hire a guide since I am not familiar with the jump-off point and I could use some company since my travel buddy was still in Zamboanga.
At first sight, one could think that climbing Bud Bongao would be a challenge especially for someone who is not fond of hiking like me but in reality, any person can scale this mountain in no less than an hour. On my way up I saw different kinds of people like an old man, a mother with her 1-month old infant and a number of tourists; an obvious proof that anyone can climb this sacred peak.
Make sure that you bring some bananas with you if you plan to scale this mountain because chances are you might encounter some hungry monkeys on your way up and these primates are believed to be the guardians of this sacred peak. These monkeys are already accustomed to getting bananas from tourists as a pass-through fee but unfortunately I wasn't able to see one on my way up so we ended up eating all the bananas that we brought.
Near the top of the mountain are two Muslim shrines where one can pay respects and ask for forgiveness. Passing a few more meters from these shrines will take you all the way up the summit where you can have a magnificent view of Bongao, Sanga-Sanga and several outlying islands of Tawi-Tawi.
I was fortunate enough to meet a Pinoy Travel Blogger named Pen of Doctor on Travel who happens to be on the summit as well. This was actually a rare moment for me to meet a co-member of the group and for it happen on the summit of this sacred peak makes it even more memorable especially if it's someone who shares the same passion for traveling as you do.
Locals say that you haven't been to Tawi-Tawi if you haven't climbed Bud Bongao and after paying respects to this sacred mountain, I couldn't agree more. The expansive views at the summit, the opportunity to see the traditional customs of our Muslim brothers and the experience itself makes this hike truly a memorable one that I will gladly remember every time I think of the Philippines' southernmost pearl.
How to get there:
From Sanga-Sanga Airport, take a tricycle and ask the driver to take you to the jumpoff point of Bud Bongao. The trip takes just about 20 minutes and the fare is around Php100-150. The rate is almost the same if you're staying at the town center. If you're staying at Beachside Inn, you can walk towards the jumpoff point which could take around 20 minutes. Simply follow the trail and you'll find your way up to the summit.
Beautiful scenic views at the top... Tawi-Tawi is beautiful. Buti na lang you didn't have hesitation visiting the province despite security concerns.
ReplyDeleteglad i never changed my mind :)
DeleteSuch a perfect harmony of colors. Bloomsybox
ReplyDelete