Majestic Mapun

Mapun is an Island municipality of Tawi-Tawi. It is formerly known as Cagayan de Tawi-Tawi. The Island is located in Sulu Sea and near Sabah, Malaysia. The people here are called Jama Mapun. The place exhibits a world class natural wonder. But since it is not included in one of Philippine's tourist destinations, it is likely to be unheard of to many people. The people of Mapun are very lucky to live in this place because of the abundance of hidden nature's wonders such as lakes, falls, springs, rocky mountains, white sand beaches, islets, etc. In addition, the species of green turtles are commonly found here. 

When I visited this place, I fell in love with the beauty of the lakes. I saw the first lake which is murky to describe or "chocolatey" as best to call it. They say  that crocodiles thrive in this lake. However, I was stunned when i saw the second lake, it is really beautiful! I have seen some photos of this lake before, and I am always in awe of its beauty. And when I have finally seen it with my two naked eyes, I just could not believe that something exists like this in Tawi-Tawi. I became more proud to be a Tawi-Tawian!

How to get to Mapun? Well, it's not that easy and no regular travel schedule going to Mapun. But you can get there via boats from palawan, Zamboanga and Bongao. Travel time might take 16 hours to 32 hours or more depending on the point of origin.  

Baguan Island--A Piece of Heaven

One of the richest Islands found in Tawi-Tawi is Baguan Island. Baguan Island is considered a marine turtle sanctuary. When we say sanctuary, it is a protected area set aside for conservation. There are many numbers of green turtles lay egg everyday in this Island. And in fact, during my visit, I was able to see some hatchlings racing toward the sea. The Conservation International (CI) takes care of this place. It is the only establishment in the Island. 

Baguan Island is a bell-shaped island with a coastline of approximately 1.7 km. It is volcanic in origin just like Taganak Island. 

Aside from being considered a marine turtle sanctuary, it is also a piece of paradise (for me). A taste of Baguan is a phenomenal experience. I was able to circumnavigate the whole Island for 2 hours. And it was a rough and rocky journey. I experienced climbing some big rocks, then crossing a knee-level water and walking in a fine white sand. Seeing a vast white sand is a wow! A clear water is another thing!  My experience there was really awesome because I was able to have a close encounter with  baby sharks! Isn't it cute? I laid my eyes on them in a shallow water. And the beauty of the place is indescribable. The photos cannot depict it. You really have to be there and circumnavigate the Island to feel that you have seen a piece of heaven. 

How to get to Baguan? Just like Taganak Island and Mapun, there are no regular travel schedule. But once you get to Taganak, Turtle Islands, it will be a 45-minute ride to Baguan via pumpboat.