Hello Turtle Islands, Tawi-Tawi!

One of the municipalities of Tawi-Tawi is Turtle Islands. It is located within the Sulu Sea and south of Palawan. The Turtle Islands consist of seven (7) Islands-one is Taganak. Taganak is volcanic in origin and considered to be the biggest island among the seven islands. We are so grateful that we were given the  chance to see how incredible the place is. In Taganak for instance, the crystal clear water  offers you peace of mind and an unutterably word just "WOW". It is just so beautiful that it matched with the beauty of other foreign beaches in the nearby areas. The two (2) photos below were taken recently ( September 6, 2013) . 

How to get to Taganak, Turtle Islands? Taganak is near  Sabah, Malaysia with 30-45 mins. ride via motorboat. There is no regular travel schedule to Taganak.  However, you can reach Taganak via cargo ships or motor launch from  Zamboanga. Motor launch can also be chartered to reach the area.

When we visited the place, we were able to witnessed some green turtles laying eggs. According to the some residents we interviewed, there are only few turtles lay egg in Taganak due to the existence of dogs, sounds and noises coming from residences unlike before. It was funny to describe us hiding in bushes and limiting ourselves from talking because it might scares the female green turtle. When it finally found a good spot to dig nest, it laid eggs after making a hole. Then it covered the hole leaving no trace at all.

The Female green turtle laid more than 50 eggs that time. And accordingly, the turtle can lay egg up to 200 eggs. Wow! It would really look amazing if all these eggs will survive and grow into beautiful turtles.

However, we felt sad that the nature of female turtle after laying eggs, just simply swim back to the water leaving the eggs behind. And it takes 45 days or more for these eggs to hatch.  I can just imagine the danger that awaits these eggs when it's not protected.

Once the eggs hatch, they are on their own. The baby turtles or hatchlings race to have a taste of the sea.The experience of watching these hatchlings race to the sea is just "awesome".  But the adventure for these hatchlings have just begun. And the real danger awaits them. Sad to say that from more that 50 eggs, only few survive in this phase. Some experts say that 1 in 1000 hatchlings will survive the adulthood- sad reality!

On my Way to Languyan, Tawi-Tawi

Languyan is a 1st class municipality in the province of Tawi-Tawi. It is composed of 20 barangays. Languyan proper is one of the barangays that I happened to visit. And according to some residents, there are crocodiles in the area. This made me aware not to go near the water particularly when it's dark.

On my way to Languyan, I was able to enjoy the scenery of vast sea and some islets. What i can't forget is how beautiful the sun rises that day. It was really breathtaking and thrillingly beautiful!

The Grandeur Beauty of Sitangkai, Tawi-Tawi

Sitangkai is considered as a 2nd class municipality in the province of Tawi-Tawi. In addition, it is also called the "venice of the south".The majority of the people here are badjaos and sama.  We don't often see floating market in the Philippines; however, when you go to Sitangkai you will  be brought to a new world. 

Sitangkai, Tawi-Tawi

Travel to Sitangkai from Bongao, Tawi-Tawi is via Vessel. Visitors and Guests will  love the panoramic view of many islets surrounding the area. What is amazing in this place is the existence of small community also known as " pondohan cluster"   living in the midst of the sea. If you want to have a picture of it- Water World movie is the best to describe it. 

Just do not forget to bring your camera to take a snapshot of the best that Sitangkai can offer.

Seaweeds Capital in the Philippines

Sitangkai is also known as the "seaweeds capital of the Philippines". Aside from fishing, seaweed farming is another source of livelihood in the Island. The economy of Sitangkai is booming due to the production of seaweeds.

Sitangkai, Tawi-Tawi is rich in marine resources. The mode of transportation is by sea using the pump boat. There are no tricycles, jeeps and motorcycles in this area. What is amazing in this place is the beauty of trade and commerce. The sellers, mostly badjaos,sell directly from their boats. The visitors and guests from the neighboring place and other cities who happen to visit Sitangkai will appreciate the place. In addition, the people of Sitangkai are really peace-loving and hospitable.