Things to do in Sulu: Visiting the Municipality of Maimbung

Maimbung is a 5th class municipality in the province of Sulu. Located south of the capital town of Jolo, we traveled on a private vehicle for about an hour (passing through the municipality of Indanan) to visit this town. It is not a tourist destination, but we opted to visit this place to have a feel of the local scene and know more about the locals' livelihood and way of life.

Upon reaching the Poblacion, we went straight to the newly constructed Municipal Fish Port and Ice Plant. The Fish Port is set to be a major fish trading center in Maimbung, which aims to provide small fisher folks, their families, and other residents with sustainable source of income and livelihood.

Just walking around the area, you'll also see some stilt houses and fishes being dried. I think, since most of the locals are fishermen, fishing and fish drying are their sources of livelihood.

We then went to the nearby Maimbung Public Market.

We were warmly welcomed by the local vendors and offered us their freshly-caught fishes. It would be nice to buy some; their fishes are really fresh.

They were so happy to see us and are so willing to pose for the camera. They are very welcoming and so nice to us!

Aside from the fishes, there are also fruits, vegetables and local delicacies sold at the market. Fruits are so cheap.

We then drove to where Maimbung Municipal Hall is. The municipal building is quite new. It is nicely painted in off-white and has a very lovely and well-manicured grounds.

Across the municipal hall is where the plaza and playground are. We saw some kids playing and just enjoying their morning here. They were also happy to see us and willingly posed for the camera.

Just outside the municipal hall, we caught some local kids playing with their kite.

Before going back to Jolo, we passed by a playground which they call "Super Star City." If Camp Bud Datu of the municipality of Indanan has Starbucks and 7-Eleven, Maimbung has "Super Star City." Awesome!

What a clever idea! If you cannot bring these kids to Star City in Manila, why not bring Star City to Sulu and name it Super Star City?!

It is located along the national road, just outside a military camp. I assume, this is an idea of the military. Very nice!!!

We spent some time here talking and playing with the local kids. It may be quite hard to converse with them due to the difference in language, but the smiles and the joy we saw from their faces are enough to convey what they feel.

And then, we traveled back to Jolo before lunch time.

Magsukul (Thank You) Maimbung! 'Til next time!

HOW TO GET TO MAIMBUNG via JOLO, SULU

Major airlines fly daily to Zamboanga City from Manila, Cebu or Davao. From Zamboanga City, you may take a 40-minute flight to Jolo with schedules every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. You may also may take a ferry boat from Zamboanga City to Jolo with daily trips at night; fare is around 500 pesos, travel time is about 8 hours. From Jolo, there are passenger jeepneys that goes to the municipality of Maimbung. Travel time is about 1 hour.

NOTE: It's certainly safe to travel to Jolo. I suggest that you contact the Local Government Unit of Jolo when planning a visit for proper coordination. You may contact them thru their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/jolo.mungovt.

This trip to the Province of Sulu happened on August 7-9, 2013. Sulu is the 80th province on my list.