Planning a trip to Tawi-tawi? Check out these top things to do in Bongao, Tawi-tawi and how to get there.

Walking tours are my favorite introduction to a city or town. It's one of my favorite activities when traveling because it lets me discover the place, see its sights, enjoy its tourist spots and attractions, learn about its history and architecture, try its local delicacies and meet the locals. So after climbing Bud Bongao and eating Malaysian food for lunch, we decided to roam around the town center of Bongao, the capital town of Tawi-tawi.

THINGS TO DO IN BONGAO, TAWI-TAWI & TOURIST SPOTS: Roaming Around the Town of Bongao

Bongao town proper is a typical town with rows of stalls lined up its busy streets. When we saw the fruit stalls in the market, we bought some fresh marang which only costs 10 pesos each.

It's the first time I've tasted a marang. It was good and very fresh!

Then, we just continue walking around. Just like any other towns, Bongao's streets are filled with motorcycles and tricycles.

Until we found Bongao Municipal Hall. The structure is new and I like its orange and beige colors.

We then continued walking. By just asking the locals, we found where the Tawi-tawi Provincial Capitol building is. From the town proper, you can already see the lovely golden-domed capitol building perched on a hill.

As it is located on an elevated area at the foot of Bud Bongao, we had to climb the stairs at the side entrance of the capitol complex to get there.

A stunning view of Bongao town including its nearby islands greeted us. WOW!

Here's the Moro-inspired Tawi-tawi Provincial Capitol Building. To me, it looks more of a mosque rather than a government office building. I was at awe to see its huge golden dome at the middle and two small domes at both sides which look like minarets.

I like it here as it is windy and provided us with a spectacular view of Bongao, the Sulu sea and nearby islets. We took the time to rest and spend the rest of the afternoon enjoying the view. As it is a famous hang-out place among the locals, we had the chance to interact with some local kids spending their afternoon at the capitol grounds.

We went down to the main road and took a tricycle to our accommodation, just in time for the sunset.

HOW TO GET TO BONGAO, TAWI-TAWI

From Manila, take a 2-hour flight to Zamboanga City. From there you may take a 45-minute plane ride that lands in Sanga-Sanga airport then take a tricycle to Bongao town proper. You may also opt to take a ferry boat from Zamboanga Port to Bongao. Trips are three times a week.

This is part of my Tawi-tawi trip that happened on December 8-9, 2012. Tawi-tawi is the 78th province on my list.

READ ALSO:

• Climbing Bud Bongao, "The Sacred Mountain of Tawi-tawi"
• Where to Stay in Bongao, Tawi-tawi: Beachside Inn Hotel and Restaurant
• A Taste of Malaysia in Bongao, Tawi-tawi

More photos on Pinoy AdvenTurista's Facebook Page, click here.