Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao: Enduring cultural traditions

Details

Category: Destination

Published on Monday, 23 January 2012 11:25

Basilan • Lanao del Sur • Maguindanao • Marawi City • Sulu • Tawi-tawi

About the region

ARMM or Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao is composed of the provinces of Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, and the Islamic city of Marawi in mainland Mindanao. It also includes the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi in southwestern Mindanao. Majority of  Muslim Filipinos reside in ARMM. The regional tourism office of ARMM promotes Tawi-Tawi, the southernmost island of the country, as an exciting tourism destination.

How to get there and go around

By Land. Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur in mainland Mindanao are connected to the rest of the country through the national highway systems. The island provinces of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi can be reached via Zamboanga City.

By Air. A visitor can reach Marawi City by taking a plane from Manila to Cagayan de Oro and then take a cab to Marawi City. The taxi fare is approximately USD8. Cebu Pacific flights are available to Bongao, Tawi-Tawi from Zamboanga thrice weekly .

By Sea. Travelers can reach Marawi  City through the port of Iligan City.  Sea routes to Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi from Zamboanga are open. Weesam Express travels twice a week (Monday and Thursday) to Tawi-Tawi from Zamboanga.

The tourists in ARMM have a variety of options going around. Since there are no cabs servicing the commercial districts in ARMM, one can take the jeepneys and tricycles. “Special” (air-conditioned) vans can also shuttle passengers to nearby areas.

Where to stay

In Marawi, travelers can stay at the Ecological Hotel or Marawi Resort Hotel.  Tawi-Tawi offers basic accommodation. Rachel’s Place, Juana Hotel and Beachside Inn are the popular choices in Tawi-Tawi.

To learn more, see:
http://www.mindanao-hotels.com
http://www.ironwulf.net/2009/02/23/tawi-tawi-bongao-hotel-accommodations/

What to eat

At the end of the Islamic fasting month, the Filipino Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr with the rest of the Islamic world. The feast is generally a time for families to gather and eat. Some of the dishes served during the feast are Chula Itum and Beef Culma.

What to buy

Although barter trade is not as popular nowadays, there are still barter centers that can be found all over the region.  Goods coming from all over are sold at a cheap price and make shopping enjoyable, but products from ARMM like brass trinkets and woven products display the craftsmanship of the region. These products reflect their deep sense of religiosity, identity and culture.
 

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