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.
 

What to see and do

Turtle Island
Green Sea Turtles make this remote and distant island their home since it is the only habitation for their kind in Asia. The island is considered as a wildlife sanctuary  and protected area by Malaysia and the Philippines. Beautiful beaches make this place an ideal getaway although access to the island is difficult. Arrangements with the local authorities can be made, however.

Simunul Island
Islam in the Philippines began in Simunul Island when Sheik Karimul Makhdum from present-day Saudi Arabia built the first-ever mosque in the country. The mosque in his honor still stands today. The island also boasts of white sand beaches comparable to that of Palawan and Boracay. However, the better accommodations are in the main island, Bongao.

Relevant Contacts and Online Resources

Department of Tourism - ARMM
ARMM Complex, Cotabato City
9600 PHILIPPINES
Tel. No.: (+6364) 390-1455  / 390-1451
Fax No.: (+6364) 390-1452
URL: http://dot.armm.gov.ph/    

BASILAN
HADJA HADJIJA “GIGI” CARAMA JUNUDI
Provincial Tourism Officer
Isabela Hostel
Isabela, Basilan
Mobile No. :  (+63921) 982-3791
Landline (+6362) 200-3417   

ISLAMIC CITY OF MARAWI
MS. ZENAIDA P. BANTO
Sr. Tourism Officer
Marawi City Tourism Office
Mobile No.: (+63948) 977-2608
                            
SULU
HADJA ALMIRA B. JASIM
Provincial Tourism Officer
Provincial Tourism Office
Patikul, Sulu
Mobile No.: (+63917) 723-4750 / (+63905) 788-9403

TAWI-TAWI
SALVACEON PESCADERA
Provincial Tourism Officer
Bongao, Tawi-Tawi
Mobile No.: (+63910) 671-6367, (+63916) 891-4431, (+63939) 837-3221

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