If you're searching for the farthest, most untouched corners of the Philippines, set your compass south all the way south. Beyond the tourist trails and island resorts lies a part of the country so remote, it feels like another world altogether. Welcome to Sikul Island and Panggungan, the southernmost islands of the Philippines, nestled in the turquoise waters of Sitangkai, Tawi-Tawi.
The Dream of the Deep South
For four years, I dreamed of reaching Sitangkai, believing it to be the Philippines' final frontier. But when I finally set foot in this seaweed capital of the south, I discovered there was still another island — even farther, even more remote.
This year, that dream came true.
With the sun high above and favorable seas, I finally ventured to the edge of the archipelago — a journey marked by emotion, awe, and deep gratitude. What I found wasn't just a geographic milestone, but a glimpse into a life lived in harmony with the sea.
Getting There: A Journey Through the Sulu and Celebes Seas
Our starting point was Bongao, the provincial capital of Tawi-Tawi. From there, we boarded the only passenger vessel heading to Sitangkai — the Tway Kiki. The fare is PHP 1,000, and the boat departs daily at noon (except Fridays, when it rests for maintenance). The journey, usually around five hours by smaller boats, now takes just one hour.
The route offers scenic views of coastal villages, seaweed farms, and the vast expanse of the Celebes Sea. Along the way, we passed the charming municipality of Sibutu, which also holds a key part of the story — as Sikul Island, the true southernmost point, lies within its jurisdiction.
Welcome to Sitangkai: The Venice of the South
Arriving in Sitangkai is like stepping into a floating village — houses, shops, and markets built above water, connected by narrow bridges and canals. Known as the "Venice of the South," Sitangkai is a world shaped by tides, boats, and seaweed.
But our journey didn’t stop there. From Sitangkai, we hopped onto a smaller motorized boat to reach Sikul Island — a 40-minute ride across shimmering waters and coral reefs. As we neared, two lighthouses greeted us: one an old black structure built by the Japanese, the other a gleaming white beacon marking safe passage in modern times.
Here, where the Philippines ends and the Celebes Sea stretches toward Malaysia, lies a small, peaceful island community with a mosque near the shore and pristine white sand beaches. Open Google Maps, and you’ll find the pin: “Saluag Lighthouse” — your marker for the southernmost tip of the country.
More Than Geography: The Seaweed That Changed Lives
No visit to Sitangkai is complete without learning about Tambalang, a unique strain of red-brown seaweed that’s transformed the local economy. Named after its pioneer, Maas Tambalang, this fast-growing, thick-stemmed seaweed is cultivated in Barangay Tongmageng.
Once reliant on fishing, residents of Sitangkai found a new livelihood in seaweed farming. Tambalang is now dried and exported, giving the community sustainable income and a sense of pride in their identity as seaweed growers.
Island-Hopping to the Philippine-Malaysia Border
On our final day, we boarded a speedboat and set course for the last cluster of islands before the border with Malaysia. Navigating narrow channels and shallow reefs during low tide, we passed the floating market, the municipal hall, and then out into open water.
Using offline navigation apps like Maps.Me, we tracked our route past Bulbul Island, Maranas Island, and finally to Panggungan Island — the last speck of land before the Philippine border ends and Malaysian waters begin.
As we approached, wind howling and waves crashing, I stood on the deck and took it all in — the view, the journey, and the feeling of reaching the edge of the nation.
A Place Few Will See, But None Will Forget
Sikul and Panggungan aren't your typical tourist destinations. There are no resorts, no crowds, no postcards. But what they offer is even more powerful — untouched beauty, cultural richness, and a rare connection to the very edge of the Philippines.
This is where the map ends, but where the soul of adventure truly begins.
Travel Notes:
- Access: Flights to Bongao Airport (Tawi-Tawi) from Zamboanga City. From there, take the Tway Kiki boat to Sitangkai.
- Daily Boat Schedule: Bongao to Sitangkai (12:00 PM); Sitangkai to Bongao (7:00 AM, except Fridays).
- Connectivity: Limited mobile signal in most open-sea and remote areas. Offline maps recommended.
- Best Time to Visit: March to June (dry season, calm seas).
- Looking to go off-grid? The southern islands of Tawi-Tawi are waiting.
- Let the tides guide you to a place where few have ventured, but where every visit leaves a lasting mark.
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