1

Still not 100% safe there so why risk it? Many other beautiful places in the Philippines to visit.. but not Tawi Tawi.. yet..

2

Still risky.

Furthermore what does Tawi Tawi have that the rest of the Philippines doesn't?

3

For a long time Tawi-tawi was considered the safe spot in the southern islands, but there was a kidnapping there recently and it's not far from areas that are definitely not safe. I'd be inclined to go elsewhere.

4

Thanks for the advice. Reason was considering Tawi Tawi was because over the last 28 years I have travelled extensively thru the Phil - parts Luzon. Palawan Mindoro, Tablas, Negros, Panay, Bohol, parts of Mindanao, Coron, Camiguin, Boracay, Cebu, Malapascua and a few other spots. Ideally wanted to see somewhere that I haven't been to before and somewhere that a bit different and isn't inundated with tourists. I knew about the Australian kidnapped on Basilan Island but hadn't heard aboout anything on Tawi Tawi. Cheers.

5

"Ideally wanted to see somewhere that I haven't been to before and somewhere that a bit different and isn't inundated with tourists"

How about Marinduque, Catanduanes, or Ilocos Norte? all great destinations..

6

masbate, batanes

7

Post here about areas in the Phi. that you are interested in and you have not visited yet.
So we can give you advice.
Currently Tawi Tawi Province is a mix bag.
Some areas are secure other not so. Same as before (See my previous posts).

As of now

The difference now -after a kidnapping case- (compared to last November) is that local authorities, people are more concerned to travellers wherabouts (so It's not that pleasant to go "out of the main track" because you alarm others).
Local authorities have put "unofficial ban" to areas that 99.99% you are not going anyway.
You can visit without any limitation and without any problem Bongao, Bongao Peak etc..
You can visit without security problems (easier to get there from Palawan) the friendly and remote Mapun (Cagayan de Tawi-tawi or Cagayan the Sulu).
You can visit Turtle island but allow plenty of time for transportation there/back. Yes it's perfectly safe.
Visiting Sibutu, Sitangkai, Simunul (overnight) there is a various degree of risk. Can be done with proper planning but now I will delay it if you are not familiar with the area. To be the only foreign visitor it's not nice always (policeman, military have more incumbent tasks to perform than to follow/accompany a foreign tourist). Currently to these last 3S (Sibutu, Sitangkai especially) authorites will "strongly advice you" to have a LOCAL companion/ local guide with you all the time.
Most of the rest of Tawi-tawi Provinc is not and was nearly never visited by foreigners.

T.H.

Edited by: tanabata_hikoboshi2

8

Thanks for suggestions and advice. there's a few places that have been mentioned that I will consider. Still haven't given up on Tawi Tawi, have a few weeks to make up my mind on that but appreciate all the comments, and especially the latest update on Tawi Tawi. Cheers again

9

I made friends with a guy in the coastguard working mostly on Camiguin (though they get switched round all the time) he was from Basilan, much more iffy than Tawi Tawi, but I just know they don't want too many foreigners turning up there, in Tawi Tawi. They just think, why. And remember that, if there is any trouble, who else you will be putting in danger, apart from yourself.

10

Agree with calippo #9
So many other hassle free places to go

11

Are those two european birdwatchers kidnapped on Tawi Tawi in February free by now? I have not heard a word about it since then and when I google I get only the headlines of their abduction but no follow-up anywhere.

12

Well thanks for taking the time to write this interesting summary! Much appreciated!