Bud Bongao is the highest peak in Tawi-Tawi at approximately 340 meters above sea level and one's visit in the southernmost province of the Philippines is never complete without climbing it. So we did during our visit.
Considered as a sacred mountain, Bud Bongao is frequently climbed by the locals, Muslims and Christians, from around the province for numerous reasons like imploring favors, spiritual healing and make offerings for safety from harm.
Tampats or shrines which are used for praying are located near the peak of Bud Bongao.
From the jump-off area in Pasiagan Village where a tourism center is located, our climb to the peak of Bud Bongao lasted for about an hour. We started our ascent at around 5 AM and reached the peak before 6 AM just in time to catch the sunrise. It was an easy climb as the whole trail going to the peak is already paved.
Along the trail, we noticed huge molave trees and different kinds of flora and fauna, some of them were new to us. The sounds of birds and the cold breeze was a joy to experience during the climb. We were also told that Bud Bongao is home to a number of wild Philippine long-tailed macaques which are also among the attractions in the area.
Locals considers these monkeys as the guardians of the mountain.
At the peak, a picturesque view of Celebes and Sulu Seas and a wide area of grassland is what awaits the visitors. Parts of Bongao town, and other islands of Tawi-Tawi can also be seen from the peak. During a good weather, one can also have a view of Borneo which is already part of Malaysia.
Considered as a sacred mountain, Bud Bongao is frequently climbed by the locals, Muslims and Christians, from around the province for numerous reasons like imploring favors, spiritual healing and make offerings for safety from harm.
Tampats or shrines which are used for praying are located near the peak of Bud Bongao.
From the jump-off area in Pasiagan Village where a tourism center is located, our climb to the peak of Bud Bongao lasted for about an hour. We started our ascent at around 5 AM and reached the peak before 6 AM just in time to catch the sunrise. It was an easy climb as the whole trail going to the peak is already paved.
Along the trail, we noticed huge molave trees and different kinds of flora and fauna, some of them were new to us. The sounds of birds and the cold breeze was a joy to experience during the climb. We were also told that Bud Bongao is home to a number of wild Philippine long-tailed macaques which are also among the attractions in the area.
Locals considers these monkeys as the guardians of the mountain.
We climbed early morning to catch the sunrise, and Bud Bongao never failed us. We've seen how how the clear and dark sky slowly turned misty orange until the sun rose completely from the horizon. It was breathtaking.
