Philippines Zamboanga Peninsula, Basilan, and Tawi-Tawi: Travel Adventure Itinerary

Philippines Zamboanga Peninsula, Basilan, and Tawi-Tawi: A Unique Travel Adventure

Embark on an unforgettable journey with this Philippines Zamboanga Peninsula, Basilan, Tawi-Tawi Adventure Itinerary, where you’ll explore lesser-known destinations filled with breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural history.

Day 1 – Island Hopping in Zamboanga: Explore Onse Islas

Begin your Philippines Zamboanga Peninsula, Basilan, Tawi-Tawi Adventure Itinerary with an exciting island-hopping experience at Onse Islas, known for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters.

9:00 AM – Flight from Cebu to Zamboanga City
10:00 AM – Arrive at Zamboanga City Airport
10:00-11:30 AM – Travel to Onse Islas
11:30 AM – 3:00 PM – Island hopping
3:00-4:00 PM – Return to Zamboanga City
5:00 PM – Freshen up
6:00 PM – Dinner
8:00 PM – Rest (Lights off)

Expenses:

Island Hopping: Php 2,000
Food: Php 1,000
Car Rent: Php 1,500
Accommodation: (Thanks to Mama Ann)

Total: Php 4,500 / 5 = Php 900 per person

Day 2 – Discover the Cultural Riches of Tawi-Tawi with a Bongao Tour

Continue your Philippines Zamboanga Peninsula, Basilan, Tawi-Tawi Adventure Itinerary by hiking Bud Bongao Peak and exploring the Tawi-Tawi Provincial Capitol.

6:30 AM – Flight from Zamboanga City to Tawi-Tawi
7:30 AM – Arrive in Tawi-Tawi, walk to homestay
8:00-8:30 AM – Rest
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Hike Bud Bongao Peak
12:30 PM – Lunch (KKB)
1:00-2:00 PM – Visit Tawi-Tawi Provincial Capitol
2:30-3:00 PM – Rest at homestay
4:30-5:00 PM – Buy food for island hopping (fish, rice, etc.)
5:30-6:30 PM – Dinner (KKB)

Expenses:

Bongao Tour: Php 1,000 / 5 = Php 200 per person
Bud Bongao Peak Entrance: Php 25
Lunch: Php 100
Food for island hopping: Php 500
Dinner: Php 75

Total: Php 2,500 / 5 = Php 500 per person

Day 3 – Island Hopping (Panampangan, Simunul, Sangay Siapo)

6:30 AM – Ride a pumpboat at Old Chinese Pier
9:00 AM – Arrive at Simunul (Visit the Sheik Makhdum Mosque, oldest in PH)
10:00 AM – Visit Sangay Siapo Island (Simunul Town)
1:30 PM – Arrive at Panampangan Island (longest sandbar in the Philippines)
4:00 PM – Return to Bongao (4-hour ride)
8:00 PM – Arrive at the pier

Expenses:

Roundtrip Boat: Php 9,000 (10 pax capacity)
Accommodation (3D2N): Php 2,500 total (paid Php 500 each, optional donation to Ate Sidang)

Total: Php 11,500 / 5 = Php 2,300 per person

Basilan and Tawi-Tawi: Unusual Travel Destinations in Southern Philippines

Day 4 – Unwind at the Pink Beach of Sta. Cruz Island

9:00-9:20 AM – Boat ride from Paseo del Mar to Pink Beach
9:30 AM – Arrive at Pink Beach
10:00 AM – 1:30 PM – Photo ops
2:00 PM – Return to Paseo del Mar
2:30-3:00 PM – Back to Mama Ann’s house
4:00-4:30 PM – Buy pasalubong at Barter
5:00-5:30 PM – Visit Fort Pilar Shrine
5:30-7:00 PM – Chill and watch sunset at Paseo del Mar
7:00-8:00 PM – Dinner at Halal Village (courtesy of Mama Ann)

Expenses:

Boat charge: Php 1,000
Entrance fee: Php 180 (for 6 people)
Food: Php 500
Cottage: Php 100 (optional)

Total: Php 1,680 / 6 = Php 280 per person

Day 5 – Explore Malamawi Island and Basilan’s Hidden Gems

6:30 AM – Depart Zamboanga City to Isabela City (2-hour RORO ride)
8:30-8:50 AM – Visit Basilan Capitol & Isabela landmarks
9:10-9:20 AM – Boat ride to Malamawi Island
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM – Enjoy Malamawi White Beach (swimming, photo ops)
2:00-4:00 PM – Return to Zamboanga City

Expenses:

RORO fare: Php 90
Tricycle to Capitol/Port: Php 40
Boat ride (roundtrip): Php 10
Lunch (Jollibee): Php 130
Habal-habal to White Beach: Php 60
Fast Craft return fare: Php 175
Entrance Fee: Php 30

Total: Php 535 per person

Zamboanga Peninsula and Tawi-Tawi: Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventure

Day 6 – Discover Merloquet Falls in Zamboanga City

8:00-9:00 AM – Travel from Zamboanga City to Vitali (van ride)
9:00-9:30 AM – Habal-habal ride to Merloquet Falls
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Photo ops at Merloquet Falls
12:30-2:00 PM – Return to Zamboanga City
2:00 PM – Late lunch at KCC Mall
4:00 PM – Head to the airport for return flight

Expenses:

Van fare (roundtrip): Php 280
Terminal fee: Php 15
Habal-habal: Php 400 / 2 = Php 200 per person
Entrance fee: Php 20

Total: Php 515 per person

Additional Notes:

Flight Tickets:
- Cebu to Zamboanga City roundtrip: Php 1,200
- Zamboanga City to Tawi-Tawi roundtrip: Php 1,300
Group Travel: To save costs, it’s better to travel in a group, especially for island hopping.