First Impressions Of TAWI-TAWI! BUSTLING BONGAO! (Safe In 2023?)

TAWI-TAWI IN 2023.
I've been excited to come to the southernmost province of the Philippines for so long. And now, here I am, in its capital Bongao - so is it safe now, in 2023?
Today, I just want to show a few glimpses of life. The airport to the Chinese pier to the market to the floating villages and of course the food and crafts that make this place so unique.
These are my first impressions.
THANKS TO BONGAO TOURISM OFFICE FOR HELPING ME ARRANGE THIS TRIP! / 100078294037784
As per their advice, you are free to roam Bongao alone without an escort, just sign the PNP logbook when you arrive and leave. But they are very helpful if you want a guide!
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[@Goingnowhere453]

I was at Zamboanga airport in 2013. I didn’t have cash on me and the atm wasn’t working. The security guards there pooled their resources and gave me the 200php I need for departure tax. I offered them my phone in exchange but they would not take it. “We will see you in Australia” they said. I will always remember their kindness and Zamboanga will always be a city I love because of that.

[@KumanderDaot]

That's a really awesome story... The people of Zamboanga have always also been kind to me

[@whoisperfect_no1.381]

Thank you very much my Friend! Its just unfortunate that western countries are not so updated or they just issue travel advisory that is place are unsafe for them. It is safer to tour there than in New York.

[@whoisperfect_no1.381]

@@KumanderDaot Not even a stray dog or an Idiot homeless will harm you in Zamboanga City. Overall, Zamboanga is a safe city by Filipino standards and also by western standards. Petty crime is something that you should look out for but besides being vigilant for things like pickpockets and common street scams, there's nothing much in Zamboanga that you need to worry about. (About Abu Sayyaf? They have long been gone. Only the mainstream Media tries to keep them alive as their cash cow.) In comparison to New York Recent News Headline and I quote, in shootings was “no coincidence.” Credit...Shannon Stapleton/Reuters  By Hurubie Meko July 6, 2023 Shootings in New York City dropped by about 25 percent through the first half of this year compared with the same period last year, extending a downward trend after a spike in violent crime during the pandemic. Unquote. 25% shooting down? Yet, nobody is issuing travel advisory..

[@shentara]

@@whoisperfect_no1.381I’m Filipino and my British friend told me that it is safer in Manila than in London or Paris,so when I was in the UK, I took my friend’s word to be careful and vigilant as there are areas in London that is considered unsafe both for tourist & local alike.

[@mielwanders5325]

Thank you for your kind words.

[@KumanderDaot]

Good evening everyone! Thanks so much for your patience, it's been a while! Before I caught the worst flu in the history of my knowledge of flu, I went to Tawi-Tawi - and it was amazing!

[@whitevanman9500]

British Man Flu, it can take down a horse.... Even a Welsh one 😂😂😂🇬🇧

[@bloomladder]

I hope your feeling better! I sent an email about the fish pond!

[@nolyridao]

Thank you for featuring Tawi Tawi, in one of your travel vlogs. Hope you have a good time there. Safe travel always.

[@Rogerla62]

Glad you are feeling better. As an American, I have taken many things in life for granted and am surrounded by unhappy people trying to stay ahead of bills and debts. Then I see those who live in poverty, but are smiling and laughing, who are thankful for the day. Who really are the enlightened ones? I am looking forward to retiring to a much more simple life in the Philippines surrounded by my Filipino family who have accepted me into their family. Thanks for showing us such a variety of lifestyles there.

[@richardunica3542]

Imagine batanes island with out malls, supermarket, cinema, buildings.peoples lived very simple.

[@itsmeyah3168]

We Filipinos can manage to smile despite of all difficulties and trials be happy life is short ,

[@allanmativo7749]

What I like Kumader daut is he is always smiling, aside from his familiarity in speaking cebuano. Smiles is captivating

[@whoisperfect_no1.381]

While most Vloggers both Foreign and Locals covers BGC ( With Caption "is this really the Philippines?) Nakakasawa!!!this Content is Truly Refreshing and Awesome! Thank you KD you are the Man! Stay safe! Amping

[@chainSm0kr]

THIS!

[@sexymary]

Soo true.. Nakaka-inis tlga un ibang mentality na ung "Philippines" ay nka-focus lng sa may NCR.. lol

[@AkilezNewEngland]

You are the second person I watched about Tawi-Tawi the first one was Howie Severino. Love your documentary vlog, Southern Mindanao is truly beautiful and the people. So under rated and victimized by bad publicity from local and foreign news outlet. Thanks Sir Daot for showing us - Filipinos our own Country.

[@BernardoAlung-yp1kv]

Kulas was also vlog there in Tawi Tawi He is Canadian, his you Tube is Becoming filifino

[@politicfrog]

I'm so happy for the place of Tawi-tawi, Sulu, and Basilan. Many foreigners and vloggers is going there its back to safe haven so peaceful now and the people are so nice. Beaches out there are one of the best in the Philippines.

[@KumanderDaot]

So happy to see these places having a life without fear once again 🙂

[@edgaraydaon291]

Kaya kayo taga Luzon huwag niyo I underestimate ang Mindanao kita niyo nman mga foreigner Diba safe

[@level1selamat155]

What about Abu Sayyah, MNLF MILF? No more?

[@ShaneShaneshiny]

​@@edgaraydaon291 Mindanao lang naman magulo pero yung tawi tawi parang ang laki ng pinag bago

[@jusmoli]

Past tawi-tawi nest of abu sayaf..now it's the most interesting place..salute Philipino united

[@kuyajune2393]

So it’s just a past. Thanks at sana makapunta kami jan.

[@richardsamillano8016]

Media lang naman ang sobrang nagsama sa imahe ng ng sulu at tawi2x noon,buti nalang at nauso na ang social media kaya mismong mga turista at mga vloggers na ang magpapatunay kung gaano na ka ganda at peaceful ang tawi2x at sulu..nawa mas marami pang turista ang bumisita sa lugar na ito para ang economic activities ng probinsya na ito ay lumago na makakatuling sa mga local community.

[@petebeltran6899]

The first and last time I was in Bongao was in 1978 during the Martial Law era. We did a documentary movie about the Badjaos in Sibutu Group of Islands near Borneo (Sabah). It was about four hours boat ride from Bongao, Tawi-Tawi. I would like to go back someday. Thank you Kumander Daot for sharing this video (vlog). Take care.

[@KumanderDaot]

I made it there in 2-3 videos time. Sitangkai and Sibutu - I really enjoyed it there.

[@milomilo417]

Nice, Bongao is now clean, really developing. They should build a modern market to replace the burnt one, a multi-storey mall-type like the new Agdao market in Davao or the Palao market being constructed in Iligan. A modern market will encourage the sorrounding commercial buildings to gentrify, pushing Bongao to be more modern

[@PsyphaX09]

Security has improved so much in ARMM.

[@YobAsintado]

Thank you so much to the local employees of the DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM in Bongao Tawi Tawi, THUMBS UP FOR YOU GUYS! 👍

[@melaniericket9333]

My friends and i are planning to tour Mindanao namely Tawi Tawi soon. Just feel bad that Mindanao was given a red flag for tourist . In fact it is a beautiful place in the Philippines. I love the culture and always proud of Mindanao

[@iggypopbowie2073]

What i missed in tawi-tawi especially in bongao is the seafoods, best ukay2x shop located in the market, friendly and nice people, the beach, bongao peak,. If i'm gonna be a millionaire i want to live in bongao.

[@aliasmarg8ta127]

I enjoyed this tour, It is interesting to see other people’s way of life. If we are respectful of other people’s traditions, we will all get along. I admire the way you were able to take it all in and not get overwhelmed. I get anxious when there’s too many people in small spaces. That upright plank to get on the boat OMG . It must be hard not to buy all the woven mats.

[@tinaraphael9783]

Kumander is back on stage yeah. Good evening to all TAWI TAWI lovely people.

[@freedom341]

nakaad2 pod mi dra last month. it was super amazing mga tao dra buotan og dili mapanlamang. (sa ako feeel exp lang ha) ug jusko kabbarato sa mga seafoods hehehe preska pa gyud kaau

[@johnblenkiron5126]

Thanks for the great cultural tour of Bongao on Tawi-Tawi. Not many get to see this unique part of the Philippines and even fewer get to visit the Badjao area. I hope your tour inspires others, especially Filipinos, to visit this part of their great nation.

[@elisaconoso2016]

A friendly vlogger, you have so many friends wherever you go. Inspite of being a british but i enjoy hearing you speaking bisaya. Always watching from Cebu City, Philippines.

[@amyjacintomcfarland4769]

Wow kumander you went to the place that the people are very friendly and compassionate to everyone ❤

[@christopherturco197]

KD, This was worth the wait! I am always so delighted by all the vibrant colors in these southern communities, whether it's the boats, the tricycles, the clothing and woven goods, and even many of the buildings as viewed from your drone shots of Tawi-Tawi. I most enjoyed the smiles of the children and, especially, the little happy dance as performed by the girl at 16:32. So glad you're feeling better now. Sounds like that flu really knocked the stuffing out of you.

[@mariayssabellelovemarajo8207]

I proud to say that even we have different tribes we live side by side...Christian Muslim respect its other.... ❤❤❤

[@pvdp2]

Tausug Muslims and Visayan Christians. Parehas sila Bisdak. Magsukul! Mabuhi!

[@kuyajune2393]

May tagalog ba diyan?

[@kuyajune2393]

Sana makapunta ako diyan

[@dan-dp3dq]

@@kuyajune2393 marunong din magtagalog

[@humminbird6990]

Beautiful place indeed. Tawi-tawi. I wish someday I will visit this place.

[@medic2194]

Wonderful tour of Tawi-Tawi, mate. Looking forward to more about the place and the people! Cheers!

[@thevs25]

Great character kumander daot still smiling who anyone interact...

[@gg_Javier]

Tawi-Tawi = interesting to see the impoverished neighborhoods, but also sad esp the children. You were so PATIENT with the locals, esp the Lolas, Kumander. And you're always thinking of pasalubongs -- which is really commendable. Can't wait to see the rest of the series.

[@leamsidabi680]

I can say that we Filipinos know and love Kumander Daot...

[@cathyjones1989]

This was a fun adventure for sure. So many interesting people and friendly. Stunning mats!

[@benjamindilodilo9626]

So many places to explore in Tawi Tawi!! Peaceful place!!

[@Useryoutubepost]

tawi tawi land of peace loving people ..

[@yuekadere]

kumander daot ... thanks very much you update me for very long time i was been there in Bongao in 1980 to 1982 during time of armed Conflict ... i missed it already .. its peaceful & their beaches ... 👍👍👍

[@EngrAldrin]

Maayo pa ning mga langyaw kay naka adto pa ug TawiTawi. kadaghanan nato mga pinoy ug bisdak wala pa gyud ka adto ug mahadlok mo bisita sa lugar. Salamat sa pagpakita nga nindot ang Tawi Tawi nindot ang Mindanao.

[@emman2702]

Ayaw kahadlok kay mga peace loving ang mga taga tawi2 ayaw tuo sa balita og media.daghan bisaya dre sa tawi2 maayu ang kahimtang

[@bevrogers1412]

Great vlog, love those beautiful colored weave!!!

[@nordeguzman]

So nice to see southern most parts of the Philippines slowly opening up. Hope that one day i get to visit there as well

[@darrellbrixey5341]

Thank you Kumander for sharing this awesome content. Glad you are feeling better

[@johnmiranda4587]

Hoping for the construction of schools, sports venues, manufacturing business establishments, business districts, roads, and bridges to connect tawi tawi, sulu islands to the main island of Mindanao and the last housing projects not constructed above seawater.

[@chungkee5839]

And address cleanliness

[@johnmiranda4587]

@@chungkee5839 The first step towards achieving that goal is to relocate all housing built above bodies of water. Although it may be challenging considering it's embedded in the culture, I still hold on to the hope that it can be accomplished. Imagine the drainage system there.😬

[@chungkee5839]

@@johnmiranda4587 yeah! And it’ll take time and money to do that, aside from the (lack😅) of political will . Its not only in Tawi-tawi. In our place, Davao. May famous Pearl farm resort sa Samal Island pero ang kaharap , squatters na sa dagat nakatira , madumi Pde namang maging malinis kahit mahirap tau. Sayang ang natural resources ng Pilipinas. Education and discipline ang kulang

[@chellemi01]

Thanks for the video @KumanderDaot! I want to buy all those colorful mats! They are all amazingly beautiful!!!

[@dorisdalanon6663]

Wow! Kumander Daut, you were able to visit Tawi-tawi. God bless you on your travels.

[@daddyonard2641]

My favorite travel vlogger. Safe travels!

[@YobAsintado]

KD thank you so much for sharing your content in Bongao Tawi Tawi, I was assigned in that place late 80's. Bongao is now BOOMING!!! The local government and the whole Community of Bongao should do their best to MAINTAIN THE PEACE AND ORDER. Thank you so much to all the people of Bongao Tawi Tawi and likewise tnx to you KD. Have a good one buddy.

[@caryverzijl]

One of the best Philippines vlogger follow him from the start when he picked Kulas up. Strange thing is I never fast forward his vlogs hope to meet you someday keep up this excellent footage

[@nickthemaverick]

I wish you have many blessings and healthy happy life for you and your family, I wish your success here in KZbin and don't stop making very wonderful videos like this one.

[@shannonsullivan3851]

Awesome, looking forward to getting there to have a look My favourite Welshman!!🙌🙌

[@kauai5839]

Peace to my brothers and sisters in the BARMM of the Philippines.Kumander u the man,excellent vlog.👌🏼👍🏻🤙🏼🙏🏻.Peace!

[@magdalenagaton2737]

Because of this tour in Tawi- Tawi am one of your subscriber now. Happy Saturday and your team .

[@djago1891]

the locals are friendly amazing 🤩

[@rodelbunag9823]

I was assigned there for almost one year, people were so nice , animals like monkeys can be seen at bongao peak and nearby mountains, there were crocodiles in some areas, what caught my attention were beautiful eagles flying low altitude around poblacion.

[@KumanderDaot]

The eagles are really everywhere! So special!

[@maricarocampo5948]

I always watch your vlog kumander daot you are amazing person even i dont see you in person,take care and god bless always......

[@diDaN75]

The fish named "Pandawan," also known as "DORADO," is considered one of the best. It's particularly famous among those who sail across the globe. The small black one is pretty new to me.

[@michaelmonton5363]

Good to see you feeling great Anselm. Looking forward to your videos.

[@dejesussantiago2516]

I love the people and the place itself.... thank you K.Daot for bringing me there...❤

[@mauricio-bp4tr]

Wow Ty Much For The Vlog.. As If We Visited Tawi Tawi Too..💯EPIC!

[@domingomarbella2673]

Filipino people treat foreigners with decency and respect in the Philippines..hope that treatment is reciprocal...thank you..

[@acquisitium]

good to see that you are better again!

[@aurorasarmiento4694]

KD you made it!...wow, that's amazing....that's one of my bucket list...I hope that I can visit that soon, been to Region 12, Romblon, Zamboanga especially in Dapitan....wish I can visit that place ....that's awesome...

[@MrSwimmer89]

It has been a few days since you posted a video and we were worried about you. We enjoyed your video and hope to see another one soon. Those woven mats were beautiful.

[@ilovewdrewstravels]

I admire you success Ansel, Drew's Travels knows growing a KZbin channel is not an easy endeavour.

[@FilCanGil]

Awesome video KD. I love the use of coconut milk in their dishes.

[@johndoerizal3402]

Very informative.thanks for showing the southernmost part of the Philippines showing that the place is safe to travel.

[@ericflores840]

Nice content of beautiful taw-tawi!👍💕

[@burningheart1224]

Thank you Kumander for featuring Tawi-Tawi. To erased the bad stigma of the placr

[@emmanuelzozobrado5981]

Great video kumander 😊😊

[@rowelalday352]

Enjoy your travel kumander,thanks for sharing your experiences,you have a nice personality,God bless you

[@magdalenagaton2737]

Thank you Kumander Daot for the wonderful tour today . I felt I was having a hoping tour in Tawi- Tawi never been there . Thank KD and your team

[@apayagamin]

This will be part of my bucket list

[@User5260jo]

It is always fascinating to watch those graceful dancers!❤ Enjoy the journey Kumander D.

[@ZhanMiyong]

Another beautiful vlog kumander .....

[@kuyaIhor]

Napakakawili-wiling video! Very interesting video!

[@JourneyWithDavaoJack]

Great video Kumander. Very informative. Thank you.

[@eduardodeleon3972]

More power kumander👍🏼

[@flinze2001]

What a trip man! Love to go there too. hahaha

[@alsimarsaidol342]

Welcome to tawi-tawi sir, Explore and enjoy the beautiful beaches there and stay safe.

[@unoblock3296]

NIce to see Bonggao again.Thanks to Kumander Daot for showing how it is now in Tawi tawi. When I went there a decade ago the airport was closed so I took a 16-hour boat ride from Zamboanga where we encountered rough seas. It is best to take a plane ride. Now the place looks a lot improved so it is good to come and visit the place.

[@DThinkTalker]

lovely place..truly amazing

[@levylimbago2864]

Tawi tawi and sulo really steaping it up!wow

[@DrewsTravels]

An absolute legend of travel vloggers. Cheers Aselm for the inspiration to create Drew's Travels, documenting province life on the island of Leyte, Philippines.

[@margaritasun7908]

I will follow you ... , yes ! one by one , im visiting the places you showcased , especially in Mindanao.

[@medardpaler8733]

Thank you bai for promoting this wonderful and beautiful place

[@user-ko2ro5lz3g]

Sobrang ganda one of my bucket list

[@atlantafan1156]

Enjoyed the video. The wooden boat reminded me of ones we used to take from Davao to go home only it was often piled high with sacks of copra. It would be nice for an NGO to help the women market those mats in boutiques in cities in the Philippines or abroad with profits being returned to the community.

[@superdongvlog6888]

Nice place kumander.. daghan kaayo ug isda .. amping kumander ....

[@bernardknowles8421]

Great video thanks 👍

[@watsupmananap]

Ang ganda pala ng tawi tawi. Sana makapunta ako jan soon. ❤❤

[@guimarasourhomeberro2494]

Kumander Daot is the man..very humble and simple person ...enjoy it and be safe boss ❤

[@AngryKittens]

It's like finally seeing the mysterious lands every time Tawi-Tawi gets featured. It's great to see it developing very rapidly now.

[@user-lh1is2wm9h]

Ang Ganda sobra Ang tawitawi at ambabait ng mga tao,kaso lang Hindi mo talaga maiwasan matakot😊

[@TheThailightZone]

2:50 the dancers look verry similar to Indonesian artists. It is a very colourful town.

[@beautyhellow605]

I'm a Filipino and one thing I have in mind if they talk about tawi2 is scary place.... thats what my grandmother and grandfather told we when I was young.

[@darlenemyles1155]

Busy Places! 😮 WOW!

[@irenereyesvlogs2809]

I am so amazed by foreign vloggers who knows how to speak Bisaya as it is more difficult language than Tagalog. Even myself, as bisaya never went to Tawi2x as most of my friends mentioned that's it's dangerous place but when I see your vlogs it seems safe

[@morevideo8693]

Congratulations Mr...you are the first came visit to tawi2

[@mylahbarreto5265]

Cool, wooden boat! They’re everywhere!

[@LitaMiller-qf6lt]

Good jod, good heart Cmdr! They see and feel your good heart thats why they accept and welcome you.

[@builtnotboughtmadeinphilip3955]

Theyre boats are distictive. Happy travels friend

[@geniesaints229]

Thanks for showing our beautiful mindanao

[@ThePabloBarlow]

Such a unique place and nice to watch mate

[@rosequiling9666]

Thanks for coming to Bongao. So much fresh Fishes and Sea foods. You should have learned to eat Siyanglag and Piyuto, Daral and Putlih Mandi.

[@kuyajune2393]

Gusto ko sea foods.

[@EdVlogmo]

Wow..nice one..kanindot gyud diha.

[@diDaN75]

I would love to see those colorful locally made products find a broader market so that more people can support them. It looks like some of these products are used as decorations in food establishments, adding great character and a vibrant appearance. Great adventure!