Sulu Islands

The Sulu Islands are an archipelago in the southwestern Philippines forming a chain between the Zamboanga Peninsula (Mindanao) and the northern coast of Borneo. The group comprises hundreds of islands and is a distinct maritime region in the southern Philippines.

The archipelago contains extensive coral reef systems, seagrass meadows and a mix of inhabited and uninhabited islands; common activities include inter-island transport, fishing, seaweed farming and diving at select sites. Distances between principal islands can range from a few kilometres up to several tens of kilometres, making boat travel the dominant mode of inter-island movement.

Historically the Sulu Islands were the core territory of the Sultanate of Sulu and a crossroads of trade and culture in the region; they were gradually incorporated into the modern Philippine state during the colonial and early republican periods.

Geographically the Sulu Archipelago sits between the Sulu Sea to the northwest and the Celebes Sea to the southeast, southwest of mainland Mindanao and northeast of Sabah, Malaysia.

• Security advisory: Certain areas of the archipelago are subject to security advisories; travellers should consult current government guidance before planning travel.
• Access and transport: Primary transport hubs are the towns of Jolo and Bongao (Tawi-Tawi); inter-island travel is mostly by ferry and by small regional aircraft to island airports.

What to See#

• Major island groups: The island chain includes the main island of Jolo, Tawi-Tawi and numerous smaller islands and islets that form an arc between Mindanao and Borneo.
• Marine habitat: Coral reefs, seagrass beds and deep channel waters support diving and fisheries across the archipelago.

• Check national and international travel advisories and coordinate with Philippine authorities or a trusted local operator before planning a trip-parts of the Sulu archipelago are subject to security restrictions and special requirements.
• Plan sea travel during the dry season (roughly November-April) when boat crossings are more reliable and sea conditions are calmer.
• Expect very limited tourist infrastructure on many islands; arrange transport, accommodation and a local guide in advance and travel with operators who have up-to-date local knowledge.