Tawi-Tawi Island
Island Southern Philippine island in the Tawi-Tawi province
At the Philippines’ southern tip, Tawi‑Tawi Island offers coral reefs, traditional mosque architecture and boat connections to nearby Borneo; divers and cultural travelers come for remote dive sites and local crafts.
Tawi-Tawi Island is an island in the Sulu Archipelago of the southern Philippines, forming part of the province of Tawi-Tawi and among the country’s southernmost islands.
The island and surrounding waters are noted for coral reefs, fishing grounds and coastal communities that rely on maritime trade and livelihood. There are beaches, mangroves and small settlements rather than large urban centres.
The island has long been inhabited by Muslim groups, including Sama-Bajau communities, and has historical ties to the Sultanate of Sulu and regional maritime networks. Contemporary life on and around the island remains oriented to fishing and inter-island connections.
Geographically it lies in the Sulu Sea and Celebes Sea area of the southern Philippines, close to the maritime approaches to Sabah (Malaysia) and forming part of an archipelago of islands and islets.
- Geographic note: Located among the southern Sulu Archipelago, it lies close to the maritime boundary with Malaysia and Borneo.
- Cultural note: Island communities are primarily Sama-Bajau and other Muslim ethnolinguistic groups with strong maritime and fishing traditions.
How to Get to Tawi-Tawi Island #
Tawi‑Tawi’s main points of access are by ferry from Zamboanga City or by regional flights to Sanga‑Sanga Airport (service varies). Inter‑island travel relies on local boat operators; schedules change seasonally.
Tips for Visiting Tawi-Tawi Island #
- Inter‑island travel is by scheduled ferry and smaller motorboats-check the Maritime Transport Authority schedules for up‑to‑date times.
- Respect local cultural norms in this autonomous region; some areas have conservative customs regarding dress and behavior.
- Bring cash; many smaller vendors on the islands do not accept cards.
Best Time to Visit Tawi-Tawi Island #
Dry season months provide the most reliable sea conditions; avoid the height of the southwest monsoon for safer travel.
Weather & Climate near Tawi-Tawi Island #
Tawi-Tawi Island's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 23°C to 31°C. Abundant rainfall (1689 mm/year), wettest in June, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (139 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (114 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (109 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is hot, feeling like 30°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (116 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is the hottest month, feeling like 30°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (159 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (181 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (134 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (114 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (127 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (171 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (181 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (144 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
