Epic 7-Day Mindanao Region Cultural & Island Hopping Tour Package

You will wake up in the heart of the Sulu Archipelago, where rich culture and tropical beauty await! 

Upon your arrival, you can treat yourself to a delicious breakfast at the local favorite Shara's Café, and you will explore the top spots of Sulu Province.

Your first adventure brings you to two of Sulu Province's best-kept beach secrets—Mang Sali Beach and Tanduh Beach. These serene shores boast powdery white sand lined with coconut trees and crystal-clear waters perfect for a refreshing swim, beach lounging, or taking picture-perfect travel photos. 

Tanduh Beach is also home to a scenic, long wooden bridge, where you can pose for snapshots, dive into the sea, or unwind in the open-air hut at the end.

After your beach escape, you'll dive deeper into the province's culture and history. You can snap a souvenir photo at the colorful "I Love Jolo" marker, a proud symbol of local identity. 

Nearby, you can marvel at the Sulu Cathedral, a place of worship rich in history and architectural charm.

You will then admire the grand Sulu Provincial Capitol, the seat of governance in the province. You will also head to the National Museum of Sulu Province to explore curated exhibits about the region's storied past and diverse heritage.

For a peaceful moment, you will visit Masjid Tulay, a beautiful mosque that invites quiet reflection. Another one is the Masjid Bunai, one of the oldest mosques in the country, adorned with white and gold accents that make it a standout religious site in Mindanao region. Visitors are welcome to respect its architecture and cultural significance.

You will also stop by Simply Joy, a local shop where you can savor delicious Sulu Province delicacies and browse charming souvenirs.

For panoramic views of the capital province, Jolo, and its surrounding islets, you will make your way to Bud Datu Viewdeck. Here, you can have a cup of coffee at Starbucks Coffee Shop, a fun local take on the popular coffee chain, with stunning sights to match.

Another spot is at the Pis Syabit Making Cooperative, where you can watch weavers craft the intricate and colorful pis syabit, a traditional handwoven cloth. You might even try your hand at weaving your own keepsake!

You can wrap up the day with a flavorful seaside dinner, then board your overnight ferry back to Zamboanga City, bringing with you memories of Sulu Province's hidden beauty and vibrant culture.

Today brings you to the captivating province of Basilan, where tropical escapes and rich heritage await! 

From Zamboanga City, you will arrive at Basilan Island Province in the morning, on your way to Isabela, the capital city. 

Upon your arrival at the city, you will make your way to Malamawi Island, one of the province's top hidden gems, and visit the breathtaking Pahali Resort. This resort is best known for its powdery white sand beach and dazzling blue waters, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or relaxing under a beach hut. 

If you're feeling adventurous, you can try out water activities offered onsite, like banana boat rides or paddleboarding. You can also enjoy your delectable lunch while taking in the island's peaceful ambiance and gentle sea breeze.

In the afternoon, you will take a ferry back to Isabela City to begin your cultural exploration. 

One of Isabela City's attractions you will visit on your tour is the iconic Basilan Provincial Capitol, a grand structure that reflects the province's historical and administrative importance. You can snap a few photos of its stately facade and manicured grounds.

Another spot you visit is the Sta. Isabel de Portugal Cathedral, also known as Isabela Cathedral. Built in the late 19th century, this landmark exudes colonial charm with its detailed stonework, towering bell tower, and colorful stained-glass windows. You can step inside to appreciate its peaceful interior and admire its beautiful religious art.

You will slow things down with a visit to Isabela Park, a favorite hangout for locals. You can take a relaxing walk under the shade of its trees, strike up a friendly conversation with locals, or grab some quick street food snacks to try.

Once your tour wraps up, you'll board a Roro ferry back to Zamboanga City. Upon your arrival, you will check in to your hotel for a well-earned rest after a day of sun, sea, and cultural discovery.

Today, you will have an exhilarating exploration in Zamboanga City. Your adventure will take you to some of the city's most iconic attractions.

One of the highlights of your tour is the famous Pink Sand Beach of Sta. Cruz Island, a rare natural wonder just a short boat ride from the city. The sand here gets its pinkish hue from crushed red organ pipe coral mixed with white sand, creating a surreal beach experience. 

You can lounge on the shoreline, plunge into the crystal-clear waters, or explore the surrounding mangroves on a guided paddle tour for a glimpse of local marine life and bird species.

To elevate your island experience, you can also book two exciting add-on tours. One of which is a sandbar tour, perfect for taking scenic photos, relaxing on a stretch of sand, and enjoying panoramic views of the coastline.

Another option is a lagoon tour, where you'll paddle through serene waters lined with lush mangroves while learning about the island's delicate ecosystem. You can also consider renting a traditional vinta, Zamboanga City's iconic boat with colorful sails. This photogenic ride is ideal for couples, families, or friends looking to glide across the water in style while capturing the vibrant maritime heritage of the region.

Back in the city, you will step into the storied past at the Fort Pilar Museum, located inside the 17th-century Fort Pilar, originally built by the Spanish. The museum houses exhibits that showcase Zamboanga City's multicultural roots, from pre-Hispanic artifacts to Moro, Spanish, and American colonial history.

You will also visit Fort Pilar Shrine, a revered pilgrimage site and one of the oldest Roman Catholic cathedrals in the Mindanao region. You can light a candle or simply take a quiet moment as you walk through this historical sanctuary that blends faith and heritage.

For a laid-back adventure, you can troll along the breezy RT Lim Boulevard, a coastal promenade with views of the sea and colorful local life. You can grab a quick snack from street vendors or take photos with the ocean as your backdrop.

You will also admire the elegant Zamboanga City Hall, a historic Spanish colonial-style building that remains a proud civic landmark. 

Not far from here is the Yakan Weaving Village, where you'll be welcomed by vibrant textiles and the rhythmic sound of traditional handlooms. You can watch skilled Yakan artisans demonstrate their weaving techniques, and shop for unique handwoven souvenirs like bags, table runners, and scarves.

You will also head to the Rainbow Mosque (Masjid Al-Islamia), a bold and colorful symbol of peace and unity. Painted in vibrant hues, this mosque is not only a sacred site but also one of the most photogenic landmarks in the city.

After a full day of cultural encounters and coastal beauty, you'll return to your accommodation in Zamboanga City with unforgettable memories and maybe a few handwoven treasures in hand.

Today, you'll journey to one of the southernmost corners of the Philippines as you board a scenic flight from Zamboanga City to Tawi-Tawi Island Province. 

Upon landing, your local driver will greet you and escort you to your accommodation, where you'll have time to settle in.

Your adventure begins with a visit to the sacred and storied Bud Bongao, the most popular peak in the province and a revered pilgrimage site. Surrounded by dense forest and playful macaques or monkeys, the mountain offers a peaceful trail that winds upward to a breathtaking view of Bongao town and the nearby islands. 

Along the way, locals leave offerings at small shrines, adding a spiritual dimension to your hike. At the summit, you can take in the sweeping panorama and enjoy a moment of stillness amid nature.

Another spot is the spiritual Masjid Raayat, a charming seaside mosque where Islamic architecture meets serene coastal scenery. Its white and green hues stand out beautifully against the blue sky and sea, making it an ideal place to reflect or capture a memorable photo.

Your tour will also take you to the Tawi-Tawi Provincial Capitol, a key government building perched atop a hill. From here, you can enjoy sweeping views of Bongao town while learning a bit about the local governance and the province's civic pride.

You will also stop by a souvenir center, where you can shop for locally made crafts, delicacies, and unique souvenirs. From woven textiles and shell crafts to sweet treats and traditional snacks, it's the perfect spot to find thoughtful gifts for friends and family, or keepsakes for yourself.

Old Chinese Pier or Bongao Chinese Pier is also included in your tour, a site that speaks to the early Chinese influence in the region. It's a nostalgic spot perfect for a leisurely stroll, with views of fishing boats and locals going about their day.

For those who want to see even more of Tawi-Tawi Island Province, you can opt to join a side tour. During this tour, you will visit Balobok Cave, one of the oldest archaeological sites in the Philippines, where ancient artifacts and rock formations reveal stories of early settlers. 

You'll also stop by the Masjid Nurul Iman, the grand mosque of Bongao town. With its elegant domes and striking gold accents, this architectural gem offers a peaceful space for cultural appreciation and stunning photography.

You can wrap up your day with a visit to a traditional Badjao Village, where you'll walk along wooden boardwalks connecting stilt houses built over the sea. You can meet members of the Badjao community, also known as sea gypsies, and learn about their nomadic seafaring traditions that have been passed down for generations.

As the day winds down, your driver will bring you back to your accommodation. You can relax and enjoy the rest of your day in this remote and culturally rich island province.

On your sixth day, you will set off on an island hopping escapade across the blue waters of Tawi-Tawi Island Province. 

A guide will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the docking area. From there, you will hop aboard a traditional boat that will take you to these picturesque sites in Tawi-Tawi Island Province.

One of the highlights of your tour is the breathtaking Panampangan Island, home to the longest stretch of sand in the Philippines. Stretching endlessly into the sea, this pristine sandbar is a dreamlike setting for swimming, beachcombing, or simply basking in the sun. 

You can capture stunning photos as the powdery white sands meet the crystal-clear waters, perfect for a peaceful walk or a spontaneous dip to cool off under the sun.

You will also visit Simunul Island, the cradle of Islam in the Philippines. Here stands the historic Sheikh Makhdum Mosque, the oldest mosque in the country, originally built in 1380. 

You can visit the Sheikh Makhdum Shrine nearby, where locals honor the Arab missionary who introduced Islam to the archipelago. As you explore the mosque grounds and connect with locals, you'll gain deeper insight into the island's spiritual heritage and long-standing cultural traditions.

You will cap off your day with a relaxing visit to Sangay Siapo Island, also known as Tango Island. This peaceful island is perfect for unwinding or taking a plunge into vibrant underwater scenes.

After a day of discovering Tawi-Tawi Island Province's coastal wonders, you'll return to your accommodation where you can spend the rest of the day however you please.

You can savor your final morning in Tawi-Tawi Island Province with a moment of calm. 

Feel free to have a quiet breakfast by the shore, the sea breeze gently rolling in as you take in the peaceful surroundings one last time.

After a peaceful morning, your driver will take you to the airport for your flight back to Zamboanga City. 

As you bid farewell to this remarkable island province, you can take with you the unforgettable memories of ZAMBASULTA—a 7-day journey across sun-drenched islands, sacred sites, vibrant communities, and hidden treasures of the southern Philippines.