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Sulu - Land Of Treasures And Farers Of The Sea
Far-flung Sulu is the southernmost
part of the Philippines, lying between the Sulu Sea on the north
and the Celebes Sea on the south. Although far, many tourist
travel here to see and experience the beauty of island province.
One of its famed sites is the Tubbataha Reef. The Tubbataha
Reef Marine Park was honored by UNESCO in December 1993 as the
first natural site in the Philippines to be inscribed in the
prestigious World Heritage List.
Sulu has other treasures
aside from its rich natural resources. Its capital, Jolo, has
its own version of Intramuros. The province also has white sand
beaches, museums, and other sites worth visiting.
Demographics
1. Population – 849,670 (as
of 2007 Census)
2. Land Area – 2,135.3 sq. km
3. Capital – Jolo
4. Language/Dialect – Tausug, Samal, Cebuano, Chavacano, English,
and Filipino
5. Divisions
Cities (0)
Municipalities (19)
- Banguingui (Tongkil)
- Hadji Panglima Tahil (Marunggas)
- Indanan
- Jolo
- Kalingalan Caluang
- Lugus
- Luuk
- Maimbung
- Old Panamao
- Omar
- Pandami
- Panglima Estino (New Panamao)
- Pangutaran
- Parang
- Pata
- Patikul
- Siasi
- Talipao
- Tapul
Famous For ...
Walled City
Jolo's walled city is the smallest in the world. Here are located
the historic brick walls of Jolo that lay proof to its historic
and continuous strife.
Tubbataha Reef
It draws divers from all over the world with its underwater
splendor and the rich marine life that abounds in the reef.
Pearl Farm at Marungas
Island
Pearls are extensively gathered and a pearl farm is established
in the island.
Places of Interest
Cultural
American Calvary
Monument
Location: Jolo, Sulu
Known as the Sunken Garden, this was built to thank the American
soldiers who fought for the people from Jolo.
Sulu Ethnological
Museum
Location: Notre Dame of Jolo College, Jolo, Sulu
It is a private museum that has displays relating to the local
culture and to Jolo's early trade with Indonesia China and the
Arab world. Visitors can watch mat-weaving and purchase fine
handicrafts such as cloth, mats, and bags at NACIDA shop at
Notre Dame College.
Historical
Walled City / Walls
of Intramuros
Location: Jolo, Sulu
The wall measures at 8 ft. high 1-1/2 ft. thick and surrounds
the former Spanish garrison of Jolo. It served as a protection
against intermittent attacks by Moro sabil-illah (Juramentados).
It was constructed by the Spanish occupation army soon after
the fall of Jolo on February 29,1878, with labor supplied by
Filipino deportados who were prisoners of the Spanish Army.
Plaza Tulay Monument
Location: Brgy. Tulay, Jolo, Sulu
This monument was erected by Spanish Gov. Jose Arolas in 1891
to commemorate three occasions when Jolo was occupied by Spanish
forces. One side of the monument bears the inscription “A
la gloria de los que con su esfuerzo hicieron esta tierra Espanola
“; the second side bears the inscription” Corcuera,17
de Abril de 1638”; the third side , “Urbiztondo,
28 de Febrero de 1851”; the fourth side, “Malcampo,
29 de Febrero de 1876”.
Poon Tao Kong Marker
Location: Jatin Tunggal, Indanan, Sulu
The marker remembers the contribution of Psi Hsien who served
as leader ambassador of goodwill of China. He died in 1408 and
was given the name Poon Tao Kong, the Celestial. He was a Muslim
Chinese Emperor to send Moslem emissaries or tribute collectors
to Moslem countries.
Fort of the Princess
of Asturias
Location: Jolo, Sulu
Built by the Spaniards, this building was dedicated to the Princess
of Spain. When Spanish forces left Jolo in 1899, the Americans
made this military headquarters of the Philippines scout then
later the Constabulary up to 1942. When Japanese Imperial Forces
occupied Jolo the basement of this building served as the dungeon
where Filipinos were tortured in 1945.
Man-made
Sulu Provincial
Capitol
Location: Jolo, Sulul
It was constructed during the administration of Governor Murphy
Sangkula. Its Moorish-inspired architectural design makes it
a must-see site.
Natural
Tubbataha Reef
Location: Sulu Sea
It draws divers from all over the world with its underwater
splendor and the rich marine life that abounds in the reef.
Snappers, sweet lips, groupers, angel fish, and morays can be
found amid huge fan corals and sponges. Large schools of barracudas,
jacks, rainbow runners, and surgeons pass by while tunas race
about.
Pearl Farm at Marungas
Island
Location: Marungas Island, Jolo, Sulu
The island, located in Sulu Sea, is dotted with coral reefs
and can provide probably some of the world's best dive spots
for those seeking the ultimate in underwater beauty and adventure.
Maubo Beach
Location: Patikul, Sulu
It boasts of about one kilometer of white sand, and is most
frequented by the residents due to its accessibility.
Tanjung Beach
Location: Indanan, Sulu
It is a white sand beach situated just three kilometers away
from the town proper.
Festivals
Rajah Baguinda Festival
Place: Jolo, Sulu
Date: 2nd Week of August
A three-day cultural show and festivites commemorating the arrival
of Rajah Baguinda who was responsible for the spread of Islam
and reinforcing the Sultanate Government in the Sulu Archipelago.
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