Simunul Island is one of the Tawi Tawi group of islands in the southwest Philippines, a 4th class municipality with a Muslim majority populace. It is best known for its stunning beaches and snorkeling.
Simunul lies just to the south of the main Tawi Tawi island town of Bongao and has six class beaches. The island is about 20kms around and has a distinctly more laid-back feel from the rest of the country, with its swaying palm trees and easy-going locals. Apart from the beaches are several attractions in the town of Simunul, including the Sheik Karimal Makdum Mosque.
The rest of the Tawi Tawi islands are also worth exploring if you have the time. There are many natural zoos dotted about, most notably on Bongao Island where the main town is. Downtown Bongao has the most bustle of the island group and the most accommodation options. Elsewhere is the lofty Mt Bongao, the stilted houses on Sitangkai Island, and Tahing-Tahing Beach.
Getting There & Away
The town of Bongao in the south of Bongao Island is the gateway to the farther afield Simunul Island. Flights land at Sanga-Sanga Airport in Bongao from Manila (around 90 minutes) and Zamboanga City, while ferries also terminate from nearby Jolo Zamboanga City. The journey to Simunul Island from Bongao is around 12kms by boat.