Sitangkai is one of the remotest islands in the Philippines chain and is known as the ‘Venice of the Philippines’ due to its stilted houses and boat transportation. So remote is Sitangkai that it is a mere 14kms from the Borneo coast of Sabah, Malaysia.
Sitangkai is a far cry from the bustling streets of Manila and Cebu City and makes a good side trip for visitors to Bongao and the islands in the Tawi Tawi chain. Visitors can either tour the canals by boat, shop at the floating markets and peer into residences, or walk from house to house via footbridges.
There are two types of houses to see in Sitangkai, including the sama dleya land houses and the sama dlaut sea houses. Houseboats are also in evidence. There is much trade with Borneo from Sitangkai folk and visitors may notice locals more aligned with Malaysia.
Getting There & Away
Sitangkai is accessible by boat only from within Tawi Tawi, or from Borneo. The fastest way in from the Philippines is to fly to Bongao Sanga-Sanga Airport from Manila and then take a ferry service from Bongao pier, via Sibutu Island; this is a half-day journey altogether.
Things to Do
Sitangkai Attractions
- Sitangkai stilted houses
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Life is all about the water in sitangkai, where residents live in stilted abodes or houseboats. boat tours reveal all.