Panampangan Beach in Tawi-Tawi: Paradise at the Southernmost Tip of the Philippines
Batanes, the northernmost island group of the Philippines, has been getting a lot of hype recently due to its increased accessibility, with two of the country’s major airlines, Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific, having recently launched direct flights to Batanes. However, if you turn your gaze to the other end of the map, specifically the southernmost part of the Philippines, tourism is looking good, too!
Just last year, Tawi-Tawi province recorded thrice the tourist arrivals in 2016. And for 2018, it’s expected to stay on this positive track. If you’re wondering what draws local and foreign tourists to Tawi-Tawi, you can start by visiting Panampangan Beach, which features the country’s longest and most stunning sandbar.
IMAGE DPWH-ARMM OnTheRoad
Also read: Longest and Most Beautiful Sandbars in PH
Panampangan Beach is a worthy match to the natural tropical beauty of the beaches in Tawi-Tawi’s northernmost counterpart. The 10-hectare beach is mainly untainted, its natural beauty seen in its surrounding pristine waters, fine white sand, and thriving palm trees. When you arrive here during high tide, the island looks a bit small. Once until the tide drops, a long sandbar will reveal itself, extending three kilometers across the Basibuili Shoal and connecting to the nearby Basibuli Island. In total, the sandbar is 10 kilometers long.
IMAGE DPWH-ARMM OnTheRoad
The water around the beach is shallow, so everyone can enjoy a dip without worrying about your floating or treading skills. Marine life is also rich here; you’ll find beautiful corals and have a chance to meet free-swimming fish, turtles, and starfish!
Check out this video by DPWH-ARMM OnTheRoad!
The Maldives of the South, Province of Tawi-Tawi, Philippines.#Panampangan#Island #SandBar
DPWH-ARMM OnTheRoadさんの投稿 2017年10月2日(月)
Since it is an undeveloped beach destination, there are no resorts and beach amenities on Panampangan Beach. It is two hours away by boat from the nearest jump-off point, Batu-Batu in Panglima Sugala. To ensure a smooth trip for visitors and because Panampangan is part of a marine protected area, it is required to coordinate with the Provincial Tourism Office of Tawi-Tawi or the Municipality of Sapa-Sapa, so they can assist you in arranging for a boat and tour guide. You can contact them at 0905-478-1367 or 0998-275-7077, or visit their Facebook page Provincial Tourism Office – Tawi-Tawi.
