Travel | Tales from Sulu Part 2

Part 2

The trip from Zamboanga City to Sulu is very pleasant. I liked it because I never felt we sailed but arrived at the destination. I thank the fine weather for that. Read the Part 1 here.

Upon docking at the Port of Jolo, I tried to keep myself calm as there is an excitement in me of what to see and hear in the province. Not to my surprise, I heard some blast being fired from afar. I am not sure if that is a cannon or close encounter with rebels. That day we visited is the end of Ramadan or the Eid'l Fitr. It is a celebration welcomed with a bang! It is like a new year for our Muslim friends; a day that they celebrate the holiest time among the Muslims. I just ignored the blast knowing that there is ceasefire because of the celebration. :-P

Jolo, Sulu Tricycle: Calesa-like

At the Port of Jolo, my attention is caught by a tricycle. It is the first time i saw a tricycle! LOL Kidding aside, I am simply happy to see such a design that I think is unique in Jolo, Sulu. The design is simple but for me it stands out. Its design is like a small calesa but attached to a bicycle. Some other tricycles I have seen in other provinces in the country are fancy decorated but this one is simple and authentic.

Travel | Tales from Sulu Part 1

Sulu is a province in the Southwestern part of the Philippines. Jolo is the capital of the province wherein people residing there are mostly native tausug. The place is dominantly Muslim. It is also one of the places feared by many as it is home of the bandits known as Abu Sayyaf.

It is really sad that a place will be labeled as a place you should not get into. I mean, it instills fear even one hasn't gotten there yet. This travel out of work is really something that excites me; a place not usually visited yet is supported by our project. I want to share what I saw in the place. Hence, I have here a 2-part blog post.

Zamboanga Airport

From Manila, there is no direct flight to Sulu. One has to travel to Zamboanga City then ride a fast craft or a usual cargo and passenger vessel to go to Sulu. If a fast craft is taken, it will take 4 to 5 hours to arrive Sulu. However, our visit is a day before the end of Ramadan, only the cargo and passenger vessel that ships cargoes and people from Zamboanga City to Sulu is available and it takes 10 to 12 hours to arrive Sulu.