Tourism is not really the main draw in Bongao, Tawi-tawi so there aren’t that many accommodations to choose from. There are however three notable hotels there which caters to businessmen, visitors and the occasional travelers in Tawi-Tawi. We were able to stay at some of them and we can say that don’t expect any 3-5 star types here. Most of the rooms are basic and spartan. (Updated December 2014) Almost 5 years since my first visit, there are already additional options for stay in Bongao. Some though have remained the same.
Sandbar Lepa Beach Hotel and Restaurant
The Sandbar Lepa Restaurant has been around for a decade already but the accommodation is fairly new. They also have a huge convention center that can accommodate up to 1,00pax. Personally I think Sandbar Lepa Beach Hotel and Restaurant is currently the most high-end hotel in Bongao. Each cottage room is airconditioned, has cable TV, twin beds, and a personal water dispenser. Check out my full review here.
Sandbar Lepa Beach Hotel and Restaurant
Pasiagan, Bongao, Tawi-tawi
Contact: 0917.724.3214, 0935.979.0413, 0920.610.9477
Almari Beach Resort
Popularly known as Dr Ibbo’s Beach resort, this beach in Sanga-sanga has its share of limelight. It was the location for Christian Bautista’s music video “Masusulan Tawi-tawi”. It indeed has a beautiful beach and the amiable Dr Ibbo has wonderfully and securely developed the place. He got about 10 rooms all spacious and clean. Check out my full review here.
Almari Beach Resort
Pahut, Bongao, Tawi-tawi
Contact: 0926.783.7000, 0926.427.9843
Beachside Inn Room
Beachside Inn Hotel and Restaurant
This is said to be the first hotel in Bongao. It has a very spacious ground and garden. It’s open-air restaurant is also quite popular for its food and use for different functions. We got a double room here for Php 700 per night. It is big with aircon and TV. The lights at the bathroom was busted so we had to improvise for lights at night. Water is powered via a water tank, if it rans out, ask the reception to fill in the tank again. Food is fairly good. Even towns people go here just to eat.
Simandagat Beach across Beachside Inn
Another highlight for this Inn is that it’s located just across the Simandagat beach if you like a peaceful and quiet beach setting. The downside here is that’s it’s quite a distance from the town center itself.
Beachside Inn Hotel and Restaurant
Sowangkagang, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi
Tel: (068) 268-1446, (068) 268-1435
Mobile: 0920.481.5447
Tawi-tawi Hotel Juana Room
Hotel Juana Grill and Sandbar Restaurant
Now if you want to be at the heart of the action, this is where you wanna be. It’s at the center of the town just at the main street. We got a double room at the second floor for Php 1350 per night . The room looks nice but shabby since it seems it’s not regularly cleaned. Some cobwebs at the corners. Our room doesn’t even have a window. There’s your regular air conditioning, cable TV and good running water. But we had to clean the aircon since it seems the filter hasn’t been cleaned for some time blocking the cool air from it.
Hotel Juana Street View in Bongao
It has a restaurant downstairs but I found their food too expensive and not that good. Better eat out somewhere else. Locations is the main advantage in this hotel.
Hotel Juana Grill and Sandbar Restaurant
Datu Halum St., Bongao Tawi-tawi
Tel: (068) 268-1018, 0921.744.8603
Rachel’s Place Room
Rachel’s Place Hotel and Restaurant
Just a walking distance from the town center but away from the hustle and bustle of the street, Rachel’s Place is a large compound with spacious inner garden and multi-purpose hall and dining area. We got a double room on the second floor for Php 950 per night. It is a spacious room with air conditioning, good running water and cable TV.
Rachel’s Place Building Tawi-Tawi
The adjoining restaurant serves very good and cheap food which I really liked. It’s an enclosed compound just on the street so security is quite good. When we were there, major renovations are being done so expect improvements there.
Rachel’s Place Hotel and Restaurant
Ilmon Street Lamion, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi
Tel: (068) 268-1248
Other Lodging in Tawi-tawi
- Portch Bay Hotel and Restaurant. Capitol Hills. Contact: (068) 268.1332, 0926.560.3688
- Danmar Beach Resort. Brgy. Pasiagan. Contact: (068) 268.1248
- Arron Pension House. Ridjiki Extension. Contact: 0936.437.7915, 0939.923.7246
- Esther Pension House. Datu Halun. Contact: (068) 268.1582
- Harry’s Passenger Place. Datu Halun. Contact: (068) 268.1071
- AMT Transient Home. Datu Halun. Contact: 0939.920.2046, 0998.347.9452
- Fortune Inn. Ridjiki St. Contact: (068) 268.1467
Ferdz Decena is an award-winning travel photographer, writer and blogger. His works has found print in publications such as Singapore Airlines’s Silver Kris, Philippine Airlines’ Mabuhay, Cebu Pacific’s Smile and Seair InFlight. He has also lent his expertise to various organizations like the Oceana Philippines, Lopez Group Foundation, Save the Children and World Vision, contributing quality images for their marketing materials.
