Sulu is a province of Mindanao that has its own independent government and is made up of more than 400 uninhabited islands scattered between Zamboanga and Borneo. The province’s population is distributed between the seas of Celebes and Sulu. Fishing is one of the most important industries in this area, which helps to explain why it is consistently ranked among the most prosperous in the nation. Additionally, the province is endowed with a plethora of useful wood resources.
The ancient people of Sulu were the first people in the nation to convert to Islam, hence the province has a rich and dramatic history. Jolo, the island’s capital, was already well-known to mariners while Cebu was still a relatively uncharted territory. The Sultanate of Sulu put up the fiercest fight to foreign troops, notably the Spanish, for approximately three hundred years before finally allowing them to settle in Jolo in the year 1638. This resistance included sieges and other forms of attack.
Both Christians and Muslims may be found living on Sulu. Their acceptance of one another is clearly demonstrated by the provincial flag of the island, which features a picture of crossed arms in the centre, Christian and Muslim symbols on either side, the sun of the Philippines, and doors leading to Mecca. The flag is a good representation of their tolerance for one another. Regrettably, over the course of the last several years, the Sulu region has developed into a troubled area as a direct result of the actions of the Abu Sayyaf, a rebel organisation that maintains it is fighting for the establishment of an independent Muslim state.
Main Tourist Attractions of Sulu, Phillipines
Walled City
It is one of the smallest walled cities in the world, and it is located inside the city that serves as Jolo’s capital. It was constructed with sturdy and substantial brick walls, and it today serves as a reminder of the city’s ongoing struggle to defend itself from invasion by outsiders. The city is protected by four sturdy gates, each of which doubled as a watchtower in times past. In addition to this, it is covered with a huge number of mounds that were utilised as burial places for Spanish and American troops who were slain by Muslim warriors.
Provincial Capitol
This structure, which can be seen in Jolo’s administrative centre, dates back to the time when Governor Murphy Sangkula was in office. The unusual architecture of the Provincial Capitol, which is heavily inspired by Moorish design, has made it quite popular among tourists.
American Cavalry Monument
Jolo City is home to the American Cavalry Monument that was built there. It is located around one kilometre from the main city of Jolo and is home to the sole museum in the Sulu region. Several artefacts dating back to Sulu’s time as a Spanish colony are on exhibit at the museum.
Maubo Beach
Visitors will find that the beach at Maubo, which is close to the city of Jolo and is around 2 miles long and half a mile wide, is very clean. Because of how simple it is to get there, it is consistently ranked as one of the most popular attractions among guests.
Tandu Beach
This beach, which is located around 2 kilometres from the main town centre of Jolo city, provides a wonderful view of the water and enables visitors to take pleasure in a lengthy stretch of pristine white sand.
Christian Churches
The presence of a large number of churches in Sulu, particularly in Jolo, which serves as the province’s capital, is a straightforward indicator of the Spanish influence on the region’s history. The Apostolic Vicariate, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral, the Jolo Parish Church, the Evangelical Church, and the Scared Heart of Jesus Chapel are the primary places of worship in the city of Jolo. Other important places of worship in the city include the Jolo Parish Church and the Evangelical Church.
Tulay Mosque
In reference to the period when Islam was the dominant religion in Sulu, the province’s barangays are filled with a large number of mosques. The Tulay Mosque is the one that is the most well-known among them. This older mosque is now being rebuilt into a more modern structure, which will eventually become the biggest mosque in the nation.
Tubbataha Reef
This reef is often regarded as a jewel in the crown of the Sulu Sea, and it is said to be home to the most diverse assortment of marine species found anywhere in the Philippines archipelago. It is recognised by UNESCO as both a marine protected zone and a world heritage site, and it offers scuba divers the opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful and extensive marine riches that can be discovered underwater.
