Sulu Islands
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In administrative terms, they are part of the Bangsamoro (or the former Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao or ARMM), though geographically they are separate islands, off mainland Mindanao.
Regions
Cities
- – the regional center of Basilan, with a mix of Christian and Muslim Filipino culture and some undiscovered sights.
- – the capital of Sulu Province.
Understand
The Sulu island chain has some pristine beaches and colorful culture. Basilan island has the most vibrant tourism scene, but it has been affected by an ongoing Islamist insurgency. Skirmishes and terror attacks continue to happen throughout the archipelago, and as part of the Bangsamoro (then the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao), they are included in travel warnings as well.
Most of the people are either Yakan or Tausug, and there are also a minority of Chavacano speakers from Zamboanga. Other ethnolinguistic groups are the Sama-Bajau (Badjao), who live in the sea and rely heavily on fishing as a source of livelihood.
Most of the people are either Yakan or Tausug, and there are also a minority of Chavacano speakers from Zamboanga. Other ethnolinguistic groups are the Sama-Bajau (Badjao), who live in the sea and rely heavily on fishing as a source of livelihood.
Talk
For most of the islands, Tausug serves as the lingua franca. While genetically more closer to the languages of the Visayas, it incorporates a lot of Arabic loanwords, reflecting Arab and Islamic influence. Most Sulu Muslims have at least some basic knowledge of Arabic, especially when memorizing the Qur'an. Chavacano, a Spanish-based creole introduced by Zamboanga City locals, serves a similar purpose in Basilan, and Muslims and Christians alike speak and understand Chavacano.