Rajah Baguinda Shrine is the final resting place of a 15th century Arab missionary who helped spread Islam in the Sulu archipelago.
A military camp situated on a mountain overlooking the commercial center of Jolo with Masjid Tulay lording over the town, Camp Bud Datu in Indanan, Sulu is one of the safest and most scenic places to spend the night in the province, just like the Astana or Royal Palace Replica in Talipao. Interestingly, the military barracks has mock store signs of 7-Eleven and Starbucks, which serves kahawa sug or native coffee in branded coffee mugs that read STARBUCKS CAMP BUD DATU. The accommodating officers of the camp gave me a souvenir, which I donated to a friend who has big collection of Starbucks coffee mugs.
More importantly, the camp not only offers fun distractions and a secure place to stay for visitors, but also guards a vital link to the the Malay-Islamic history of the Philippines, which predates the arrival of Roman Catholicism. A shrine of great importance to Filipino Muslims lies within its grounds.
The officers quarters at Camp Bud Datu has mock Starbucks sign. They serve native Sulu coffee!
The tomb of Rajah Baguinda lies underneath a concrete shelter, beneath a giant strangler fig tree.
Since the 12th century, Muslim traders and missionaries from Arabia and Persia arrived in Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago through Sumatra, Indonesia. In 1380, Arab missionary Karim ul-Mahkdum reinforced the practice of Islam among the first Muslim settlers in Sulu, establishing the foundation for the political rule of his successor, Rajah Baguinda from 1390 to 1460. Islam arrived in Sulu at least 140 years before the introduction of Christianity in Cebu by Spanish colonizers. One may visit his final resting place under a tall balete (strangler fig) at the Rajah Baguinda Shrine within the grounds of Camp Bud Datu.
Later, Sayyid Abu Bakr Abirin, an Arab explorer and religious scholar from Johor in present-day Malaysia, married Baguinda’s daughter and settled in Sulu, establishing himself as the first ruler of the Sultanate of Sulu, which reigned through a succession of descendants until 1915.
Camp Bud Datu has wonderful views of Jolo town with Masjid Tulay
Special thanks to the Philippine Marine Corps for providing our tours, security and accommodations during our five-day visit to Sulu province, especially to the 2nd, 6th and 9th battalions stationed in Talipao, Patikul and Indanan, respectively.
TRAVEL ADVISORY
Due to socio-political unrest, armed conflict and kidnappings in some areas in Sulu, all travelers are required to seek the assistance from the provincial tourism office beforehand for their safety and security. Exploring the province safely and responsibly entails being escorted by the military. For more information, contact provincial tourism officer, Ms. Jainab Abdulmajid at +63 9175929225 or heressulu@yahoo.com.ph.
HOW TO GET THERE
Philippine Airlines flies three times a week to Jolo from Zamboanga City. Flight time is only 35 minutes. Visit www.philippineairlines.com. Alternatively, Aleson Shipping Lines runs ten-hour overnight ferry trips also from Zamboanga City. Camp Bud Datu is located 8 km away from Jolo Airport. Travel time takes at least 15 minutes by private car. Tourists may arrange accommodation at Camp Bud Datu through the provincial tourism office.
Pls elaborate, esp. on rates of travel by ship/plane/jeep/tricycle, etc., Places to stay w/ contact persons. What to bring (what not!) Recommend places to visit.
Thanks.