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The island of Tawi-Tawi is located in the southernmost part of the Philippines. Often referred to as the country's back door, across its water is the territory of Sabah in East Malaysia. Tawi-Tawi is surrounded on the north and west portion by the Sulu Sea and on the eastern and southern part by the Celebes Sea. A total of 307 islands and islets compose the province categorized into 3 major island groups. It consists of the island of Tawi-Tawi, Bongao, Simunul, Sibutu and Sitangkai. The island of Cagayan de Tawi-Tawi is a midway between the southern tip of Palawan and the Sulu archipelago. While the Turtle Island is 22 kms. away from Sandakan in Sabah. Its main island is composed of low, rolling hills and a verdant forest. Its smaller isle is enveloped by extensive reefs. The word Tawi-Tawi came from the Malay word "juai" which means "far". It was also the earliest home of Islam religion in the country, introduced by Sheik Karim ul-Makhdum in 1380. During the said period, even before the Spaniards colonized the county, Sulu already has a roaring trade with other Asian countries especially China.

Most of the province inhabitants belong to the Samal and Badjao tribes. They are part of the Samal ethnic group whose culture is closely linked to the sea. Tauti is what the province occupational dance is called. It portrays the labors of catching a "tauti" or catfish. For centuries, Tawi-Tawi is also known as a trading center of Southern and Muslim Traders. In the Sulu boarder, the island of Bongao is said to be the busiest harbor because of its horseshoe shape port. While in Turtle Island, one can watch how the turtles mate underwater and how they lay eggs in the sand. Tawi-Tawi's main industry is focused on agriculture, fishing and seaweed farming. Copra is there top product followed by rootcrops like cassava. The Tawi-Tawi island group is the main destination of tourists that visits the region. The impressive, elevated Provincial Capitol Building in Bongao, incorporates traditional Muslim religious architecture. MT. Bongao is regarded with mystical reverance by both Muslims and Christians. Sitangkai is known as the "Venice of the East", as many of the houses are built on stilts above the water. Philippine Airlines has a daily flight going to Zamboanga City to Tawi-Tawi and several ships sail from Zamboanga and Jolo to Bongao's capital town.