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La Ciudad de Zamboanga

Zamboanga City, renowned as Asia's Latin City, is a brilliant amalgamation of diverse cultural influences intertwined with a rich and dynamic history. Not only is Zamboanga City home to some of the Philippines' most stunning beaches, but it also boasts globally acclaimed ones. Sta. Cruz Island has earned prestigious recognition as one of National Geographic's Most Beautiful Beaches, drawing admiration from both visitors and locals.

At the heart of Zamboanga City is the resonant language of "Chabacano," a Spanish Creole that echoes the city's multicultural heritage. This unique language adds enchanting charm to the vibrant atmosphere prevalent in the city.

Moreover, Zamboanga City is a culinary haven, boasting some of the nation's finest dishes. Notably, local delicacies like Curacha, a deep-sea crab native to the waters of Zamboanga, are paired with the famous Alavar Sauce. Satti, a dish consisting of grilled beef, chicken, or liver, is served with a distinct sweet and spicy sauce. Besides these, Zamboanga City also offers Spanish, Italian, Mexican, Tausug, Malaysian, Middle Eastern, and Chinese dishes, providing a thrilling gastronomic adventure that is sure to satisfy even the most fervent critics.

From its beaches to its historic buildings, Zamboanga City is a destination that captivates the heart with its natural beauty and immerses visitors and locals alike in a rich cultural experience. 

Mucho Colores Ciudad de Zamboanga

Dive into Zamboanga's incredible culinary mosaic! From the irresistible Satti for breakfast to the delightful Knickerbocker Glory, our city's food scene is a vibrant journey through diverse flavors.

Uncover the allure of Zamboanga's local tourism. From historical landmarks to spiritual sanctuaries, ecotourism wonders, cultural hubs, and serene parks, each site weaves a unique story.

Step into the mesmerizing charm of Sta. Cruz Island and Once Islas! Prepare for an adventure that will sweep you off your feet, enchant your senses, and unveil the awe-inspiring wonders of nature!

Ready for a slice of paradise in Zamboanga? Dive into our local tourism havens with accommodations that feel like home, resorts that redefine luxury, and recreational spots that guarantee a good time. Your perfect escape awaits.

Embark on an effortless journey through Zamboanga's treasures with our registered local tour packages. Discover the city's rich history, cultural wonders, and breathtaking landscapes with curated itineraries tailored for every explorer.

Get ready to shop 'til you drop in Zamboanga! Unearth Zamboanga's treasures at local souvenir shops! Your key to memorable keepsakes awaits – explore the city's vibrant culture through our recommended spots.

Recent News

Remembering Maria Clara L. Lobregat

The honorable Maria Clara Lobregat, a beacon of grace and strength, was dearly beloved by all the people fortunate enough to know her.

FELIZ NAVIDAD CIUDAD DE ZAMBOANGA

This year’s Festival Navidad drew barangays from far and wide, and among the participants was the wild-card entry, Barangay Cabaluay. Making their debut in the competition, Barangay Cabaluay spared no effort in presenting a captivating Christmas Village.

Savoring Elegance: Discovering the Myriad of Flavors in Wine Tasting.

Raymond’s Wine and Spirits graciously hosted a wine tasting event at the L’ Meridian Suites, Zamboanga City. Miss Chie Gatchalian acted as the sommelier for the event. Ms. Chie Gatchalian is the esteemed Quality and Education Manager at winery.ph, a leading name in the world of wines.

Long Weekend? Here are 7 Things to do in Zamboanga City

With the long holiday rapidly approaching, individuals are undoubtedly contemplating the most memorable ways to make the most of this well-deserved break.

Online Booking

Information about Booking

STEP 1: Accomplish the ONLINE  BOOKING FORM . Make sure you input a working email.

STEP 2: Wait for the email from City Tourism Office regarding payment of fees.

STEP 3: Proceed to the City Treasurer’s Office at City Hall to pay the necessary fees.

STEP 4: Email proof of payment to [email protected]

STEP 5: Wait for confirmation email.

STEP 6: Print and download confirmation email.

Book Your Destination Online!

Please fill the information below

Oficina de Turismo de La Ciudad de Zamboanga

Paseo del Mar, Zamboanga City

(062) 975 6341

[email protected]

ZAMBOANGA CITY TRAVEL GUIDE with Requirements, Itinerary & Budget

The pandemic drained almost all the color out of our little worlds. For most of us, we burned over two years cooped up inside four bleak, off-white walls, isolated from all this planet’s vibrance to which travel used to treat us. For most of us, the only trips we made were to the grocery. The only flights we took were of fancy. As for me, when I let our imagination run wild, it usually takes me back to Zamboanga.

When we think of Zamboanga, we think of colors. And we’re not just talking about the iconic vinta that has become a symbol for this region! From the subtle rosy hues of its Pink Beach to the delicious bright orange plates of curacha crabs to the vibrant costumes at the Hermosa Festival, Zamboanga is definitely one of the brightest, most colorful destinations in the Philippines.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

UNDERSTANDING ZAMBOANGA CITY

The term “Zamboanga” can refer to many geographical areas. Zamboanga City is the biggest urban hub in Region IX, called Zamboanga Peninsula, which is also made up of the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, and Zamboanga Sibugay and four other cities (Dapitan, Dipolog, Pagadian, and Isabela de Basilan).

In the airline industry, Zamboanga most often refers to the city, where the Zamboanga International Airport (ZAM) is located. But for the purpose of this travel guide, when we mention Zamboanga, we mean the city.

The name Zamboanga is most likely to have come from Samboangan , which means “mooring place”. Samboang is a Sinama term referring to poles used for mooring. Other sources claim that its etymology leads to Indonesian jambangan , which means a place for flowers, which is why Zamboanga is also called “City of Flowers”.

Zamboanga City’s history as a settlement is deep, running all the way to the 12th century when the Subanon (Subanen) people reached the area. Over the next centuries, many Tausug, Yakan, Sama-Banguingui and Sama-Bajau people moved here from the Basilan and the Sulu archipelago. When Islam arrived, it became the dominant religion.

When the Spaniards began its colonization of the Philippines, they chose Zamboanga as a military stronghold in Mindanao, paving way for Christian settlers. Fort Pilar was later established to defend the settlement.

This long history led to the complex, eclectic mix that is Zamboanga. Its proximity to Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia also allows a flood of influences to seep through. This diversity is evident in almost all aspects of its culture, including its languages, religions, cuisines.

Today, Zamboanga City is a highly urbanized, chartered city. It is politically independent, although for statistical purposes, it is clustered with Zamboanga del Sur. It also serves as the region’s economic, educational, and cultural hub.

Here are some essential bits about Zamboanga that you might need to know before your trip, especially if you’re coming from abroad.

• Location: Zamboanga City, Region IX (Zamboanga Peninsula), Philippines. Coordinates: 6°54′29″N 122°04′35″E
• Nicknames: Asia’s Latin City, City of Flowers.
• Time Zone: UTC+8 (Philippine Standard Time). If you’re visiting from Malaysia or Singapore, Zamboanga (and the entire Philippines) is in the same time zone.
• Language: The most commonly spoken is Chavacano or Chabacano, a Spanish-based Creole, which is a mix of Spanish and other native languages.
• Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP, ₱).
• Modes of Payment: Bring cash. You’ll need it for most transportation options and small purchases. Many establishments accept credit cards and GCash, but most still prefer good old-fashioned cash.

ZAMBOANGA CITY TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Zamboanga City is under ALERT LEVEL 1, as of this writing. For leisure travelers from similar Alert Level or lower, here are the travel requirements:

FOR FULLY VACCINATED

• valid government ID
• vaccination card

FOR NON-FULLY VACCINATED

• negative RT-PCR test result from an accredited laboratory, issued 120 hours or 5 days before departure.

FOR TRAVELERS FROM AREAS UNDER HIGHER ALERT LEVEL or other areas with known cases of concerning variants (according to IATF), here are the requirements:

• negative RT-PCR test result from an accredited laboratory, issued 120 hours or 5 days before departure
• negative rapid antigen test result from an accredited lab, issued within 24 hours prior to departure

Children/Minors under eighteen (18) years are exempted from testing requirements. But all travelers may be subject to random antigen testing upon entry into the city.

HOW TO GET TO ZAMBOANGA CITY

Zamboanga City and nearby municipalities are served by Zamboanga International Airport (ZAM), which also serves as the gateway to Basilan. Because there are no direct flights from Luzon or Visayas to Bongao, most Tawi-tawi-bound travelers also make a transfer at Zamboanga Airport.

Most local airlines operate flights to Zamboanga from Manila. But if you’re after affordable fares, AirAsia flies daily to Zamboanga City. Travel time is 1 hour and 40 minutes.

I did a quick search for flights and found fares like these:

Each booking comes with a complimentary 7kg carry-on baggage allowance. This can be enough for a weekend trip. But note that this does not yet include check-in baggage allowance.

For a worry-free and more comfortable journey, you can also add a Value Pack , which includes 20kg check-in baggage allowance, standard selection, a meal, and Tune Protect insurance (for baggage delay & 1 hour on-time guarantee protection). Meanwhile, their Premium Flex option allows you to change the date and time of your flight up to two times.

If you’re coming from Manila, AirAsia’s Zamboanga flights operate from NAIA Terminal 4.

Upon Arrival at the Airport

After disembarking, you will be led to the Arrival area, where you’ll be waiting for your check-in baggage (if you have any).

As soon as you exit the Arrival Hall, you’ll notice a white tent immediately in front of it. This is where they check the entry requirements. The process is pretty straightforward. In our experience, they just asked which part of the Philippines we flew from and asked to see our ID and vaccination card. In just a few minutes, we were through.

However, a line may start forming towards the checking tent, so add some time allowance if you need to catch a certain schedule.

Zamboanga Airport to City Center

Zamboanga Airport is located within the city center, so you don’t need to worry about long transfer times. After you emerge from the checking tent, you’ll be greeted by taxi drivers, offering to take you to the city. You may also walk all the way to the gate, outside of which you’ll find a line of tricycles.

According to our local friends, these usual rates should apply:

• Taxi: Flagdown rate, P40. Cost to the City Hall area should be around P80.
• Tricycle: P20 for the first km, P5 per additional km

However, the driver might try to strike a deal with you regarding the cost. It is quite common to be charged P150-200 for the trip.

WHERE TO STAY IN ZAMBOANGA

Most hotels in Zamboanga are concentrated in two key areas: the city core (which is closer to the seaport) and the area near the airport. Both harbor a lot of dining and shopping establishments. Both have its share of budget-friendly options (although there are more expensive properties near the airport). Both are easily accessible and are not too far away from each other. However, during rush hour, traffic in between can be a problem. For this reason, which is better depends on your itinerary.

If the reason you’re in Zamboanga is primarily to see the Pink Beach or go on a day trip to Basilan, then stay at the heart of the city. But if your target destinations are mostly north of the city — say Once Islas and Merloquet Falls — or you’re the type who doesn’t want to worry about missing your flight out, then the area near the airport makes more sense.

Either way, generally, accommodations in Zamboanga is much more affordable than in other highly urbanized cities in the Philippines. Average rate for a double or twin room at a business hotel should play within P1500-P1800 per night. But you can find a room for less than PhP 1500, even lower when there are ongoing promos.

We have tried three different hotels in Zamboanga and all of them were decent and pleasant:

• Ever O Business Hotel. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Winzelle Suites. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• L’ Meridian. Check Rates & Availability! ✅

If you have a bigger budget, you may also check out these other properties in the area:

• Marcian Garden Hotel. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Hotel Primera. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• W Hotel. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Grand Astoria Hotel. Check Rates & Availability! ✅

Search for more Zamboanga Hotels!

For even more affordable options, you may stay at a pension house, guest house or other inns. The Department of Tourism (DOT) has a list of accredited Mabuhay accommodations. We’ll be publishing the list in another post so be sure to check back soon.

HOW TO GET AROUND ZAMBOANGA CITY

By public transportation.

The three most usual modes of transportation within the city are the jeepney, the tricycle, and the taxi. But because we didn’t want to deal with the routes, we ended up using the tricycle most of the time. Tricycles, usually shortened to “tricy” in this part of Mindanao, are the most common.

Ideally, here’s the approved tricycle fare:

• P20 for the first kilometer
• P5 per succeeding km.

That said, the reality on the ground is different. While many tricycle drivers followed the fare matrix, we also encountered those who, when asked how much the fare is, would reply with: “Kayo na po ang bahala. (It’s up to you.)” This makes things awkward especially if you really have no idea at all. To be fair, this is not exclusive to Zamboanga. It happens in many other parts of the country.

But based on experience, we were usually charged P40-P50 per person for a tricycle ride. We were also charged P75 per person for longer distances (e.g. airport area to seaport).

Taxis are also available but they are not as ubiquitous. Flagdown rate is P40.

Whatever mode you pick, take the rush hour traffic into consideration especially if you’re trying to catch a flight or boat.

By Packaged Tour

Zamboanga City is rich in history, so the best way to get around is to join a guided tour. This way, you’ll have a better understanding and appreciation of the attractions. We’ve only tried two tour companies so far: Buenas Travel & Tours and iTravel Tourist Lane .

Here are their contact details:

• iTravel Tourist Lane Contact person: Errold Bayona (062) 991-1174, +63917-722-6410 www.itraveltouristlane.com
• Buenas Travel and Tours Contact person: Jun Camins +63 905 381 7889

Unfortunately, because of the pandemic, join-in tours are not advisable as of this writing. Most tour packages available we found are for private groups, which can be pretty pricey if you’re a small group of 2-4. For example, a half-day city tour could cost you P3150/head if you’re a party of 2 but only P1350/head if you’re a group of 10 or more.

Regardless, get in touch with them for a quotation or just to check the latest policies on group tours because things might have changed since our visit.

THINGS TO DO IN ZAMBOANGA

Zamboanga City has so much to offer, we can’t possibly list them all here. So we created a separate article discussing its tourist attractions in detail one by one. You can find it here: ZAMBOANGA TOURIST SPOTS!

But below are some of the most popular tours that you might want to consider.

Pink Beach (Grande Sta. Cruz Island)

Off the coast of Zamboanga Peninsula lies an island that, when kissed by the sun, glows with a natural rosy blush. Hailed by the National Geographic as one of the World’s 21 Best Beaches in 2017, Pink Beach is Zamboanga City’s most popular tourist attraction.

To manage your expectations, the pink hue isn’t vivid or bright. From afar, the sandy shore looks like the usual white beach, but the closer you get, the pink taint becomes more apparent. The sand’s pale pink tint is the result of the weathering of the red organ-pipe corals (tubipora musica) that were brought to the shore by the waves.

Zamboanga City’s Paseo del Mar is the main jump-off point to the island and its Pink Beach. Visitors can hire a tricycle from the city center to Santa Cruz Island Ferry Terminal in Paseo del Mar. The boat ride takes about 20 minutes.

But the Pink Beach is but a narrow section of the island, which is dominated by a vast lagoon, covered with mangroves, nourishing wildlife and promoting biodiversity. To explore it, you may join a separate guided boat tour. You’ll learn about the types of mangroves and meet upside-down jellyfish . Don’t leave without grabbing an opportunity to row an iconic vinta!

You may also drop by Little Santa Cruz Island, a completely separate islet, for a quick sandbar experience. Quick because you’re only allowed to stay here for 10 minutes.

Here are some essential info about visiting Santa Cruz Islands.

• Register in advance! The number of visitors is strictly regulated.
• Registration and boat service start at 7:00 AM. Overnight stay is not permitted and only day tours are allowed.
• Boat fee to Pink Beach is P1000, good for up to 10 passengers. If your group is smaller, you’ll still need to pay the same amount.
• To join a lagoon boat tour, let the boatmen that brought you to Pink Beach know. They will take you to a small community near the entrance to the lagoon. This transfer will cost you an additional P200.
• At the lagoon entrance, you’ll be transferring to a smaller “yellow boat.” Rental of each yellow boat costs P300, good for 2 passengers.
• Lagoon tour guide fee is P300. A tour guide can lead up to 5 boats max. You can team up with other boats so you could split the guide fee.
• You can only arrange a tour before 12 noon! They won’t be accepting any booking beyond that time. Please follow the rules and regulations when exploring. The Grande Santa Cruz Island, together with the smaller Little Santa Cruz Island, is a protected area.
• Single-use plastic is strictly prohibited in the island. Junk food in plastic containers, plastic candy wrappers, plastic straws, sachets, single-use water bottles, and plastic bags are not allowed. Bring a reusable water bottle. If you must bring food, you need to place them in reusable containers. They thoroughly inspect all bags before boarding.

Here’s a summary of the expenses.

Pink Beach Entrance Fee: P20 + P5 (terminal fee) Boat to Pink Beach: P1000 (boat can accommodate up to 10 pax) Boat to entrance: P200 (good for up to 10 pax) Yellow paddle boat rental: P300 (good for 2 pax) Tour guide fee: P300 (good for up to 5 boats) Additional stop at Sandbar: P200 (good for up to 10 pax) Cottage Rental Fee: P100 – P500 (depending on the size)

Once Islas Cruise (11 Islands)

Once Islas is a string of islands off the eastern coast of Zamboanga City. Not all islands are open to the public, but those that are accessible are great for swimming, sunbathing, and further exploring. There are designated snorkeling spots for those who want to take a peek into the underwater scene. The four islands that are accessible to the public are the following:

• Bisaya-Bisaya Island , with white beach and scenic rocky cliffs. Nearby island also has a natural pool, good for a dip. Buko juice is available.
• Buh-Buh Island , known for a seaside mosque.
• Baung-Baung Island , with fair sand too.
• Sirommon Island , often the lunch stop. Also blessed with fine white sand and a viewpoint.

The islands are only open for day trips. A limit of 200 visitors per day is implemented, so advance registration is required. You need to book online through [email protected] one week before your planned visit. Guidelines and steps will be emailed upon booking inquiry. Walk-ins are not entertained.

The jump off point is the Panubigan Ferry Terminal, roughly 1.5 hours from the city center.

Jump-off Point: Panubigan Ferry Terminal in Barangay Panubigan Operating Hours: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Tuesday – Thursday, Saturday – Sunday); CLOSED (Mondays & Fridays). Note that the schedule might change without prior notice, so check first before going. Boat Rates: P1,200 (BiBa or Bisaya-Bisaya and Baung-Baung Route, good for 5 pax); P2,000 (Island Cruise, good for 5 pax) Fees: P100/head (Entrance Fee); P100/head (Environmental Fee); P300 (Guide Fee; good for 5 pax); P150 (Cottage Fee)

Zamboanga City Tour

The map of the city center and surrounding areas is dotted with several historic and recreational sites that will provide a glimpse into the city’s colorful past. You may visit these independently by taking public transportation, but these are also the common stops of organized tours.

• El Museo de Zamboanga, which has two galleries, showcasing the history and culture of the city.
• Pasonanca Park, a lovely spacious green space where you’ll find Scout Limbaga campsite, a convention center, an amphitheater, an aviary, a floral garden and butterfly sanctuary, and public swimming pools.
• Climaco Freedom Park , named after the late Zamboanga City Mayor Cesar Climaco, a local hero who was assassinated in 1984.
• Fort Pilar Shrine and Museum , dating back to the 17th century, originally serving as a Spanish military defense post. It cradles an open-air 18th-century Marian shrine — Our Lady of the Pillar — with an altar and stone seating for the devotees who want to pray and reflect.
• ZSCMST Bird Sanctuary, a protected area, where great white egrets breed and thrive, located inside the Zamboanga State College of Marine Science and Technology.
• Paseo del Mar , a waterfront recreational park lined with souvenir shops, local food vendors, and eateries. Great view of the sunset, too!
• Zamboanga City Hall , recognized as a National Historical Site. It was originally used as the official residence of the US Military Governor of the then Moro Province.

Heritage Shops & Markets

These shops are also often included in city tours, but we’re giving them a dedicated section to highlight them better.

• Canelar Barter Trade Center, a shopping center brimming with a wide array of local and imported goods (from Malaysia and Indonesia), including souvenirs, food, clothes, fabrics, and accessories.
• Yakan Weaving Village , which harbors local shops selling traditional products and practical accessories including bags, purses, pencil cases, and even yards of Yakan fabrics. You can also watch (or try for yourself!) the traditional process of Yakan weaving.
• Aderes Flea Market , located in Guiwan, where you can purchase freshly caught curacha (spanner crabs, a local delicacy), lobsters, shellfish, and other seafood!

Merloquet Falls

Located about two hours away from the city center, near the boundary with Zamboanga Sibugay in the north and Zamboanga del Norte in the west, the magnificent two-tiered Merloquet Falls is regarded as one of the most beautiful not only in the region but in the country. The most photographed is the wide terraced drop, creating magical, intricate textured cascades instead of just a smooth straight drop.

Location: Merloquet Falls Road, Barangay Sibulao, Zamboanga City Admission Fee: FREE Parking Fee: P20

Day Trip to Malamawi Island

Malamawi Island is not in Zamboanga City. It is part of Isabela City in neighboring Basilan province. But is easily accessible from Zamboanga City’s port.

Malamawi Island has a stunning white beach on its northern edge. Formerly called Malamawi White Beach, it is now a private beach and has been renamed Pahali Resort .

Day trips are allowed but you’ll need to purchase the cheapest package they have, which is a seafood tray (P2,999, good for 5 pax). Yep, even if you’re solo or duo, you’ll need to order it to avail of a day trip. But it’s delicious!

To book, just message the resort via its Facebook page . Upon arrival in Isabela City, you may register at the Tourist Assistance Center or you may also go straight to the resort.

To get to Malamawi/Pahali Resort from Zamboanga sea port, take the ferry or fast craft to Isabela City. Travel time is around 1 hour 40 minutes. After exiting Isabela Port, turn right to James Strong Boulevard, until find a waiting shed to your right. Here, board a boat to Malamawi Carbon Port (P10). Take a tricycle to Pahali Resort. Fare is P50 per person, one-way.

WHERE TO EAT IN ZAMBOANGA

One of the best things about Zamboanga City is the sheer diversity of what it has to bring to the dining table. Thanks to its colorful and complicated history, its cuisine has been a true reflection of the melting pot that the city has become over the years. Here are some of the most iconic food spots that you shouldn’t miss and what to order.

• Alavar Seafood Restaurant , best known for curacha (spanner crabs) in their signature Alavar sauce, made with coconut milk, aligue (crab meat), and various spices. It’s quite pricey, though. A serving costs P1500-P1700 per kilo, but it’s good for at least four persons. An order can have two to four crabs, depending on the size.
• Bay Tal Mal , a Moro restaurant. Order their latal (P749), which is a platter of 10 native dishes, from tiyula itum (beef in black soup, made from charred coconut) to beef kulma (similar to the familiar beef curry).
• Dennis Coffee Garden , whose roots can be traced back to Jolo, Sulu. It serves traditional Tausug coffee called kahawa sug and a smorgasbord of native merienda items or bangbang sug (P65 each), from rice cakes to deep fried bananas and sweet potatoes.
• Jimmy’s Satti , a favorite among locals who crave satti, similar to chicken or beef satay, dipped in a sweet and sometimes spicy sauce. A local friend also recommended Andy’s Special Satti .
• Hacienda de Palmeras Hotel and Restaurant , credited as the inventor of knickerbocker , a cold dessert similar to halo-halo, but with an assortment of fruits like mango, watermelon and pineapple, topped with strawberry ice cream.
• Tetuan , where you’ll find a street lined with kiosks selling kilo after kilo of delicious lechon! One of the most popular is Prince Tasty Lechon, whose recipe includes calamansi, onions, garlic, pepper and bay leaf. P550 per kilo, P350 per half-kilo.

As you explore, don’t forget to grab some street food. While Pinoy faves like banana que, fish balls, and kwek-kwek are available, you’ll also stumble upon chikalang (purple rice cake similar to pilipit or karioka), pastil (empanada), and mee goreng , especially at hotspots like the RT Lim Boulevard and Paseo del Mar .

For more information about these restaurants and food spots, we have a separate article about it. READ: WHERE TO EAT IN ZAMBOANGA CITY!

SAMPLE ZAMBOANGA ITINERARY

Here’s a sample 4-day 3-night ZAMBOANGA CITY itinerary with breakdown of expenses. Please note that this itinerary below assumes the following:

• You’re a party of 4, splitting some of the costs.
• You’re staying at a hotel in the city center.
• You’re using public transportation DIY-style for this itinerary. While we recommend joining a guided tour, it’s going to be much more costly because we have yet to confirm that join-in group tours are allowed. I don’t know which area exactly you will be staying so I set the budget for short-distance tricycle ride at P30/pax. While there is a lower set fare, it’s best to have an allowance to compensate for instances when you get charged more.

DAY 1 – ARRIVAL, CITY TOUR 7:45 am – Arrival in Zamboanga 8:30 am – Tricycle to hotel, P100 8:50 am – Drop bags at hotel 09:10 am – Tricycle to Pasonanca Jeepney terminal, P30 09:25 am – Jeepney to Pasonanca Park 10:00 am – Explore Pasonanca Park 11:00 am – El Museo de Zamboanga, P10 11:30 am – Butterfly Sanctuary, P10 12:00 pm – Jeepney to Palmeras 12:30 pm – Palmeras (lunch + knickerbocker), P325 02:00 pm – Jeepney to city center 02:15 pm – Hotel check in, rest 03:00 pm – Tricycle to Fort Pilar, P30 03:15 pm – Fort Pilar & Museum, P20 03:45 pm – Pilar Shrine 04:15 pm – ZSCMST Bird Sanctuary 05:00 pm – Paseo del Mar 06:40 pm – Tricycle to SM Mindpro, P30 07:00 pm – Dinner at Bay Tal Mal, P300/pax 08:30 pm – Back to hotel

DAY 2 – PINK BEACH, CANELAR BARTER 05:30 am – Wake up call 06:30 am – Buy food for lunch & snacks, P200 – (to be packed in reusable container) 07:00 am – Tricycle to Paseo del Mar, P30 07:15 am – Registration/briefing, P25 entrance/terminal fee 08:00 am – Boat to Pink Beach, P250 (P1000/4pax) 08:30 am – Explore Pink Beach – Cottage rental: P25 (P100/4pax) 10:00 am – Lagoon Tour – Boat to lagoon entrance, P50 (P200/4pax) – Yellow boat rental, P150 (P300/2pax) – Guide fee: P75 (P300/4pax) 11:30 am – Lunch 01:30 pm – Stop at sandbar, P50 (P200/4pax) 01:40 pm – Boat to mainland 02:15 pm – Tricycle to hotel, P30 02:30 pm – Back to hotel to freshen up 04:00 pm – Tricycle to Canelar, P30 04:10 pm – Shopping at Canelar Barter 05:00 pm – Tricycle to Alavar, P30 05:15 pm – Alavar curacha – P500/head budget 07:00 pm – Tricycle to hotel, P30 07:15 pm – Hotel rest

DAY 3 – ONCE ISLAS 05:00 am – Wake up call 06:00 am – Buy food for lunch & snacks, P200 06:30 am – Tricycle to Bus/Van terminal, P30 07:00 am – Bus/Van to Panubigan Crossing, P50-70 08:30 am – Tricycle/Habal-habal to Panubigan port, P30 08:45 am – Registration – Entrance fee: P100 – Environmental fee: P100 – Guide fee: P75 (P300/4pax) – Cottage fee: P37.5 (P150/4pax) – Boat fee: P500 (P2000/4pax) 09:00 am – Island hopping tour 02:00 pm – Tricycle/habal-habal back to highway 02:30 pm – Wait for bus back to city center – freshen up at hotel after 05:30 pm – Tricycle to Dennis Coffee Garden, P50 06:00 pm – Dennis Coffee Garden, P260 07:30 pm – Tricycle back to hotel, P50 08:00 pm – Rest

DAY 4 – DEPARTURE 06:30 am – Wake up, pack up 08:00 am – Hotel checkout 08:30 am – Tricycle to airport, P100 08:00 am – Flight check in 10:40 am – Flight back to Manila

The above itinerary will cost you around P4500, excluding airfare and accommodations but with some allowance for tips and possible price adjustments.

If you decide to book a double/twin room for P1500 per night (P750/person), prepare to shell out P6750 excluding airfare.

If you’re able to snag fares for only P3000 roundtrip, then prepare around P9750 total .

You can drastically reduce your expenses if you’re part of a bigger group.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When is the best time to visit zamboanga city.

January to May , the driest period.

Zamboanga is a year-round destination. Unlike most regions in the Philippines, the weather patterns here are stable and it is not usually battered by typhoons. That said, the best period for tourists is January to May because it’s when the chances of rain are lowest.

The rainiest period is June-November, peaking in October . But the amount of rainfall in Zamboanga is still considerably low compared to other regions, so it shouldn’t cause you much concern. Besides, its wettest month October is one of the best times to visit the city because it’s when the Hermosa Festival happens!

Hermosa Festival is the city’s fiesta , in honor of their patron saint La Virgen Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Zaragoza, which is believed to be miraculous. It’s a month-long festivity that builds up to October 12, the actual feast day. The first two weeks of October are filled with exciting activities like the Regatta, a vinta race!

How to say common greetings and phrases in Zamboanga City

The most commonly spoken language in Zamboanga City is Chavacano (or Chabacano), the only Spanish-based creole language in Asia. It is like the “love child” of Spanish and Filipino languages. While most vocabularies of the Chavacano varieties are borrowed from Spanish, the grammatical constructions or structures generally follow other Philippine languages.

Start from the basics such as greetings and useful phrases that you can use while in the city. It is also a good way to interact with the locals and learn more about their culture.

• Welcome! – Bienvenidos!
• Thank you very much! – Muchisimas Gracias!
• Good morning! – Buenas Dias!
• Good afternoon! – Buenas Tardes!
• Good evening! – Buenas Noches!
• I’m sorry! – Perdona mi.
• How much is this? – Cuanto esté?

How’s the data signal in Zamboanga City?

Globe and Smart are strong in the city center but becomes spotty and unreliable in the islands and other remote corners of city. Based on our experience.

We had no data signal for most of our Once Islas tour, especially at Panubigan Port. It suddenly pops up in some islands but they don’t usually last, for some reason.

What power plug type is used in Zamboanga City?

110V, 60Hz. Type A sockets are most common. Plugs have two flat pins.

More Tips on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️

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Hi! For the Pink Beach do you just register 7AM on the day of your visit or is there a number to contact ahead of time?

Your posts are very helpful for our upcoming Zamboanga trip, thanks a bunch :)

This is very informative! Thank you so much. We will visit the beautiful land of Zamboanga soon.

Enjoy Zamboanga! Don’t forget try their local food. Sarap!

Hi, is it safe for me a as a white guy to visit Zamboanga?

zombadonga is nice plac. thank you for your blog

Thank you for your good experience.

I’m confused because I understood you hired a tour company but your itinerary is a DIY which means I can do everything on my own as well?

Some of our activities, we did DIY-style. Some, we joined a tour.

The sample itinerary is for DIY, but it’s better to explore Zamboanga with a guide.

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ZAMBOANGA TRAVEL GUIDE 2023 | Itinerary + Budget + Map

Located on the southernmost tip of the Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga City is one of the major gateways to Mindanao. And there is indeed no better way to start your Mindanao adventure than from here. Its city center is filled with history and culture, the food scene is very vibrant, and there are beaches which you can easily access. Dubbed as Asia’s Latin City , Zamboanga City’s identity is deeply intertwined with Spain—from the way they speak, to the food they eat. Their culture is a colorful mix between the conquistadores of yore, to Christian and Muslim customs. This Zamboanga travel guide aims to help both first time and returning visitors on how to get there, where to eat, where to stay, and what to see and do in and around the city on a modest budget.

UNDERSTAND ZAMBOANGA CITY

Zamboanga City, the center of the Zamboanga Peninsula Region, is the sixth largest city in the Philippines in terms of population, and third largest by land area. It’s populated by a majority of Christians, followed closely by Muslims. It is also inhabited by the Samal, Yakan, Tausug, and Badjao people. Located on the region’s southernmost tip, it’s about an hour and a half away by plane from Manila. Zamboanga was originally founded by the Subanon people during the 12th to 13th century. Spain came in at 1521, establishing a fort—their stronghold on the islands of Mindanao. The Spanish rule, which only ended during the 1890s, had a strong influence on the city, not only in religion, but in their language, food, and traditions as well. A republic was established after the Spaniards left, the Republic of Zamboanga, up until the Commonwealth Period where it was turned into a city. Zamboanga has only two seasons, rainy and dry. The best time to go would be during the dry months of November to April, but if you want to enjoy the best of what the city has to offer, you should try and go during October where the annual Zamboanga Hermosa Festival happens.

SPEAK ZAMBOANGA

Zamboanga City is heavily influenced by the Spaniards and this reflects on how they speak. Chavacano is considered as one of the oldest creole languages in the world, it is a fusion of about sixty five percent Spanish and thirty five percent mix of local languages and dialects of the Zamboanga Peninsula and the Sulu Archipelago. Here are a few phrases you may use during your Zamboanga trip: Thank You – Gracias Good Morning – Buenas dias Good Afternoon – Buenas tardes Good Evening – Buenas noches How Much? – Cuanto este? Where is… – Donde…

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO ~ ZAMBOANGA CITY TRAVEL TIPS

● The best time to go to Zamboanga City is during October when they celebrate the annual Zamboanga Hermosa Festival. It’s the perfect time to see an actual vinta race, watch a mascota gown competition, see the faithful pray novenas at Fort Pilar, and witness the festive street dancing along Calle Valderosa. ● For beach lovers, there are islands you can visit in Zamboanga. If you’re into snorkeling, it’s best to bring your own gear—snorkel, mask, underwater camera—as most tours don’t really provide one for guests. It is also advisable to bring a dry bag with you. ● There are a lot of banks and ATM machines at the city center, so you can actually bring just the right amount of money, and simply withdraw if needed. ● Dressing conservatively isn’t really a must when in Zamboanga, the city is as modern as any in the Philippines. ● Zamboanga City is a pretty safe city, don’t let the military presence in the area intimidate you.

HOW TO GET TO ZAMBOANGA CITY

Two of the three major airlines in the Philippines, Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific, has direct flights from Manila to Zamboanga City. Travel time is about an hour and forty five minutes, with five daily flights. Zamboanga can also be reached by ferries, albeit on a longer travel time, from major cities like Manila, Cebu , and Davao. If you’re already in Visayas and Mindanao, you can even ride a bus, both air-conditioned and non-aircon, going to Zamboanga through Ceres and Rural Transit. Note, however, that if you’re coming from Visayas, it also entails a ferry ride, which is packaged within your bus trip.

FLIGHTS TO ZAMBOANGA CITY

AIRLINE CONTACT INFORMATION: CEBU PACIFIC Facebook PHILIPPINE AIRLINES   Messenger | WhatsApp +63 (998) 951-4359

FERRIES TO ZAMBOANGA

FERRY CONTACT INFORMATION: 2GO TRAVEL - Manila +63 (2) 528-7000 ALESON SHIPPING LINES - Zamboanga City +63 (62) 992-5507 | +63 (62) 992-6410 MONTENEGRO SHIPPING LINES - +63 (906) 512-2208 | +63 (917) 138-5901 | +63 (043) 740-3250 WEESAM - Bacolod: +63 (908) 812-5641 | Iloilo: +63 (933) 869-0330

BUSES TO ZAMBOANGA

BUS CONTACT INFORMATION: CERES LINER: +63 (910) 432-6704 | +63 (949) 993-8366 | +63 (953) 227-5999 RURAL TRANSIT - +63 (998) 846-8070 | +63 (919) 066-4536

HOW TO GET AROUND ZAMBOANGA CITY

ORGANIZED TOURS IN ZAMBOANGA CITY

There are tour operators who can actually make your life easier when traveling around Zamboanga City. It is possible to do most activities DIY, but if you want to maximize your time and see all the sights in a more efficient manner, consider booking a tour. During two of our trips in Zamboanga, we utilized such a service.

iTravel Tourist Lane ~ Facebook | Website +63 (917) 722-6410 | +63 (939) 445-6290 | +63 (917) 392-9474

WHERE TO STAY IN ZAMBOANGA CITY

There are lodging options for every kind of travelers in Zamboanga, from expensive five star hotels and sprawling resorts, to budget hotels and cheap hostels. Most of these are located right at the city center, although it’s also okay to stay around the fringes of the city since Zamboanga isn’t really that big.

WHERE TO EAT IN ZAMBOANGA CITY

A word of warning for people going to Zamboanga, this city will make you add some weight. There are numerous food choices in the city—you can take your pick from Spanish cuisine and seafood feasts (don’t forget to have curacha ), to Moro and Malaysian dishes. For the not-so-adventurous, traditional Filipino and Western fares can also be found within the city along with popular fast food joints like Jollibee and McDonald’s. And like most cities in Mindanao, a large percentage of the city’s population is Muslim, so expect to find halal restaurants. For a more detailed review on these restaurants, street food lovers, and those looking for Malaysian dishes in Zamboanga, read these:

• Where To Eat In Zamboanga • Zamboanga Street Food • Malaysian Restaurants in Zamboanga

WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN ZAMBOANGA CITY

Zamboanga City, being one of the oldest cities in the Philippines, is highly cultural. You can find heritage structures along its avenues, the most notable of which is the massive Fort Pilar where the Spaniards once held their seat in Mindanao. Within the city, you can also find local Mindanaoan culture like at the Yakan Weaving Village. Natural attractions also abound, from the celebrated Pink Beach of Sta. Cruz Island, the pristine beaches of Once Islas, and the majestic Merloquet Falls. Touring Zamboanga can be divided into three areas—the city center (where you can simply walk from one location to the next), the Pasonanca Park area, and the farther places which you’d need to access via public transports or in some cases, via organized tours. A more detailed article can be found here: Zamboanga Tourist Spots

WHAT TO BUY IN ZAMBOANGA CITY

There are two main shopping areas in Zamboanga City for your pasalubong and souvenir needs. The first is the massive Canelar Barter Center in Barangay Canelar where you can buy colorful scarves, dresses, all sorts of textiles, and souvenirs. It’s also here where you can shop for Malaysian goods—possible due to Zamboanga City’s proximity to Malaysia. The second is the small Yakan Weaving Village west of the city. Here you can purchase hand-woven products made by the Yakans themselves. In case your visit coincides with the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival, head over to the Palacio Del Sur events building where they hold ZamPEX (Zamboanga Peninsula Expo) . Here, you’ll be able to buy all the unique products from the whole Zamboanga Peninsula.

FESTIVALS IN ZAMBOANGA CITY

ZAMBOANGA CITY TOURIST SPOTS MAP GUIDE

ZAMBOANGA CITY SAMPLE ITINERARIES & BUDGET

A three day itinerary is mostly enough for touring Zamboanga City. It’s perfect for long weekends—you’ll just have to fly really early and leave at the last possible flight back. A day tour is also possible, but would be very limiting, you can mostly see either just the city center or a brief tour of Sta. Cruz Island. For a more extensive tour, I would suggest a four-day Zamboanga itinerary, this way you really can enjoy everything the city has to offer, all the good dishes included. The most expensive part about touring Zamboanga are the Sta. Cruz Island and Once Islas tours—which you can only join via organized trips. Merloquet Falls can also be expensive if you join a tour but can be done DIY, although it’s not that easy. If you remove those, traveling to Zamboanga is really very cheap, especially if you skip the expensive recommended restaurants—but please don’t skip those, these are part and parcel of the Zamboanga experience. For the sake of this itinerary, I listed a rough sketch of how you would be traveling from one place to the next via jeepneys or tricycles. It is very much cheaper to go by jeepney—just ask around if you’re not familiar with the route, Zamboangeños are very helpful—since most tricycle drivers would usually ask that you pay for the full fare of the entire tricycle.

ZAMBOANGA ONE DAY ITINERARY / DAY TOUR / DAY TRIP

► ₱468.00 PER PERSON

• Early arrival at Zamboanga City • Satti Breakfast     ₱12.00 | JEEP TO SATTI HOUSE     ₱60.00 | AVERAGE SATTI BREAKFAST PRICE • Visit Pasonanca Park     VISIT SWIMMING POOLS, GARDEN, TREEHOUSE, BOY SCOUT        ₱12.00 | JEEP TO PASONANCA PARK     ₱10.00 | ENTRANCE FEE TO POOLS • Visit Yakan Weaving Village     ₱12.00 | JEEP TO YAKAN WEAVING VILLAGE • Lunch at Vista Del Mar         ₱200.00 | AVERAGE MEAL COST    • City Center Walking Tour     VISIT METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL, PLAZA RIZAL, CITY HALL, FORT PILAR, NATIONAL MUSEUM, PASEO DEL MAR, ZSCMST BIRD SANCTUARY     ₱12.00 | JEEP TO METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL • Dinner at Paseo del Mar     ₱150.00 | AVERAGE MEAL COST • Depart Zamboanga City

ZAMBOANGA CITY TWO DAYS ITINERARY

► DAY ONE | ₱972.00 PER PERSON (GROUP OF TWO)

• Early morning arrival   • Leave bag at lodging         ₱500.00 | LODGING RENT (₱1,000.00) PER DAY FOR TWO ► CHEAPEST RATE ONLINE • Satti Breakfast     ₱12.00 | JEEP TO SATTI HOUSE     ₱60.00 | AVERAGE SATTI BREAKFAST PRICE • Visit Pasonanca Park     VISIT SWIMMING POOLS, GARDEN, TREEHOUSE, BOY SCOUT         ₱12.00 | JEEP TO PASONANCA PARK     ₱10.00 | ENTRANCE FEE TO POOLS • Visit Yakan Weaving Village     ₱12.00 | JEEP TO YAKAN WEAVING VILLAGE • Lunch at Vista Del Mar     ₱200.00 | AVERAGE MEAL COST • Check in at Hotel     ₱12.00 | JEEP TO HOTEL • City Center Walking Tour     VISIT METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL, PLAZA RIZAL, CITY HALL, FORT PILAR, NATIONAL MUSEUM, PASEO DEL MAR, ZSCMST BIRD SANCTUARY     ₱12.00 | JEEP TO METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL • Dinner at Paseo del Mar     ₱150.00 | AVERAGE MEAL COST

► DAY TWO | ₱1,324.00 PER PERSON (GROUP OF TWO)

• Breakfast at Lodging     ₱0.00 | COMPLIMENTARY BREAKFAST • Early hotel check out (Leave bags at lobby) • Once Islas Island Hopping     ₱1,100.00 | GROUP TOUR FEE (₱2,200.00) INCLUSIVE OF LUNCH AND TRANSPORT • Dinner at Alavar’s     ₱12.00 | JEEP TO ALAVAR’S     ₱200.00 | AVERAGE MEAL COST • Back at the hotel     ₱12.00 | JEEP TO HOTEL • Depart Zamboanga City

► ₱2,296.00 ~ TOTAL BUDGET FOR A TWO-DAY TOUR PER PERSON BASED ON A GROUP OF TWO

ZAMBOANGA CITY THREE DAYS ITINERARY

• Follow previous Day One itinerary

► DAY TWO | ₱1,824.00 PER PERSON (GROUP OF TWO)

• Follow previous Day Two itinerary (But don’t check out just yet)     ₱500.00 | LODGING RENT (₱1,000.00) PER DAY FOR TWO ► CHEAPEST RATE ONLINE

► DAY THREE | ₱580.00 PER PERSON (GROUP OF TWO)

• Breakfast at Lodging • Early hotel check out (Leave bags at lobby) • Sta. Cruz Island Tour     ₱394.00 | TOUR FEE (₱788.00) INCLUSIVE OF TRANSPORT     ₱150.00 | PACKED LUNCH • Shopping at Canelar Barter     ₱12.00 | JEEP TO CANELAR • Early Dinner at Dennis Coffee Garden     ₱12.00 | JEEP TO DENNIS COFFEE GARDEN • Depart     ₱12.00 | JEEP TO HOTEL

► ₱3,376.00 ~ TOTAL BUDGET FOR A THREE-DAY TOUR PER PERSON BASED ON A GROUP OF TWO

ZAMBOANGA CITY FOUR DAYS ITINERARY

► DAY THREE | ₱1,080.00 PER PERSON (GROUP OF TWO)

• Follow previous Day Three itinerary (But don’t check out just yet)     ₱500.00 | LODGING RENT (₱1,000.00) PER DAY FOR TWO

► DAY FOUR | ₱1,287.00 PER PERSON (GROUP OF TWO)

• Breakfast at Lodging • Early hotel check out (Leave bags at lobby)   • Merloquet Falls Tour     ₱625.00 | TOUR FEE (₱1,250.00) INCLUSIVE OF TRANSPORTATION & LUNCH • Early Dinner at Yubenco Food Complex     ₱150.00 | AVERAGE MEAL PRICE • Depart Zamboanga City     ₱12.00 | JEEP TO HOTEL

► ₱5,163.00 ~ TOTAL BUDGET FOR A FOUR-DAY TOUR PER PERSON BASED ON A GROUP OF TWO

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Thank you for this! :)

Glad to be of service! Enjoy your Zamboanga trip! :)

Hi. Thanks for sharing. Would u mind sharing also where did u avail of the tour packeges for once islas, sta. Cruz island and merloquet falls tour? Thanks in advance.

Hi there, you may get your tour packages from iTravel Tourist Lane. +63 (917) 722-6410 | +63 (939) 445-6290 | +63 (917) 392-9474

Hello, Lakad Pilipinas! Been a long time follower of your work. Looks like a website has stolen your content with lines from your Zamboanga travel guide rephrased (but your exact same photos grabbed) to not be tagged as outright plagiarism —> https://jotmavens.com/2023/10/17/zamboanga-travel-guide-2023-itinerary-finances-map/

Hi Mark, thanks for the heads up. Will report this. And thank you for being a long-time follower. :)

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Our vacation packages to Zamboanga give you countless opportunities to discover new sights, sounds and activities. And with all your travel plans taken care of, you can let go and enjoy your city break without a care in the world. If taking in sights is on the to-do list during your trip to Zamboanga, swing by big attractions like Zamboanga City Hall , KCC Mall De Zamboanga and Pasonanca Park . Your ideal Zamboanga vacation is clicks away. Browse accommodations, flights and more on Expedia for an adventure that's tailored just for you.

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You can find out about the history of Zamboanga with a visit to Fort Pilar. Discover the area's waterfalls and cathedral.

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ZAMBOANGA TRAVEL GUIDE: Tourist Spots, Restaurants, Hotels, Itinerary

• Post author: Glen Nomad
• Post comments: 0 Comments
• Post last modified: June 12, 2023

Our comprehensive Zamboanga travel guide featuring must-visit tourist spots, hotels, restaurants and more.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT ZAMBOANGA?

HOW TO GET TO ZAMBOANGA CITY?

Getting out of zamboanga airport, how to get around in zamboanga city, zamboanga city hotels : where to stay in zamboanga.

• Marcian Business Hotel  – This property is near the airport. Perfect choice if you are attending a conference or an expo at Palacio del Sur.
• Garden Orchid Hotel  – This hotel is also close to the airport. Nice hotel!
• Grand Astoria Hotel
• Ever O Business Hotel
• City Inn Hotel
• Winzelle Suites
• Casa Canelar Pension  – This pension house is close to the barter market. Relatively cheap but comfortable to stay. 

ZAMBOANGA CITY TOURIST SPOTS (Best Things to Do and Top Tourist Attractions)

The great sta. cruz island.

The Great Sta. Cruz Island is probably the most popular tourist spot in Zamboanga City. It is situated just about 20 minutes by boat from Paseo del Mar. It’s a protected area, home to the famous Pink Sand Beach of Zamboanga.

Entrance fee is only Php20 but you will have to rent a boat to cross the island. Boat fare is Php1,000 good for up to 10 passengers. Terminal fee is Php5.

The Great Sta, Cruz Island Lagoon

If you visit the Great Sta. Cruz Island, make sure you also explore the Great Sta. Cruz lagoon. It’s best to explore during high tide so you’ll be able to appreciate its beauty more.

Paseo del Mar

Paseo del Mar is one of the best places to chill in Zamboanga City. You can catch the best sunset in this park as well as sample some of the best food in the city. A must-try is the knickerbocker and the tempura sold in one of the food stalls inside Paseo del Mar.

Rio Hondo is the ground zero of the Zamboanga siege happened in 2013. It is home to a huge Muslim population in the city.

Yakan Weaving Village

Yakan Weaving Village is one of the must-visit places in the region. It is located in Upper Calarian in Zamboanga City. A group of Yakan weavers showcases their amazing craftsmanship in making colorful and intricate patterns using pineapple and abaca fibers.

Zamboanga City Hall

Zamboanga City Hall is not just a seat of local power but also an attractions to many locals and visitors due to its picturesque facade. During Christmas season, it is well-lighted which make it even more attractive during the night.

Freedom Park / Helmet Park Zamboanga

The Freedom Park also known as the Helmet Park is the memorial and the final resting place of slain Mayor of Zamboanga City, Cesar C. Climaco. 

Merloquet Falls

Merloquet Falls is one of Zamboanga City’s hidden and unspoiled natural attractions located at Sitio Merloquet, Barangay Sibulao in the east coast of the city. 

Once Islas is a new eco-cultural tourism attraction in Zamboanga City which opened to the public in July 2018. It’s located within the boundaries of Barangays Panubigan and Dita, about an hour away from the city proper. As the name suggests, it’s a group off 11 beautiful islands waiting to be explored. 

Pasonanca Park

Pasonanca Park is a public park in Zamboanga City located about 7kms from the city proper. Some of the attractions inside the park are: Butterfly Park in La Jardin Maria Clara Lobregat, Zamboanga City Museum, Pasonanca teepees and tree house. 

ZSCMST Bird Sanctuary

Zamboanga State College of Marine Science and Technology (ZSCMST) Bird Sanctuary is a protected sanctuary in Zamboanga City home to some local and migratory birds.

The Real Fuerza de Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Zaragoza (Royal Fort of Our Lady of the Pillar of Zaragoza), populary known as Fort Pilar is a military defense fortress located in the heart of Zamboanga City. It is now regional museum of the National Museum of the Philippines. In its eastern wall is a Marian Shrine dedicated to Our Lady of the Pillar, the patroness of Zamboanga City.

RESTAURANTS IN ZAMBOANGA : Where to Eat in Zamboanga

Dennis Coffee Garden

Address: San Jose Road, Zamboanga City also a branch inside KCC Mall Zamboanga Opening Hours:  9:00 AM – 11:00 PM, call (062) 957 1131 for reservations. Must-Try Food: Sulu Coffee, Tausug dishes like Beef Kulma, Chicken Pianggang, Utak Utak and Tiulah Itum. Also try their freshly cooked native pastries like Daral, Panggih-Panggih, Wadjit and more. There’s so much to try. This is obviously my favorite restaurant in Zamboanga City.

Alavar Seafood Restaurant

Address: Don Alfaro St., Zamboanga City Opening Hours: Open all day, call (062) 992 4533 for reservations Must-Try Food: Curacha in Alavar Sauce and baked imbao 

Barcode Restaurant Zamboanga

Address: Riza St., Zamboanga City Opening Hours: Opens at 10AM to 10PM, Call 0926 353 6349 for reservations. Must-Try Food: Tausug food – Tiula Itum, Beef Kulma and Chicken Piyanggang

Hai San Seafood Market and Restaurant

Address: #60 SAN JOSE ROAD, Zamboanga City Opening Hours:  10:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM, call 9915506 for reservations. Must-Try Food: Fresh seafood cooked according to your liking.

Country Chicken Restaurant

Address: KM 4 Pasonanca Road, Pasonanca, Zamboanga City Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM, call (062) 991 1852 for reservations. Must-Try Food: Seafood Paella and their home-made ice cream for dessert

Andy’s Satti

Address: C. Atilano St., Tetuan, Zamboanga City Opening Hours: Varies everday betwwen 5:00 AM – 1:00 PM 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Best to go there for breakfast. Must-Try Food: Satti

Hacienda del Palmeras Hotel & Restaurant

Address: Pasonanca Road, Barangay Sta. Maria, Zamboanga City Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM, call (062) 991 3284 for reservations. Must-Try Food: The famous Knickerbocker

Bay Tal Mal Restaurant

Address: Mayor Jaldon St. Canelar, Zamboanga City Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM, call 0915 016 0448 for reservations.  Must-Try Food: Latal – a platter of Moro dishes 

La Vista del Mar Restaurant

Address: Labuan-Limpapa National Road, Zamboanga City Opening Hours: Open for lunch and dinner Must-Try Food: Curacha with their own special sauce and ensadala de chamba

WHERE TO BUY PASALUBONG IN ZAMBOANGA?

The most famous place to buy pasalubong in Zamboanga is at Canelar Barter Trade Center. You can buy local products as well as Malaysian goods which are not available in the local supermarket.

SUGGESTED ZAMBOANGA ITINERARY

Day 1 Zamboanga Travel Guide Itinerary – Zamboanga Walking Tour (Fort Pilar to Zamboanga City Hall), Lunch in Barcode, dinner somewhere in Fort Pilar or try the Curacha of  Alavar Restaurant. If you arrive in Zamboanga early, you can also visit Pasonanca Park on the first day and have dinner at Country Chicken.

Day 2 Zamboanga Travel Guide Itinerary – Wake up early and try Andy’s Satti. Head your way to Sta. Cruz Island and sepnd a day in the island. Go back to the mainland, wait for the amazing sunset at Paseo del Mar. Dinner at Dennis Coffee Garden.

Day 3 Zamboanga Travel Guide Itinerary – Take a bus to Merloquet Falls early in the morning. Go back to the city and visit the Yakan weaving village or spend a day at Once Islas.

Day 4 Zamboanga Travel Guide Itinerary – Leave Zamboanga City or do a side trip to Basilan , Tawi-Tawi or Sulu .

HASSLE-FREE ZAMBOANGA CITY TOUR

If you want a hassle-free tour of Zamboanga City and even nearby towns, we highly recommend you book a tour with iTravel Tourist Lane . They will arrange all necessary logistics to make your Zamboanga City experience smooth and easy and more enjoyable. You may email them at [email protected] .

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Glen Nomad is a travel blogger and the founder of Escape Manila, one of the top travel blogs in the Philippines. He has visited all 82 provinces in the Philippines and has explored 53 countries across Asia, North & South America, East Africa, Europe, and Australia. Follow him on IG at @escapemanila

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With  BiyaheFinder Zamboanga Travel Information , you’ll have everything you need to make the most of your trip. This brief Travel Info contains all the information you need to know about amazing Zamboanga City, from flight availability and promos, to where to stay and what attractions you can’t miss. So if you’re looking for information for your trip to Zamboanga City, look no further than Zamboanga Travel Guide by BiyaheFinder !

Zamboanga Travel Requirements

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Zamboanga Travel: Flights Schedule

The flight schedule shown above was updated on November 1, 2022, for the Month of November 2022. Airlines frequently change their schedule without notice, so it is best always to check out the airlines’ official websites.

Blank cells mean there are no flights for that particular route to and from Zamboanga.

Zamboanga Travel: Promos and Seat Sales

Check out the latest promos to and from Zamboanga City. Blank cells mean the particular airline does not have any promos going to or coming from Zamboanga.

For the latest promos appearing above, please click on the respective links below for more information like booking and travel periods:

• Ending November 10, 2022: Cheapest Cebu Pacific Promo Tickets for 2022-2023 Travel For as Low as P88 One Way Base Fare
• Ending November 10, 2022: Cebu Pacific Ticket Promo for Asian Destinations, Dubai, or Sydney for as Low as P1299 One-Way Base Fare!

Zamboanga Travel: Best Hotels

Check out the best hotels in Zamboanga as guest-rated on Agoda.com. The best Zamboanga Travel hotels rated on the platform are categorized according to value or budget (one to two stars) and mid-high end (three to five stars) hotels. Click on the link to check out the hotel photos, amenities, nightly rate, and room availability.

Best Time for Zamboanga Travel

Zamboanga’s most popular month for tourism is October, followed by July and May. During these times, hotel rates and flights will be the most costly, but advance booking might help you save money. Those who want to avoid visiting during these months should anticipate paying the lowest prices.

Zamboanga Travel: Transfers and Transportation

To and from zamboanga land transport services, to and from zamboanga ferry services, top 17 zamboanga tourist spots to visit, zamboanga city is a place of stunning natural beauty and cultural richness.

Zamboanga City is a place of stunning natural beauty and cultural richness. Situated on the Zamboanga Peninsula in the southwest corner of Mindanao, Zamboanga City is blessed with a tropical climate, white-sand beaches, and lush green vegetation. The city is also home to a rich culture and history, with Spanish colonial influences evident in its architecture and cuisine.

Despite all of its charms, Zamboanga City is often overlooked as a tourist destination. This is a shame, as there is much to see and do in this vibrant city. Here are just some of the top tourist spots in Zamboanga that you shouldn’t miss:

1. Paseo del Mar

This oceanfront promenade is the perfect place to take a leisurely stroll, watch the sunset, or enjoy a meal at one of the many seafood restaurants. On weekends, the promenade comes alive with locals and visitors alike, as it is transformed into a vibrant night market.

Paseo del Mar has all of that and more with a range of tiny shops, restaurants, and food carts to visit. Zamboanga City’s Dancing Fountain, which shoots water into the air to amaze everyone who passes by for a solid minute or two, is also there.

From the boardwalk, you may see the Santa Cruz Islands and Basilan Island, which is just to the south. One can also ride the vintage here during weekends from 4:00 to 6:00 PM.

2. Plaza Pershing

Plaza Pershing was established in Zamboanga City to honor Governor John Joseph “Black Jack” Pershing for his victory over Muslim insurgents. it is located in downtown Zamboanga and very accessible to the City Hall and other city landmarks.

Today, it is an open-air park in Zamboanga’s bustling shopping area where people may stroll about, listen to bands and “miting-de-avances”, and participate in competitions on special occasions while purchasing local products. The agriculture fair is also held in this area during Fiesta Pilar.

3. Zamboanga City Hall and Rizal Park

The Zamboanga City Hall is one of the most recognized sights in the city and is the seat of local government. The National Historical Commission of the Philippines considers the city hall structure a National Historic Site.

The construction of the historic building started in 1905 and was finished in 1907. The Federal Government of the United States built it to be the official residence of the US Military Governor of the Moro Province. Later, it became the seat of government for the Department of Mindanao and Sulu. Since 1937, it has been used as Zamboanga City’s city hall. The Zamboanga City Hall has a Filipino colonial architectural design.

Rizal Park , in front of the Zamboanga City Hall, is another must-see spot in Zamboanga City. It’s a mini-park where a white-washed statue of the national here, Jose Rizal, is located. It’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon relaxing and taking in the scenery.

4. Rio Hondo Village

Rio Hondo is a Muslim village in Zamboanga popular for its houses on stilts. These houses were built to protect the villagers from floods. The homes are connected by wooden bridges at high tide. The village entrance is via the wooden bridge that spans the Hondo River (or Rio Hondo) which means deep river, which forms its border.

The Muslim settlement can be seen from 200 meters away, with its silver dome. Continue walking for a short distance farther to Rio Hondo, which means “deep river.”

It is best to drop by the Barangay Hall before exploring the place so you will be provided a trusted guide.

5. Yakan Weaving Village

The Yakan Weaving Village , which is roughly six kilometers west of Zamboanga City, is a market for selling high-quality Yakan weavings, brassware, and mass-produced batik.

The Yakan are an indigenous tribe of Basilan Island, and their weaves are made with vibrant colors and geometric patterns.

In this village, you can see colorful textiles being produced on the spot. There are several handicrafts for sale, such as hand-carved Basilian Pira Swords, satchels, scarves, and textiles to take home as mementos. You won’t find a price tag on any of these items, so be prepared to bargain a deal that is acceptable for both you and the seller.

6. Jardín de Maria Clara Lobregat

Jardín de Maria Clara Lobregat is one of Zamboanga city’s fresh new tourist attractions. The park is named for former city mayor Maria Clara Lobregat and features a variety of butterflies, orchids, and roses. It also includes an aviary park for parrots, turkeys, and eagles.

The garden is located in the heart of Zamboanga City, making it easily accessible for everyone. It is also one of the best places to get a view of the city skyline. The park has beautiful flowers and butterflies such as orchids, roses, and multicolored butterflies. It also features an aviary park for birds such as parrots, turkeys, and eagles. There are also several benches where you can sit and enjoy the scenery.

Jardín de Maria Clara Lobregat is definitely one of the top tourist spots in Zamboanga that you shouldn’t miss!

7. Pasonanca Park

If you’re looking for a nature escape in Zamboanga City, look no further than Pasonanca Park located in Pasonanca in Zamboanga City.

The park was built in 1912 during the administration of General John J. Pershing, Governor of the Moro Province, and finished under the reign of Frank W. Carpenter, Governor of the Department of Mindanao and Sulu (1914-1920). Thomas Hanley, a parksman from the United States hired by Pershing to serve at Pasonanca, oversaw the original layout of the park.

This lush green oasis is home to a variety of plants and animals, making it the perfect spot for a relaxing walk or picnic. The highlights of Pasonanca Park are the three public pools – a huge Olympic-size swimming pool, a natural tranquil pool, and a kids’ pool with water slides. There are also many picnic areas.

Be sure to check out the park’s butterfly garden while you’re there!

8. Great Santa Cruz Island

The Island of Great Santa Cruz in the Philippines is a little inhabited island off Zamboanga City’s southern coast known for its pink coralline sand. The island, located four kilometers south of downtown at the Santa Cruz Bank in the Basilan Strait, boasts one of the Philippines’ pink sand beaches. The crimson pulverized organ pipe coral from countless years of surf erosions blended with the white sand gives it its color.

From the 1970s and early 1980s, the island became popular with German, Japanese, and Italian visitors. There has been a recent increase in tourism due to its growing popularity as one of the World’s Pink Sand Beaches and Asia’s only. It was named one of National Geographic magazine’s 21 Best Beaches in the World in 2017.

If you’re looking for a relaxing day by the beach, head to Great Santa Cruz. The views are absolutely stunning, and it’s definitely one of the most beautiful beaches in Zamboanga.

9. Little Santa Cruz Island

Little Santa Cruz Island is one of the most beautiful and popular tourist destinations in Zamboanga City. The island, situated almost four kilometers south of downtown Zamboanga City, on the Basilan Strait, is known for its stunning white-sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and lush vegetation. It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the Philippines.

One of the most popular activities on Santa Cruz Island is snorkeling. The clear waters offer great visibility, and there is a variety of fish and coral to explore. The island is also home to a number of sea turtles, making it a great place for turtle spotting. Other popular activities on the island include swimming, sunbathing, and hiking.

If you’re looking for a beautiful and peaceful tropical getaway, Santa Cruz Island is definitely worth considering!

10. Tetuan Church or Saint Ignatius of Loyola Church

The Tetuan Church , one of the most historical religious sites in Zamboanga City, is an interesting Spanish-era building with a striking exterior. The Tetuan Church has a tall bell tower and lovely stained glass windows, making it a popular tourist destination. Visitors can also see the tombs of Spanish missionaries who were murdered during the Zamboanga uprising of 1872.

The modest Tetuan Church, also known as St. Ignatius Parish, is in Tetuan, which was founded by Spanish immigrants from a Moroccan city. It’s claimed that Zamboanga had two divisions at one point: Tetuan and Zamboanga. The Spaniards enshrined St. lgnatious as the patron saint of Tetuan and established a parish during 1863. For 90 years, it is thought that only Jesuits served as Pastor of Tetuan Church prior to being replaced by the Dominicans in 1884.

11. Zamboanga Cathedral or Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception

The Zamboanga Cathedral , also known as the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, is one of the most important religious sites in Zamboanga City. It is the seat of the Archdiocese of Zamboanga and the mother church of all Catholic churches in the city. The cathedral was originally built in 1878 but was destroyed during World War II. It was rebuilt in 1954 and has since been serving as a major place of worship for Zamboanga’s Catholic community.

The cathedral was rebuilt in 1998-2002 in the form of a cross, with the candle-like design being appropriate to the church’s patron. Inside the main sanctuary is a marble statue of the Immaculate Conception by National Sculpture Napoleon Abueva. Symbolic stained glass windows depicting all Mindanao dioceses from 1910 to 1984 are found along the aisles. The baptistery, which faces away from the day chapel, contains the Pillar relic, which is considered its protector.

The interior of the cathedral is just as stunning, with its high ceilings and stained glass windows. The Zamboanga Cathedral is definitely worth a visit when you’re in Zamboanga City.

12. Taluksangay Mosque

In 1885, Hadji Abdullah Maas Nuno erected the Taluksangay Mosque in Zamboanga City, Philippines, as part of his campaign to fight Spanish imperialists. It was formerly known as the Salakot Mosque and is now a tourist attraction.

Islamic propagation was first established in Zamboanga Peninsula’s Valuksangay. Muslim religious missionaries from Arabia, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei have been coming to this hamlet. In the later part of 1914, a representative of the Sultan of Turkey (Sheik-Al Islam) paid a visit to this location (1914).

Members of the Quadripartite Committee, Generals Fidel V. Ramos and Romeo Espino, visited Taluksangay village in 1973 during the height of the MNLF (Moro National Liberation Front) conflict. Even during the 1970s’ turmoil, tourists continued to visit this ancient settlement.

13. Canelar Barter Trade Center

Canelar Barter Trade Center is one of Zamboanga’s top tourist spots. Located in the heart of the city, this trade center is a bustling marketplace where locals and tourists alike can barter for goods and services. From fresh produce to handmade crafts, there’s something for everyone at Canelar Barter Trade Center.

Whether you’re looking to score a great deal on souvenirs or just want to explore Zamboanga’s vibrant culture, Canelar Barter Trade Center is a must-visit spot.

14. Fort Pilar Shrine and Museum

The Royal Fort of Our Lady of the Pillar of Saragossa, also known as Fort Pilar , is a 17th-century military defense fortress built by the Spanish colonial government in Zamboanga City, Philippines. The fort is now a regional museum of the National Museum of the Philippines and it symbolizes the cultural heritage.

Outside the eastern wall, there is a Marian shrine dedicated to Our Lady of the Pillar, the patroness of the city. This shrine was officially crowned on October 12, 1960, via decree from September 18, 1960.

The Fort Pilar Shrine and Museum is one of the most popular tourist spots in Zamboanga. The shrine is home to some amazing religious artwork and historical artifacts, and it’s definitely worth a visit! The museum is also very informative, and it’s a great place to learn more about the history and culture of Zamboanga.

15. Merloquet Falls

The Merloquet Falls is one of Zamboanga’s most popular tourist destinations. This beautiful waterfall is located in the interior barangay Sibulao, some 78 kilometers east of the city.

The challenging Merloquet Falls is a double-tiered plunge but its main draw is the elegant curtain waterfalls at the bottom, which are about 10 meters tall and 15 meters broad. The upper stage is a shorter fall and sloping diagonally, with a height of around 5 meters and a width of around 10 meters.

This should be on your must-do list if you have a day to spare in Zamboanga City and enjoy nature hikes and outdoor activities.

16. Zamboanga Freedom Park (Cesar Climaco Park)

The Zamboanga Freedom Park was developed by the City Government of Zamboanga, led by Mayor Cesar Climaco. The park formerly known as Abong-Abong Park is located on a hillside in a valley where one can enjoy the city’s panoramic view and the mountains.

The park has a camping area for Boy and Girl Scouts, as well as a natural swimming hole known as Chrislam Pool. In memory of World War II veterans, Heroes Hill was built. The Freedom’s Eternal Shrine in honor of the late Sen. Benigno Aquino is another notable feature at the park. The Ecumenical or Holy Hill where the 14 Stations of the Cross can be found leading up to the enormous white cross at the top of the hill is also part of it. The park also houses Cesar Climaco’s final resting place.

17. Cawa-Cawa Boulevard (R.T. Lim Boulevard)

While in Zamboanga City, you must go to Cawa-Cawa Boulevard , also known as R.T. Lim Blvd., where you may see the sunset or several members of the Sama tribe onboard their colorful vintas while selling seashells and corals along the beach.

The beach on Lim Tran Boulevard was nicknamed “frying pan” (Cawa) because it was thought to be shaped like a frying pan, swimmers repeatedly yelling “Cawa-Cawa!” to warn bathers of the dangers of the sea’s depth in the region.

Stretching for several kilometers, the boulevard is lined with lamp posts and offers a place to hang out in the evenings for many people and students. Many street vendors are there to provide the much-needed snacks from soft drinks to suman or balut. People start packing in as the sun starts to set.

Whether you’re looking for history, culture, or natural beauty, Zamboanga City has something to offer everyone. So don’t hesitate to add it to your list of must-visit destinations in the Philippines!

Zamboanga is also home to some of the best food in the Philippines – be sure to try the local dishes!

Zamboanga is home to some of the best food in the Philippines – be sure to try the local dishes! Zamboanga City is known for its delicious seafood, and there are plenty of restaurants that serve fresh catches from the sea. If you’re looking for something a little different, Zamboanga is also famous for its meats and barbecue. There are many stalls and restaurants that offer up mouth-watering grilled meats that will surely tantalize your taste buds. And of course, no visit to Zamboanga would be complete without trying the famous Puto Pangasinan – a soft and fluffy rice cake that’s often served with a savory topping.

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ZamBaSulTa Itinerary: The Great Mindanao Adventure

One of the best backpacking routes in the Philippines is ZamBaSulTa. ZamBaSulTa refers to Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi provinces. The route typically starts in Zamboanga City, which serves as the gateway to other provinces.

This is a great trip because it allows you to experience the unique culture, history and food in Mindanao in a single swoop. The Philippines as a whole is very westernized especially Manila , but these places in Mindanao have kept and nurtured their rich heritage. You can see and experience it in the traditional woven products of the Yakan tribe in Zamboanga and Basilan, the delicious bangbang sug and latal plate in Sulu and the simple, laid-back life of locals in Tawi-Tawi.

I went here with a small group sometime in late 2019. This is without a doubt one of my favorite trips in the Philippines.

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So without further ado, here’s our ZamBaSulTa Itinerary and Guide.

Tips on Planning Your ZamBaSulTa Trip

10 days itinerary in zambasulta, budget and expenses, reminders and tips, quick reference.

Here are some things to consider when planning your trip:

• It’s important to coordinate with the respective tourism offices for your trip, particularly in Basilan and Sulu. Just let them know your date of arrival and planned things to do, if any.
• Make sure to plan your work leaves in advance. This route takes as short as 7 days to 10-12 days , depending on the places you want to cover.
• Do not rush your time. I’ve seen people do 1 day in Basilan, 1 day in Sulu, and so forth and this type of traveling is not only exhausting but also often not enough to cover every must-do activity in a given province.
• I have written separate guides for the provinces included in this route, so please read up on them because I have included as much details as possible. The Quick Reference section can be found at the bottom of this post.

Here’s a sample 10 days itinerary to ZamBaSulTa.

This is the rough itinerary that we followed. We weren’t able to visit Sitangkai because we only booked for 2 days in Tawi-Tawi. However, it’s a must-see in the province so I included it above.

Below I’ll give an overview of the provinces so you have an idea on how to plan your itinerary.

The start of this backpacking trip is Zamboanga City . This is a vibrant city with interesting history and culture. You can explore the city on your own to see heritage buildings, see the pinkish-sand beach of the Great Sta. Cruz Island , and island hop in Once Islas . You can also venture outside the city to visit Merloquet Falls .

If you are short on time, I recommend staying here for only 1-2 days. You can always go back here in the future since it has a major airport that is accessible from other parts of the country.

Note : For this trip, I am including Zamboanga City only instead of the individual provinces of Zamboanga del Norte, del Sur and Sibugay.

How to get here:

• From Manila or other airports, take a local flight to Zamboanga.

Ideal stay : 3 days

Basilan is known for its white-sand beaches, particularly that in Malamawi White Beach.

Most backpackers only spend a day here to visit Malamawi White Beach Resort. I recommend staying at least 2 days so you can also visit Lampinigan Island and then spend another day in Lamitan City, the former capital of Basilan.

• From Zamboanga City, take a ferry to either Lamitan or Isabela City. Travel time is only 1-2 hours, depending on sea conditions.

Ideal stay : 2 days

Sulu is one of the least-visited provinces in the country. During our trip in 2019, we learned that apart from us there were only around 200 visitors for that year.

You can explore Jolo and visit the city landmarks, including the capitol building and mosques. Sulu also has beautiful islands and beaches, so one of the things you shouldn’t miss doing here is island hopping .

Safety is still an important issue in Sulu. As such, the Sulu Provincial Tourism requires tourists to coordinate with them first. They will help with your accommodation, tours and itinerary. They will also provide military escorts during tours.

Personally, I was not terrified about visiting Sulu but the tourism is the one qualified to say whether it’s safe to go. If you’re a foreigner, there are other safer places in Mindanao you can go to.

• The most common way to get here is via ferry from Zamboanga City to Jolo (capital of Sulu Province). Travel time is 7-9 hours. Note : There used to be a fast craft by Weesam Express plying the Zamboanga-Jolo route in only 3 hours, but it is no longer available.
• It’s best to take the overnight ferry so you won’t waste a day in commute. The last ferry leaves at 8-9PM and arrives at 5-6AM the next day. It’s advised to purchase tickets in advance because it can get fully booked; at least in the morning on the date of your departure is fine.

Ideal stay : 2-3 days

Tawi-Tawi is my favorite stop in our ZamBaSulTa trip so I personally recommend spending as much time here as possible. It’s easy to love Tawi-Tawi because it’s very laid-back, the locals are friendly and the food is delicious. One of the livelihood here is fishing so you can find cheap fresh seafood and also local delicacies.

There are a handful of activities you can in Tawi-Tawi, including island hopping tour to Panampangan Island (considered the longest sandbar in the Philippines) and other nearby islands, trekking , exploring local communities and more.

• The easiest way to get here is to take a local flight from Zamboanga City to Sanga-Sanga Airport in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi. Travel time is 45 minutes. There are also ferries available but travel time is long (18 hours).

Here are the major expenses you should consider on your ZamBaSulTa trip ( Updated as of 2020 ).

Your final budget will depend on your accommodation, food and activities and how many you are in the group.

Following the itinerary above, in a group of 5, a safe budget would be P13,000-15,000 per person .

Here are some reminders and tips for your trip in Mindanao:

• It’s best to go with other people to share expenses with. There are activities that are budget-friendly and others not so (e.g., island hopping in Tawi-Tawi easily cost around P9000). You can go solo and blindly hope that there are other people on your tour date, but you’re playing a game of chance. Remember that there are few tourists backpacking around Mindanao.
• Be respectful of the communities you visit.
• While Zamboanga City is used to tourists and takes no issue with how you dress, other provinces such as Sulu and Tawi-Tawi may still require more conservative clothing especially for women.
• Don’t forget to tip your local tour guides especially if you’re satisfied with their services.
• Finally: Let’s spread positive experiences about Mindanao!

For questions, you can contact the following tourism offices:

• (Basilan) Lamitan City Tourism Office: Facebook | Isabela City Tourism Office: Facebook
• Sulu Provincial Tourism Office: Facebook
• Tawi-Tawi Tourism Office: (Provincial Tourism Officer: Mobin N. Gampal) 09271840851

For quick reference, here are the rest of our posts about our ZamBaSulTa Trip:

• Travel Guide to Zamboanga City
• Best Things to do in Zamboanga City
• Great Sta. Cruz Island aka Pink Beach of Zamboanga City
• Island hopping in Once Islas
• Travel Guide to Basilan
• Travel Guide to Lamitan City
• Travel Guide to Isabela City: Lampinigan Island and Malamawi White Beach Resort
• Travel Guide to Sulu
• Island hopping in Panglima Tahil
• Travel Guide to Tawi-Tawi
• Best Things to do in Tawi-Tawi
• Island hopping in Tawi-Tawi
• Trekking Bud Bongao

Has this guide and itinerary to ZamBaSulTa been helpful to you? If you have any questions or comments, let me know in the comment section below.

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Katherine Cortes is a long-time backpacker and a freelance writer/editor. She likes beaches, snorkeling trips, and relaxing staycations (preferably with bath tubs!).

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The city of flowers in the Philippines named Zamboanga is the ultimate paradise for travelers with  Zamboanga tour packages . It is one of the busiest and most well-developed ones. Such an urbanized city will not fail to impress you and stand over your expectations. It has some beautiful and attractive gems which you could not experience in the ultimate world. It is a must-visit place for you where you can come with your family and friends and encounter a perfect destination. It has preserved some of the great heritages of the world and has various unique factors to influence you to come and visit here.

Discover Zamboanga Tour Package for 3 Days 2 Nights

• Zamboanga ( 2 N)

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Awesome Zambonga 2 Nights 3 Days Tour Package for Family

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3 Nights 4 Days Zamboanga Tour Package

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2 Nights 3 Days Zamboanga Tour Package

Assurance. Safety and Reliability

Zamboanga is an amazing paradise where you feel as if you have landed in heaven. It lives up to all the qualities. People here are very welcoming towards the tourists and you could feel it yourself. It gives such a fresh and flowery vibe that you will fall in love with the city through  Zamboanga holiday packages . Since it is an urbanized and well-developed place, it is highly maintained. You could see flowers all around you. Surrounded by gardens and parks all around Zamboanga can be perfect for you to stroll down with your loved ones when you are here.

Zamboanga Tour Package: Preserving the Heritage in Your Heart

Zamboanga has a lot to offer to its tourists. There are various temples, churches, and spiritual spaces that one would have never heard of and remained unexplored. Though highly civilized and urbanized, it does not fail to preserve the history from where it originated. You could still find some antique pieces around the corners which will intrigue you about its past. Known as the "City of Flowers", it is now one of the most important and busiest port cities in the Philippines that you can explore with the best selling  Philippines tour packages. There are local markets and street foods which are not to be missed. Travelers love to visit Zamboanga to experience its unique history and rich culture as well as its natural beauty through  Zamboanga vacation packages .  

A Glimpse of Zamboanga Tour Package 

• Best places to visit: The Great Santa Cruz island, fort pillar, City Hall, Paseo Del Ma, Merloquet Falls, and Bayangan island
• Activities to do: Shopping, strolling down the streets, water sports, etc. 
• Famous food: Satti, Saging Prito, Chicalang. 
• Language: Chavacano
• Currency:   Philippine Peso
• Major International Airport: Zamboanga International Airport 

Attractive Places to be Explored with Zamboanga Tour Package

Whenever you visit any place, you are always in a dilemma as to which places you can watch out for while on your trip. Thus, we have got you a few choices that you should not miss out on at any cost. Here are some of them: 

1. The Great Santa Cruz Island: Relax or Go on an Adventure 

This is one of the most famous islands in the entire world.  Zamboanga travel packages provide tourists with some spectacular views. It has got various sports activities to go for like snorkeling and scuba diving. You can even just chill around or swim. This place is kids' favorite as well as they can play along with the sand. The sand here is quite pinkish in color which makes it unique from the other islands.

2. Fort pillar: Relive History and Ancient Art

This is one of the oldest military defense forts built during the 17th century period. Under this, you can even find a number of national museums. Travelers from around the world visit the fort through  Zamboanga trip packages . It is a historical site where you can find various antique pieces of history. You can even relate to the beauty that it offers. It gives a spectacular view and the artistry works are appreciated by everyone. 

3. City Hall: Experience the Grandeur

Another tourist place is a great example of the archaeological structure of the island. It resembles the history of Zamboanga. Thousands of tourists visit here every year and they get amazed by the fact that it has such great sculptures and monuments. Designed with Spanish architecture, the City Hall is popular among tourists visiting with  Zamboanga holiday packages . It is still used for government and official purposes to this day.

4. Paseo Del Mar: Spectate the Beautiful Sunsets

It is a beautiful park in Zamboanga and you will surely love it. It has fish joints and gives an amazing view. People come down to stroll here and relax. It gives a calming experience. The sunsets here are magnificent and are a must-watch. The sunset that can be viewed from the site is mesmerizing. Situated near Santa Cruz, Paseo Del Mar is an obvious inclusion in  Zamboanga vacation packages . 

5. Merloquet Fall: Cool Down by the Falls

This fall is an interesting place to visit in Zamboanga. It gives you a refreshing experience and cools down the temperature. The entire city of Zamboanga is generally warm but the Merloquet Falls is frequently visited by travelers through  Zamboanga travel packages for a cool and relaxing day by the waterfall. Being relatively isolated, it is far from the noise of the city and in pristine condition.

Travel Tips Zamboanga Tour

• Visit the historic sites of Zamboanga.
• A reputable guide can show you around the city better. 
• The local cuisine of Zamboanga is delicious and not to be missed.
• Respect the culture and tradition
• Carry a copy of your passport and visa with you

How to Reach Zamboanga?

• Airways: Zamboanga International Airport is the main airport for the city.
• Roadways: You can take up a cab to the main city which is around 20 mins.

Zamboanga Tour Packages FAQs

Q1. what makes santa cruz island in zamboanga so famous, q2. which activities are offered through zamboanga travel packages, q3. which is a great place for history lovers visiting zamboanga, q4. what activities are famous on santa cruz island in zamboanga, q5. which is the best time to visit zamboanga through zamboanga trip packages, q6. where can you spend your evenings in zamboanga, q7. what are the special events that are held in zamboanga, q8. where can you do snorkeling and scuba diving in zamboanga, need help in planning your dream holiday .

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Its time to travel.

Tour Zamboanga! will bring you to this beautiful city offers a multitude of sights and experiences for tourists to enjoy. From the stunning Great Santa Cruz Island and its pink sand beaches, to the historic Fort Pilar and the vibrant Yakan Weaving Village, there is something for everyone here. Take a tour with our knowledgeable guides to learn more about the city’s unique culture and history, or simply explore on your own and discover hidden gems around every corner. Don’t forget to indulge in the delicious local cuisine, which combines traditional Filipino dishes with Spanish and Malay influences. Plan your visit soon and discover all the wonders that Zamboanga has to offer!

iTravel Tourist Lane

Vamos na Ciudad de Zamboanga!

iTravel Tourist Lane is a DOT accredited Tour Operator based in Zamboanga City. It was established on June 2011 to accommodate the growing needs of the travel market in Zamboanga Peninsula.

The company mainly focus on Local Tour operations, Domestic and international ticket sales, inbound and outbound customized tour packages, tourist transport services, hotel and resort accommodation and Visa Assistance.

Zamboanga Day Tour Packages

Have a Great Zamboanga Experience With Us!

Pink Sand Escape

Feast on Seafood Lunch on our Pink Sand Beach with Lagoon Cruise and VINTA Experience!

Pink Sand Excursion

A quick visit on our Pink Sand Beach with Lagoon Cruise and VINTA Experience!

Half-Day Zamboanga City Tour

Get to know the most exciting and important historical sites of Ciudad de Zamboanga.

Historical City Tour

A full-day of fun and experience while learning the rich history and culture of Ciudad de Zamboanga.

Food and Culture Day Tour

Taste the various flavors while learning the vast and rich Cultural History of Zamboanga.

Merloquet Falls Eco Tour

Escape the bustle of the city, walk your way to the spectacular waterfalls and relax with nature.

Heritage Zone Walking Tour

Take a walk at Zamboanga Historic Zone, and be mesmerized with the story of the Pueblo Viejo de Zamboanga.

Why Book with Us

We are committed to simplify travel services to our clients from all walks of life. As a Destination Management Company, we value Customer Service Satisfaction and specializes in customizing client’s travel needs as to When, Where and How you want it.

iTravel Tourist Lane shall blitz through perfection, there are no big or small inquiries for us, if it matters to you then it definitely matters to us. Striving for Perfection is always our mantra, coz we believe as to nothing is perfect but at least on an uncontrollable situation at least we will be EXCELLENT.

Professional Quality and Service

With iTravel Tourist Lane, quality and service works through conjoint effort. We go beyond and above to guarantee the two factors are met every single step of the way. To achieve these, we closely monitor and coordinate client satisfaction and are constantly seeking ways to exceed our most valuable clients’ expectations.

Convenient and Hassle-free

Organising and arranging your own holiday can be stressful task. Let us do the work for you! By choosing iTravel Tourist Lane, you can save time, effort and hassle by booking all of your itinerary needs directly with a specialized local handler as a Tour Operator.

Local Expertise with Personal Touch

It is vital to iTravel Tourist Lane that you have a memorable and authentic experience with our holidays. In line with the client’s expectations, we select only local suppliers and communities with best practices that are friendly, reputable, have in-depth local knowledge and responsible tourist. As the saying goes we practice what we preach. As with our personal touch, from the moment of our first established communication we will definitely put a name and face from the duration of your stay, and until you will be safe home again, We are with you.

Legitimacy with Value for Money

iTravel Tourist Lane is an Accredited Travel and Tour Operator that is approved by the Local Government of Zamboanga and Philippine Department of Tourism. And as a member of various tourism industry associations, we are help up to a very high level of standards and practices. Along with it, our tour packages and itineraries are fully customizable to meet our client’s most advantageous combination of cost, quality and sustainability.

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PAGADIAN TRAVEL GUIDE (BUDGET + ITINERARY)

by thepinay solobackpacker | Mar 21, 2018 | Itinerary , Pagadian , Tourist Spots , Travel Guide , Zamboanga del Sur | 0 comments

Behind stilt houses graciously standing shoulder to shoulder, the minarets calling for early morning prayers bathe in the glow of the rising sun in Pagadian. A man paddles his way to the port, where spider-like tapay-tapay fishing boats fleck the endless sea. Here, fishermen hurry like ants while hauling bulinaw (anchovies) from the service boat to the ice boxes, while seagulls dart past looking for easy pickings.

“About twelve to sixteen men board the tapay-tapay . They leave at night to try their luck in the sea and returns the next day”, says Jun Neri, a fisherman from Pagadian. “This fish makes their way to the market, to the local restaurants and many are dried and sold at the local souk.”

Meanwhile, just outside the wharf, the downtown junction is prepping up for a bustling new day. The unique tricycles of Pagadian, inclined up to 25-40%, start to purr the streets hemmed in by hotels, shopping malls, fastfood chains and banks.

TRAVEL BLOG CONTENTS

PAGADIAN AT A GLANCE

Resting on Zamboanga del Sur along the Moro Gulf, Pagadian connects Zamboanga Peninsula with the rest of the region. This bustling metropolis was converted into a chartered city on June 21, 1969 and is now the regional center of Zamboanga Peninsula (Region IX).

For a first-timer, it is hard to imagine that this thriving metropolis was once an unassuming coastal community headed by Datu (chieftain) Akob. “The original dwellers here are the Subanens, a nomadic indigenous cultural community of Western Mindanao”, explains Dr.Wendell Cagape, an educator and fashion photographer based in Pagadian.

Because of its sundry topography and good fishing grounds, the rising city has summoned waves of ethnic migrants such as Muslim settlers who fortified the land against Spanish colonizers and Christian lowlanders from Luzon and Visayas who now call themselves Pagadianons. Yes, it may come off as a surprise to many tourists, but this is a land where indigenous cultures mingle and live harmoniously.

Pagadian is marketed as the “Little Hong Kong of the South” because of its steep hilly terrain plummeting into the sun-spangled coast, akin to the former British colony, but it sure deserves to have its own title without being linked to another country. It is the booming backbone of Zamboanga del Sur, an epitome of growth and strength.

Pagadian is waiting to be unraveled and lots of its nearby towns have yet to be explored. So when you visit this region, you will know that this is your discovery, your trail and your own special adventure. Even Hearty Romanos, a nurse who has not seen much of her city (until we explored it together) looks pretty astonished as we watch the last light of the day pour drunkenly over everything, incongruously evoking a sense of timelessness in a city that clings tenaciously to progress.

HOW TO GET TO PAGADIAN

Cebu Pacific has direct flights to Pagadian. From the airport, you can take a tricycle for Php 50 each to take you to downtown Pagadian.

Alternatively, Philippine Airlines flies to Ozamiz. From the airport, take a tricycle to Agora Terminal for Php 60 each. There are several bus and vans bound for Pagadian. Travel time is 2.5 hours and fare is Php 115 (AC bus).

PAGADIAN TOP ATTRACTIONS

Despite its breath of urban air in the city center, just off the highway are natural attractions peppered on vast agricultural lands, fringed by jungle-clad mountains that make all the commercialism here seem irrelevant. The best way for tourists to see the sights here is to charter Pagadian’s iconic vehicle – the inclined tricycle – for about PHP 700/USD 13/EURO 11/SGD 18/MYR 53 – PHP 1000/USD 19/EURO 16/SGD 25/MYR 75 per day.

ROTONDA PARK

Sitting on the summit of Bulatoc Hill is Rotonda Park where most first-time tourists in Pagadian begin their tour of the city. Here, you can see F.S Pajares Avenue plunging into Illana Bay.  There’s not much to do here except take a stroll in the garden and go horseback riding for PHP 20/USD 0.38/EURO 0.31/SGD 0.51/MYR 2 per 3 rounds.

DAO DAO ISLANDS

Dao-Dao Island is a popular island get away to the Pagadianons.  It’s a mere 10 minute boat ride from Pagadian mainland.  The bigger island named Dako (local word for big) is ideal for swimming while a smaller island called Gamay (local word for small) pops out during low tide.

PUTING BALAS SANDBAR

My personal favorite in Pagadian is Puting Balas Sandbar, another white sandbar that emerges when the tide recedes.  There’s no structure on the island, nor trees, but it’s a favorite hang-out of flock of birds, so every time a boat approaches Puting Balas Island, they fly in unison and perform amazing swirls in mid-air.

How to get to Puting Balas Sandbar

Charter a boat to Puting Balas from San Pedro Port.  It should cost around PHP 500, good for 4-5 people.

PULACAN FALLS

I only learned about this majestic waterfall in Pagadian on my second trip here, thanks to Hearty Romanos, Don Romans and Doc Wendell Cagape for taking me here.  Pulacan Falls is located in Labangan, a neighboring municipality of Pagadian. It is quite accessible, no need for a tiring hike, as it is a short walk from te highway inside Tabak Base in Camp Major Cesar Sang-an.  If you are driving a private vehicle, bring a valid ID for the military check-point.

Tabak Base is an attraction in itself, aside from Pulacan Falls though there’s not much to do here, but you can also go to the viewing deck for a scenic view of the agricultural land below.

MANGA FALLS

If you have limited time in Pagadian but you want to see the nearest tourist attractions, you can head to Manga Falls. Be warned though that it is dry during the summer season so you will most likely see the rock formations only.  You can get here by tricycle from Pagadian city center. Do stop by at the viewing deck for sweeping view of the rice fields below.

AGRO-TOURISM AND HERITAGE COMPLEX

If you’re traveling to Pagadian in December, make time to visit the Agro-Tourism and Heritage Complex in the city center where different products from different town and village are showcased to the public.

OTHER PAGADIAN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

KENDIS CAVE – Situated in the village of Dagatan, Kendis Cave is a popular cave in Pagadian that boasts of stunning limestone tunnel carved by subterranean river.

GUIPOS CAVE – Guipos Cave has impressive stalactites, but it’s not an easy task to see its beauty. You have to crawl the long, narrow limestone tunnel here that is half-filled with water. If you have done spelunking in Sumaguing Cave in Sagada, it’s more like it.

PAGADIAN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

Where to stay in pagadian.

GV Hotel Pagadian City

Rizal Avenue, San Francisco District, Pagadian City, Pagadian City

CHECK ROOM RATES HERE

  Four Queens Resort

National Hwy, Tuburan District, Pagadian City, Pagadian City

  WHERE TO EAT IN PAGADIAN

Feast on authentic Filipino southern food. Try the seafood at Springland Resort and Restaurant and the chicken ati-atihan at Kamayan sa Pagadian .

PAGADIAN ITINERARY WITH BUDGET

1-2 days should be enough to see Pagadian’s top attractions.  Here’s my sample Pagadian itinerary with budget breakdown, feel free to tweak this depending on your budget, schedule and interest.

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For advertisements, sponsorship and partnerships, you may reach her at gaelhilotinblog (at) gmail (dot) com.

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Dapitan Zamboanga del Norte Day Tour with Optional Side Trip to Dipolog City

Description

Enjoy the sights of Dapitan when you book this day tour. This Dapitan tour package is perfect for those looking to explore this historic city in Zamboanga del Norte hassle-free. It is already inclusive of 4 hours of van use within the city. If you have time, you may also embark on a Dipolog tour. Please note that entrance fees are not included in this Dapitan tour and must be paid onsite. Most of the sites you will visit do not have an entrance fee, but please prepare cash for those that do.

On the day of your scheduled tour, you will be picked up at Dakak Park and Beach Resort 30 minutes before the start of your tour. When you are picked up, you will begin your Dapitan and Dipolog City tour. 

The itinerary on this tour is flexible and is dependent on your preferences. For your Dapitan City tour, there are several sites you can visit.

You can learn more about the country’s national hero, Jose Rizal, when you visit The Rizal Shrine , the Punto del Desembarco de Rizal , the Balay Hamoy Museum , and the Relief Map of Mindanao . 

The shrine is a historical landmark that is a piece of land in Barangay Talisay that was purchased by Jose Rizal himself. In 1913, the government converted it into a park and a shrine dedicated to Jose Rizal. The Punto del Desembarco de Rizal is the spot where Rizal is believed to have disembarked and first set foot in Dapitan. Balay Hamoy Museum is housed in a structure that Rizal used to frequent during his exile in Dapitan (the museum has an entrance fee of PhP 500 per person). Finally, the Relief Map of Mindanao is a landscaped map that Jose Rizal created himself.

Other spots you can visit in Dapitan are the City Plaza, St. James Parish, and Gloria de Dapitan for some shopping and dining (at your own expense). 

You may also go to Dipolog City, but note that any excess hours will incur an additional charge.

Explore some of the top tourist spots of Dapitan with this tour. Check the availability by choosing a date.

Attractions

What to bring

Good to know.

Tour Information: This private tour is open daily and starts at 8:00 AM; Last tour is 2:00 PM.

Meet-up Information: Guide to the Philippines will send tour reminders at least (1) day before the tour date through your registered email address or mobile number. Please keep all communication lines open. Make sure to have the electronic copy of your confirmed tour voucher ready.

On the day of the tour, your assigned Tour Guide will meet you at Dakak Resort at least thirty (30) minutes prior to start of the tour. Strictly no latecomers or tour reservation might be forfeited. To arrange for a private hotel pick-up and drop-off, please email [email protected]. Additional transportation fees apply.

Tour Proper: Please be reminded also to dress appropriately. All guests are expected to do their share in ensuring their safety and security as well as that of their personal belongings. Guide to the Philippines and Tour Operators are not liable for the loss or damage to any personal belongings left unattended during the tour.

Children Friendly: Yes!

Pet Friendly: No. Please understand that the establishment does not allow pets inside.

Senior Citizen/PWD Friendly: Yes. However, please be advised that this tour includes mostly walking tours and may not be suitable for PWDs or individuals with existing cardiovascular ailments.

Cancellation Policy: The operator may cancel the activity in case of force majeure or unforeseen circumstances like weather conditions. In this case, you will be given the option to reschedule or request a full refund. Schedule cancellation requests must be made 48 hours before your original subject to approval. No shows are not entitled to reschedule and refund.

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