Pagadian City

Pagadian City Travel Guide

• Why Not Go
• Why Go
• Best Time to Visit
• Where to Stay
• Where & What to Eat
• To Do List
• Getting There

Before it was labeled as the Regional Center of Zamboanga peninsula, Pagadian city was virtually unknown. Today though, it has been getting its fair share of tourists in the Zamboanga peninsula. The word Pagadian was derived from a local word “pangadye-on” meaning prayer or praise.

Bounded by mountain ranges, tourists would notice that Pagadian’s topography is a bit like that of Hong Kong. You’ll find that most houses in Pagadian would have rising steps which lead to gated properties or houses. To me though, Pagadian’s hilly terrain is reminiscent of Baguio city. I always tell my mom that being in Pagadian is like being in Baguio because of the mostly overcast days, and the houses with rising steps at their doors or gates.

Pagadian
Photo by Jerome Herrera

Pagadian Tricycle
Photo by MikeOcampo

Another anomaly that I noticed was how the tricycles were built in Pagadian. I found that all tricycles are inclined (obviously because of the terrain). Pagadianons pride themselves in having these unique tricycles. They say that this is the only place in the country that one can enjoy public transportation which is inclined on a 25-40 degree angle. I felt intimidated to ride the strange looking vehicles at first but after riding them for a couple of times, I started to liken tricycle rides in Pagadian to roller coaster rides (especially if you are cruising uphill or downhill).

Pagadian Tricycles
Photo by Jerome Herrera

You can also find these tricycles parked at the tricycle terminal outside of the newly built Gaisano Capital mall. The mall is the biggest in the entire Zamboanga peninsula, bigger than malls in Zamboanga city. During the past few months, Pagadian city has been experiencing a staggering increase in growth. This expansion is fueled primarily by the transfer of regional offices from Zamboanga city to Pagadian city. The Gaisano Capital mall is one of the developments that came about because of the transfer. The Gaisano Capital houses popular chains such as Jollibee, Mc Donald’s, HBC, David’s Salon, and etc. The mall’s main features are the Gaisano Capital Supermarket, Gaisano Capital Department Store, and the Gaisano Food Court.

Gaisano Capital Mall: The biggest mall in the Zamboanga Peninsula is in Pagadian
Photo by Jerome Herrera

Another distinct feature of Pagadian is that the road network is in the form of a grid. It is almost as efficient as that of New York City. Unlike other Philippine cities wherein there are only two or three routes that you could take to reach a destination, you would find that in Pagadian, there would probably be more than a hundred routes that you can take to reach a certain destination.

About thirty minutes away from the city proper is the Pagadian Rotonda. It is a park which overlooks the Pagadian bay. Horseback riding can be found inside the circular park. Ten minutes away from the seaport are the Dao Dao islands. The islands are 1.10 hectares huge. One of the islands is called Dako (big) and the other is called Gamay (small). The activities that you could do at the Dao-Dao Islands are fishing, swimming, and boating.

Lourdes Hot and Cold Springs, which is only 32 kilometers away from the city. The springs are all natural, so it is assured that they are soothing and perfectly safe. The springs are also tapped by the city’s water district as a prime source of water for the barangays, particularly Kagawasan.

Pagadian also has its share of wonderful and beautiful waterfalls that are hidden from the entrapments of modernization.

My dad always said that the Ukay-Ukay (imported used clothing store) in Pagadian is so much better than anywhere in most of Mindanao. When he comes from this city, he would always have new clothes with him. When I got to Pagadian city, I did notice a huge number of Ukay-Ukay shops and indeed most of them does offer a wide array of nice clothing. So if you’re into Ukay-Ukay, you’d probably get some good deals here.

Why Not Go

The emergence of Pagadian city as a viable tourist destination is mostly due to the recent regional office transfers. A lot of tourist spots in the city are still being developed or renovated (from years of neglect). There remain only a small number of places to go in Pagadian which are unique and worthwhile. For people who are used to the usual beach resorts, shopping malls, nightlife, and parks, Pagadian city would probably be too tame for you.

Why Go

Pagadian city is the gateway to the Zamboanga Peninsula. Since most of the cities in the peninsula are fairly small and would not take all day to tour, you could squeeze Pagadian city in a multi city Zamboanga Peninsula tour.

Best Time to Visit

Pagadian city is lovely all year round. Since the city is out of the typhoon belt area, weather systems would not affect your travel plans. Another good thing about the weather in Pagadian city is that it is usually overcast. This may be good or bad news to you, depending on the climate in your area. To me though, the occasional mild sunshine and cloudy days of Pagadian are a welcome treat.

Pagadianons celebrate two festivals every year. The first is the Pasalamat Festival in January – this festival is a form of thanksgiving by Pagadianons for the blessings they received during the past year (pasalamat means to thank or be thankful for). Pasalamat festival features a beauty pageant, parades, and trade exhibits. The other festival in Pagadian is the Megayon festival. The Megayon festival celebrates unity and between the three peoples of Zamboanga peninsula: the Christians, Muslims, and Subanens. The festival runs for a week with activities featuring cultural dances and songs, native sports competitions, peace forums, and environmental events. Megayon is held every September 17th (Zamboanga Del Sur’s anniversary as a province).

Where to Stay

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The most famous and best hotel in Pagadian city is the Hotel Alindahaw. This hotel is perfect for business travellers, vacationers, or families. The hotel is fairly new so you can expect new furnishings and the hotel to be in tip top condition. The hotel is located along Rizal Avenue, within walking distance from Gaisano Capital. You can make reservations using this contact number: 062-215400, 062-2154001.

Where & What to Eat

Greenhouse Fishing Station and Restaurant is one of the better and more upscale restaurants in the city. The place is equally lovely both day and night. Day would bring out the expanse of the complex. You would see a huge pond just besides the restaurant wherein they get the freshwater fishes that they serve to the customers. For your drinks, you could also request for fresh Buko juice served in coconut husks. At night the whole area is adorned by lights which are the perfect setting for romantic dinners.

The Nipa Hut Restaurant at the Springland Resort and Hotel
Photo by Jerome Herrera

Another great dining option is the restaurant at the Springland Hotel and Resort. The restaurant offers delicious conventional dishes at very affordable prices. The resort features a hot spring swimming pool, a lake, and a very nice garden.

My to do List

1. Marvel at the views that Pagadian’s rolling terrain provides
2. Ride Pagadian’s wacky tricycles
3. Do some shopping at the Gaisano Capital mall
4. Dine at the Greenhouse Fishing Station and Restaurant
5. Enjoy horseback riding at the Pagadian Rotonda
6. Do some swimming at the Dao-Dao islands
7. Ukay-Ukay shopping

Getting There

Since the Pagadian city airport is not yet operational, the best way to get to Pagadian is by travelling by plane to a nearby city such as Dipolog city or Zamboanga city first and then riding a bus going to Pagadian city. Bus travel from Zamboanga city to Pagadian takes six hours and around four hours from Dipolog city.

The best thing about travelling by bus is that you get to enjoy views of the mountains in the Zamboanga Peninsula.

Dapitan City

Dapitan City Travel Guide

• Why Not Go
• Why Go
• Best Time to Visit
• Where to Stay
• Where & What to Eat
• Nightlife
• To Do List
• Getting There

Jose Rizal’s home for four years, Dapitan city is the ultimate shrine city of the Philippines. But Dapitan city is not anymore all about Jose Rizal. This once quaint and charming small town is turning to be the most modern and vibrant city in the northern end of the Zamboanga peninsula.

Six hundred fifty kilometers away from Metro Manila lays a once sleepy town called Dapitan. Dapitan used to be so rural that the only reason why you’d go there is to visit relatives. After all why would you travel hundreds of kilometers for a white sand beach resort or Jose Rizal memorabilia?

But Dapitan is more than Jose Rizal and Dakak. The newly opened Gloria de Dapitan is changing the face of Dapitan into a vibrant entertainment city. What once was a sleepy historic town with Dakak beach resort as its flagship tourist attraction is now fast becoming the premiere entertainment center of Mindanao.

Most people would probably be amused at the fact that practically all locals in Dapitan know Jose Rizal more than the average Filipino does. If you try asking a local (even small kids) about Jose Rizal, you’ll find that you would be bombarded with interesting facts about the Philippines’ national hero aside from your question being answered. Regardless, if it’s just a side trip, one should definitely not miss going to the Rizal shrine in Dapitan. Inside the Rizal shrine complex is a replica of the three houses which Jose Rizal built (one of which is square wherein Jose Rizal, his mother, his sister and his nephew lived, another which is octagonal wherein Jose Rizal’s students lived, and a third one which is hexagonal that served as a chicken barn. One can also find Rizal’s relief map of Mindanao and Visayas, Rizal’s self designed water system, and numerous other memorabilia inside the shrine. Jose Rizal’s house, kitchen, and clinics are all replicas but memorabilia found inside the Rizaliana museum are all originals. Despite the revelation that Jose Rizal’s house in the shrine is just a replica, it does not take away from the fact that it once housed the greatest Malayan in history.

The octagonal house built by Jose Rizal
Photo by dominicmeily

The Rizal shrine can be found in the village of Talisay. All tricycle drivers know where to bring you if you say that you want to go to the Rizal shrine. Getting around Dapitan city is fairly easy. You’ll find that transportation is relatively cheap. A tricycle ride to generally anywhere would cost only five to ten pesos. Tricycles are the only public transportation available here.

The Dakak Park Beach Resort in Taguilon is located about fifteen minutes away from the Jose Rizal shrine. Dakak has seven hundred and fifty meters of private beach access covered in fine white sand. In this part of the country, the Dakak Park Beach Resort is probably the most modern and the best equipped. Water activities available at the Dakak park beach resort are jet skiing, kayaking, sailing, boating, scuba diving, fishing, swimming and snorkeling while non-water activities include hiking, billiards, archery, bowling, golfing, tennis, horseback riding, and karaoke. What I love about Dakak is that it is bounded by green mountains on the east giving it a secluded feel. Accommodations are in the form of villas made from bamboo and nipa (traditional building materials) which give the resort a very tropical look. Dakak is very well maintained and reasonably affordable.

Footprints on Dakak’s white sand
Photo by dominicmeily

You’re probably thinking that having seen one white sand beach resort, you’ve seen them all. Treat Dakak differently though. It’s not your typical crowded and noisy commercialized white sand beach resort; you’ll find that it is a tranquil white sand beach resort with modern amenities, but with a very homey atmosphere. The resort features amenities such as restaurants on site, two natural spring water swimming pools, a sports center, a golf resort, a Jacuzzi, a playground, a chapel, spa services on site, a sauna, medical facilities, and a disco. Interested parties can contact the Dakak Park Beach Resort through the following numbers: 02-7212726 / 7245648 / 0917-8315566.

Secluded behind mountains covered with trees is the Dakak park beach resort
Photo by dominicmeily

Situated twenty minutes away from the Dakak Park Beach Resort, and ten minutes from the Rizal shrine is the Gloria de Dapitan, which is fast bringing forward a new Dapitan, one wherein the city is not all about Jose Rizal anymore.

The Gloria de Dapitan (literally the glory of Dapitan in Spanish) is a three hectare commercial complex. It features a modern, computer operated bowling alley, a gym with state-of-art fitness equipment, a computer game arcade, resto bars, disco pubs, coffee shops, and boutiques. Inside the Gloria de Dapitan commercial complex is the Gallera de Dapitan which holds cockfights (a favorite pastime of the locals), boxing matches, and concerts and the Gloria Fantasyland. The Gloria Fantasyland is a theme park comparable to the Enchanted Kingdom in Luzon. It features thirty one rides including a carousel, a Ferris wheel, a roller coaster, bumper cars, the Galleon ship, Majestic Swan, and others. There is also a horror house designed by an Eat Bulaga artist.

What makes the Gloria Fantasyland special is the fact that this amusement park is the first of its kind in Mindanao. Ride-all-you-can tickets are priced at three hundred pesos. The park is open from five in the afternoon until twelve midnight.

Why Not Go

A few years ago, mainstream tourists would find Dapitan City too provincial. Today, though I can only think of one reason why one would not enjoy Dapitan City and that would be if that person is looking for extreme outdoor activities such as mountain and rock climbing. But for those light outdoor adventure seekers, Dapitan does offer hiking, spelunking, and cove hopping. If you are a family traveling, I am pretty sure Gloria de Dapitan and the Jose Rizal shrine would keep you entertained and fascinated. Meanwhile, a group traveling would definitely find Gloria de Dapitan and/or the Dakak beach resort most exciting.

Let me set your expectations though. While most facilities at the Gloria de Dapitan commercial complex and Dakak Park Beach Resort are modern, you’ll find that they are not up to par with those in more progressive areas such as Metro Manila. For those who are from Mindanao and Visayas though, these two will do.

Why Go

Dapitan City caters to almost all kinds of tourists. Whether you’re looking for some outdoor fun, history, adventure, or relaxation, Dapitan has it all.

Best Time to Visit

If you’re visiting Dapitan City primarily to wade in the waters along Dakak’s white sand beach, then summer time is the best time to go. You may find more people in the area (than usual) during the summer season, but compared to other beach resorts like those in Visayas, the crowd is tolerable.

Another good time to go to Dapitan City is during the Kinabayo festival. The Kinabayo festival is a yearly event in Dapitan city which honors their patron saint, Saint James. Kinabayo is held annually every June 12 to July 25. The festival features street dances and parades. The activities during the festival are usually centered on the theme of the festival which is the battle of Covadonga. The battle of Covadonga is one of the Spanish-Moorish wars wherein it was believed that the Spanish won against even though all odds were against them with the help of Saint James.

Like in all Philippine festivals, the Kinabayo culminates with the locals going to churches for a special mass. Aside from Kinabayo, there are other festivals and events in Dapitan which are held every June and July. So if you prefer a Dapitan bustling with activities and shows, June and July are the best times of the year to go.

Where to Stay

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The best place to stay while in Dapitan City is Monina’s Pension House. This lodging offers basic clean rooms with air conditioning, cable TV, and hot and cold running water. There’s nothing fancy about the Monina’s Pension House as it doesn’t offer amenities that big hotels would. But then again, you’re not going on vacation in the hotel. You’ll be outside most of the time anyway.

The best thing about this place is its location. It is within walking distance from the Gloria fantasyland and from numerous restaurants along Sunset Boulevard and is right on the beach. One can even take a stroll on Sunset Boulevard (just outside the hotel).

Since it’s not a big chain hotel, you’ll find that personalized attention is given to guests. In fact, the quiet and homey feeling that this place gives its guests is one of its best selling points to visitors in Dapitan City.

Where & What to Eat

The shores of Dakak are turned into a grand outdoor dining area in the evening. Tables are set up so guests can enjoy the sumptuous seafood buffet while being treated to a cultural dinner show. I would personally recommend dining at this alfresco restaurant in Dakak since it’s definitely going to be a unique experience. Other dining options outside of Dakak in Dapitan include Señor Santiago Steak House (featuring Australian cuisine and specializing in Aussie barbecue dishes) which is located inside the Gloria de Dapitan commercial complex and the newly opened Dapitan City Aquamarine Park (located on the boundaries of Banonong and Polo villages) which offers seafood bred from their pond and dining in tiny cottages.

Dakak’s shores turn into an outdoor dining area by night
Photo by dominicmeily

Nightlife

By six in the evening, most commercial establishments are already closed for the day in the shrine city of the Philippines. Dapitan virtually had zero nightlife before Gloria de Dapitan. But today you can still find patrons and tourists at the numerous disco pubs and bars in the commercial complex even at two in the morning. One of the more popular ones is BJ’s loft which features in house music and modern lighting technology.

My to do List

1. Bask on Dakak’s white sand beaches.
2. Go horseback riding and hiking in the mountains of the Dakak Park Beach Resort.
3. Ride all thirty one rides at the Gloria Fantasyland.
4. Engage in a conversation with a local about what Jose Rizal did while in exile in Dapitan.
5. Relive Jose Rizal’s exile days in Dapitan.

Getting There

There are four ways to get to Dapitan city. First is taking a flight to Zamboanga City then a bus to Dapitan City. Another option is to take a flight to Dipolog city then a bus to Dapitan City. Third option is to take a ferry from Manila going to either Zamboanga City or Dipolog City. A flight from Manila going to Zamboanga City and Dipolog City would take approximately an hour and a half. A ferry ride from Manila going to Zamboanga City and Dapitan City would take around two days at most. From Zamboanga City, it would take a bus around eight hours to reach Dapitan City. Meanwhile, it would only take an hour for a bus to reach Dapitan City from Dipolog City.

It is evident at this point that the most convenient route to take is the flight going to Dipolog City then the bus to Dapitan city. Your travel time would then be approximately three hours.

Flights from Manila to Dipolog city would cost around 3000- 3500 php (PAL and Cebu Pacific). PAL offers two flights daily (one in the morning and one in the afternoon) and Cebu Pacific offers two flights as well on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays (one in the morning and one in the afternoon as well). Bus fare from Dipolog City to Dapitan City would cost around 200 php. Buses are available at the terminal every hour or so.

Zamboanga City

Zamboanga City Travel Guide

• Why Not Go
• Why Go
• Best Time to Visit
• Where to Stay
• Where & What to Eat
• To Do List
• Getting There

Asia’s Latin city. Zamboanga city’s moniker is a tribute to its very Hispanic past. From its airport to its language, one can find a tinge of the Philippines’ unique past.

Seven hundred kilometers away from Manila, Zamboanga city sits on the southernmost part of the Zamboanga peninsula. It is so far away that my friends from Manila would always comment that it’s like going to a different country already. In fact Zamboanga city is closer to Malaysia and Indonesia than it is to Manila. The distance however should not discourage would-be travelers to Zamboanga city. The long flight or ferry ride is definitely worth every penny once you get to Zamboanga Hermosa.

To the older generations, Zamboanga city brings into mind the tree house in Pasonanca park (a natural park dubbed as the little Baguio of Zamboanga city because of its altitude and varying flora), the pink sand beach of Santa Cruz Island (one of only a few in the world), the sumptuous yet very affordable sea foods, Chabacano (which is the only Spanish Creole in Asia) and the mestizas. To the young ones though, Zamboanga city only brings terrorism into mind.

But while the mestizas are now only a part of the Alta Sociedad (since most of them have already migrated to different parts of the country and the world) and the Pasonanca Park is not as quaint and romantic as it used to be, Zamboanga city definitely still has a lot to offer. Named as Asia’s Latin city, one can definitely find traces of our colonial history in this city. From its airport, cuisine, edifices, customs, to its language, the extranjero would definitely feel as if he has traveled to the past.

The gateway to Asia’s Latin city is the Zamboanga international airport. This structure, although built for its obvious purpose has become a favorite among architecture enthusiasts. The unique design that the airport employs gives you a window to this city’s Islamic heritage.

ZAM, designed by a muslim architect
Photo by christinaestrada

In the city center, one can find more architectural wonders. The city center is reachable by a tricycle or a jeepney (NO TAXIS). A tricycle ride would cost anywhere from 30 pesos to 50 pesos depending where you came from. A good thing to remember is that all jeepneys in Zamboanga city go to the city center and fare costs anywhere from 7 pesos to 10 pesos. The Zamboanga city hall is the heart of the city center. Zamboanga’s city hall is unlike any ordinary city hall. It is an edifice constructed by the Americans during the early 1900s. The building’s turn of the century architecture is one that is generally favored by the American colonial governments for its tropical colonies. Just besides the city hall is the Plaza Pershing which has a hanging garden on its entrance. It is one of the earliest structures made of cement in Mindanao. The stretch of pavement from the city hall going to the Fort Pilar shrine is dotted with old houses and government offices resembling Calle Crisologo in Vigan. Founded in 1635, the Fort Pilar shrine was a Spanish garrison. Inside its walls is a museum which houses numerous paintings, ethnic costumes, marine life exhibits, indigenous tribes’ memorabilia, and some artifacts from a sunken galleon.

Inside the walls of the Fort Pilar
Photo by lutykuh

Archaic lamp posts and edifices along the stretch of road from the city hall going to the Fort Pilar shrine
Photo by Jerome Herrera

The unique city hall of Zamboanga city, adorned by thousands of lights during the Christmas season
Photo by lutykuh

Just a stone’s throw away from the shrine is the newly opened Paseo del Mar. The Paseo Del Mar resembles the bay walk along Manila bay offering locals a respite from the demands of everyday life. This spot is frequented by Zamboangueños at night because the sun can be a bit harsh in the mornings. I would suggest that you visit the Paseo del Mar on mid afternoons so that you can appreciate the vistas of nearby islands such as Basilan and Santa Cruz. Not to be missed as well is the famous Zamboanga sunset which can rival that of Manila Bay’s. As the park is still a bit new (it was opened during the third quarter of 2009), it may get crowded especially during weekends.

The famous Zamboanga sunset
Photo by Jerome Herrera

Still in the city center is the Metropolitan Cathedral of Immaculate Conception (referred to as ‘the cathedral’ by locals). Outside, the occasional tourist would think that it is a hotel or a mall because of its size and architecture. This common misconception arises from the fact that this cathedral is one of the most modern in Mindanao. The cathedral was built in a form of a crucifix and its façade was shaped after a candle.

A full view of the cathedral
Photo by Jerome Herrera

After all that sightseeing you might want to head to Pasonanca Park. Adorned with trees, flowers, shrubs, orchids, ferns, and a river, this park is truly unique. In the middle of it all is a tree house which was so famous in the 60s and 70s that when you mention the word tree house, Zamboanga city comes into mind immediately. Today though the quaint and cosy feel that the park used to have is gone. The small park has now been transformed to a huge park complex with three natural swimming pools (its water comes from the mountains), a flower garden, an aviary, and a butterfly farm. The surrounding area is known for its great dining and entertainment. The park, even transformed into something very modern and contemporary is still worth checking out though. Allot a full day in Pasonanca Park as it is a huge place. You might also want to pack food because there are not a lot of food stalls inside. The park is around 5 kilometres from the city proper. Tricycle fare would generally cost around 30 to 40 pesos and a jeepney ride would generally be at 7 pesos.

The cozy tree house in the Pasonanca Park
Photo by Jerome Herrera

Twenty five minutes away from the city center is the virgin Santa Cruz Islands, probably the biggest chance of Zamboanga city to tap into the mainstream tourism industry. Developing it however has been costly and a logistical nightmare as it is off the Zamboanga peninsula. The greater Santa Cruz Island boats of a pink sand beach and a sand bar. Yes you heard it right, pink sand. While the smaller Santa Cruz Island is a white sand beach which is a great diving spot. Do not expect hotels, restaurants, and resorts in this place though, the islands are practically deserted. The only way to get there is by using a boat which would cost 100 pesos (round trip). Pick up and drop off point is the Lantaka hotel.

There are numerous beach resorts located in mainland Zamboanga city though as the city‘s borders are virtually shorelines. I however would not recommend them because most are rocky and too commercial.

A typical rocky beach on mainland Zamboanga city
Photo by lutykuh3rd

The RT Lim Boulevard, which is a major thoroughfare as well as a beach
Photo by lutykuh3rd

There is a place in Zamboanga called ‘barter’ because there used to be a lot of barter activity in this area. The system was started by the great Ferdinand Marcos in a bid to appease the Moro rebels. Tax free products were exchanged between Malaysia and the Philippines. In the past, one can find Malaysian made products such as tea, coffee, candies, and malongs at rock bottom prices at the barter. Over time though (as Marcos was ousted), the barter system was ended. Today though, one can still find tax free Malaysian and Indonesian made products at cheap prices. Apparently, the second generation traders still continued the practice of selling products from Malaysia albeit no Philippine made products are ever sold in Malaysia as would have been the case in a barter system. As this place has been a frequent stop among tourists, you can also buy Zamboanga t-shirts and pearls from the barter. Don’t forget that this place is like a tiangge, so remember to haggle, haggle, and haggle!

Another great place to shop is the Yakan weaving center. This village is the home of the Yakan people; an ethnic tribe with special skills in weaving intricately designed traditional cloths on looms. These cloths are usually made into coasters, table covers, wall displays, bags, and purses. The yakan weaving center is about seven kilometers away from the city center and can usually be reached using a tricycle (40 pesos from the city center) or a jeepney (10 pesos from the city center).Note that these cloths are hand-woven, so they are a bit pricey.

An old Yakan woman displaying her wares
Photo by shawi

Why Not Go

If you are an outdoor person, you might not enjoy Zamboanga city that much. We don’t offer spelunking, mountain climbing, and other outdoor activities. If you are friends traveling, you might find the city a bit boring. The things that Zamboanga can offer (such as shopping, dining, and sightseeing) are more apt for a family traveling.

Regarding peace and order, the city is relatively safe and is not as unsafe as the media portrays it to be. To be totally safe though, I recommend that you stay within the city center. The downtown area is pretty well guarded not only by the police but by the military. So don’t panic when you see military men carrying big guns in the city streets, it’s not a coup d’état.

Just be sure to exercise proper caution as you would when traveling to a foreign city and you should be fine.

Why Go

For history buffs who want to relive the Philippines’ past, Zamboanga city is paradise. Not only would you get to see Hispanic manifestations in the architecture, but you get to experience it through its unique language, Chabacano. Extranjeros would often comment that hearing natives speak Chabacano makes them feel like they are in Mexico. From the time you get off the plane, stroll in its many parks and plazas, visit its churches, wander along the city streets, and talk to the locals, you would agree that it is truly Asia’s Latin city.

Best Time to Visit

Unlike most of the Philippines which is typhoon prone, the Zamboanga peninsula is typhoon free. Weather should not be factor when planning your trip to this place. The best time to go is during the Zamboanga Hermosa festival. This is the time of year when Zamboanga city is very vibrant and colorful. The festival features pageants, parades, street dances, concerts, a boodle fight (highlighting the city’s brand as the sardines capital of the Philippines), a Chabacano song festival, a regatta (wherein Zamboanga’s traditional outrigger called the Vinta are raced by locals), trade fairs (featuring traveling merchants from different cities in the country) and other fun activities. Just remember that public places are very crowded during the festival because people with relatives in Zamboanga city often choose to reunite with their relatives during this time. The Zamboanga Hermosa festival generally runs from October 1 to Oct 12. It culminates in a solemn activity called the Fiesta Pilar wherein Zamboangueños visit the Fort Pilar shrine to pray.

Where to Stay

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There are numerous hotels within the city center. One of the best that I always recommend is the Lantaka by the sea hotel. Aside from enjoying rooms with a majestic view of the ocean, you also get to be within walking distance from the fort pilar shrine, the city hall, and the main downtown area. This vintage hotel offers great facilities such as an al fresco restaurant and a large swimming pool set amidst coconut trees; both overlooking the waters between Zamboanga city and Basilan.

Less than a kilometer away from the airport is the Garden Orchid hotel. This airport hotel is perfect for businessmen. Equipped with a swimming pool, a restaurant, a garden, a lobby bar with live entertainment, and spa services onsite, it offers first rate services at very affordable prices.

Where & What to Eat

Zamboanga city is a seafood haven. One of the best restaurants in the city, serving the best food in town is the Alavar’s Seafood House. Alavar’s is best known for its very delicious bagoong and Curacha (a type of crustacean that can be found in Zamboanga’s waters. This place can be a bit pricey though and service is a bit slow. While the food is definitely worth the price, there are other restaurants which offer great tasting seafood as well at lower prices. Mano Mano Na Greenfield Restaurant is another great place to dine in. Mano mano means that you use your hands for something, in this case eating. This restaurant is usually packed with locals at any time of the day, and any day of the week. The main reason for this is that this restaurant offers good food at very affordable prices, not to mention good service. Their menu consists of sea foods and mainstream Filipino dishes. The main structure is like an open veranda which allows cool breeze to enter the restaurant. The building is made from bamboo and the roof from nipa which gives it a very traditional atmosphere. Food is served in trays made from bamboo covered in banana leafs.

Hai San Seafood Market and Restaurant is also a good dining option. This is a Chinese restaurant that offers seafood cooked using Chinese recipes. What makes this restaurant unique is the chance for diners to choose from freshly caught fishes. The chefs would then cook it for you. Hai San’s specialties include Curacha cooked in garlic sauce, latu salad (a type of seaweed), lapu lapu, and lobsters.

Now if you want to dine by the sea, I would recommend the outdoor restaurant in the La Vista del Mar beach resort. This restaurant offers dining along the ocean with gentle breeze blowing by.

As Zamboanga city is home to a significant number of Muslims, you can also find cuisine here that was created by Muslim tribes such as the Tausugs. One very famous Tausug dish is the Satti. Satti is actually coagulated rice immersed in a reddish sweet and spicy sauce. You eat it either with grilled chicken or Isaw (intestine).

Alavar’s seafood house is located in the village of Tetuan. Mano Mano Na Greenfield Restaurant meanwhile is in the village of Santa Maria. If you wish to visit the outdoor restaurant at the La Vista Del Mar beach resort, you would need to travel 6 kilometers away from the city center. It is located along the west coast highway. The Hai San restaurant can be found on Ledesma Street (near the city center). These are short stretches of road and relatively small villages and finding these places would not be difficult at all. Also, you don’t have to worry about getting lost as all tricycle drivers would know where these places are by heart.

Now, if you want to taste the Satti as well, just go to the city center and you’ll definitely find a small eatery offering this dish.

Making reservations, though prudent is not necessary. If you wish to contact these restaurants however, your front desk or hotel concierge would definitely have their phone numbers.

My to do List

1. Stroll along the city streets, specifically from the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception to the city hall and finally to the Fort Pilar shrine
2. Wade through the crystal clear waters and lie on the pink sand beach of Santa Cruz island
3. Buy some cheap pearl earrings, necklaces, and bracelets
4. Eat great seafood at rock bottom prices
5. Spend a full day at the Pasonanca Park
6. Eat spicy Satti in the morning
7. Buy some imported chocolates from Malaysia and other items at the barter
8. Watch the Yakan people weave using giant looms at the Yakan weaving village and bring home the finish product
9. Try to speak Chabacano with a local
10. Watch the stunning sunset at the Paseo del Mar

Getting There

My preferred mode of transportation to Zamboanga city has always been by a ferry. Just the ferry ride itself can be considered a vacation already. It would be like going on a two day cruise if you’re from Luzon and a one day cruise if you’re from Visayas. What I enjoy most about ferry rides is the chance to see all of the Philippines from a good vantage point. If you ride a super ferry, the ship makes a stopover in metro Cebu which gives you a chance to appreciate the beautiful skyscrapers dotted in front of its mountains and if you ride a Negros navigation, you get to see Bacolod’s and Iloilo’s historic ports. A trip from Luzon to Zamboanga city would usually cost around 1000-1500 pesos and from Visayas to Zamboanga city 500 – 800 pesos. Now if you prefer a quicker ride, take the plane. It shouldn’t take more than an hour and a half. Be prepared to pay around 2500 – 3500 for a plane ticket (from Luzon) though. Both Super ferry and Negros Navigation has voyages to Zamboanga city twice a week (Wednesday and Saturday for Super ferry and Thursday and Sunday for Negros Navigation) while Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines offers morning and afternoon flights to Zamboanga city daily.

Be aware that the seaport is not that organized in Zamboanga city. If you need help with your luggage, approach only those porters with an ID. From the airport or seaport, take the tricycle (again NO TAXIS). A tricycle can fit in approximately four people. Remember to agree on a fare before getting in. Some drivers overcharge simply because you came from the airport or the seaport.