EXPLORE PHILIPPINES
ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA
Officially designated as the country's Region IX, it is composed of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay and Isabela City (of Basilan, currently part of the ARMM region as a province). The peninsula is home to vibrant cultural heritage and abundant natural wonders.
Background Image by Jonny Melon | jonnymelon.com
Image from PhilippineBeaches.org
Travel Guides
Long-time and known travel blogger ThePoorTraveler have shared they were toured around ZamPen in 2022 by Buenas Travel & Tours and iTravel Tourist Lane. They have shared the travel agencies' details and their sample itinerary in their blog.
EscapeManila also shared a list of 54 DOT-accredited travel agencies as of 2023. You may find their contact information here.
There is no shortage of wonderful places to stay around the peninsula, too. A quick online search will yield plenty of suggestions, including from hotel aggregators and hotels' own websites.
How to get to ZamPen
There are local flights from Manila and other PH airports to Zamboanga City. From the airport, which is within the city, taxis and tricycles are waiting to take you to your destination.
If you prefer to travel by sea, there are ferries ready to take you from Manila, Cebu and Davao.
Asia's Latin City is also accessible by bus if you are coming from other cities in Mindanao.
Explore & Experience
The best way to go around the city and other destinations of the region is by public transportation. Jeepneys, tricycles and taxi are plenty.
For groups or if you want serviced trips, you may book guided tours before you arrive or when you already get there.
Image by by Jackson Lee Umandac (@jackmeisterlee) | Facebook Zamboanga Hermosa Festival
Vamos a Zamboanga!
Photo by Faith Mari on Flickr License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/ Modifications: The original image was cropped/modified.
Image from Forsh Travel and Tours
Photo by Faith Mari on Flickr License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/ Modifications: The original image was cropped/modified.
Pink Sand Beach of Sta. Cruz Grande Island
The beautiful hue of the sand is due to the crushed red organ pipe coral that were washed ashore. In 2017, it made to the National Geographic's 21 Best Beaches in the World list.
Little Sta. Cruz Island & Sandbar
An islet with a stretch of sandbar - it's like a pinkish comma in a vast blue sea.
Image by Marco Dennis | The Pinoy Traveller
Image by Playground Films PH | DOT | 7641islands.ph
Image by Marco Dennis | The Pinoy Traveller
Author: Francisco M. Pajares, Jr.
Image by Juelito Francia
Image by Obotology Channel
Author: Francisco M. Pajares, Jr.
Fort Pilar Shrine and Museum
Fortaleza del Pilar used to be a Spanish defense post in 17th century. Today, it is recognized as National Cultural Treasure and a historical landmark of Zamboanga City.
Once Islas
Eleven beautiful islands - Sirommon, Bisaya-Bisaya, Buh-Buh, Baung-Baung, Sallangan, Simaddang, Lambang-Lambang, Baguias, Kabugan, Panganak, and Lampinigan. Only the first 4 are open to public since 2018, but offers more than enough attractions to marvel with and activities to choose from. This eco-cultural tourism zone is home to Sama Banguingui, and together with the LGU and local tourism offices, continues to preserve the islands' splendors while warmly welcoming the tourists.
lmages from Melo Villareal @outoftowntravelblog | GMA Lifestyle
lmages from Melo Villareal @outoftowntravelblog | GMA Lifestyle
lmages from Melo Villareal @outoftowntravelblog | GMA Lifestyle
lmages from Melo Villareal @outoftowntravelblog | GMA Lifestyle
Image by angelodabbay from Viewbug.com
Image by Playground Films PH | DOT | 7641islands.ph
Image from Paseo Del Mar Facebook Page
Image by angelodabbay from Viewbug.com
Paseo del Mar
A leisure park for families just right at the back of Fort Pilar. It was opened in October 2021 during the celebration Zamboanga Hermosa Festival.
Merloquet Falls, Pulacan Falls and Situbo Falls
Outside of the Asia's Latin City are three unspoiled and equally captivating waterfalls.
Like straight out of a postcard, Merloquet Falls offers view of crystal-clear water falling like a veil.
Pulacan Falls is just 30 minutes away from Pagadian City and boasts 400-meter fresh water curtain.
Situbo Falls in Tampilisan, Zamboanga del Norte will reward its seekers tranquil beauty.
Image by Bryan Julius A. Piamonte
Image by Bryan Julius A. Piamonte
Image by @ASANASADsiJAMES
Image by Bryan Julius A. Piamonte
Image by Team Out of Town |
Image by Patrickroque01
Image by National Historical Commission of the Philippines
Image by Team Out of Town |
Taluksangay Mosque
Experiencing the vibrant culture and rich history of ZamPen will not be complete without visiting the oldest mosque in Western Mindanao. It is recognized by many Islamic countries, and have played key role in Islam propagation in the peninsula, Basilan and Sulu.
MUST-TRY
ONLY IN ZAMPEN
Zamboanga Hermosa Festival
Zamboanga City's annual celebration dedicated to its patron saint La Virgen Nuestra Señora del Pilar. The festival is held every October, and features vinta race Regatta de Zamboanga.
Image from ZamboangaHermosa Festival Facebook Page
Vinta rowing
Experience riding the iconic vinta in any of the city's coastal villages. If Sta. Cruz Grande Island trip is already in your list, make sure to add this in your activities.
Image from mgsinsurance.ph and 7641islands.ph
Shopping at canelar barter trade center
Shop for local, Indonesian and Malaysian products from this center, just don't forget you can haggle and to bring cash.
You may also want to drop by Yakan Weaving Village for souvenirs or find a Yakan texting that suits your style.
Image from thepinoytraveler.net
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bird watching at ZSCMST bird sanctuary
Lies within Zamboanga State College of Marine Science and Technology is mangroves-lined pond where migratory birds and great white egrets thrive. There designated decks where you can spend time bird-watching. If you are visiting Fort Pilar or Paseo del Mar, add this to your itinerary as this is just really close by.
Image from pinoyadventurista.com
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