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Bon-Bon Beach | Image by Jonny  Melon | jonnymelon.com | Jan 2023

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 

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 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.

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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. 

“Lona del Mar (Sailcloth of the Sea)” by Jackson Lee Umandac (@jackmeisterlee)

Image by by Jackson Lee Umandac (@jackmeisterlee) | Facebook Zamboanga Hermosa Festival

Vamos a Zamboanga!

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.  

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.  

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.  

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

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