ZAMBOANGA TRAVEL GUIDE 2023 | Itinerary + Budget + Map
Sunday, October 15, 2023
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
| FLIGHTS FROM | AIRLINES | DIRECT FLIGHTS                   | ESTIMATED                   | AVERAGE                   | 
| METRO MANILA | CEB, PAL | 7+ DAILY | 1:45 HOURS | ₱2,800 +/- | 
| DAVAO | CEB | 1+ DAILY | 1:05 HOURS | ₱2,200 +/- | 
| CEBU | CEB, PAL | 1+ DAILY | 1:10 HOURS | ₱1,600 +/- | 
| COTABATO | CEB | 4 WEEKLY | SUN MON WED FRI | 0:55 HOURS | ₱1,800 +/- | 
| TAWI TAWI | CEB, PAL | 1+ DAILY | 55 MINS | ₱1,300 +/- | 
AIRLINE CONTACT INFORMATION:     
CEBU PACIFIC Facebook     
PHILIPPINE AIRLINES Messenger | WhatsApp +63 (998) 951-4359
FERRIES TO ZAMBOANGA
| FERRY FROM | SHIPPING LINE | DEPARTURE                   | ESTIMATED                   | AVERAGE                   | 
| METRO MANILA | 2GO | 1 WEEKLY | SUN | 2 DAYS | ₱1,500 +/- | 
| BASILAN | MONTENEGRO, WEESAM, ALESON | 11 DAILY | 1.5 HOURS | ₱145 +/- | 
| DUMAGUETE | 2GO | 1 WEEKLY | TUE | 14 HOURS | ₱1,200 +/- | 
| DIPOLOG | 2GO | 1 WEEKLY | TUE | 9 HOURS | ₱1,100 +/- | 
| DUMAGUETE | 2GO | 1 WEEKLY | TUE | 14 HOURS | ₱2,100 +/- | 
| SULU | ALESON, IBNERIZAM,   | 3+ DAILY | 3.5 HOURS | ₱500.00 | 
| TAWI-TAWI | ALESON | 3 WEEKLY | MON WED FRI | 18 HOURS | ₱320 +/- | 
| SANDAKAN MALAYSIA | ALESON | 0 DAILY | BY SCHEDULE | 16 HOURS | ₱3,100 +/- | 
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 FROM | BUS LINE | DEPARTURE                   | ESTIMATED                   | AVERAGE                   | 
| BACOLOD | CERES LINER +FERRY | 2 DAILY | 22 HOURS | ₱1,400 +/- | 
| CAGAYAN DE ORO | RURAL TRANSIT MINDANAO | 6 DAILY | 10 HOURS | ₱1,100 +/- | 
| CEBU | CERES LINER +FERRY | 1 DAILY | 24 HOURS | ₱1,600 +/- | 
| DIPOLOG | RURAL TRANSIT | 22 DAILY | 8 HOURS | ₱600 +/- | 
| IPIL | RURAL TRANSIT | 0 NO SCHED YET | 4 HOURS | ₱245 +/- | 
| PAGADIAN | RURAL TRANSIT | 12 DAILY | 7 HOURS | ₱500 +/- | 
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
 The main modes of transportation in Zamboanga is the jeepney and the tricycle. The former comes in two varieties, the regular flamboyant and colorful jeepneys you see all over the Philippines, and an unadorned boxy Ford Fierra-type that used to be popular during the eighties. Minimum fare is set at ₱12.00. To stop, you say “Urilya lang.”
The main modes of transportation in Zamboanga is the jeepney and the tricycle. The former comes in two varieties, the regular flamboyant and colorful jeepneys you see all over the Philippines, and an unadorned boxy Ford Fierra-type that used to be popular during the eighties. Minimum fare is set at ₱12.00. To stop, you say “Urilya lang.”     
    
Tricycles, which they pronounce as tricy-col, in the city have a minimum fare of ₱20.00 per person and can usually seat four people at a time. Note, however, that most tricycles ask for special rates—which means you rent it whole—starting at ₱100.00. Try to haggle before boarding.
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.
 
     CASA CANELAR PENSION
CASA CANELAR PENSION      
     
Address: Mayor Jaldon St., Brgy. Canelar     
Contact Number: +63 (62) 990-1056     
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9159945,122.0699005      CITYINN HOTEL
CITYINN HOTEL      
     
Address: Governor Alvarez St., cor. La Purisima St., Downtown     
Contact Number: +63 (62) 955-4058     
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9105162,122.0726108      JARDIN DE LA VINA HOTEL
JARDIN DE LA VINA HOTEL      
     
Address: 149 Gov. Alvarez Avenue, Zamboanga City     
Contact Number: +63 (62) 991-7808     
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9104263,122.0715213      TWO SEASONS EXECUTIVE SUITES
TWO SEASONS EXECUTIVE SUITES      
     
Address: Veterans Ext, Tumaga Road, Brgy. Tumaga     
Contact Number: +63 (997) 706-9776     
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.926388, 122.078771      
     EVER O BUSINESS HOTEL
EVER O BUSINESS HOTEL      
     
Address: Tomas Claudio St., Cor. La Purisima St., Zone II     
Contact Number: +63 (917) 549-2285     
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9069639,122.0742745      GRAND ASTORIA HOTEL
GRAND ASTORIA HOTEL      
     
Address: Mayor Jaldon St., Zone II     
Contact Number: +63 (62) 991-2510     
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9085733,122.0712943      
     GARDEN ORCHID HOTEL
GARDEN ORCHID HOTEL      
     
Address: Gov. Camins Ave., Brgy. Canelar     
Contact Number: +63 (62) 991-0032     
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9178413,122.0617423      MARCIAN GARDEN HOTEL
MARCIAN GARDEN HOTEL      
     
Address: Gov. Camins Ave., Brgy. Canelar     
Contact Number: +63 (62) 991-2519     
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9189231,122.0635757
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
 ALAVAR SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
ALAVAR SEAFOOD RESTAURANT     
Address: 173 Don Alfaro St., Brgy. Tetuan     
Contact Number: +63 (62) 992-4533     
Opening Hours: 10:00AM - 10:00PM, Daily     
Type: Filipino, Seafood, Local Dishes     
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9157962,122.0844847      ANDY'S SPECIAL SATTI
ANDY'S SPECIAL SATTI     
Address: C. Atilano St., Brgy. Tetuan     
Opening Hours: 6:00AM - 6:00PM, Daily     
Type: Satti House     
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9189182,122.0867327      BAR CODE
BAR CODE     
Address: Paseo Del Mar, Downtown / Rizal St., Downtown     
Contact Number: +63 (926) 353-6349     
Opening Hours: 10:00AM - 10:00PM, Daily     
Type: Bar & Restaurant, Sizzling Plates     
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9038897,122.0756283      BAY TAL MAL RESTAURANT
BAY TAL MAL RESTAURANT     
Address: Mayor Jaldon St., Brgy. Canelar     
Contact Number: +63 (915) 016-0448     
Opening Hours: 10:00AM - 10:00PM, Daily     
Type: Moro Cuisine     
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9194132,122.0698158      COUNTRY CHICKEN RESTAURANT
COUNTRY CHICKEN RESTAURANT     
Address: Km4 Pasonanca Rd., Brgy. Pasonanca     
Contact Number: +63 (62) 991-1852     
Opening Hours: 11:00AM - 10:00PM, Daily     
Type: Filipino, Spanish, Italian, Western     
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9404935,122.0708426      DENNIS COFFEE GARDEN
DENNIS COFFEE GARDEN     
Address: San Jose Rd., Brgy. Baliwasan     
Contact Number: +63 (995) 820-6642     
Opening Hours: 9:00AM - 11:00PM, Daily     
Type: Moro Cuisine     
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9162658,122.0573393      HACIENDA DE PALMERAS RESTAURANT
HACIENDA DE PALMERAS RESTAURANT     
Address: Pasonanca Rd., Brgy. Sta. Maria     
Contact Number: +63 (62) 991-3284     
Opening Hours: 10:00AM - 10:00PM, Daily     
Type: Filipino, Western     
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.935617,122.0688291      HARLEY'S FOOD & CRAFT BEER
HARLEY'S FOOD & CRAFT BEER     
Address: Yubenco Food Complex, Villares St., Brgy. Tetuan     
Contact Number: +63 (917) 727-0406     
Opening Hours: 3:00PM - 12:00AM, Daily     
Type: Bar Chow, Halal, Craft Beer     
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.913834,122.0889983      MANDARIN TEA GARDEN
MANDARIN TEA GARDEN     
Address: 2Nd Flr. KCC Mall De Zamboanga, Gov. Camins Road     
Opening Hours: 9:00AM - 9:00PM, Daily  
Type: Chinese     
GPS Coordinates: 6.920728, 122.073478      OLE OLE MARI MAKAN RESTAURANT
OLE OLE MARI MAKAN RESTAURANT     
Address: San Jose Road, Brgy. Sto. Nino     
Opening Hours: 10:30AM - 3:00AM, Daily     
Type: Malaysian     
GPS Coordinates: 6.911247, 122.067095      PASEO DEL MAR STREET FOOD STALLS
PASEO DEL MAR STREET FOOD STALLS     
Address: N.S. Valderoza St., Downtown     
Opening Hours: 6:00AM -12:30AM, Daily     
Type: Street Food, Mini Stalls     
GPS Coordinates: 6.9005656,122.0790673      PETTIT BARRACKS NIGHT MARKET
PETTIT BARRACKS NIGHT MARKET     
Address: Rizal St., Downtown     
Opening Hours: Evening Hours, Daily  
Type: Street Food, Mini Stalls     
GPS Coordinates: 6.903054, 122.079123      TINIS RESTAURANT
TINIS RESTAURANT     
Address: 49 N.S. Valderosa St., Downtown     
Opening Hours: 7:00AM – 7:00PM, Daily     
Type:     
GPS Coordinates:      VISTA DEL MAR RESTAURANT
VISTA DEL MAR RESTAURANT     
Address: Labuan-Lampara Rd., Brgy. Calarian     
Contact Number: +63 (62) 991-1208     
Opening Hours: 8:00AM - 5:00PM, Daily     
Type: Filipino, Seafood     
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9235618,122.0186555
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
 
     BPI ZAMBOANGA MUSEUM
BPI ZAMBOANGA MUSEUM     
Address: N.S. Valderosa St., Downtown     
Entrance Fee: Free     
Opening Hours: By Request, 9:00AM - 4:30PM, Weekdays     
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.902486, 122.084644      FORT PILAR SHRINE
FORT PILAR SHRINE     
Address: Sta. Barbara St., Brgy. Sta. Barbara     
Entrance Fee: Free     
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9014491,122.0804859      NATIONAL MUSEUM ZAMBOANGA
NATIONAL MUSEUM ZAMBOANGA     
Address: N.S. Valderosa St., Brgy. Sta. Barbara     
Entrance Fee: ₱20.00     
Opening Hours: 8:00AM - 5:00PM, Closed on Sundays     
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9013519,122.0820698      PASEO DEL MAR
PASEO DEL MAR     
Address: N.S. Valderosa St., Brgy. Sta. Barbara     
Entrance Fee: Free     
Opening Hours: 6:00AM - 12:30AM, Daily     
GPS Coordinates: 6.9010044,122.0810277      PLAZA RIZAL
PLAZA RIZAL     
Address: N.S. Valderosa St., Brgy. Sta. Barbara     
Entrance Fee: Free   
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9044926,122.0758376      METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL OF ZAMBOANGA
METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL OF ZAMBOANGA     
Address: La Purisima St., Brgy. Zone II     
Entrance Fee: Free     
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9087919,122.0735335     
     RIO HONDO VILLAGE
RIO HONDO VILLAGE     
Address: Brgy. Rio Hondo     
Entrance Fee: Free     
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.900015,122.0891307     
PHOTO BY EAZYTRAVELER      ZAMBOANGA CITY HALL
ZAMBOANGA CITY HALL     
Address: N.S. Valderosa St., Brgy. Sta. Barbara     
Entrance Fee: Free     
Opening Hours: Regular Office Hours     
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9041811,122.0761756      ZSCMST BIRD SANCTUARY
ZSCMST BIRD SANCTUARY     
Address: Fisheries Compound, N.S. Valderosa St., Brgy. Sta. Barbara     
Entrance Fee: Free     
Opening Hours: Regular Office Hours     
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9023837,122.083785      
     CAMP LIMBAGA
CAMP LIMBAGA     
Address: Pasonanca Park, Pasonanca Rd., Brgy. Pasonanca     
Entrance Fee: Free     
Opening Hours: Regular Office Hours     
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.952484,122.0748105      EL MUSEO DE ZAMBOANGA
EL MUSEO DE ZAMBOANGA     
Address: Pasonanca Rd., Brgy. Pasonanca     
Entrance Fee: Free     
Opening Hours: 9:00AM - 5:00PM, Closed Sundays     
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9532029,122.0731422      PASONANCA SWIMMING POOLS
PASONANCA SWIMMING POOLS     
Address: Pasonanca Park, Pasonanca Rd., Brgy. Pasonanca     
Entrance Fee: ₱10.00     
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9525692,122.0747515     
PHOTO BY WOWZAMBOANGACITY      ZAMBOANGA TREE HOUSE
ZAMBOANGA TREE HOUSE     
Address: Pasonanca Park, Pasonanca Rd., Brgy. Pasonanca     
Entrance Fee: Free     
Opening Hours: Regular Office Hours     
GPS Coordinates: 6.9525692,122.0747515      
     CANELAR BARTER
CANELAR BARTER     
Address: Mayor Jaldon St., Brgy. Canelar     
Entrance Fee: Free     
Opening Hours: 8:00AM - 5:30PM, Daily     
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9139629,122.0719121      MERLOQUET FALLS
MERLOQUET FALLS     
Address: Brgy. Sibulao     
Entrance Fee: ₱5.00     
GPS Map Coordinates: 7.3101201,122.2112739      ONCE ISLAS
ONCE ISLAS     
Address: Brgy. Dita and Panubigan     
Entrance Fee: ₱100.00     
Opening Hours: 7:00AM - 3:00PM, Closed on Fridays     
GPS Map Coordinates: 7.1326561,122.2472173      RAINBOW MOSQUE
RAINBOW MOSQUE     
Address:     
Entrance Fee: Free     
Opening Hours: X:00AM - X:00PM, Daily     
GPS Map Coordinates:      STA. CRUZ ISLAND
STA. CRUZ ISLAND     
Address: Sta. Cruz Island     
Entrance Fee: ₱30.00     
Opening Hours: 7:00AM - 2:00PM, Daily     
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.8655017,122.0581484      TALUKSANGAY MOSQUE
TALUKSANGAY MOSQUE     
Address: Brgy. Taluksangay     
Entrance Fee: Free     
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9507456,122.1792455     
PHOTO BY TRAVELTRILOGY      YAKAN WEAVING VILLAGE
YAKAN WEAVING VILLAGE     
Address: Labuan-Limpapa National Road, Brgy. Calarian     
Entrance Fee: Free     
Opening Hours: 8:00AM - 8:00PM, Daily     
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9248815,122.0200141
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.
 APA (MARTILLOS)
 APA (MARTILLOS)        
Address: Fort Pilar, N.S. Valderosa St., Brgy. Sta. Barbara  
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.901684, 122.082278      MALAYSIAN GOODS/PRODUCTS
MALAYSIAN GOODS/PRODUCTS     
Address: Canelar Barter Center, Mayor Jaldon St., Brgy. Canelar     
Opening Hours: 8:00AM - 5:30PM, Daily     
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9139629,122.0719121      YAKAN WEAVING PRODUCTS
YAKAN WEAVING PRODUCTS     
Address: Yakan Village, Labuan-Limpapa National Road, Brgy. Calarian  
Entrance Fee: Free     
Opening Hours: 8:00AM - 8:00PM, Daily     
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9248815,122.0200141
      ZAMBOANGA CANELAR TEXTILES
ZAMBOANGA CANELAR TEXTILES     
 Address: Canelar Barter Center, Mayor Jaldon St., Brgy. Canelar     
Opening Hours: 8:00AM - 5:30PM, Daily     
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9139629,122.0719121
   
    
    
FESTIVALS IN ZAMBOANGA CITY
 There’s only one major festival in Zamboanga and that’s the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival. It is dedicated to the miraculous image of the Nuestra Señora del Pilar enshrined at Fort Pilar. Celebrated during the whole month of October, its highlights include the Regatta de Zamboanga, ZamPEX, Asao Lechon Festival, Mascota de Zamboanga, and the Zamboanga Hermosa Street Dance Competition.
There’s only one major festival in Zamboanga and that’s the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival. It is dedicated to the miraculous image of the Nuestra Señora del Pilar enshrined at Fort Pilar. Celebrated during the whole month of October, its highlights include the Regatta de Zamboanga, ZamPEX, Asao Lechon Festival, Mascota de Zamboanga, and the Zamboanga Hermosa Street Dance Competition.
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
► DAY ONE | ₱972.00 PER PERSON (GROUP OF TWO)
• 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 ONE | ₱972.00 PER PERSON (GROUP OF TWO)
• 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 | ₱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
UPDATED AS OF OCTOBER 2023
 

 

















































 
 
 
 
6 comments
Thank you for this! :)
ReplyDeleteGlad to be of service! Enjoy your Zamboanga trip! :)
DeleteHi. 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.
ReplyDeleteHi there, you may get your tour packages from iTravel Tourist Lane.
Delete+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/
ReplyDeleteHi Mark, thanks for the heads up. Will report this. And thank you for being a long-time follower. :)
Delete