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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, 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 1890’s, had a strong influence on the city, not only in religion, but in their language, food, and traditions. 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
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 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 | CEBPAC, PAL | 5+ DAILY | 1:45 HOURS | PHP 2,000.00 |
| CAGAYAN DE ORO | CEBPAC | 3 WEEKLY | TUE, THU, SAT | 1:15 HOURS | PHP 2,000.00 |
| CEBU | CEBPAC, PAL | 1+ DAILY | 1:10 HOURS | PHP 950.00 |
| COTABATO | CEBPAC | 3 WEEKLY | TUE, THU, SAT | 0:55 HOURS | PHP 1,800.00 |
| DAVAO | CEBPAC, PAL | 2 DAILY | 1 HOUR | PHP 930.00 |
| TAWI TAWI | CEBPAC, PAL | 1+ DAILY | 55 MINS | PHP 1,500.00 |
AIRLINE CONTACT INFORMATION:
CEBU PACIFIC – Manila +63 (2) 7020-888
PHILIPPINE AIRLINES – Manila +63 (2) 777-5932
FERRIES TO ZAMBOANGA
| FERRY FROM | SHIPPING LINE | DEPARTURE | ESTIMATED | AVERAGE |
| METRO MANILA | 2GO | 2 WEEKLY | SUN MON | 1.5 DAYS | PHP 1,400.00 |
| BASILAN | WEESAM, ALESON | 8 DAILY | 1 HOUR | PHP 145.00 |
| CEBU | GP LINES | 1 WEEKLY | MON | 14 HOURS | |
| DUMAGUETE | 2GO | 1 WEEKLY | MON | 14 HOURS | PHP 850.00 |
| DAVAO | 2GO | 1 EVERY TWO WEEKS | THU | 24 HOURS | PHP 1,900.00 |
| DIPOLOG | 2GO | 1 WEEKLY | TUE | 9 HOURS | PHP 900.00 |
| DUMAGUETE | 2GO | 1 WEEKLY | MON | 14 HOURS | PHP 1,600.00 |
| GENERAL SANTOS | 2GO | 1 EVERY TWO WEEKS | FRI | 12 HOURS | PHP 1,600.00 |
| ILOILO | 2GO | 1 EVERY TWO WEEKS | TUE | 14 HOURS | PHP 1,500.00 |
| SULU | WEESAM, MONTENEGRO, ALESON | 3 DAILY | 3.5 HOURS | PHP 250.00 |
| TAWI-TAWI | ALESON | 1 DAILY | 18 HOURS | PHP 300.00 |
| SANDAKAN MALAYSIA | ALESON | 1 DAILY | TUE | 16 HOURS | PHP 3,100.00 |
FERRY CONTACT INFORMATION:
2GO TRAVEL – Manila +63 (2) 528-7000
ALESON SHIPPING LINES – Zamboanga City +63 (62) 991-4258 | +63 (62) 992-5507
GP LINES – Cebu +63 (32) 254-0302 | +63 (32) 254-5404 | +63 (32) 254-5154
MONTENEGRO SHIPPING LINES – +63 (998) 561-0830 | +63 (936) 932-3339
WEESAM – Cebu: +63 (32) 231-7737 | Ormoc: +63 (53) 561-0080
BUSES TO ZAMBOANGA
| BUS FROM | BUS LINE | DEPARTURE | ESTIMATED | AVERAGE |
| BACOLOD | CERES LINER +FERRY | 1 DAILY | 22 HOURS | PHP 1,300.00 |
| CAGAYAN DE ORO | RURAL TRANSIT | 9 DAILY | 10 HOURS | PHP 700.00 |
| CEBU | CERES LINER +FERRY | 1 DAILY | 24 HOURS | PHP 1,600.00 |
| DIPOLOG | RURAL TRANSIT | 8 HOURS | PHP 500.00 | |
| IPIL | RURAL TRANSIT | 4 HOURS | PHP 245.00 | |
| PAGADIAN | RURAL TRANSIT | 9 DAILY | 7 HOURS | PHP 500.00 |
BUS CONTACT INFORMATION:
CERES LINER
RURAL TRANSIT
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 our week-long stay 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
► CHECK DISCOUNTED RATES
Address: Mayor Jaldon St., Canelar, Zamboanga City
Contact Number: +63 (62) 990-1056
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9159945,122.0699005
CITYINN HOTEL
► CHECK DISCOUNTED RATES
Address: Governor Alvarez St., cor. La Purisima St., Zamboanga City
Contact Number: +63 (62) 955-4058
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9105162,122.0726108
JARDIN DE LA VINA HOTEL
► CHECK DISCOUNTED RATES
Address: 149 Gov. Alvarez Avenue, Zamboanga City
Contact Number: +63 (62) 991-7808
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9104263,122.0715213 
EVER O BUSINESS HOTEL
► CHECK DISCOUNTED RATES
Address: Tomas Claudio St., Cor. La Purisima St., Zamboanga City
Contact Number: +63 (917) 549-2285
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9069639,122.0742745
GRAND ASTORIA HOTEL
► CHECK DISCOUNTED RATES
Address: Mayor Jaldon St., Zamboanga City
Contact Number: +63 (62) 991-2510
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9085733,122.0712943
W HOTEL
► CHECK DISCOUNTED RATES
Address: Agro Building, Veterans Avenue, Zamboanga City
Contact Number:
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9069639,122.0742745 
GARDEN ORCHID HOTEL
► CHECK DISCOUNTED RATES
Address: Gov. Camins Ave., Zamboanga City
Contact Number: +63 (62) 991-0032
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9178413,122.0617423
MARCIAN GARDEN HOTEL
► CHECK DISCOUNTED RATES
Address: Governor Camins Avenue, Zamboanga City
Contact Number: +63 (62) 991-2519
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9189231,122.0635757
►► SEARCH FOR MORE ACCOMMODATIONS IN ZAMBOANGA
WHERE TO EAT IN ZAMBOANGA CITY
A note 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 fastfood 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, read this: Zamboanga Food Trip
ALAVAR SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
Address: 173 Don Alfaro St., Tetuan, Zamboanga City
Contact Number: +63 (62) 992-4533
Opening Hours: 10:00AM - 10:00PM
Type: Filipino, Seafood, Local Dishes
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9157962,122.0844847
ANDY'S SPECIAL SATTI
Address: C. Atilano St., Tetuan, Zamboanga City
Opening Hours: 6:00AM - 6:00PM
Type: Satti House
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9189182,122.0867327
BAR CODE
Address: Paseo Del Mar, Valderoza St., Zamboanga City
Contact Number: +63 (926) 353-6349
Opening Hours: 10:00AM - 10:00PM
Type: Bar & Restaurant, Sizzling Plates
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9038897,122.0756283
BAY TAL MAL RESTAURANT
Address: Mayor Jaldon St., Canelar, Zamboanga City
Contact Number: +63 (915) 016-0448
Opening Hours: 10:00AM - 10:00PM
Type: Moro Cuisine
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9194132,122.0698158
COUNTRY CHICKEN RESTAURANT
Address: Km4 Pasonanca Rd., Zamboanga City
Contact Number: +63 (62) 991-1852
Opening Hours: 11:00AM - 10:00PM
Type: Filipino, Spanish, Italian, Western
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9404935,122.0708426
DENNIS COFFEE GARDEN
Address: San Jose Rd., Baliwasan, Zamboanga City
Contact Number: +63 (995) 820-6642
Opening Hours: 9:00AM - 11:00PM
Type: Moro Cuisine
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9162658,122.0573393
HACIENDA DE PALMERAS RESTAURANT
Address: Pasonanca Rd., Sta. Maria, Zamboanga City
Contact Number: +63 (62) 991-3284
Opening Hours: 10:00AM - 10:00PM
Type: Filipino, Western
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.935617,122.0688291
HARLEY'S FOOD & CRAFT BEER
Address: Yubenco Food Complex, Zambonaga City
Contact Number: +63 (917) 727-0406
Opening Hours: 3:00PM – 12:00AM
Type: Bar Chow, Halal, Craft Beer
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.913834,122.0889983
PASEO DEL MAR STREETFOOD
Address: Valderoza St., Beside Fort Pilar, Zamboanga City
Opening Hours: 6:00AM –12:30AM
Type: Street Food, Mini Stalls
GPS Coordinates: 6.9005656,122.0790673
VISTA DEL MAR RESTAURANT
Address: Labuan-Lampara Rd., Zamboanga City
Contact Number: +63 (62) 991-1208
Opening Hours: 8:00AM - 5:00PM
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
FORT PILAR SHRINE
Address: Sta. Barbara St., Zamboanga City
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9014491,122.0804859
NATIONAL MUSEUM ZAMBOANGA
Address: N.S. Valderosa St., Zamboanga City
Entrance Fee: PHP20.00
Opening Hours: 8:00AM – 5:00PM, Closed on Sundays
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9013519,122.0820698
PASEO DEL MAR
Address: N.S. Valderosa St., Zamboanga City
Entrance Fee: None
Opening Hours: 6:00AM – 12:30AM
GPS Coordinates: 6.9010044,122.0810277
PLAZA RIZAL
Address: N.S. Valderosa St., Zamboanga City
Entrance Fee: None
Opening Hours: N/A
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9044926,122.0758376
METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL OF ZAMBOANGA
Address: La Purisima St., Zamboanga City
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9087919,122.0735335
PHOTO BY WOWZAMBOANGACITY
RIO HONDO VILLAGE
Address: Brgy. Rio Hondo, Zamboanga City
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.900015,122.0891307
PHOTO BY EAZYTRAVELER
ZAMBOANGA CITY HALL
Address: N.S. Valderosa St., Zamboanga City
Entrance Fee: None
Opening Hours: Regular Office Hours
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9041811,122.0761756
ZSCMST BIRD SANCTUARY
Address: Fisheries Compound, N.S. Valderosa St., Zamboanga City
Entrance Fee: None
Opening Hours: Regular Office Hours
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9023837,122.083785 
CAMP LIMBAGA
Address: Pasonanca Park, Pasonanca Road, Zamboanga City
Entrance Fee: None
Opening Hours: Regular Office Hours
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.952484,122.0748105
EL MUSEO DE ZAMBOANGA
Address: Pasonanca Road, Zamboanga City
Entrance Fee: None
Opening Hours: 9:00AM – 5:00PM, Closed on Sundays
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9532029,122.0731422
PASONANCA SWIMMING POOLS
Address: Pasonanca Park, Pasonanca Road, Zamboanga City
Entrance Fee: PHP10.00
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9525692,122.0747515
PHOTO BY WOWZAMBOANGACITY
ZAMBOANGA TREE HOUSE
Address: Pasonanca Park, Pasonanca Road, Zamboanga City
Entrance Fee: None
Opening Hours: Regular Office Hours
GPS Coordinates: 6.9525692,122.0747515 
CANELAR BARTER
Address: Mayor Jaldon St., Zamboanga City
Entrance Fee: None
Opening Hours: 8:00AM – 5:30PM
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9139629,122.0719121
MERLOQUET FALLS
Address: Sibulao, Zamboanga City
Entrance Fee: PHP5.00
GPS Map Coordinates: 7.3101201,122.2112739
ONCE ISLAS
Address: Brgy. Dita and Panubigan, Zamboanga City
Entrance Fee: PHP100.00
Opening Hours: 7:00AM - 3:00PM, Closed on Fridays
GPS Map Coordinates: 7.1326561,122.2472173
STA. CRUZ ISLAND
Address: Sta. Cruz Island, Zamboanga City
Entrance Fee: PHP20.00
Opening Hours: 7:00AM – 2:00PM
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.8655017,122.0581484
TALUKSANGAY MOSQUE
Address: Brgy. Taluksangay, Zamboanga City
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9507456,122.1792455
PHOTO BY TRAVELTRILOGY
YAKAN WEAVING VILLAGE
Address: Upper Calarian, Labuan-Limpapa National Road, Zamboanga City
Entrance Fee: None
Opening Hours: 8:00AM – 8:00PM
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9248815,122.0200141
FESTIVALS IN ZAMBOANGA CITY
ZAMBOANGA TOURIST SPOTS MAP GUIDE
SAMPLE ZAMBOANGA ITINERARY & TRAVEL BUDGET GUIDE
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 (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 driver would usually ask that you pay for the full fare of the entire tricycle.
► DAY ONE | PHP 1,754.00 FOR TWO PERSONS
• Early arrival at Zamboanga City Airport
• Leave bag at lodging
PHP 80.00+ – SPECIAL TRICYCLE FROM AIRPORT TO LODGING
PHP 750.00 – LODGING RENT PER DAY FOR TWO ► CHEAPEST RATE ONLINE
• Satti Breakfast
PHP 8.00 x 2 – JEEP TO SATTI HOUSE
PHP 60.00 x 2 – AVERAGE SATTI BREAKFAST PRICE
• Visit Pasonanca Park
VISIT SWIMMING POOLS, GARDEN, TREEHOUSE, BOY SCOUT
PHP 10.00 x 2 – JEEP TO PASONANCA PARK
PHP 10.00 x 2 – ENTRANCE FEE TO POOLS
• Visit Yakan Weaving Village
PHP 8.00 x 2 – JEEP TO YAKAN WEAVING VILLAGE
• Lunch at Vista Del Mar
PHP 200.00 x 2 – AVERAGE MEAL COST
• Check in at Hotel
PHP 8.00 x 2 – JEEP TO HOTEL
• City Center Walking Tour
PHP 8.00 x 2 – JEEP TO ZAMBOANGA CITY HALL
• Dinner at Paseo del Mar
PHP 150.00 x 2 – AVERAGE MEAL COST
► DAY TWO | PHP 5,580.00 FOR TWO PERSONS
• Breakfast at Lodging
PHP 750.00 – LODGING RENT PER DAY FOR TWO
• Once Islas Island Hopping
PHP 2,199.00 x 2 – GROUP TOUR FEE INCLUSIVE OF LUNCH AND TRANSPORT
• Dinner at Alavar’s
PHP 8.00 x 2 – JEEP TO ALAVAR’S
PHP 200.00 x 2 - AVERAGE MEAL COST
• Back at the hotel
PHP 8.00 x 2 – JEEP TO HOTEL
► DAY THREE | PHP 2,004.00 FOR TWO PERSONS
• Breakfast at Lodging
• Sta. Cruz Island Tour
PHP 788.00 x 2 - TOUR FEE INCLUSIVE OF TRANSPORT
PHP 150.00 x 2 – PACKED LUNCH
• Shopping at Canelar Barter
PHP 8.00 x 2 – JEEP TO CANELAR
• Early Dinner at Dennis Coffee Garden
PHP 8.00 x 2 – JEEP TO DENNIS COFFEE GARDEN
• Depart
PHP 8.00 x 2 – JEEP TO HOTEL
PHP 80.00+ - SPECIAL TRICYCLE TO AIRPORT
TOTAL BUDGET: PHP 9,338.00 for two persons
PHP 4,669.00 per person
PHP 1,556.00 per person per day
* BASED ON TWO PERSONS TRAVELING TOGETHER FOR THREE DAYS AND TWO NIGHTS IN ZAMBOANGA
+ + + + + + + + + + + + +
► DAY FOUR ~ OPTIONAL | PHP 3,646.00 FOR TWO PERSONS
• Breakfast at Lodging
PHP 750.00 – LODGING RENT PER DAY FOR TWO
• Merloquet Falls Tour
PHP 1,250.00 x 2 - TOUR FEE INCLUSIVE OF TRANSPORTATION & LUNCH
• Early Dinner at Yubenco Food Complex
PHP 150.00 x 2 – AVERAGE MEAL PRICE
• Depart
PHP 8.00 x 2 – JEEP TO HOTEL
PHP 80.00+ - SPECIAL TRICYCLE TO AIRPORT
TOTAL BUDGET: PHP 12,984.00 for two persons
PHP 6,492.00 per person
PHP 1,623.00 per person per day
* BASED ON TWO PERSONS TRAVELING TOGETHER FOR FOUR DAYS AND THREE NIGHTS IN ZAMBOANGA
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