Zamboanga City is dubbed as Asia's Latin City primarily because of its official language which is Chavacano, is spoken over the past 400 years and is the only Spanish creole language in Asia.
Traveling here solo and as a first timer is a combination of excitement and apprehension. I am eager to visit all of its historical landmarks and try their delicacies like I always do on my trips. I am also excited to explore the pink sand beach of The Great Santa Cruz Island which I think is one of a kind. But with all the thrill, you can't help but ask yourself, "Is it safe there?" Probably, you're also thinking if there are armed men roaming the streets of Zamboanga City and something terrible might happen. Well, don't be too hard on yourself. After all the violent confrontation between the Philippine military and armed groups, it is absolutely fine to ask and think of those things. Remember that being a traveler, the utmost concern is your safety.
Here is what I have to say after spending two days here as a first timer. Zamboanga City is typically peaceful and a safe place to go to. You are free to roam around and explore the city without any inhibitions. It is a progressive city where you can find many businesses in and around the metropolis. The people are nice and friendly. The food is great. Transportation is not a problem but sometimes you'll be encountering traffic build up during rush hour. The tourist spots are remarkable especially The Great Santa Cruz Island.
The best way to get around Zamboanga City is with a local. Efren who is a longtime resident of the province and also a former colleague at work acted as my tour guide. He also offered a vacant room at their house as a place for me to stay to save time although the hotel or inn accommodation in the city is cheap and affordable.
He will be willing to help you out explore Zamboanga City and its nearby places however you have to set it ahead of time to avoid conflict with his business schedule. If you're planning to visit the Mindanao region anytime soon, try going to Zamboanga City and don't be discourage from the stigma of the past armed conflict.
Things to do
Boat ride to the Great Sta Cruz Island
From Paseo Del Mar, you will be taking a boat to the island. Round trip boat rental is Php1000.00 for ten people. There is an entrance fee of Php20.00 each and a terminal fee of Php5.00 per guest. Cottages are also available ranging from Php100-Php500.00. Travel time is between 15-20 minutes. There will also be military escorts that will accompany every boat that goes to the island. First trip to the island starts at 7AM and tourists can stay there up to 2PM only.
Check out the Great Sta Cruz Island
Mangrove tour @ The Great Sta Cruz Island
From the island, you will ride in a paddle guided boat that will take you on a mangrove tour. Boat rental is Php200.00. An environmental specialist of the DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) will accompany your group while on tour giving you insights about the place. Duration of the tour is approximately 30 minutes.
Splash into the crystal clear waters of the beach
The Great Sta Cruz Island is famous for its pink sand beach and crystal clear waters. The color of the sand came from crushed red pipe organ corals mixed with white sand. You can bring your own food to the island but there are also people selling fish and other seafood and you can also have it grilled.
Pavilion cottage rental Php500.00
medium sized cottage rental Php200.00
Go to the Sand bar at Little Sta Cruz Island
The Little Sta Cruz Island is off limits to tourists but you can go to the sand bar and have your picture taken with the island at the background. You just have to add Php200.00 to the boat rental fee.
Visit Pasonanca Park
Pasonanca Park is a public park located in Pasonanca, Zamboanga City. It has three swimming pools, a campsite and an amphitheater. You can also visit the Pasonanca Tree house, the Pasonanca Science Park, the Butterfly farm and the Aviary.
Pasonanca Park Camping Grounds
Tree house atop a centuries old acacia tree.
Butterfly farm entrance fee Php30.00/person
Science Park entrance fee Php50.00/person
Visit Fort Pilar
Fort Pilar is a 17th century fortress built by the Spanish colonial government. Fort Pilar is now the regional museum of the National Museum of the Philippines. The place was close when we were there so we just settled feeding the pigeons.
Buy souvenirs and gifts at Canelar Barter
This is the place to go when buying souvenirs and delicacies. There are numerous stalls selling key chains, ref magnets, t shirts, scarfs and others. You have to haggle with the price to get a good deal.
Stay and dine at Vista Del Mar Beach Resort
Vista del Mar is a resort in Upper Calarian Zamboanga City. We didn't get the chance to enjoy the beach because of the heavy downpour that lasted for 2 hours but we are delighted on the delicious meal prepared for us.Check out Vista Del Mar on a rainy day
Strolling at Cawa Cawa Boulevard
You can either stroll or jog at Cawa Cawa Boulevard and at the same time relax while viewing the fishing boats and the sunset.
Eat at Andy's Satti
Satti is a popular dish in Zamboanga consisting of grilled beef or chicken serve with rice cooked in coconut leaves and molded in cubes and with spicy and hot sauce. Andy's Satti is the place to go to try this authentic dish and it is located at C Atilano St, Zamboanga City.
Try out different dishes at eNFriends Cafe
When you're in the city and would like a home based food style cooking, head on to eNFriends Cafe. The brainchild of my tour guide and former colleague at work, Chef Efren is hands on in his business and does the cooking all by himself. It is located at Ground floor Mendoza Building Pilar St. Zamboanga City.
Beef Nilaga
Beef Caldereta
Sotanghon noodles with pork and vegetables
Honey glazed Chicken
Stuffed Chicken, the best seller
Where to stay
Check out these budget hotels and inns in Zamboanga City- Casa Don Atilano Pension House - located at Mayor Jaldon St., Zamboanga City; room rate starts at Php 550.00/1 pax; cell# 0917-3034867
- Winzelle Suites- located at Gov. Lim Ave., Zamboanga City; room rate starts at Php 950.00/night; tel#(062) 957-3563.
- Zamboanga Town Home Bed and Breakfast- located at Juana Bulahan Dr. Zamboanga City; room rate starts at Php1000.00/night; cell# 0915-7067916.
- Cityinn Hotel - located at Gov. A. Alvarez St., Zamboanga City; room rates starts at Php 1050.00/night; cell# 0906-6088777.
Sample itinerary Day 1
- 5:30 AM Arrival at Zamboanga International Airport
- 6:30 AM Breakfast at Andy's Satti
- 7:30 AM Proceed to Paseo del Mar/ boat ride to Sta Cruz Island and Mangrove tour/ Lunch
- 2:00 PM Return to Paseo del Mar/ side trip to sand bar at Little Sta Cruz Island
- 3:00 PM Proceed to Fort Pilar / Snacks
- 4:00 PM Proceed to Canelar Barter
- 5:00 PM Proceed to Cawa Cawa Boulevard to relax and watch the sunset
- 7:00 PM Dinner @ eNFriends
Day 2
- 6:00 AM Breakfast at Andy's Satti
- 7:00 AM Go to Vista Del Mar
- 12:00 PM Lunch at eNFriends Cafe
- 2:00 PM Tour of Pasonanca Park
- 5:00 PM Free time, you can either go back to Canelar Barter for added souvenirs, stay at Cawa Cawa Blvd or just roam around Zamboanga City proper.
Total Expenses for 2 days
- Airfare Cebu Pacific = Php 665 (two way)
- Sta Cruz Island tour = Php1300.00 (we chartered the boat but you can wait for other tourists to save money)
- Mangrove tour = Php200.00
- Food/drinks = Php 1000.00
- Souvenirs/Gifts = Php1100.00
Until my next trip, see you on Tara... Let's Go!
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