Zamboanga City is in the Mindanao region of the Philippines. Known as the "City of Flowers" (the etymology of Zamboanga comes from the Malay word jambangan means garden of flowers), it is now one of the most important and busiest port cities in the Philippines.
Zamboanga is often called "Asia's Latin City", partly because the Chavacano language, a Spanish-based creole, is common and partly because is shares other Spanish traditions; it even has the same patron saint as Spain, Our Lady of the Pilar.
Understand
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City of Flowers
One common and popularly accepted claim how Zamboanga got its name is that it derived from the Malay word jambangan ("flower garden"), though other historical findings dispute that. All that said however, Zamboanga City is proud to call itself the "City of Flowers" after that name derivation. |
Zamboanga City is one of the largest cities in the Philippines by land area, with a size of about 1,500 km2 (580 sq mi), coming third after Puerto Princesa (about 2,300 km2 (890 sq mi)) and Davao City (2,400 km2 (930 sq mi)). It is also the second largest city in Mindanao (after Davao City) and the sixth largest in the Philippines by population, with about 977,000 residents as of 2020. The city is close to being classified as a metropolitan area under these conditions.
The city is an important seaport, being the main transportation to the south. During Spanish times, Zamboanga provided protection to the rest of the Philippines from Moro and Dutch pirates, and was a strategic settlement that the Spanish set up, as Zamboanga was considered to be the gateway to the Sulu Archipelago, and to the neighboring territories of Malaysia and Indonesia.
Orientation
[edit]Zamboanga City is very large: around as large as Davao City in terms of land area With its vast area, the city consists of mostly rural settlements from the east coast, to the much more urbanized area at the southern end and towns and villages surrounding it. It is subdivided into 98 barangays, around 60 being urbanized. Zamboanga City is bordered to the north by the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga Sibugay, and Basilan Island to the south.
People
[edit]Zamboanga City natives mostly belong to the Zamboangueño ethnic group, a result of marriages between Spaniards and Austronesian peoples brought to the city to build forts. Zamboangueños speak the Spanish-based creole language Chavacano, which is widely spoken across the city, and are proud of their Spanish ancestry, calling themselves the "Latin City of Asia" with this unique heritage. Due to migration from the insurgency-ridden Sulu Archipelago, Muslim-majority Yakan, Samal, and Badjao (Sama-Bajau) are also widespread, giving Zamboanga a more diverse and harmonic culture.
Climate
[edit]Compared to the majority of Mindanao, Zamboanga City has a tropical wet and dry climate with an average of 28 °C (82 °F). Daily highs range between 32 and 33 °C (90 and 91 °F) and lows between 24 and 25 °C (75 and 77 °F). There is rather a short dry season, running between January and March; it is mostly rainy for the rest of the year.
Tourist information
[edit]- City Tourism Office. Paseo Del Mar Exit. ☏ +63 62 975 6341.
Talk
[edit]The two commonest languages in the city are Cebuano (Bisaya) which is spoken in many nearby areas and Chavacano (Zamboangueño), a creole language whose vocabulary is 80% Spanish but whose grammar is mostly from Philippine languages.
The national government promotes Tagalog as a national language, but it is not indigenous to this region. Tagalog and English are taught in all schools, so many people speak one or both though the levels vary hugely.
There are some people in the city whose native tongue is that of some nearby area — Hiligaynon in some parts of Mindanao, Tausug in the Sulu Islands — but most of them will also speak one or more of the languages mentioned above.
Get in
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By plane
[edit]- 1 Zamboanga International Airport (ZAM IATA), 31 Gov Carmens Av. Well connected to the rest of the Philippines (despite the name and certification, there are only domestic flights).
The airport is in the north/northwest part of town near the main intersection of the Pan Philippines Hwy (Gov Carmin on AH-26) and Veterans Ave Ext/Tumanga Rd. The terminal is 2 km west along Gov Carmen (AH-26) from Veterans Ave Ext in the Zone III POB industrial area. It is approximately 3.2 km northwest of the main ferry terminals. The following airlines fly to Zamboanga:
- PAL Express has flights from Manila, Cebu, and Tawi Tawi.
- Cebu Pacific has flights from Manila, Cebu, Tawi Tawi and Davao.
- Cebgo, a subsidiary of Cebu Pacific, flies only from Cebu and Davao
- Philippines AirAsia has flights from Manila
- Bangsamoro Airways has flights from Jolo and Cotabato
By boat
[edit]The 2 Port of Zamboanga has a scheduled international passenger ferry from Sandakan in Malaysia. In addition, it is served by several shipping lines offering regular trips from Dipolog, Dapitan, Jolo, Bongao, Isabela City, and Dumaguete, Cebu City, Iloilo City and Manila.
- 2GO Travel has a ferry from Manila once per week via Dipolog and Dumaguete.
- Aleson Shipping Lines operates a ferry from Sandakan in Malaysia. There are departures from Sandakan every Tuesday and Friday at 5PM.
By bus
[edit]- 3 Zamboanga Integrated Transport Terminal, Maria Clara Lorenzo Lobregat Hwy (Divisoria Commercial Building). Open 24 hours. Buses headed for Zamboanga all terminate here. There are food stalls, ticket booths, seats for waiting passengers. Jeepneys and tricycles to downtown are available from the terminal.
Rural Transit has services from Ipil, Dipolog, Pagadian, Ozamiz, Iligan and Cagayan de Oro. A trip from Cagayan de Oro to Zamboanga takes about 8-9 hours.
From the Visayas, Ceres Liner has one air-conditioned luxury bus from Cebu City via Dumaguete and Dipolog. From Luzon, Ceres Transport has one bus from Manila to Zamboanga City via Batangas City, Iloilo City, Bacolod and Dumaguete.
By car
[edit]Zamboanga serves as the southern end of Asian Highway 26, or the Pan-Philippine Highway.
Get around
[edit]By piaggio
[edit]Timothy Marketing is a dealer for Piaggio vehicles. They have two branches: one in Putik-Tumaga, near Tumaga Elementary School, and another in Guiwan, specifically for three-wheelers.
By jeepney
[edit]Jeepneys are widely available, with routes connecting the downtown from the airport and bus terminal. Routes are numbered (as of 2022), but are not visible; you generally find their destination from markings on the side and signs on the windshield. Route of interest to visitors are between Sevilla Street downtown and the bus terminal in barangay Divisoria, and Reyes Street downtown and the airport at Canelar.
By taxi
[edit]The taxi fare for a 5-km trip would be less than ₱50, but there aren't that many available. Most taxis congregate around the bigger malls and the airport.
By tricycle
[edit]Tricycle fares start at ₱20. Zamboanga City tricycles are mostly motorcycles with a sidecar body and a windshield extending into the passenger side, but Bajaj auto rickshaws are taking over
Do
[edit]- Bathe in Pasonanca's natural pools. Bathe in Pasonanca's natural swimming pools- where water flows freely from the mountains to 3 pools- Rotary Pool, Wee-wee Pool for Kids, Tanada Pool.
- Sta Cruz Island. Swim and scuba diving in a pink sand beach in an unspoilt island
- Savour the area's delicacies. Eat special delicacies like Baolo and Satti.
- Visit Abong Abong Park. Climb the hill and do the Stations of the Cross during Holy week or any day of the year, visit the Scout Camps, the tomb of the unknown soldier and Mayor Cesar C. Climaco.
- Visit the Aviary at Pasonanca Park.
- Visit the Fort Pilar Shrine. Light candles at the Fort Pilar Shrine.
- Visit the Maria Clara Lobregat Park.
- Visit the Zamboanga Museum at Fort Pilar..
- Zamboanga Mangroves Boat Tour (Sta. Cruz Grande Island), Paseo del Mar (Santa Cruz Island Ferry Terminal), ☏ +63 62 9756341, [email protected]. Daily 7AM – 2PM. While Grande Santa Cruz Island allures with its pink radiance, its beauty goes beyond appearances. It also keeps a trove of natural wonders. On the other side of the island is a lagoon fully adorned with mangroves, nourishing wildlife and promoting biodiversity. Boat to Yellow Boat Tour Jump-off: P300/boat (up to 10 pax) Yellow Boat Rental: P300/boat (good for 2 pax) Tour Guide Fee: P300 (good for up to 5 boats).
- Zamboanga Vinta Rowing, Paseo del Mar (Santa Cruz Island Ferry Terminal), ☏ +63 62 9756341, [email protected]. Daily 7AM – 2PM. The vinta is the traditional outrigger boat that is common in Mindanao, especially in the areas of southern Mindanao, Sulu archipelago, and the Zamboanga peninsula. It is famous for its vividly colorful rhombic sail, adding a splash of color to the waters of Sulu Sea. P300/boat (good for up to 10 pax) P100 (good for up to 10 pax).
- Zamboanga Little Sta Cruz Island & Sandbar, Paseo del Mar (Santa Cruz Island Ferry Terminal), ☏ +63 62 9756341, [email protected]. Daily 7AM – 2PM. Sitting northwest of Santa Cruz Grande Island, Little Santa Cruz Island is like a quick dash of paradise off the coast of the Zamboanga peninsula. The most recognizable feature of the island is the sandbar trailing on the easternmost point. P300/boat (good for up to 10 pax) P100 (good for up to 10 pax).
- Once Isla Cruise (11 Islands) (11 Islands), ☏ +63 62 9756341, [email protected]. M-Th Sa Su 7AM – 3PM; Friday closed; the schedule might change without prior notice, so check first before going. A steadily rising tourist attraction is Once Islas (11 Islands), a string of islands and islets off the eastern coast of Zamboanga City. Not all islands are open to the public, but those that are accessible are great for swimming, sunbathing, and further exploring. There are designated snorkeling spots for those who want to take a peek into the underwater scene. Bisaya-Bisaya, Baung-Baung, and Sirommon are those that are accessible to the public.
- The White Plains Resort, Alfredo J. Estrada Dr, ☏ +63 9958402364.
- 1 Lutong Pinoy Resort, Tugbungan Rd del Sur, ☏ +63 955 703 3123, [email protected]. 9AM-8PM.
- 2 Skyview Resort, SkyView Resort, San Roque, ☏ +63 997 846 4960, [email protected].
- 3 La' Guerta Adventure Park, Zone 3, Sitio Pole Diutay, La Paz, ☏ +63 977 492 5375, [email protected]. 8AM-10PM. A sports and recreational venue. ₱100.
Climaco Freedom Park
[edit]Formerly known as Abong-Abong Park, the Climaco Freedom Park is situated about seven kilometers north of the city center. It was named after the late Zamboanga City Mayor Cesar Climaco, a local hero who was assassinated in 1984. The park also serves as his final resting place.
Location: Climaco Freedom Park (Abong-Abong Park), Barangay Lunzuran. Opening hours: 24/7. Free.
Buy
[edit]Shopping malls & supermarkets
[edit]- 1 CityMall-Tetuan, Don Alfaro Street, Tetuan. 9AM–9PM. Both have Shop-o-Rama supermarkets.
- 2 KCC Mall de Zamboanga, Gov. Camins Road. 9AM-8PM. The biggest mall in Zamboanga with a wide variety of shops. Huge indoor mall near the airport featuring a variety of stores, casual eateries, and a cinema.
- 3 SM City Mindpro, La Purisima Street corner Campaner Street. 10AM–8PM. Formerly known as Mindpro Citimall.
- 4 Yubenco - Tetuan, Fr. Barua St, ☏ +63 9976027570. 8AM-8PM.
- 5 Yubenco Starmall Fine Square, Maria Clara Lorenzo Lobregat Hwy. 9AM-8PM.
- 6 Southway Square, ☏ 0629902613. 9AM-7PM.
- 7 The Gateway Shoppers' Center, Gov. Lim Avenue. 9AM-8PM.
- 8 Yubenco Supermarket San Jose Gusu. 9AM-8:30PM.
- 9 UNITOP, Campaner Street, ☏ +63 62 9555359. 8AM-8PM.
- 10 OK Department Store, ☏ +63 9974376334. 9AM-7:30PM.
- 11 Shoppers Plaza, C. Guardia Nacional. 8AM-7PM.
Buy
[edit]- Bargain-priced goods - ranging from various Chinese, Malay and local food, delicacies and imported items.
- Fruits and vegetables - try visiting Bagsakan Center (just across Sta. Cruz Market) at night for easy access to a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables that are on season at a knock-down price. Seasonal fruits vary from the famed durian, sweet lanzones, mangosteen and a lot of locally harvested fruits.
- Lokot-lokot - a roll that looks like a bunch of golden brown hair intertwined together. You may purchase one at the airport or even at some local delicacy stores around the city.
- Pearls - the home of the South Sea Pearls; you can buy different kinds of pearls at Lantaka Hotel or at various malls within the Business District like the Sophia Jewellery at the 3rd level of Mindpro Citimall.
- Sardines- there are many popular sardine brands in the Philippine market today. Most of these brands are canned and packed in Zamboanga City's west coast areas, where the sardines are freshly caught.
- Seafood - you can buy fresh fish at the waterfront of the Main Public Market, Aderes Flea Market (in Guiwan), or at the weekend makeshift market at the Cawa-cawa Boulevard or at Sinunuc. The catch ranges from the famous Curacha to Freshwater and Saltwater Crabs to Yellow-fin and Bluefin Tuna, to unusual looking fishes and seaweeds.
- Souvenir items - you can choose a number of souvenir items at the Home Products store along Ledesma St.( near San Jose Rd. corner Climaco Ave.).
- Yakan-weaved Cloth - you can purchase this from the Yakan Village Weaving Center at Upper Calarian-just across the famed La Vista del Mar Beach Resort. The clothes are intricately woven to create an ethnic pattern. Visitors usually use the clothes as table lining, tapestries or even as accessories to their formal wear.
Eat
[edit]- 1 ABC Bakery and Restaurant (beside Shoppers Central). 8AM-9PM. This bakery is one of the cleanest bake house in Zamboanga City. Their Pan Mongo is designated by the Department of Tourism as pasalubong ng bayan for tourists who visit the city.
- 2 Alavar's Seafood House, Don Alfaro St., Tetuan. 10AM–10PM. Beyond the extraordinary cuisine, Alavar Restaurant provides a warm and inviting atmosphere that reflects the unique spirit of Zamboanga.
- Chowking, La Purisima St (across Puericulture Center), ☏ +63 62 9921809, +63 62 9921810. The only oriental quick service restaurant in the city open 24 hours, and with free delivery service,
- Country Chicken Restaurant and Country Bakeshop, Pasonanca Road.
- Eureka, Pasonanca Rd, ☏ +63 62-991-3284. Japanese & local cuisine.
- Flavourite Cuisine, Rizal St. and Nuñez branches.
- Food Paradise, Climaco Avenue.
- Golden Boys Sports Grille. Nunez Extension
- Hai San Seafood Market and Restaurant, 60 San Jose Rd.
- Hanazono, Gov. Camins Ave. A Japanese restaurant.
- Jimmy's Satti, Campaner cor. Brillantes.
- Kadday Sug, Sta. Cruz Market.
- Kintaro 10th High. Japanese restaurant at Skypark Hotel.
- Lejan Ice Cream House and Restaurant, Santa Maria.
- Mang Inasal, 2nd flr. Southway Square Mall.
- Manang Terry's Chicken Inato. Mayor Jaldon (Canelar) and Nunez (MP Tower) branches
- Mano-Mano, Gov. Ramos Avenue, Sta. Maria.
- Niel's Fastfood, MCLL Highway, Mercedes.
- Park 88, Pasonanca Park.
- 3 Red Ribbon Bakeshop-KCC Mall Branch, KCC Mall, Governor Camins Avenue. 9AM-9PM.
- 4 Papito's Grille, Lunzuran Road, Tumaga (beside Ateneo High School).
- 5 Patio Palmeras, Pasonanca Road, ☏ +63 62 991 3284.
- 6 Sunflower Food Center-Brillantes Street Branch, Brilliantes Street, ☏ +63 917 704 7092. 9AM-6PM.
- 7 A Taste of Asia, Unichan Building, Veterans Avenue fronting WMMC (in Besteeda Shoppe), ☏ +63 62 992 4600.
- 8 Village Family Restaurant Zamboanga, Gov. Camins Avenue (beside Garden Orchid Hotel), ☏ +63 9266303240. Open 24 hours. This restaurant specializes in Filipino cuisine. Good grilled chicken, garlic rice and sisig will impress you at the first bite. Village Restaurant has good beer among its drinks.
- 9 La Vista Seaside Restaurant, La Vista del Mar Resort, Calarian, ☏ +63 9066665289. 8AM–5PM.
- 10 Whoopee Burger Haus, C. Guardia Nacional, ☏ +63 629920410. 8AM–6PM.
- 11 Jollibee Zamboanga Climaco, round Floor OK Bazaar Bldg., Climaco Ave, ☏ +63 62 955 0545. 5:30AM-9:00PM. Popular Philippines-based chain globally known for its famed fried chicken, spaghetti & burgers. ₱1-200.
- Casa Velyn, 423 Pasonanca Road Brgy. Sta Maria, ☏ +63 62 957 4215. 10:30AM - 10PM.
- Barcode Zamboanga, Rizal Street. 7AM to 10PM.
Drink
[edit]- Island Bubble Tea, Nunex Extension (next to Asia United Bank, Front of SKYGO), ☏ +63 62 926-3648. Pearl Shakes (25 flavors), Belgian waffles, fries. Perfect place to have merienda. Wi-fi zone.
- Myrna's Bakeshop, Pasonanca, km. 4. Serves delicacies like cakes, pastries, pasta and drinks (coffee and shakes).
- Dwn Twn Cafe, N S Valderosa St. 9AM-2AM.
- 1 Taza Coffee Company, Makenter Building, Mayor Jaldon Street, Barangay Canelar, ☏ +63 9532950006, [email protected]. 6AM-5PM. The only specialty café and coffee roaster in Zamboanga City
- Dennis Coffee Garden Yubenco Tetuan, Phase III, Yubenco Tetuan, ☏ +63 9958206642, [email protected]. 9:30AM-10PM.
- Dennis Coffee Garden Main, San Jose Road, ☏ +63 9958206642, [email protected]. 9:30AM-10PM.
- Dennis Coffee Garden BALIWASAN BRANCH, San Jose Road, Baliwasan, Zamboanga City, ☏ +63 966 713 3705, [email protected]. 9:30AM-10PM.
- Dennis Coffee Garden KCC BRANCH, 2nd Floor, KCC Mall de Zamboanga, ☏ +63 9958206642, [email protected]. 9:30AM-10PM.
Sleep
[edit]- 1 La Casa Maria Hotel, Santa Maria Road, ☏ +63 62 991-8230, +63 62 991-8023, [email protected]. Hotel, cafe, restaurant. Price range: ₱960-1,560.
- 2 Hacienda de Palmeras Hotel & Restaurant (Palmeras Hotel & Restaurant), Pasonanca Road, ☏ +63 62-991-3284, [email protected]. In a quiet residential area, garden setting; clean, comfortable rooms; hot water, TV, mini bar, quiet A/C; complimentary breakfast, airport transfers, internet access; restaurant on-site. from ₱2200.
- 3 Hotel Salwa, Gov. Camins St. An Muslim-owned hotel. Double room with own bathroom and cable TV. ₱800.
- 4 RedDoorz @ Jardin De La Vina Hotel Zamboanga City, Gov. Alvarez Ave., Camino Nuevo. Check-in: noon, check-out: noon. A/C double room with own bathroom and cable TV. ₱1,464.48.
- 5 Lantaka Hotel by the Sea, N. Valderossa Street (in the city center), ☏ +63 62 991 0871. Rated with 3 stars, this high-quality property provides guests with access to massage, restaurant and hot tub on-site.
- 6 Marcian Garden Hotel, Gov. Camins Avenue, ☏ +63 936 151 7008, [email protected]. from ₱995.
- 7 Preciosa Hotel, Mayor Climaco Ave, ☏ +63 62 9922020. An affordable old hotel in downtown area.
- 8 Skypark Hotel, Tomas Claudio Street, ☏ +63 62 9920951. Check-in: noon, check-out: noon. A/C double room with own bathroom and cable TV. This hotel is the tallest structure in Zamboanga, and has a Japanese restaurant. double from ₱925.
- 9 Viva Pension House, Tomas Claudio and Urdaneta Streets, ☏ +63 62 991-3783. A/C double rooms with own bathroom.
- 10 Palacio del Sur, Gov. Camins Ave, Baranga (near Zamboanga International Airport), ☏ +63 62 955 8799, [email protected].
- 11 Garden Orchid Hotel & Resort Corp., #7000 Gov Camins Avenue (across Zamboanga International Airport). Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon.
- 12 Hotel Perlita, Mayor Jaldon Street, [email protected].
- 13 Residencia Suites Hotel, Maestra Vicenta Street, ☏ +63 917 142 4971. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon.
Stay safe
[edit]Today, Zamboanga City has recovered mostly from the scars that the insurgencies and incursions have left on its past. After the September 2013 Siege of Zamboanga, which flattened many areas across the coast, the city has risen back, and has had steady economic and infrastructural progress. Zamboanga City is generally safe for tourists, however it is not known to be one of the safest cities in Mindanao. International travel agencies have repeatedly cautioned against visiting the city, so consider checking on with your travel agency about their word of Zamboanga before visiting. Nonetheless, exercise increased cautionary measures when going around Zamboanga.
Security
Government and police have been working hard to maintain the stability and order of the city despite the cities criminal prevalence, and police visibility is high across the downtown areas. However, it will be very important to look out for your valuables and belongings when going around the city. Watch out for pickpockets in the downtown area, commonly referred by the locals as the "pueblo" (the downtown), as areas with a high population concentration especially near the city center are known to have a higher rate of theft and pickpocketing. Shooting incidents are unfortunately present at a higher rate in Zamboanga than other cities, however these do not pose a danger to the average tourist.
Traffic
Traffic across the city, especially in the downtown areas and major roads connecting business and establishments in Zamboanga have always seen a hectic rate of traffic in these areas. During peak hours, traffic mostly conglomerates in areas near business or shopping centers. There are many traffic lights and enforcers that are deployed in busy areas to manage such traffic in the city, especially around the downtown area.
Hospital
[edit]- Zamboanga City Medical Center. Dr Evangelista Street, Sta. Catalina Rd. +63 62 991 2934 (Government Hospital).
- Zamboanga Doctors' Hospital, Inc. Veterans Ave Ext. +63 62 991 1929. [email protected]
- Ciudad Medical Zamboanga. Mayor, Vitaliano Agan Ave. +63 62 992 7330. [email protected]
- Premier Medical Center Zamboanga. Don Alfaro St. +63 917 104 4612. [email protected]
- Hospital De Zamboanga. Barangay Zone 4, Pilar Street, Corner Cervantes St. +63 9351149259.
- Zamboanga Peninsula Medical Center, Inc. Putik. +63 62 955 4579. [email protected]