Zamboanga City

Understand

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 and Davao City. 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.

People 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.

Climate

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 City Tourism Office. Paseo Del Mar Exit. ☏ +63 62 975 6341.

Getting there

By plane 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, Davao and Iloilo. 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 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 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. (updated Jul 2019) 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 Zamboanga serves as the southern end of Asian Highway 26, or the Pan-Philippine Highway.

Getting around

By jeepney 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 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 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. You can easily use the Grab ride-hailing app to request a tricycle.

See

1 R.T. Lim Boulevard, R.T. Lim Boulevard. Open 24 hours. You can visit the place early in the morning for brisk walking or jogging or in the afternoon for its famed sunset view. You can also spend some time at night eating Balut (a fertilized duck embryo that is boiled and eaten with vinegar and salt). Free. 2 Fort Pilar Shrine, Lustre Street. Founded in 1635 as a garrison during the Spanish period, the Fort Pilar serves as a present day open-air shrine. Built as La Fuerza Real de San Jose, the fort is now named after and dedicated to Our Lady of the Pillar, the patroness of the Archdiocese of Zamboanga. Its image is embossed at the altar (which was then an entrance of the fort). Free, although you are encouraged to buy candles for ₱10. (updated Mar 2026) 3 Fort Pilar National Museum, N S Valderosa St. Fort Pilar also houses a National Museum branch inside the fort. You can appreciate the glorious past of Zamboanga as a Spanish city here in the museum. It also has record of inhabitants and antique items of the early time. It also exhibits paintings, natural marine life and cultural memorabilia. Excellent air conditioning. Free. (updated Mar 2026) 4 Metropolitan Cathedral of Immaculate Conception, La Purisima St.. Founded in 1810 as a parish at the present day Universidad de Zamboanga campus, the Cathedral is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Zamboanga (created in 1910 as diocese and elevated in 1958 as an archdiocese). It is known as one of the most modern cathedrals in Mindanao, built in 1998-2001. The cathedral's structure is cruciform, resembling a cross and its facade is patterned after a candle (which is connected to the Blessed Virgin Mary). The main church is on the second floor, with stained glass portraying the life of Mary and Asian saints as well as the history of Mindanao's dioceses starting from 1910. At the lower level are the columbarium, the day chapel, the adoration chapel at the left wing, the conference hall at the right wing, and the baptistery fronting the day chapel. 5 Old Normal School Building. Also known as the Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) Social Hall, the building was built during the American Era and was the center of education for most of Mindanao. It houses the College of Education of WMSU and is also the site where most cultural presentations are held. It also houses a museum. 6 Pasonanca Park. Traversed by a gently rippling stream, this park is the only one of its kind in the country. It abounds with trees, flowering plants, ferns, shrubs and 600 different species of orchids. Mindanao Governor Joh

Do

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). (updated Jul 2025) 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). (updated Jul 2025) 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). (updated Jul 2025) 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 a

Buy

Shopping malls & supermarkets 1 CityMall-Tetuan, Don Alfaro Street, Tetuan. 9AM–9PM. Both have Shop-o-Rama supermarkets. (updated May 2016) 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. (updated Sep 2016) 3 SM City Mindpro, La Purisima Street corner Campaner Street. 10AM–8PM. Formerly known as Mindpro Citimall. (updated Aug 2022) 4 Yubenco - Tetuan, Fr. Barua St, ☏ +63 9976027570. 8AM-8PM. (updated Jul 2025) 5 Yubenco Starmall Fine Square, Maria Clara Lorenzo Lobregat Hwy. 9AM-8PM. (updated Jul 2025) 6 Southway Square, ☏ +63 62 9902613. 9AM-7PM. (updated Jul 2025) 7 The Gateway Shoppers' Center, Gov. Lim Avenue. 9AM-8PM. (updated Jul 2025) 8 Yubenco Supermarket San Jose Gusu. 9AM-8:30PM. (updated Jul 2025) 9 UNITOP, Campaner Street, ☏ +63 62 9555359. 8AM-8PM. (updated Jul 2025) 10 OK Department Store, ☏ +63 9974376334. 9AM-7:30PM. (updated Jul 2025) 11 Shoppers Plaza, C. Guardia Nacional. 8AM-7PM. (updated Jul 2025)

Buy 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-weave

Eat

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. Country Chicken Restaurant and Country Bakeshop, Pasonanca Road. Flavorite Cuisine, Rizal St. 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. Kintaro 10th High. Japanese restaurant at Skypark Hotel. Lejan Ice Cream House and Restaurant, Santa Maria. Manang Terry's Chicken Inato. Mayor Jaldon (Canelar) and Nunez (MP Tower) branches Mano-Mano, Gov. Ramos Avenue, Sta. Maria. 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. Casa Velyn, 423 Pasonanca Road Brgy. Sta Maria, ☏ +63 62 957 4215. 10:30AM - 10PM. (updated Jul 2025) Barcode Zamboanga, Rizal Street. 7AM to 10PM. (updated Jul 2025)

Drink & nightlife

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. (updated Jul 2025) 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 (updated Jul 2025) Dennis Coffee Garden Yubenco Tetuan, Phase III, Yubenco Tetuan, ☏ +63 9958206642, [email protected]. 9:30AM-10PM. (updated Jul 2025) Dennis Coffee Garden Main, San Jose Road, ☏ +63 9958206642, [email protected]. 9:30AM-10PM. (updated Jul 2025) Dennis Coffee Garden BALIWASAN BRANCH, San Jose Road, Baliwasan, ☏ +63 966 713 3705, +63 62 957 1131, [email protected]. 9:30AM-10PM. (updated Jul 2025) Dennis Coffee Garden KCC BRANCH, 2nd Floor, KCC Mall de Zamboanga, ☏ +63 9958206642, [email protected]. 9:30AM-10PM. (updated Jul 2025)

Sleep

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]. (updated Aug 2023) 11 Garden Orchid Hotel & Resort Corp., #7000 Gov Camins Avenue (across Zamboanga International Airport). Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. (updated Sep 2023) 12 Hotel Perlita, Mayor Jaldon Street, [email protected]. (updated Sep 2023) 13 Residencia Suites Hotel, Maestra Vicenta Street, ☏ +63 917 142 4971. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. (updated Sep 2023)

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