Traveling to Zamboanga City this 2023? Looking for top things to do in Zamboanga City, best tourist spots and places to visit?! Check out this comprehensive Zamboanga Travel Guide Blog to help you plan your Zamboanga itinerary!
Zamboanga City is indeed a majestic place and it is full of astonishing tourist spots, attractions, and places to visit. The city is quite big and it would require you several days to really experience the top things to do in Zamboanga and to visit most of its famous tourist spots and attractions. Known as the "City of Flowers" and "Asia's Latin City", you can find many amazing places and do many exciting things in Zamboanga City.
What are the top things to do in Zamboanga? For first-timers in Zamboanga City or even if you're going for a re-visit, I listed here some of the most popular attractions, tourist spots and things to do in Zamboanga City that you should include in your Zamboanga travel itinerary. Indeed, there's a bucket of fun and adventure to do, but here is the first part my top 30 ways to enjoy your trip!
30 THINGS TO DO IN ZAMBOANGA CITY, TOURIST SPOTS & PLACES TO VISIT
WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS ZAMBOANGA TRAVEL GUIDE BLOG 2023? |
1. Visit the historic City Hall of Zamboanga
For me, one thing to consider when travelling into a place is to visit their city hall. Somehow, seeing their city hall will give you the idea of what to expect in the area. And guess what? The Zamboanga City Hall building is already more than a hundred years old! After visiting the city hall, one thing is for sure – you'll realize that the place is undeniably historic.
2. Visit Rizal Park and Plaza Pershing
Yes, Zamboanga City has its own Rizal Park. It is just in front of the city hall so I recommend you to visit this after taking a photo of the imposing and beautiful city hall. They also have this old plaza called Plaza Pershing. It is named after the late Governor John “Blackjack” Pershing. It was built in honor of Governor John Joseph "Black Jack" Pershing’s triumph against Muslim insurgents during the early times. The plaza offers a very nice place to hangout for kids and also for adults.
SEE ALSO: Bienvenidos Ciudad de Zamboanga!, a DIY Walking Tour
3. Pray at the Zamboanga Cathedral
Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception or commonly known as the Zamboanga City 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 Asia, built in 1998-2001. The design is quite eye catching since it looks like a candle light. The marble statue of the Immaculate Conception designed by Napoleon Abueva is also interesting piece of art you shouldn't miss.
4. Beach bum at the Great Sta. Cruz Islands
One of the most popular tourist spots in Zamboanga City, the pink sand beach of Great Sta. Cruz Island is famous among locals and tourists for its pink coralline sand. Yes, another Instagram worthy shots are waiting. These pinkish sand make them stand out among other islands in Zamboanga City. It is actually made up of 2 islands, the other one is called the Little Sta Cruz island which is a protected area and the public are restricted to visit it since it is being used as a military camp. This is one unique beach in the Philippines that must be added to your bucket list!
SEE ALSO: The Pink Sand Beach of Sta. Cruz Island (with Boat Fares and How to Get There)
5. Explore the Lagoon on Sta. Cruz Island
If you love mangroves, then this place is for you. They claim that some of the mangroves you can see here are hundred years old. Preserving the natural beauty of our nature at Lagoon on Sta. Cruz Island. You can ride a paddle boat and explore the beauty of the lagoon while enjoying different species of birds living the abundant life of the lagoon. This is one of the best places to visit in Zamboanga City for natura lovers.
SEE ALSO: Exploring the Lagoon on Sta. Cruz Island, Zamboanga City
6. Visit the old badjao burial graves in Sta. Cruz island
Avid fan of historic places? Visit the ancient badjao burial grounds on Sta. Cruz island. You can do this after visiting the lagoon or after swimming at the pink sand beach. Local tribes used some parts of the island as a graveyard. It was used by the local tribes, Badjao and Sama Bangingi to be exact.
SEE ALSO: Visiting the Old Badjao Burial Grounds on Sta Cruz Island
7. Pay homage to Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Zaragosa at Fort Pilar Shrine
Fort Pilar Shrine is dedicated to Nuestra Señora del Pilar, the patroness of Zamboanga City. It is a quiet place where you can find your inner peace. Great for those who are looking for a plcae to just sit down for a while, talk to Him, and pay homage. It's not just a tourist spot but a must-visit pilgrimage site in Zamboanga.
8. Learn history at Fort Pilar and Museum
The fort is one of the regional museum of the National Museum of the Philippines. Fort Pilar and Museum is now a major landmark of the city and attracts tourist at the same time. Expect to feel the warmth of their cultural heritage and prepare to go back into the time where Spanish colonial government built the 17th century military defense fortress in the exact area you are standing.
SEE ALSO: Bienvenidos Ciudad de Zamboanga!, a DIY Walking Tour
9. Stroll and eat at Paseo del Mar
One of my favorite things to do in Zamboanga City! Paseo del Mar is perfect for strolling, a great view of the sunset too. Paseo has a long walkway along the shoreline that will give you a picturesque image of the sunset. There are some locals too that are selling some good stuff and food to eat along the area. At night, don't miss the dancing musical fountain which everyone loves.
10. Immerse yourself at the community of Rio Hondo Village
You might be asking what does "Rio Hondo" means? So here’s a little trivia for you. Rio means river and Hondo means deep. So technically, Rio Hondo means it is a deep river overflowing the village. To tell you honestly, Rio Hondo is not really a tourist spot because first and foremost, it is a village of families living in houses on stilts. You might want to visit them for you to experience how hard it is to live in a place like that and in that way, you can appreciate life more. Talk to them, mingle with them, and you'll be amazed how warm and accommodating they are.
11. Watch masterpieces being created in Yakan Weaving Village
Just to add some knowledge, Yakan is one of the many indigenous tribes living around Zamboanga city. You can visit them to see how they weave their yakan cloth which comes in vibrant colors and intricate designs. They are also claiming that all of their designs are unique – giving me a reason to love them more. This is also a good place to buy some souvenirs. They have table runners, malong, bags, wallets, among many others.
12. Visit Taluksangay Mosque
A must-see destination in Zamboanga City, Taluksangay Mosque is considered as one of the gems of Zamboanga City. It is a treasure worth keeping since they don’t want to be forgotten as the generation passes by. It is also wealthy in tourists because of it's striking red dome and for being considered as one of the oldest mosques in Zamboanga Peninsula
13. Watch the sunset at the Cawa-Cawa boulevard
Cawa-Cawa boulevard also known as the R.T Lim Boulevard is another recreational place by the sea where you can jog along the pathway. Since it is an open area, sunset is indeed a great view from here.
14. Shop at barter trade markets
Canelar Trading Center is one of the famous barter trade markets in Zamboanga city where you can buy pasalubongs. Items here are incredibly cheap, you can even haggle. Of course, every cent counts! This is definitely on of the best things to do in Zamboanga City, especially for shop-a-holics and bargain hunters.
SEE ALSO: Bienvenidos Ciudad de Zamboanga!, a DIY Walking Tour
15. Visit the tree house and teepees in Pasonanca Park
Pasonanca Park is a popular tourist spot in Zamboanga City. It has lots to offer like their Pasonanca park swimming pools, tree house, and butterfly park. The park has three public pools. The first one is the Olympic size pool, second is the natural flowing pool and the last is the children’s pool with water slides. You can also climb into the tree house and enjoy being a kid again.
There are really a lot of things you can do and experience when visiting Zamboanga City. I highly suggest that you visit these tourist spots and attractions and make your first Zamboanga City trip a memorable one.
CONTINUE READING: Part 2 >>
WHERE TO STAY? HOTELS & RESORTS IN ZAMBOANGA CITY
As a progressive city, Zamboanga City has a wide array of hotels and resorts that tourists and travelers can stay at. Whether it's a business hotel, an affordable budget hotel or pension house, or mid-range 3-star hotel, you can find a room that will fit your budget and needs.
- Ever O Business Hotel √ See discounted room rates + photos
- Marcian Garden Hotel √ See discounted room rates + photos
- Grand Astoria Hotel √ See discounted room rates + photos
- L Meridian Suites √ See discounted room rates + photos
- Garden Orchid Hotel √ See discounted room rates + photos
- Cityinn Hotel √ See discounted room rates + photos
- Marcian Business Hotel √ See discounted room rates + photos
- Winzelle Suites √ See discounted room rates + photos
Where to get affordable and convenient RT-PCR and Rapid Antigen Tests?Avail of Klook’s RT-PCR and Rapid Antigen tests with up to 40% off retail rates for a seamless testing experience! You may get your test results within 1 hour for antigent tests and as fast as 24 hours for RT-PCR tests! |
TIPS & REMINDERS + ZAMBOANGA TRAVEL GUIDELINES
- Before traveling to Zamboanga City, be sure to book your hotel or resort in advance. This will allow you to save on travel expenses by getting discounted room rates and availing of promos. Also, booking in advance and reserving your accommodation, assure you that you have a place to stay in Zamboanga City when you arrive. Click here to see the top hotels and resorts in Zamboanga City.
- After booking your hotel or resort in Zamboanga City, make sure to call or send an email to your booked hotel/resort to inquire and confirm any health documents or requirements you need to bring or submit before checking-in. This will assure you that you are ready with proper documents needed for your travel.
- Always check the latest and updated Zamboanga City travel requirements and entry protocols. You may refer to the latest IATF Guidelines, or to Zamboanga City's local government website and social media accounts to know the latest and updated travel requirements and entry protocols that you need to follow.
- If you're traveling by air to Zamboanga City, contact your airline to get the latest update on your flight schedules, as well as the travel requirements needed to board your flight. If you're traveling by sea, contact the shipping company to also inquire on the requirements and documents needed for your trip.
- Have your confirmed hotel booking ready and other documents such as travel pass and negative test result (if needed) before traveling to Zamboanga. Click here to know where to get Affordable RT-PCR and Rapid Antigent Tests.
- During your trip, don't be too complacent, even when you're enjoying and having fun. Always wear your face mask, face shield, and practice the minimum health protocols at all times. Travel safely and responsibly!
I hope this Zamboanga Travel Guide Blog featuring the top things to do in Zamboanga City, tourist spots and attractions help you in creating your Zamboanga itinerary!
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I really want to visit Zamboanga and your post made me long to visit it. But my drawback here is the city is still red alert recently that my mom won't allow to visit it anytime soon.
ReplyDeleteI think you just need to be vigilant sir.:) And pray.
Deletesafe naman sa city. nakaka-joyride pa nga around sa city sa gabi.
ReplyDeletei will soon be there next mos. is the city safe?
ReplyDeleteHope to visit Zamboanga someday.
ReplyDelete