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-by faiza paredes), it is now one of the most important and busiest port cities in the Philippines. The Chavacano Language (popularly known as Zamboangueño Chavacano, which is based on 80% Spanish words, and 20% Italian, Portuguese, Quechua, Taino, Mexican-Indian, Nauhtl, Tagalog,Ilongo, Bisaya and other Philippine languages) made Zamboanga as "Asia's Latin City." This is also because of the same traditions with Spain, particularly the patroness Our Lady of the Pilar (which is also the Patroness of Spain)
There are daily flights to/from Manila by Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific, flights to/from Sandakan by Asian Spirit and South East Asian Airlines(SEAIR)
Philippine Airlines, Air Philippines and Cebu Pacific have regular flights to Manila, Cebu, & Davao and vice versa.
By boat
Super Ferry boats are available 2 days a week for sailing from Cebu City, Davao, and Manila and vice versa.
Ferries are also available to and from Sandakan.
The Port of Zamboanga is an international port of entry. It has a schedule passenger trip to Sandakan, Malaysia, a cruise ship destination and several shipping lines offer regular trips from and to Davao, Cotabato, Dipolog/Dapitan, General Santos, Pagadian, Jolo, Bongao, Isabela City, Cebu City, Dumaguete, Iloilo, Bacolod and Manila.
By road
If you are from Luzon and Visayas, the Nautical Highways(RoRo)can bring you here. Buses from major cities in Mindanao are also available.
See
Fort Pilar Founded in 1635 as a garrison during the Spanish period, the Fort Pilar serves as a present day open-air shrine. Originally named as La Fuerza Real de San Jose, the fort is named after and dedicated to Our Lady of the Pillar, the patroness of the Archdiocese of Zamboanga. It image is embossed at the altar (which was then an entrance of the fort). Fort Pilar also houses a National Museum branch inside the fort. One can appreciate the glorious past of Zamboanga as a Spanish City in the Orient Skies 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.
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 John J. Pershing started the construction of Pasonanca Park in 1912. He sent for a parksman in the United States, once named Thomas Hanley, to prepare the plan and direct its execution. The park was completed under the administration of Governor Frank W. Carpenter. There is a treehouse nestling high in the branches of one big tree where guests could pass the night and hold communion with nature which, in the darkness, could still be perceived in the gentle rustling of the pine trees. Permission to use the treehouse, which is for free, can be obtained at the Office of the Mayor.
Metropolitan Cathedral of Immaculate Conception Founded in 1810 as a parish located 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 is located at La Purisima St. 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 located at 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.
Zamboanga City Hall The construction of this building started in 1905 and was completed in 1907 by the Federal Government of the United States for the then American Governors of the area which included: Leonard 0. Wood, Tasker H. Bliss, Ralph W. Hoyt, and Gen. John Pershing of World War I fame. Today, this serves as the City Hall of Zamboanga City where the Mayor holds office.
Plaza Pershing Plaza Pershing was established in Zamboanga City, Philippines to honor John Joseph "Black Jack" Pershing (September 13, 1860 – July 15, 1948) with his victory over Muslim insurgents.
Cawa-Cawa Boulevard You can visit the place early in the morning for brisk walking/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).
Sta. Cruz Islands The Great Santa Cruz island is known for it's pink sand beach and sand bar, while the Little sta. cruz island is a typical white beach, with pulverized-like sand. It is also a diving site and is host to a lagoon, a muslim burial site and a badjao/samal community.
Yakan Weaving Center Host to the only Yakan commmunity in the City, the center is located just across the famed La Vista de Mar beach resort at the border of Barangay Upper Calarian and Sinunuc and along the National Highway. You can witness the local people weaving intricately hand-woven clothes on giant looms as well as traditional brasswares.
Zamboanga Golf Course and Beach Known to be the "oldest Golf Course" in the Philippines. It was estabished during the American Occupation and is overlooking the Basilan Strait. It also is host to a public swimming resort managed by the Philippine Tourism Authority. There were talks that a Korean Company will be building a 5 star hotel in the area. it was once used as a landing strip.
St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish Church, Tetuan Records shows that at the start, there was a small chapel constructed on a lot. Owned by Don Balbino Natividad, a permanent resident of Tetuan. (The Natividad is one of the biggest clans in the Parish spread throughout the city up to the hinterlands and reputed to be large property owners. Members held various positions in the government and parishes. At least one became a Jesuit priest). In January of 1863, apparently having reached the required number of Catholic would be parishioners and with the availability of the would-be parish priest, the St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish was created with a Jesuit, Rev. Fr. Ramon Barua, SJ as its first Parish Priest.
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. Presently, this houses The College of Education of WMSU and is also the site where most cultural presentations are held. It also houses a Museum.
La Vista del Mar & Honorory Consulate of Spain (Honorario Consulado de España)Beach resort. Delicious restaurant with fresh seafood and beautiful views of the sea. Also home of Honorary Consulate of Spain, great museum of art, culture, and shared hispanic history of Zamboanga City and Spain. There is an small entrance fee to get into the resort.
Visit the Maria Clara Lobregat Park and the Aviary at Pasonanca Park.
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
Sta Cruz Island. swim and scuba diving in a pink sand beach in an unspoilt island
Light candles at the Fort Pilar Shrine and visit the Zamboanga Museum in the Fort
Eat special delicacies like Baolo and Satti.
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
Buy
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.
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 creat an ethnic pattern. Visitors usually use the clothes as table lining, tapestries or even as accessories to their formal wear.
Barter Goods - ranging from various Chinese, Malay and local food, delicacies and imported items.
Pearls - the home of the South Sea Pearls- you may actually buy different kinds of pearls at Lantaka Hotel or at various malls within the Business District like the Sophia Jewllery at the 3rd level of Mindpro Citimall.
Seafood - you may actually buy fresh fish at the waterfront of the Main Public Market, Aderes Flea Market(in Guiwan), or at the weekend make-shift 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 located along Ledesma St.( near San Jose Rd. corner Climaco Ave.).
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.
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.
Chowking, La Purisima St (accross Puericulture Center), ☎ (+6362)9921809, (+6362)9921810. The only oriental quick service restaurant in the city open 24 hours, and with free delivery service,
ABC Bakery and Restaurant, beside Shoppers' Central.
Alavar's Seafood House, Don Alfaro St., Tetuan.
Antonio's Steakhouse, Pasonanca.
'Country Chicken Restaurant and Country Bakeshop', Pasonanca Road.
Ducuena.
Flavourite Cuisine, Rizal St. and Nuñez branches.
Food Paradise, Climaco Avenue.
Golden Boys Sports Grille, Nunez Extension.
Jimmy's Satti, Campaner cor. Brillantes.
Kadday Sug, Sta. Cruz Market.
Kintaro 10th High, Best Japanese restaurant in Mindanao, 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.
Sunflower, Rizal St., Veterans Ave., Brilliantes St. branches.
Red Ribbon Bakeshop, Shoppers' Center.
Papito's Grille, Lunzuran Road, Tumaga, (beside Ateneo High School).
Patio Palmeras, Pasonanca.
Savoury Panciteria and Restaurant, Mayor Jaldon St., Putik, Tetuan, Santa Maria.
Shamba Grille, Gov. Camins Avenue beside Caltex Gas Station.
St. Mary's Grille, Gov. Ramos Avenue fronting Sta. Maria Parish Church.
Tropics Fine Cuisine, Sta. Maria fronting SLQ Chicken (062) 990-2032
A Taste of Asia, Unichan Building, Veterans Avenue fronting WMMC.
Village Zamboanga, Gov. Camins Avenue beside Garden Orchid Hotel.
La Vista Seaside Restaurant, La Vista del Mar Resort, Calarian.
Whoopee Burger Haus, Pilar St. and Gov. Lim Avenue.
Z-Beryani Persian Cuisine, Nunez Midtown Plaza.
La Casa Maria, Santa Maria.
Hanazono, Gov. Camins Ave. A Japanese (not Chinese) restaurant.
Eureka, Pasonanca Rd, ☎ 6362-991-3284. Japanese & local cuisine
Drink
Vertigo Lobby Bar Roof top Amigos Amigas Halfway
Island Bubble Tea, Nunex Extension (Next to Asia United Bank, Front of SKYGO), ☎ 926-3648. We offer Pearl Shakes (25 flavors), Belgian waffles, fries, and more. Perfect place to have merienda. WIFI zone.
Sleep
David's Inn and Internet Cafe your home away from home
Garden Orchid Hotel - Gov. Camins Avenue (the best hotel in Zamboanga)
Grand Astoria Hotel - Mayor Jaldon Street
Marcian Garden Hotel - Gov. Camins Avenue
Marcian Business Hotel - Mayor Cesar Climaco Avenue
Lantaka Hotel by the Sea - N. Valderossa Street,
Jardin dela Vina - Gov. Alvarez Avenue
Hermosa Hotel- Mayor Jaldon St.
Preciosa Hotel- Mayor Jaldon St.
Hotel Perlita- Mayor Jaldon St.
Skypark Hotel- the hotel being the tallest structure in Zamboanga, has the Best Japanese Restaurant in Mindanao
Azenith Royal Hotel- Gov. Camins Ave.
Hotel Salwa- the Islamic owned hotel located at Gov. Camins St.
Mag-V Royal Hotel- San Jose Road
GC Hotel- Nunez St. beside St. Joseph Church and Mormon Church
Amil's Tower- Pilar St.
Yang's Hotel - Tomas Claudio Street
Blue Shark Hotel- Veterans Avenue
Pension Royale Hotel, 12 rooms
Hacienda de Palmeras Hotel & Restaurant (Palmeras Hotel & Restaurant), Sta. Maria-Pasonanca Rd, ☎ 6362-991-3284. email: [email protected] Located 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
