Zamboanga City, the Philippines’ third-largest city, is one of the busiest port cities in the country. Although Zamboanga is geographically a part of Zamboanga del Sur Province, it is an independent chartered city. This highly urbanized place in the Zamboanga Peninsula is generally overlooked by many tourists, but it really worth visiting! Known as the “City of Flowers,” it is home to several historical, cultural, and natural attractions. The apparent Spanish influence on the Zamboanga’s culture, lifestyle, architecture, language, and cuisine earned it the moniker of “Asia’s Latin City.” Plan your next trip to this vast city and check out the below list of things to do in Zamboanga City. To save a good deal on flight tickets, book with iEagle!
Unwind at the Pink Sand Beach:
You might have been to golden sand and white sand beaches, but this beach on the Great Santa Cruz Island is famed for its pink sand. The crushed red corals deposited by sea waves get mixed with white sand and reflect off a rosy hue in broad daylight. Visiting this pink beach must be on top of your list of things to do in Zamboanga City. Boats from the port near Paseo Del Mar offer a ride to this protected island. Explore the island’s mangrove forest, spot jellyfish in the blue lagoon, and click the best pictures of this instagrammable spot in Zamboanga City!
Also Read: 7 Reasons Why You Should Travel to the Philippines
Enjoy a waterfall bath at Merloquet Falls:
Merloquet falls situated in Brgy. Sibulao (about 75 km east of the city) is arguably the most famous waterfall in the Western Mindanao region. Surrounded by thick jungle, the beauty of this two-tiered waterfall that gushes down the stair-like rock formation is a sight for sore eyes! A short hike from the highway in Sibulao gets you to this unexplored gem of a place. Swim in the cool waters or sit on a rock and listen to the peaceful sounds! Getting a natural head massage under the cascades of the waterfall is a refreshingly thrilling thing to do in Zamboanga City.
Learn Zamboanga’s history at Fort Pilar and Museum:
A guided walking tour of Fort Pilar is one of the best things to do in Zamboanga City for history buffs. This marvelous fort is a major landmark of the city. Built by the Spaniards for defense purposes, it was earlier known as La Fuerza Real de San Jose and was later renamed in honor of Our Lady of the Pillar (the city’s patron saint). Fort Pilar now houses an outdoor shrine of the Lady of Pilar and the Zamboanga National Museum, where you can explore cultural relics, paintings, musical instruments, exhibits related to the marine life of Zamboanga, and other artifacts from the city’s rich past.
Go island hopping at Once Islas:
Island hopping is undoubtedly the most recommended thing to do in Zamboanga City or any other city in the Philippines, for that matter. Unlike other popular and crowded island-hopping destinations, Once Islas — a group of eleven islands — is a remote eco-cultural tourism spot situated off the coast of Barangays Panubigan and Dita. Opened to the public recently in 2018, most of the islands are uninhabited and offer pristine white beaches and turquoise waters. Tourists can access four islands, namely Bisaya-Bisaya, Sirommon, Baung-Baung, and Buh-Buh islands, and can enjoy various activities like swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking.
Visit Yakan Weaving Village:
Located at a distance of 7 km from Zamboanga City, Yakan Weaving Village is occupied by the Yakans, an indigenous tribe from the Basilian area. The weaving culture practiced by these tribes is the reason for the fame this village has acquired. Visiting this village is among the interesting things to do in Zamboanga City. Marvel at the craft of the weavers who make beautiful items like wallets, clothes, bags, mats, table runners, hats, etc. The intricate designs and bright colors are most impressive. If you like traditional handmade items, this is the best place to do souvenir shopping. The best deals on flights to the Philippines are guaranteed at iEagle any time of the year!
