Where To Go Next? | 8 Things to do When in Zamboanga City

January 13, 2022September 14, 2022 Rex Lim Lim

Reading Time: 8 minutes

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Zamboanga City, this is dubbed as “Asia’s Latin City”, as you’ll see the Spanish influence not just in their food, architecture but also in their dialect – the Chavacano.

This city is also the home of our Olympians, Hidilyn Diaz and Eumir Marcial. Enhorabuena!

Before our daring trip to Basilan (Travel Guide HERE), we spent a day in the third-largest city in the Philippines and we just can’t get enough of it. Here are 7 things a budget traveler can do in a day when in Zamboanga City:

1. Be Enchanted by Merloquet Falls’ Ice-Cold Cascade

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Just an hour away from the city is the stunning wide cascade of Merloquet Falls. Just a stone’s throw away from the jump-off point, this waterfall looks more like an ancient ruin where the water trickles down a stone wall as it is surrounded by a lush jungle.

The first catch basin of the waterfall will drench you with cascade’s ice-cold water. You can spend time around the area and take photos or just have some soothing waterfall massage.

2. Visit and Feed Pigeons at Fort Pilar

The Spanish influence in this fortress structure is really heavy. Moreover, it is as if this is Zamboanga City’s Fort Santiago, just like Cebu City’s Fort San Pedro.

This 17^th-century defense fortress was built and used by the Spanish colonizers during their rule. Outside its Adobe walls are shops selling religious items and pigeon food. You can feed these pigeons early in the morning before going inside the fort.

Fort Pilar, 1949. (Photo from One Zamboanga Facebook Page)

Upon entering Fort Pilar, you will be welcomed by a massive courtyard. There is an outdoor shrine adorned with ornaments for Roman Catholics. A regular Sunday mass is held here for Zamboangueños and tourists alike.

3. Swim and Have a Good Time at the Great Santa Cruz Island

From Paseo Del Mar, you can rent a Papet Boat (A traditional boat without an outrigger) or join organized tours going to the Santa Cruz islands. This small island is just 20 minutes away from the mainland.

The Great Santa Cruz Island boasts of its pink beach which gets its unique hue from washed-up Red Organ-pipe Coral (Tubipora musica). Moreover, the island was among the best beaches in the world as ranked by the National Geographic.

There are also several paluto stalls here where you can buy fresh seafood and have it cooked with just a little additional cost. We sampled the local Curacha (Spanner Crab), a red spiny crab, popular for its meat and large amount of crab fat.

4. Ride a Vinta!

There are also Vinta Rides for rent in Great Santa Cruz Island. Locally known as lepa-lepa or sakayan, these boats are used by the Sama-Badjao and Moros living in the Zamboanga Peninsula and Sulu Archipelago.

Regatta de Zamboanga 2015. (Photo by Josie Alcantara)

You can visit the Mangrove Forest and the blue lagoon just at the back of the island where some stingless Jellyfish thrive. To add, there’s a traditional Badjao burial grounds not far away from the meain beach.

5. Have a Sidetrip at the Pristine Little Sta. Cruz Island

This island is a military detachment so do not expect any kind of establishment catering tourists. This island has a long sandbar where your boat will dock. For organized tours you will be given half an hour to explore the island.

The sandbar is as pristine as it gets, it literally is smacked right in the middle of a beautiful turquoise colored beach. Can this be paradise?

6. Dine at Paseo Del Mar

This park comes alive at night with several food stalls lining up the baywalk. You can sample Zamboanga’s staple foods for a cheaper price whiole enjoying music from a live band.

You should also not miss the Knicker Bocker, a dessert of Zamboanga City made from seasonal fruits, gelatin, cream and ice cream on top.

7. Check-out the Local Architecture at the City Proper

The focal point of the city is the Zamboanga City Hall. This is considered by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines as a National Historical Site. This Filipino-colonial designed building was completed in 1907 and served as the residence of the US Military Governor for the Moro Province.

Just in front of the city hall in Plaza Pershing lies one of the unique Mcdonald’s Store I have seen. This stunning 1928 Victorian-inspired residence has been adaptively reused and as a host to Mcdonald’s Fastfood.

Built in 1928, this building housed the Chartered Bank of India, Australia and China in its early days to Mcdonald’s PLaza Pershing at present. (Photo from One Zamboanga Facebook Page)

8. Test Your Haggling Skills at Canelar Barter Trade Market

Before heading back to the airport, make sure to stop by at the Canelar Barter Trade Market, as it is just along the way. In here you can find cheap pasalubong options mostly Malaysian food products and local malongs, Batik textiles, pearl accessories and many many more!

Canelar Barter Trade Market. (Photo from outoftownblog.com)

How to Get There

Zamboanga City is the center of commerce in the Zamboanga Peninsula Region

By Air: Daily flights to the Zamboanga City International Airport from Manila by Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific Air.

By Sea: 2Go Ferries have weekly trips sailing to Zamboanga City from Manila.
Getting Around: Tricycles and Jeepneys are the easiest mode of transportation to get around the city. You can charter boats at Paseo Del Mar when going to Santa Cruz Islands.