Zamboanga Peninsula Travel Guide
Zamboanga Peninsula occupies the western edge of the southern island of Mindanao, a popular region of the Philippines for tourists, with its many up-to-date cities and its fantastic shores.
The peninsular is divided into three regions - Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, and Zamboanga Sibugay - along with the independent Zamboanga City, and encompasses many other significant cities worth seeing.
Zamboanga City, locally known as the ‘City of Flowers’ and, more recently, ‘Asia’s Latin City’, is the main center and most altogether city in the Zamboanga Peninsula. It has the best infrastructure, facilities, attractions and hotels on the peninsular and is also a useful entry point for the region.
The main attraction in Zamboanga City is Fort Pilar, an ancient Spanish fort founded in 1635, while excellent shopping, eating, partying, and hotel accommodation can also be had here. Pagadian City is another major center on the Zamboanga Peninsula known somewhat affectionately as the ‘Little Hong Kong of the South’ because of its hilly terrain.
Those into shopping should check out the Gaisano Capital Mall in the San Pedro District of Pagadian City, Zamboanga Peninsula’s largest mall. Dipolog City, Dapitan City, and Isabela City are the other main towns on the peninsular, each with their own appeal, with Dipolog having the best facilities and accessibility.
Cogon Eco-Park near the northern town of Dipolog holds much interest with its great walking and wildlife, and the powerful Sungkilaw Falls are a must-see here. Other Zamboanga attractions include Fort Santiago in Ozamis (a stone fort on the sea built by the Spanish and affording fine views over the town and water) and the Spanish-built city of Ilihan Hill with its military fort.
Getting There & Away
If you are specifically visiting Zamboanga City the best way in is to fly and there are daily flights from Manila, Sandakan, Cebu, and Davao. Manila to Zamboanga City is a little over an hour. Flights also go to Dipolog from the capital, while fast ferries land at Dipolog, Ozamis and other Zamboanga Peninsula ports from major destinations in the country. Buses also run to cities all over Zamboanga Peninsula from within neighboring Mindanao Province.