Philippines Guide
For Travelers, Expats and Pinoys
Zamboanga Destination Guides
Overview
A tour of the southern part of the Philippines can hardly be said to be complete without a visit to Zamboanga City and dropping by several highly rated Zamboanga destinations. Zamboanga is known for its many orchid gardens and so many different varieties of flowers and this is probably why some theorize that the name Zamboanga is derived from a Malay word meaning a haven of flowers.
Cawa Cawa Boulevard
Strictly speaking, Cawa Cawa Boulevard is no longer the name that this market goes by. However despite the fact that it has been several years since it was renamed to Justice R.T. Lim Boulevard, this Zamboanga destination is still called and is more commonly known as Cawa Cawa Boulevard. One might wonder what the hype is about over a market but once one sees what is in Cawa Cawa Boulevard, one will appreciate this place. Dirt cheap shopping can be done here and there are several food stalls to choose from in case one gets hungry. It looks somewhat like Roxas Boulevard in Manila in that one can stroll by the seashore but wait for the sun to set and Cawa Cawa Boulevard comes to life. There are strips of bars here that one can grab a quick drink at, go dancing or karaoke.
Cawa Cawa Boulevard is also a favorite among residents and this was designed for those who love walking by the beach but hate the feel of sand in between their toes. One can think of this Zamboanga destination as a kilometer stretch of everything one might need from food to souvenir items to a leisurely walk.
Barter Trade Market
Another good Zamboanga destination is the Barter Trade Market which, historically speaking was established in an attempt to control the influx of goods from neighboring countries that could not be taxed. The reason for such need to regulate these items is that the government is unable to generate revenue off these and these smuggled goods had a detrimental effect on the market. The Barter Trade Market was built right on the wharf but this Zamboanga destination was totally consumed by fire in 1979. When the Barter Trade Market was rebuilt, it flourished and the local government went into a free trade arrangement with companies who wanted to bring goods in. Among the things to buy at this Zamboanga destination are motorbikes, bicycles, mechanical toys, electronic goods, hand made souvenir items and canned goods.
The Barter Trade Market is another good place for shopping although it is usually crowded during payday weekends. This Zamboanga destination is a favorite among tourists and locals alike.
Zamboanga Hotel Guidea
Staying in the Spanish town of the Philippines is not always that easy, because you need to know a little bit about the city in order to find a great hotel. There are places big and small to stay in the little Spain of the Philippines, but none that has an international recognizable brand. Let us help you find a great hotel to stay with the Zamboanga Hotel Guide.
The first place in the Zamboanga Hotel Guide is located in the heart of the city and this hotel is one of the oldest places around. The Lantaka is not the up to date facility for young people but it still has the flair from the past which makes this place ideal for elderly travelers and families. This hotel has a pool area and of course a restaurant where you can munch your breakfast before exploring the city. This hotel has a gift shop and only costs an average of $50 per night.
If you came to the Philippines for their white beaches then the Zamboanga Hotel Guide presents you the Dakak Park Beach Resort. This hotel is a beachfront establishment where you can easily go to and fro the private beach to enjoy your daily activities. The food is great and healthy and you can relax in their pools or spa. For an average of $80 per night, this beachfront beauty seems a tad too costly, but you will surely find your reasons to stay in the little Spain of the Philippines.
The Zamboanga Hotel Guide takes you now to the Garden Orchid Hotel which is one of the most popular in this city. The Garden Orchid Hotel has everything one could want in a hotel in the Philippines and we are not exaggerating. You will find a ballroom, function rooms, convention centers, laundry services, car rentals, money changer, an executive clubhouse, a gym, a sauna, a tennis court, beauty salons and barber shops, a convenience store, a souvenir shop, a travel agency, a restaurant, and a pool area. Now you know we didn’t exaggerate. The average room rate per night ranges around $60.
The last hotel on our Zamboanga Hotel Guide is the Grand Astoria Hotel. There are many other Astoria hotels scattered throughout the Philippines but this one promises very spacious rooms and they do not disappoint. The food is good, but can also be avoided yet the rooms are a great investment. The Astoria also has a fitness gym and it is in walking distance of all the major malls. The average cost for a single room is around $80.
Enjoy your Zamboanga Hotel Guide further and maybe you will find so many more places to stay in the little Spain of the Philippines.
Zamboanga Transportation
Overview
Zamboanga is famous for having many names from the City of Flowers to Asia’s Latin City because of the many different variants of beautiful orchids that grow here, and the unique mix of Spanish, Filipino and Cebuano which has formed a part of its dialect. The culture of Zamboanga is truly rich and it has many tourist attractions that one can visit when here. If one is planning a budgeted trip to Zamboanga or just want to experience what living is like in this thriving province, it’s a good idea to know about Zamboanga transportation, how to get there and what’s available once in the city.
Getting to Zamboanga
Zamboanga is found in Mindanao and being in the southern part of the Philippines, there are several travel options available to visitors when it comes to Zamboanga transportation. For those who want to travel by air, Zamboanga does have an airport that accommodates commercial and private flights. During peak season, this form of Zamboanga transportation costs around Php5000 but during off peak and when promotional offers are at an all time high between competing airlines, it could go down to as low as Php1000.
Getting to Zamboanga by land is also an option although this takes about 3 days from Manila. For those who are not in a hurry to get to Zamboanga and enjoy road trips, this is an interesting way to get to the province.
Zamboanga has one of the busiest ports in the country so one should not be surprised that another form of Zamboanga transportation is via sea. In fact there are many maritime vessels that travel to Zamboanga about 5 times a week and among the major shipping lines that do so are Super Ferry, WG&A, Negros Navigation and Sulpicio Lines. Depending on the type of onboard accommodation that one opted for, rates could vary from Php3000 to Php5000. The ferries dock at Pagadian City and from these seaports, the city of Zamboanga is immediately accessible.
Getting Around Zamboanga
Once in Zamboanga, all the towns in it are accessible by land thanks to the province’s comprehensive and well planned out Zamboanga transportation system. Common types of Zamboanga transportation within the city itself are tricycles, jeepneys and buses but there aren’t that many taxis. There are a few independent operators when it comes to taxis so this mode of transportation is still an option. If it’s just to travel short distances though, the more affordable options are the tricycles, jeepneys and buses.
Zamboanga Beach Guide
Zamboanga is a region in Mindanao. The main dialect spoken in Zamboanga is Chabacano. Tourists go there to do many things including a vacation in the beach.
A group of friends and a family will surely have a fun time visiting the city and the beaches in Zamboanga.
1.The Pink Beach in the Big Santa Cruz Island – This is a beach that one can find in the big Santa Cruz Island. It is very popular in Zamboanga and it is ranked as one of the best beaches to visit in the Philippines. The color of the sand is indeed very unique. The sand appears to be pink because of the effect of the red coral which gives out eons and then it gets mixed with the surf and then touches the sand. The corals are just close to the shore of the island. The pink beach is not a common thing all over the world. The pink beach is three miles in length and it actually encircles the island.
The bigger Santa Cruz Island has a huge lagoon filled with mangroves where the level of the water rise and fall along with the rise and fall of the ocean’s tide. There is a tiny village of Badjaos and that place serves as their burial area. There is so much vegetation in the inner part of the island. There are some trees with flowers as well giving sufficient shade from the hot sun. There are many crabs living in the mangroves. You can reach this island via a motorized boat or what the locals call a vinta from the city in just twenty minutes for eight hundred pesos. There are several kinds of boats so the fare depends on the kind of the boat you choose.
2. The Little Santa Cruz Island – This is close to the big one with the pink sand. It has white sand. A military base installed there. Diving and snorkeling in the beach is a famous recreation in this island. There is a good amount of marine animals under the waters and the clear waters give good visibility however it can be affected by the weather. In the big or great Santa Cruz Island there are coconut huts with roofs which are ideal for picnickers. There are enough bathrooms as well.
3. Bolong Beach – This is the beach that you can go to if you don’t want to ride a boat. It is just forty five minutes away from the city via a car or a van. Some locals just rent a jeep so a big family can all come together. The rental for a jeepney can reach up to seven hundred pesos. The whole beach is one and a half kilometers in length. There are many coconut huts in the beach which you can rent. You can even cook food like barbeque. When you go home you may stop in the Sangali town where you can buy fresh seafood.
4.Pitas Island Beach – This is in front of the Bolong beach. Some people can even swim from Bolong going to the Pitas beach. There are some fishermen living in the Pitas island. You can reach the Pitas island by riding a vinta with the motor. There are eleven islands in this area and offers good areas for swimming and snorkeling.
5. The Yellow Beach – This is a private resort however people are welcome for a very minimal payment of ten pesos for each person. It is one kilometer in length with many trees and restaurants. There are some bars where you can sing with the karaoke as well. There are small stores where you can buy several things as well.
6. La Vista del Mar Beach Resort – This has become the most popular resort for the rich urban dwellers. There are several amenities in this resort. It is the closest resort to the city. The beach of the resort may not be compared to the ones in the Santa Cruz islands but the amenities are some of the best in the resort industry. Many people who live in the city like it her because of the proximity of the place.
Zamboanga Education
One of the highly urbanized cities in Mindanao, Zamboanga features an impressive roster of colleges and universities. These schools greatly contribute to a well-organized and highly efficient Zamboanga education system. These institutions provide students with good quality education at super reasonable rates. Furthermore, they also offer competitive curricula, great scholarships and challenging academic programs.
Universidad de Zamboanga
Established in 1948, this private university is located within the area of Barangay Tetuan. This place is popular for producing competitive and outstanding students, most of which top board examinations. The degree programs available under its College of Engineering and Information Technology include Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering and Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. It also boasts of very good degree programs under its School of Allied Medicine such as Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy, Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology and Bachelor of Science in Nursing. For those who like non-degree programs, they can go for the Certificate in Respiratory Therapy and Associate in Radiologic Technology.
Western Mindanao State University
One of the nicest schools in the area, Western Mindanao State University is found within the area of Barangay Baliwasan. This university has accomplished a lot. For instance, the best school for social work in the country was given to its College of Social Work and Community Development. Meanwhile, a Center of Development status was granted to the College of Architecture. Moreover, a Center of Excellence status was awarded to its College of Education. Some of the highly interesting undergraduate courses available inside this school include the Certificate of Proficiency in Food Processing, Bachelor of Science in Forestry and Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. It is also very proud of the various auxiliary units available within its area such as the Women’s Research and Resource Center, the University Training and Review Center as well as the Center for Peace and Development.
Ateneo de Zamboanga University
Founded in 1912, this university has two campuses, the most important of which can be found along La Purisima Street. It features various kinds of interesting academic degree programs such as B.S. in Mass Communications, A.B. Philosophy and B.S.C. in Financial Management. For those who wish to pursue careers in the field of education, they can enroll in courses like Bachelor of Elementary Education and Bachelor of Secondary Education. For computer-related courses, the available options include an Associate in Computer Networking, B.S. Management Information Systems and B.S. Information Technology. Furthermore, it also offers very good Master?s Programs including Master of Science in Computer Science, Master in Business Education and Master in Business Administration.
Zamboanga Restaurants
Zamboanga City is the pride of Mindanao. That is not just because of the unique culture it represents but also because of the beautiful setting that tourists are treated to whenever they happen to come by. Aside from great sights, there are Zamboanga restaurants that are out to please all kinds of diners.
Zamboanga restaurants mostly feature seafood, which is understandable considering the vast supply of fresh catches in the city. But wait, Zamboanga restaurants are not merely about seafood. There are lots of other recipes with different flavors from cuisines from around the world that Zamboanga restaurants also represent.
Alavar Seafood Restaurant – This is one of the best seafood hubs in the city. It offers Zamboanga’s finest, especially curacha, which is a local variety of crab. The restaurant offers a special sauce that is also the house specialty. As a proof to the popularity of the dish, there is a bottled version of the recipe available so the Zamboanga restaurant ptrons can savor the dish at home. [Don Alfaro St., Brgy. Tetuan, Zamboanga City; (6362) 991 2483]
Mano Mano Greenfield’s – Eating with bare hands is a common sight at this very popular restaurant. This is one among Zamboanga restaurants that you should never miss visiting. While the setting is quite interesting, the food is truly exciting. The best of Filipino cuisine is featured here. Kinilaw na Blue Marlin, Kare-Kare, Grilled Beef, and Chicken Barbecue are among the bestsellers. [Gov. Ramos Avenue, Sta. Maria, Zamboanga City]
Hai San Seafood Market and Restaurant – Delectable Chinese meals are the main fares at this humble food hub. The sashimi is best drowned in French wines and local beers. Hai San is also ideal for family dinners. The ambience is warm, casual, and laid back and it is nice to have wonderful conversations over the steaming plate of food. What is more exciting in this restaurant is the fact that you select your seafood from the restaurant’s stable. You pick your seafood, tell the staff how you want it cooked, and wait for your sizzling platter of great-tasting freshly cooked meal. [San Jose Road, Zamboanga City]
La Vista Seaside Restaurant – This is another exemplary seafood restaurant that can be found in Zamboanga City. Another notable detail about La Vista, aside from the delectable seafood dishes is the outdoor setting. The fresh breeze will inspire you to eat more of the giant prawns and different varieties of fishes in wonderful plates made of bamboo. [La Vista del Mar Resort, Calarian, Zamboanga City]
Zamboanga Sightseeing and Activities
Overview
The bustling province of Zamboanga is the southern jewel of the Philippines and those who have been here before will all agree that this place holds many natural wonders. Zamboanga sightseeing is a must because the City of Flowers has many attractions that are simply endearing. In addition to the many different places to see in Zamboanga, the residents are also very hospitable end exhibit Filipino warmth.
Metropolitan Cathedral of Immaculate Conception
Topping the list of our Zamboanga sightseeing list is the Metropolitan Cathedral of Immaculate Conception. This Zamboanga sightseeing destination is not just for the devout Christian, many visitors from different religions have found that this place has a certain solemnity. The Metropolitan Cathedral of Immaculate Conception is the home of the Archdiocese of Zamboanga and this location carries very significant Roman Catholic artifacts.
The Metropolitan Cathedral of Immaculate Conception was first built 11 years ago but the ground where the cathedral stands has always been a parish dating back to 1810. An aerial view of the grounds will show that it looks like a giant cross and a candle, symbolic of the Virgin Mary and Jesus. The Metropolitan Cathedral of Immaculate Conception has two floors with the ground floor dedicated to chapels and the top one exhibiting several saints.
There are also religious edifices on display here, collected and preserved from the 19th century. The Metropolitan Cathedral of Immaculate Conception is often visited by devout Catholics who feel that this is a good place to find peace and have a conversation with a Higher Being.
Pasonanca Park
The next Zamboanga sightseeing destination that one should definitely not miss is the infamous Pasonanca Park. The Pasonanca Park was constructed in 1912 during the time of then Governor Pershing and this Zamboanga sightseeing destination was only finished during the term of Governor Carpenter.
A lot of planning and attention to detail went into the construction of this Zamboanga sightseeing destination and from the very first time it was opened to the public until today, there is no other park like it. The Pasonanca Park is where one will find a diverse fauna and there is close to a thousand different kinds of orchids and trees.
The Pasonanca Park epitomizes the ‘City of Flowers’ and presents it in such a beautiful light and one will definitely not regret having visited this place. Whether one goes to Pasonanca Park to take pictures of just admire the scenery, this Zamboanga sightseeing destination provides an experience like no other.
Zamboanga Restaurant Guide
This Zamboanga restaurant guide will take you through three of the most popular dining establishments that primarily have seafood on the menu. And the Philippines being a collection of thousands of islands with its many coastlines is one place where you can enjoy boundless and fresh seafood any day of the year and at affordable prices too.
Alavar Seafood Restaurant
The first establishment in this Zamboanga restaurant guide for great seafood in the Philippines is Alavar Seafood Restaurant. This very popular business is located at 173 Don Alfaro St., Brgy. Tetuan. One particular item that patrons can not seem to get enough of is their curacha (local crab) with Alavar sauce. Yes, that special sauce is also sold as a separate bottled item (in addition to other Alavar pre-made products) that you take home with you.
Hai San Seafood Market and Restaurant
Situated at 60 San Jose Road, the second business in this Zamboanga restaurant guide for seafood in the Philippines is a two-in-one establishment which mainly focuses on Chinese cuisine. Going by its name – Hai San Seafood Market and Restaurant – you are given the option to buy your ingredients (fresh fish, live crustaceans in tanks, vegetables, etc.) and have them cook it as you prefer under the menu categories of “Ways of Cooking”, “Steamed”, and “Fried”. It goes to show that you can not get seafood entrées with fresher ingredients than how they do it.
Mano Mano Na Greenfield Restaurant
“Mano-mano”, when translated to English, means “to eat with ones hands” and this restaurant along Gov. Ramos Avenue is where eating without utensils is very much smiled upon. This last restaurant in our Zamboanga restaurant guide for seafood in the Philippines boasts of very affordable menu items like calamari or blue marlin that is less than 100 pesos per dish. It is a casual, hang-out place that is frequented by families and groups of friends alike that is why it is almost always packed with customers.
This Zamboanga restaurant guide for seafood in the Philippines covers three of the most popular establishments among the many seafood restaurants in the city. Breaking this Zamboanga restaurant guide down, we have Alavar Seafood first. Its well-liked curacha with Alavar sauce is arguably the most recognizable dish in the city that its sauce can even be bought separately in a bottle. Hai San, on the other hand, offers a Chinese-oriented approach to serving seafood with its method of “buy and then cook as the customer likes it”. Lastly, Mano Mano na Greenfield with its undeniable native, homey and casual atmosphere in addition to its affordable menu items is a definite must-try in the City of Zamboanga, Philippines.
Zamboanga Hotels and Resorts
Overview
The province of Zamboanga is but one of the beautiful provinces found in the southern part of the city and a place that one must definitely go to when visiting the Philippines. Flowers and fruits are just a few of the things that Zamboanga offers aside from its diverse culture. Good hotels in Zamboanga are easy to find and here are a few of them.
Garden Orchid Hotel
Found on Governor Camins Road, this modern Zamboanga hotel offers the facilities that we simply can’t live without in this day and age. Garden Orchid Hotel has a well maintained garden thriving with orchids, some of which are rare finds and this 4 star Zamboanga hotel is a great option for businessmen and families alike. The swimming pool can accommodate very young children and adults, and the rooms at this Zamboanga hotel are cozy and elegantly furnished. The lobby itself is huge and welcoming and everyone is always so warm and friendly at the Garden Orchid Hotel.
There are 3 types of rooms at the Garden Orchid Hotel and they are the executive suite, superior and deluxe room. All are air conditioned, equipped with cable television, radio, telephone and a private bathroom. The executive suite though at the Garden Orchid Hotel has a receiving area and this first class home away from home looks out to this Zamboanga hotel’s expansive gardens and it has a king sized bed. Room rates at the Garden Orchid Hotel start at Php 3,000.
Hotel Perlita
From the outside the Hotel Perlita looks like a hotel straight out of the Spanish times but once inside, one will realize that this Zamboanga hotel is very modern. The front desk and the lobby are made from marble and the furnishings are straight out of the modern age. Hotel Perlita has a ballroom perfect for events such as birthdays or wedding receptions and the function room can accommodate up to 50 people. There are two restaurants at this Zamboanga hotel and they are the Lobby Café and the more stylish Montemar Restaurant. The Lobby Café of Hotel Perlita is perfect for breakfast and snacks while Montemar Restaurant is more for couples or families who want fine dining. Although there is no swimming pool, the Montemar Restaurant of Hotel Perlita does have a rooftop deck where it’s very breezy and one gets a picturesque view of the town.
Found on Mayor Jaldon Street in Zamboanga Street, Hotel Perlita’s room rates start at Php 1,800 per room on a nightly basis and each room can accommodate 2 people.
Zamboanga Travel Guide
The Philippines is boasting with islands and cities full of nature, sights to see and special phenomena such as volcanoes, marine life, special hills or rice terraces. There is yet another city that boasts of the rich Filipino heritage, but this time it is not about special natural phenomena or volcanoes, it is about the colonial past of the Philippines. This place is called the little Spain of the Philippines and you will be part of the Zamboanga Travel Guide where we will take you on a tour around the most important parts of this place and where we also show you where to stay and to dine.
Before setting out on the places to go in our Zamboanga Travel Guide, you need to relax for a while and store your luggage safely somewhere. The hotel Lantaka is a Spanish style hotel with an ocean front view. This hotel is affordable and comfortable and you can make yourself on your way for our first stop on the Zamboanga Travel Guide tour. The most popular attraction as well as the most reminiscent Spanish attraction is the Fort Pilar. The Fort Pilar was a fort used to defend the people from invaders and outside attack. The Pettit Barracks are located right within the fort and have been captured by Americans and Japanese during the different wars and occupations in the Philippines.
Since the travel to Fort Pilar is a little tiring, let us settle to the next stop in the Zamboanga Travel Guide which will be a restaurant where you can munch your lunch. Today we opted for seafood since Zamboanga is famous for it and our favorite place to go is the Alavar Seafood Restaurant which serves Filipino seafood and will be the best place to show you how and what to eat from the local seafood cuisine in the Philippines. After your hunger and thirst have been thoroughly satisfied, we should move on with the Zamboanga Travel Guide to Abong-abong. Abong-abong is a pilgrimage site and came about by no one else than the Spaniards. This pilgrimage includes thirteen stations that you have to visit during holy week in the Philippines and one of them includes a volcano shaped like a turtle and a heart. It doesn’t only sound interesting but it looks interesting as well.
The last stop in our Zamboanga Travel Guide is a rather seasonal stop which means you have to plan your stay with the festival during the month of October. We are talking about the Regatta de Zamboanga where hundreds of colorful boats compete in a regatta during the Hermosa Festival in this city. After the day of excitement and sightseeing, you might probably slump back into the bed back in the hotel. You will be able to find many more things to do and see in little Spain of the Philippines.
