Located on the southernmost tip of the Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga City is one of the major gateways to Mindanao. And there is indeed no better way to start your Mindanao adventure than from here. Its city center is filled with history and culture, the food scene is very vibrant, and there are beaches which you can easily access.

Dubbed as Asia’s Latin City, Zamboanga City’s identity is deeply intertwined with Spain—from the way they speak, to the food they eat. Their culture is a colorful mix between the conquistadores of yore, to Christian and Muslim customs.

This Zamboanga travel guide aims to help both first time and returning visitors on how to get there, where to eat, where to stay, and what to see and do in and around the city on a modest budget.

UNDERSTAND ZAMBOANGA CITY


Zamboanga City, the center of the Zamboanga Peninsula Region, is the sixth largest city in the Philippines in terms of population, and third largest by land area. It’s populated by a majority of Christians, followed closely by Muslims. It is also inhabited by the Samal, Yakan, Tausug, and Badjao people. Located on the region’s southernmost tip, it’s about an hour and a half away by plane from Manila.

Zamboanga was originally founded by the Subanon people during the 12th to 13th century. Spain came in at 1521, establishing a fort—their stronghold on the islands of Mindanao. The Spanish rule, which only ended during the 1890s, had a strong influence on the city, not only in religion, but in their language, food, and traditions as well. A republic was established after the Spaniards left, the Republic of Zamboanga, up until the Commonwealth Period where it was turned into a city.

Zamboanga has only two seasons, rainy and dry. The best time to go would be during the dry months of November to April, but if you want to enjoy the best of what the city has to offer, you should try and go during October where the annual Zamboanga Hermosa Festival happens.

SPEAK ZAMBOANGA


Speak Zamboanga

Zamboanga City is heavily influenced by the Spaniards and this reflects on how they speak. Chavacano is considered as one of the oldest creole languages in the world, it is a fusion of about sixty five percent Spanish and thirty five percent mix of local languages and dialects of the Zamboanga Peninsula and the Sulu Archipelago. Here are a few phrases you may use during your Zamboanga trip:

Thank You – Gracias
Good Morning – Buenas dias
Good Afternoon – Buenas tardes
Good Evening – Buenas noches
How Much? – Cuanto este?
Where is… – Donde…

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO ~ ZAMBOANGA CITY TRAVEL TIPS


Zamboanga City Travel Tips

The best time to go to Zamboanga City is during October when they celebrate the annual Zamboanga Hermosa Festival. It’s the perfect time to see an actual vinta race, watch a mascota gown competition, see the faithful pray novenas at Fort Pilar, and witness the festive street dancing along Calle Valderosa.
For beach lovers, there are islands you can visit in Zamboanga. If you’re into snorkeling, it’s best to bring your own gear—snorkel, mask, underwater camera—as most tours don’t really provide one for guests. It is also advisable to bring a dry bag with you.
There are a lot of banks and ATM machines at the city center, so you can actually bring just the right amount of money, and simply withdraw if needed.
Dressing conservatively isn’t really a must when in Zamboanga, the city is as modern as any in the Philippines.
● Zamboanga City is a pretty safe city, don’t let the military presence in the area intimidate you.

HOW TO GET TO ZAMBOANGA CITY


Two of the three major airlines in the Philippines, Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific, has direct flights from Manila to Zamboanga City. Travel time is about an hour and forty five minutes, with five daily flights. Zamboanga can also be reached by ferries, albeit on a longer travel time, from major cities like Manila, Cebu, and Davao. If you’re already in Visayas and Mindanao, you can even ride a bus, both air-conditioned and non-aircon, going to Zamboanga through Ceres and Rural Transit. Note, however, that if you’re coming from Visayas, it also entails a ferry ride, which is packaged within your bus trip.

                  
 

FLIGHTS TO ZAMBOANGA CITY

FLIGHTS FROM

AIRLINES

DIRECT FLIGHTS
PER DAY

ESTIMATED
TRAVEL TIME

AVERAGE
FARE FROM

METRO MANILA

CEB, PAL

7+ DAILY

1:45 HOURS

₱2,800 +/-

DAVAO

CEB

1+ DAILY

1:05 HOURS

₱2,200 +/-

CEBU

CEB, PAL

1+ DAILY

1:10 HOURS

₱1,600 +/-

COTABATO

CEB

4 WEEKLY | SUN MON WED FRI

0:55 HOURS

₱1,800 +/-

TAWI TAWI

CEB, PAL

1+ DAILY

55 MINS

₱1,300 +/-

AIRLINE CONTACT INFORMATION:
CEBU PACIFIC Facebook
PHILIPPINE AIRLINES Messenger | WhatsApp +63 (998) 951-4359

FERRIES TO ZAMBOANGA

FERRY FROM

SHIPPING LINE

DEPARTURE
PER DAY

ESTIMATED
TRAVEL TIME

AVERAGE
FARE FROM

METRO MANILA

2GO

1 WEEKLY | SUN

2 DAYS

₱1,500 +/-

BASILAN

MONTENEGRO, WEESAM, ALESON

11 DAILY

1.5 HOURS

₱145 +/-

DUMAGUETE

2GO

1 WEEKLY | TUE

14 HOURS

₱1,200 +/-

DIPOLOG

2GO

1 WEEKLY | TUE

9 HOURS

₱1,100 +/-

DUMAGUETE

2GO

1 WEEKLY | TUE

14 HOURS

₱2,100 +/-

SULU

ALESON, IBNERIZAM, 
MONTENEGRO, WEESAM

3+ DAILY

3.5 HOURS

₱500.00

TAWI-TAWI

ALESON

3 WEEKLY | MON WED FRI

18 HOURS

₱320 +/-

SANDAKAN MALAYSIA

ALESON

0 DAILY | BY SCHEDULE

16 HOURS

₱3,100 +/-

FERRY CONTACT INFORMATION:
2GO TRAVEL – Manila +63 (2) 528-7000
ALESON SHIPPING LINES – Zamboanga City +63 (62) 992-5507 | +63 (62) 992-6410
MONTENEGRO SHIPPING LINES – +63 (906) 512-2208 | +63 (917) 138-5901 | +63 (043) 740-3250
WEESAM – Bacolod: +63 (908) 812-5641 | Iloilo: +63 (933) 869-0330

BUSES TO ZAMBOANGA

BUS FROM

BUS LINE

DEPARTURE
PER DAY

ESTIMATED
TRAVEL TIME

AVERAGE
FARE FROM

BACOLOD

CERES LINER +FERRY

2 DAILY

22 HOURS

₱1,400 +/-

CAGAYAN DE ORO

RURAL TRANSIT MINDANAO

6 DAILY

10 HOURS

₱1,100 +/-

CEBU

CERES LINER +FERRY

1 DAILY

24 HOURS

₱1,600 +/-

DIPOLOG

RURAL TRANSIT

22 DAILY

8 HOURS

₱600 +/-

IPIL

RURAL TRANSIT

0 NO SCHED YET

4 HOURS

₱245 +/-

PAGADIAN

RURAL TRANSIT

12 DAILY

7 HOURS

₱500 +/-

BUS CONTACT INFORMATION:
CERES LINER:
+63 (910) 432-6704 | +63 (949) 993-8366 | +63 (953) 227-5999
RURAL TRANSIT – +63 (998) 846-8070 | +63 (919) 066-4536

HOW TO GET AROUND ZAMBOANGA CITY


Zamboanga City TransportationThe main modes of transportation in Zamboanga is the jeepney and the tricycle. The former comes in two varieties, the regular flamboyant and colorful jeepneys you see all over the Philippines, and an unadorned boxy Ford Fierra-type that used to be popular during the eighties. Minimum fare is set at ₱12.00. To stop, you say “Urilya lang.”

Tricycles, which they pronounce as tricy-col, in the city have a minimum fare of ₱20.00 per person and can usually seat four people at a time. Note, however, that most tricycles ask for special rates—which means you rent it whole—starting at ₱100.00. Try to haggle before boarding.


BOOK TRANSPORTATION TO/FROM ZAMBOANGA CITY

ORGANIZED TOURS IN ZAMBOANGA CITY


Zamboanga City Tours

There are tour operators who can actually make your life easier when traveling around Zamboanga City. It is possible to do most activities DIY, but if you want to maximize your time and see all the sights in a more efficient manner, consider booking a tour. During two of our trips in Zamboanga, we utilized such a service.

iTravel Tourist Lane ~ Facebook | Website
+63 (917) 722-6410 | +63 (939) 445-6290 | +63 (917) 392-9474

WHERE TO STAY IN ZAMBOANGA CITY


There are lodging options for every kind of travelers in Zamboanga, from expensive five star hotels and sprawling resorts, to budget hotels and cheap hostels. Most of these are located right at the city center, although it’s also okay to stay around the fringes of the city since Zamboanga isn’t really that big.

Budget Accommodations Zamboanga City
Casa Canelar Pension Zamboanga CityCASA CANELAR PENSION

Address: Mayor Jaldon St., Brgy. Canelar
Contact Number: +63 (62) 990-1056
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9159945,122.0699005
City Inn Hotel Zamboanga CityCITYINN HOTEL

Address: Governor Alvarez St., cor. La Purisima St., Downtown
Contact Number: +63 (62) 955-4058
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9105162,122.0726108
Jardin De La Vina Hotel Zamboanga CityJARDIN DE LA VINA HOTEL

Address: 149 Gov. Alvarez Avenue, Zamboanga City
Contact Number: +63 (62) 991-7808
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9104263,122.0715213
Two Seasons Executive Suites ZamboangaTWO SEASONS EXECUTIVE SUITES

Address: Veterans Ext, Tumaga Road, Brgy. Tumaga
Contact Number: +63 (997) 706-9776
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.926388, 122.078771
Mid-Range Accommodations Zamboanga City
Ever O Business Hotel Zamboanga CityEVER O BUSINESS HOTEL

Address: Tomas Claudio St., Cor. La Purisima St., Zone II
Contact Number: +63 (917) 549-2285
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9069639,122.0742745
Grand Astoria Hotel Zamboanga CityGRAND ASTORIA HOTEL

Address: Mayor Jaldon St., Zone II
Contact Number: +63 (62) 991-2510
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9085733,122.0712943
Luxury Accommodations Zamboanga City
Grand Orchid Hotel Zamboanga CityGARDEN ORCHID HOTEL

Address: Gov. Camins Ave., Brgy. Canelar
Contact Number: +63 (62) 991-0032
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9178413,122.0617423
Marcian Garden Hotel Zamboanga CityMARCIAN GARDEN HOTEL

Address: Gov. Camins Ave., Brgy. Canelar
Contact Number: +63 (62) 991-2519
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9189231,122.0635757

COMPLETE LIST ZAMBOANGA DISCOUNTED HOTELS

WHERE TO EAT IN ZAMBOANGA CITY


A word of warning for people going to Zamboanga, this city will make you add some weight. There are numerous food choices in the city—you can take your pick from Spanish cuisine and seafood feasts (don’t forget to have curacha), to Moro and Malaysian dishes. For the not-so-adventurous, traditional Filipino and Western fares can also be found within the city along with popular fast food joints like Jollibee and McDonald’s. And like most cities in Mindanao, a large percentage of the city’s population is Muslim, so expect to find halal restaurants.

For a more detailed review on these restaurants, street food lovers, and those looking for Malaysian dishes in Zamboanga, read these:

Where To Eat In Zamboanga
Zamboanga Street Food
Malaysian Restaurants in Zamboanga

Alavar Seafood Restaurant Zamboanga CityALAVAR SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
Address: 173 Don Alfaro St., Brgy. Tetuan
Contact Number: +63 (62) 992-4533
Opening Hours: 10:00AM – 10:00PM, Daily
Type: Filipino, Seafood, Local Dishes
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9157962,122.0844847
Andy's Special Satti Zamboanga CityANDY’S SPECIAL SATTI
Address: C. Atilano St., Brgy. Tetuan
Opening Hours: 6:00AM – 6:00PM, Daily
Type: Satti House
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9189182,122.0867327
Bar Code Zamboanga CityBAR CODE
Address: Paseo Del Mar, Downtown / Rizal St., Downtown
Contact Number: +63 (926) 353-6349
Opening Hours: 10:00AM – 10:00PM, Daily
Type: Bar & Restaurant, Sizzling Plates
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9038897,122.0756283
Bay Tal Mal Restaurant Zamboanga CityBAY TAL MAL RESTAURANT
Address: Mayor Jaldon St., Brgy. Canelar
Contact Number: +63 (915) 016-0448
Opening Hours: 10:00AM – 10:00PM, Daily
Type: Moro Cuisine
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9194132,122.0698158
Country Chicken Restaurant Zamboanga CityCOUNTRY CHICKEN RESTAURANT
Address: Km4 Pasonanca Rd., Brgy. Pasonanca
Contact Number: +63 (62) 991-1852
Opening Hours: 11:00AM – 10:00PM, Daily
Type: Filipino, Spanish, Italian, Western
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9404935,122.0708426
Dennis Coffee Garden Zamboanga CityDENNIS COFFEE GARDEN
Address: San Jose Rd., Brgy. Baliwasan
Contact Number: +63 (995) 820-6642
Opening Hours: 9:00AM – 11:00PM, Daily
Type: Moro Cuisine
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9162658,122.0573393
Hacienda De Palmeras Zamboanga CityHACIENDA DE PALMERAS RESTAURANT
Address: Pasonanca Rd., Brgy. Sta. Maria
Contact Number: +63 (62) 991-3284
Opening Hours: 10:00AM – 10:00PM, Daily
Type: Filipino, Western
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.935617,122.0688291
Harley's Food & Craft Beer Zamboanga CityHARLEY’S FOOD & CRAFT BEER
Address: Yubenco Food Complex, Villares St., Brgy. Tetuan
Contact Number: +63 (917) 727-0406
Opening Hours: 3:00PM – 12:00AM, Daily
Type: Bar Chow, Halal, Craft Beer
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.913834,122.0889983
Mandarin Tea Garden Zamboanga CityMANDARIN TEA GARDEN
Address: 2Nd Flr. KCC Mall De Zamboanga, Gov. Camins Road
Opening Hours: 9:00AM – 9:00PM, Daily 
Type: Chinese
GPS Coordinates: 6.920728, 122.073478
Ole Ole Mari Makan Restaurant Zamboanga CityOLE OLE MARI MAKAN RESTAURANT
Address: San Jose Road, Brgy. Sto. Nino
Opening Hours: 10:30AM – 3:00AM, Daily
Type: Malaysian
GPS Coordinates: 6.911247, 122.067095
Paseo Del Mar Street Food Zamboanga CityPASEO DEL MAR STREET FOOD STALLS
Address: N.S. Valderoza St., Downtown
Opening Hours: 6:00AM -12:30AM, Daily
Type: Street Food, Mini Stalls
GPS Coordinates: 6.9005656,122.0790673
Pettit Barracks Night MarketPETTIT BARRACKS NIGHT MARKET
Address: Rizal St., Downtown
Opening Hours: Evening Hours, Daily 
Type: Street Food, Mini Stalls
GPS Coordinates: 6.903054, 122.079123
Tinis Restaurant ZamboangaTINIS RESTAURANT
Address: 49 N.S. Valderosa St., Downtown
Opening Hours: 7:00AM – 7:00PM, Daily
Type:
GPS Coordinates:
Vista Del Mar Restaurant Zamboanga CityVISTA DEL MAR RESTAURANT
Address: Labuan-Lampara Rd., Brgy. Calarian
Contact Number: +63 (62) 991-1208
Opening Hours: 8:00AM – 5:00PM, Daily
Type: Filipino, Seafood
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9235618,122.0186555

WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN ZAMBOANGA CITY


Zamboanga City, being one of the oldest cities in the Philippines, is highly cultural. You can find heritage structures along its avenues, the most notable of which is the massive Fort Pilar where the Spaniards once held their seat in Mindanao. Within the city, you can also find local Mindanaoan culture like at the Yakan Weaving Village. Natural attractions also abound, from the celebrated Pink Beach of Sta. Cruz Island, the pristine beaches of Once Islas, and the majestic Merloquet Falls. Touring Zamboanga can be divided into three areas—the city center (where you can simply walk from one location to the next), the Pasonanca Park area, and the farther places which you’d need to access via public transports or in some cases, via organized tours.

A more detailed article can be found here: Zamboanga Tourist Spots

Zamboanga City Walking Tour
BPI Museum Zamboanga CityBPI ZAMBOANGA MUSEUM
Address: N.S. Valderosa St., Downtown
Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: By Request, 9:00AM – 4:30PM, Weekdays
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.902486, 122.084644
Fort Pilar Shrine Zamboanga CityFORT PILAR SHRINE
Address: Sta. Barbara St., Brgy. Sta. Barbara
Entrance Fee: Free
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9014491,122.0804859
National Museum Zamboanga CityNATIONAL MUSEUM ZAMBOANGA
Address: N.S. Valderosa St., Brgy. Sta. Barbara
Entrance Fee: ₱20.00
Opening Hours: 8:00AM – 5:00PM, Closed on Sundays
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9013519,122.0820698
Paseo Del Mar Zamboanga CityPASEO DEL MAR
Address: N.S. Valderosa St., Brgy. Sta. Barbara
Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 6:00AM – 12:30AM, Daily
GPS Coordinates: 6.9010044,122.0810277
Plaza Rizal Zamboanga CityPLAZA RIZAL
Address: N.S. Valderosa St., Brgy. Sta. Barbara
Entrance Fee: Free  
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9044926,122.0758376
Metropolitan Cathedral Zamboanga CityMETROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL OF ZAMBOANGA
Address: La Purisima St., Brgy. Zone II
Entrance Fee: Free
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9087919,122.0735335

Rio Hondo Village Zamboanga CityRIO HONDO VILLAGE
Address: Brgy. Rio Hondo
Entrance Fee: Free
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.900015,122.0891307
PHOTO BY EAZYTRAVELER
Zamboanga City HallZAMBOANGA CITY HALL
Address: N.S. Valderosa St., Brgy. Sta. Barbara
Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: Regular Office Hours
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9041811,122.0761756
ZSCMST Bird Sanctuary Zamboanga CityZSCMST BIRD SANCTUARY
Address: Fisheries Compound, N.S. Valderosa St., Brgy. Sta. Barbara
Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: Regular Office Hours
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9023837,122.083785

Camp Limbaga Zamboanga CityCAMP LIMBAGA
Address: Pasonanca Park, Pasonanca Rd., Brgy. Pasonanca
Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: Regular Office Hours
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.952484,122.0748105
El Museo De ZamboangaEL MUSEO DE ZAMBOANGA
Address: Pasonanca Rd., Brgy. Pasonanca
Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 9:00AM – 5:00PM, Closed Sundays
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9532029,122.0731422
Pasonanca Swimming Pools Zamboanga CityPASONANCA SWIMMING POOLS
Address: Pasonanca Park, Pasonanca Rd., Brgy. Pasonanca
Entrance Fee: ₱10.00
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9525692,122.0747515
PHOTO BY WOWZAMBOANGACITY
Tree House Zamboanga CityZAMBOANGA TREE HOUSE
Address: Pasonanca Park, Pasonanca Rd., Brgy. Pasonanca
Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: Regular Office Hours
GPS Coordinates: 6.9525692,122.0747515
Tourist Spots Zamboanga City
Canelar Barter Zamboanga CityCANELAR BARTER
Address: Mayor Jaldon St., Brgy. Canelar
Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 8:00AM – 5:30PM, Daily
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9139629,122.0719121
Merloquest Falls Zamboanga CityMERLOQUET FALLS
Address: Brgy. Sibulao
Entrance Fee: ₱5.00
GPS Map Coordinates: 7.3101201,122.2112739
Once Islas Zamboanga CityONCE ISLAS
Address: Brgy. Dita and Panubigan
Entrance Fee: ₱100.00
Opening Hours: 7:00AM – 3:00PM, Closed on Fridays
GPS Map Coordinates: 7.1326561,122.2472173
Rainbow Mosque Zamboanga CityRAINBOW MOSQUE
Address:
Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: X:00AM – X:00PM, Daily
GPS Map Coordinates:
Sta. Cruz Island  Zamboanga CitySTA. CRUZ ISLAND
Address: Sta. Cruz Island
Entrance Fee: ₱30.00
Opening Hours: 7:00AM – 2:00PM, Daily
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.8655017,122.0581484
Taluksangay Mosque Zamboanga CityTALUKSANGAY MOSQUE
Address: Brgy. Taluksangay
Entrance Fee: Free
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9507456,122.1792455
PHOTO BY TRAVELTRILOGY
Yakan Weaving Village Zamboanga CityYAKAN WEAVING VILLAGE
Address: Labuan-Limpapa National Road, Brgy. Calarian
Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 8:00AM – 8:00PM, Daily
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9248815,122.0200141


There are two main shopping areas in Zamboanga City for your pasalubong and souvenir needs.

The first is the massive Canelar Barter Center in Barangay Canelar where you can buy colorful scarves, dresses, all sorts of textiles, and souvenirs. It’s also here where you can shop for Malaysian goods—possible due to Zamboanga City’s proximity to Malaysia.

The second is the small Yakan Weaving Village west of the city. Here you can purchase hand-woven products made by the Yakans themselves.

In case your visit coincides with the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival, head over to the Palacio Del Sur events building where they hold ZamPEX (Zamboanga Peninsula Expo). Here, you’ll be able to buy all the unique products from the whole Zamboanga Peninsula.

Apa Martillos Zamboanga City APA (MARTILLOS)
Address: Fort Pilar, N.S. Valderosa St., Brgy. Sta. Barbara 
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.901684, 122.082278
Malaysian Goods Zamboanga CityMALAYSIAN GOODS/PRODUCTS
Address: Canelar Barter Center, Mayor Jaldon St., Brgy. Canelar
Opening Hours: 8:00AM – 5:30PM, Daily
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9139629,122.0719121
Yakan Weaving Products Zamboanga CityYAKAN WEAVING PRODUCTS
Address: Yakan Village, Labuan-Limpapa National Road, Brgy. Calarian 
Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 8:00AM – 8:00PM, Daily
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9248815,122.0200141


Textiles Canelar Barter Zamboanga CityZAMBOANGA CANELAR TEXTILES
Address: Canelar Barter Center, Mayor Jaldon St., Brgy. Canelar
Opening Hours: 8:00AM – 5:30PM, Daily
GPS Map Coordinates: 6.9139629,122.0719121

FESTIVALS IN ZAMBOANGA CITY


Zamboanga Hermosa FestivalThere’s only one major festival in Zamboanga and that’s the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival. It is dedicated to the miraculous image of the Nuestra Señora del Pilar enshrined at Fort Pilar. Celebrated during the whole month of October, its highlights include the Regatta de Zamboanga, ZamPEX, Asao Lechon Festival, Mascota de Zamboanga, and the Zamboanga Hermosa Street Dance Competition.

ZAMBOANGA CITY TOURIST SPOTS MAP GUIDE


Zamboanga Tourist Spots Map

ZAMBOANGA CITY SAMPLE ITINERARIES & BUDGET


A three day itinerary is mostly enough for touring Zamboanga City. It’s perfect for long weekends—you’ll just have to fly really early and leave at the last possible flight back. A day tour is also possible, but would be very limiting, you can mostly see either just the city center or a brief tour of Sta. Cruz Island. For a more extensive tour, I would suggest a four-day Zamboanga itinerary, this way you really can enjoy everything the city has to offer, all the good dishes included.

The most expensive part about touring Zamboanga are the Sta. Cruz Island and Once Islas tours—which you can only join via organized trips. Merloquet Falls can also be expensive if you join a tour but can be done DIY, although it’s not that easy. If you remove those, traveling to Zamboanga is really very cheap, especially if you skip the expensive recommended restaurants—but please don’t skip those, these are part and parcel of the Zamboanga experience.

For the sake of this itinerary, I listed a rough sketch of how you would be traveling from one place to the next via jeepneys or tricycles. It is very much cheaper to go by jeepney—just ask around if you’re not familiar with the route, Zamboangeños are very helpful—since most tricycle drivers would usually ask that you pay for the full fare of the entire tricycle.

Zamboanga City One Day Itinerary

ZAMBOANGA ONE DAY ITINERARY / DAY TOUR / DAY TRIP

₱468.00 PER PERSON


Early arrival at Zamboanga City
Satti Breakfast
    ₱12.00 | JEEP TO SATTI HOUSE
    ₱60.00 | AVERAGE SATTI BREAKFAST PRICE
Visit Pasonanca Park
    VISIT SWIMMING POOLS, GARDEN, TREEHOUSE, BOY SCOUT  
    ₱12.00 | JEEP TO PASONANCA PARK
    ₱10.00 | ENTRANCE FEE TO POOLS
Visit Yakan Weaving Village
    ₱12.00 | JEEP TO YAKAN WEAVING VILLAGE
Lunch at Vista Del Mar   
    ₱200.00 | AVERAGE MEAL COST  
City Center Walking Tour
    VISIT METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL, PLAZA RIZAL, CITY HALL, FORT PILAR, NATIONAL MUSEUM, PASEO DEL MAR, ZSCMST BIRD SANCTUARY
    ₱12.00 | JEEP TO METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL
Dinner at Paseo del Mar
    ₱150.00 | AVERAGE MEAL COST
Depart Zamboanga City

Zamboanga City Two Days Itinerary

ZAMBOANGA CITY TWO DAYS ITINERARY

DAY ONE | ₱972.00 PER PERSON (GROUP OF TWO)


Early morning arrival 
Leave bag at lodging   
    ₱500.00 | LODGING RENT (₱1,000.00) PER DAY FOR TWO CHEAPEST RATE ONLINE
Satti Breakfast
    ₱12.00 | JEEP TO SATTI HOUSE
    ₱60.00 | AVERAGE SATTI BREAKFAST PRICE
Visit Pasonanca Park
    VISIT SWIMMING POOLS, GARDEN, TREEHOUSE, BOY SCOUT   
    ₱12.00 | JEEP TO PASONANCA PARK
    ₱10.00 | ENTRANCE FEE TO POOLS
Visit Yakan Weaving Village
    ₱12.00 | JEEP TO YAKAN WEAVING VILLAGE
Lunch at Vista Del Mar
    ₱200.00 | AVERAGE MEAL COST
Check in at Hotel
    ₱12.00 | JEEP TO HOTEL
City Center Walking Tour
    VISIT METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL, PLAZA RIZAL, CITY HALL, FORT PILAR, NATIONAL MUSEUM, PASEO DEL MAR, ZSCMST BIRD SANCTUARY
    ₱12.00 | JEEP TO METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL
• Dinner at Paseo del Mar
    ₱150.00 | AVERAGE MEAL COST

DAY TWO | ₱1,324.00 PER PERSON (GROUP OF TWO)


Breakfast at Lodging
    ₱0.00 | COMPLIMENTARY BREAKFAST
Early hotel check out (Leave bags at lobby)
Once Islas Island Hopping
    ₱1,100.00 | GROUP TOUR FEE (₱2,200.00) INCLUSIVE OF LUNCH AND TRANSPORT
Dinner at Alavar’s
    ₱12.00 | JEEP TO ALAVAR’S
    ₱200.00 | AVERAGE MEAL COST
Back at the hotel
    ₱12.00 | JEEP TO HOTEL
Depart Zamboanga City


► ₱2,296.00 ~ TOTAL BUDGET FOR A TWO-DAY TOUR PER PERSON BASED ON A GROUP OF TWO

Zamboanga City Three Days Itinerary

ZAMBOANGA CITY THREE DAYS ITINERARY

DAY ONE | ₱972.00 PER PERSON (GROUP OF TWO)


Follow previous Day One itinerary

DAY TWO | ₱1,824.00 PER PERSON (GROUP OF TWO)


Follow previous Day Two itinerary (But don’t check out just yet)
    ₱500.00 | LODGING RENT (₱1,000.00) PER DAY FOR TWO CHEAPEST RATE ONLINE

► DAY THREE | ₱580.00 PER PERSON (GROUP OF TWO)


Breakfast at Lodging
Early hotel check out (Leave bags at lobby)
Sta. Cruz Island Tour
    ₱394.00 | TOUR FEE (₱788.00) INCLUSIVE OF TRANSPORT
    ₱150.00 | PACKED LUNCH
Shopping at Canelar Barter
    ₱12.00 | JEEP TO CANELAR
Early Dinner at Dennis Coffee Garden
    ₱12.00 | JEEP TO DENNIS COFFEE GARDEN
Depart
    ₱12.00 | JEEP TO HOTEL


► ₱3,376.00 ~ TOTAL BUDGET FOR A THREE-DAY TOUR PER PERSON BASED ON A GROUP OF TWO

 

Zamboanga City Four Days Itinerary

 

ZAMBOANGA CITY FOUR DAYS ITINERARY

DAY ONE | ₱972.00 PER PERSON (GROUP OF TWO)


Follow previous Day One itinerary

DAY TWO | ₱1,824.00 PER PERSON (GROUP OF TWO)


Follow previous Day Two itinerary (But don’t check out just yet)
    ₱500.00 | LODGING RENT (₱1,000.00) PER DAY FOR TWO CHEAPEST RATE ONLINE

DAY THREE | ₱1,080.00 PER PERSON (GROUP OF TWO)


Follow previous Day Three itinerary (But don’t check out just yet)
    ₱500.00 | LODGING RENT (₱1,000.00) PER DAY FOR TWO

► DAY FOUR | ₱1,287.00 PER PERSON (GROUP OF TWO)


Breakfast at Lodging
Early hotel check out (Leave bags at lobby)  
Merloquet Falls Tour
    ₱625.00 | TOUR FEE (₱1,250.00) INCLUSIVE OF TRANSPORTATION & LUNCH
Early Dinner at Yubenco Food Complex
    ₱150.00 | AVERAGE MEAL PRICE
Depart Zamboanga City
    ₱12.00 | JEEP TO HOTEL


► ₱5,163.00 ~ TOTAL BUDGET FOR A FOUR-DAY TOUR PER PERSON BASED ON A GROUP OF TWO

ZAMBOANGA CITY TRAVEL BLOG, GUIDE, EXPENSES, MAP, & ITINERARY
UPDATED AS OF OCTOBER 2023



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