Zamboanga Travel Guide
In a nutshell
Bearing the nickname “Asia’s Latin City,” Zamboanga City is a port city that due to its storied history of trading, has been influenced by a host of different cultures and countries over the years which is reflected in its distinctly cosmopolitan feel.
Why go to Zamboanga
Located in Mindanao, Zamboanga is great for travellers who want to see a city in the Philippines that still maintains a very distinctive Hispanic culture.
While it boasts many historical and religious sites from when it was under the control of the Spaniards, Zamboanga also features gorgeous natural wonders like so much of the Philippines.
In addition to being close to beautiful sandy beaches, there are multiple picturesque waterfalls within a short drive of Zamboanga’s city centre. For those who are interested in shopping, Zamboanga boasts an extremely wide array of malls from the big to the small, from the fancy to the simple, from the new to the old. In short, Zamboanga has something for everyone, and it should be easy to convince a family of even the pickiest sightseers that they would enjoy spending some time in Zamboanga.
When to go to Zamboanga
Another reason to go is the perfect year-round weather. Somewhat incredibly, the climate in Zamboanga stays the same every month of the year. The average temperature is a perfect, balmy 81-82 Fahrenheit every single month. The average high is 88 F (31 C) every single month, and the low is between 73-77 Fahrenheit (23-26 C), also, every single month.
While the temperature stays the same, there is a rainy season. From May to November, the city experiences between 3.5 and 6.5 inches of rain, which, all things considered is not very much. It’s pretty stunning how perfect the weather is in Zamboanga city and when you book a trip, you will be able to rest easy than matter what time of the year you go, you will have perfect weather.
Where to stay in Zamboanga
Like most cities in the Philippines, you will be able to find a wide range of lodging options in Zamboanga. From very spartan backpacker hostels to newly built hotels and resorts, you will easily be able to find a place to lay your head that fits your budget.
A very nice hotel room in a newly built spot with air conditioning, wifi and all the amenities of a fancy hotel will set you back about PHP2500. On the other hand, a basic hotel room is easy to find as well and can be had for around PHP800.
Where to eat in Zamboanga
Zamboanga features a mix of traditional Filipino food pan-asian cuisine and international food. There are also a good number of restaurants that specialize in Spanish cuisine that reflects the city’s Hispanic heritage. Additionally, given the proximity of the ocean, Zamboanga provides a good number of restaurants with great, fresh, locally caught seafood. Like many other locations in the country, a dinner for two including drinks and service will run you in the PHP1000 range.
How to get to and from Zamboanga
Arriving in Zamboanga is done on either a plane or a boat.
There are no international flights into Zamboanga and if you’re planning on coming from abroad, you will first have to travel to a larger city in the Philippines. From Manila, Cebu and Davao, you can fly to Zamboanga with Philippines Airlines, Cebu Pacific or Air Philippines.
Flights to and from Manila take off every day.
If you prefer to travel by boat, you can also take a ferry from each of those cities. Ferries leave twice a week from all three aforementioned destinations, and although they take a good deal longer than a plane, it’s also much more scenic.
If you’re traveling to Malaysia after the Philippines, you can also take a passenger ferry from Zamboanga to Sandakan.
If you’re already on the island, bus lines will take you from other cities on Mindanao. A bus trip from anywhere on Mindanao Island shouldn’t cost more than PHP300.
How to get around Zamboanga
To get around town, there are a number of options to choose. The city centre area is relatively small and easy to navigate on foot.
Taxis charge around PHP10 per kilometre and will most often get you to your destination in an air-conditioned and hassle-free manner.
Or you can easily take the Filipino option - the jeepney, which are found to generally be a bit cheaper than the taxi option.
Some hotels will also rent bikes to their guests and there are plenty of shops in the downtown area that will rent mopeds if you are interested in taking a trip which is a bit father afield.
Is Zamboanga a safe place to visit?
Zamboanga is a safe city by Filipino standards and also by western standards. Petty crime is something that you should look out for but besides being vigilant for things like pickpockets and common street scams, there’s nothing much in Zamboanga that you need to worry about.
As with most countries in Southeast Asia, be careful with where you eat, and make sure that an street food you consume has been cooked thoroughly and that there is at least some semblance of hygiene at the stall.
On other parts of Mindanao Island, specifically the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, there have been clashes between Muslim militias and the Filipino army. In recent years, the insurgents have intensified their attacks against the army but also have been known to include civilian targets as well as army and political figures. These attacks have included bombings, which are, by nature, indiscriminate.
While the conflict has until now been limited to cities like Basilan, Lanao Del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, there is always the chance it could spread to other places like Zamboanga with very little notice. As a result of the security situation, there are a decent number of countries discouraging against all but essential travel to the entire of Mindanao Island including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, China, Canada and Ireland.
Common sense would dictate that it would be a good idea to check the security situation before you book any trips to the region.
