25 ZAMBOANGA CITY Tourist Spots & Things to Do 2022
[ad_1] When we think of Zamboanga, we think of colors. And we’re not just talking about the iconic vinta that has become a symbol for this region! From the subtle rosy hues of its Pink Beach to the delicious bright orange plates of curacha crabs to the vibrant costumes at the Hermosa Festival, Zamboanga is definitely one of the most colorful destinations in the Philippines. As Region IX’s primary gateway and flagship tourism destination, Zamboanga City’s travel scene has been developing fast over the past few years. Tours are becoming more organized. Promotion of the city has been relentless, especially after travel restrictions have eased. Most tourists flock to the islands and the beaches, but the local food scene is steadily becoming a delightful draw, too. The team has been to Asia’s Latin City five times already, but each time we felt like there was still more to see and discover! On our most recent trip, AirAsia, which now flies daily to Zamboanga, toured us around the city and we got to visit some attractions for the first time! If you’re curious about what awaits you there, here’s a full rundown of the things to do and places to visit in Zamboanga City. WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE? Pink Beach (Sta. Cruz Grande Island) Off the coast of Zamboanga Peninsula lies an island that, when kissed by the sun, glows with a natural rosy blush. Hailed by the National Geographic as one of the World’s 21 Best Beaches in 2017, Pink Beach is Zamboanga City’s most popular tourist attraction. To manage your expectations, the pink hue isn’t vivid or bright. From afar, the sandy shore looks like the usual white beach, but the closer you get, the pink taint becomes more apparent. The sand’s pale pink tint is the result of the weathering of the red organ-pipe corals (tubipora musica) that were brought to the shore by the waves. Punctuating the southeastern side of the peninsula, Zamboanga City’s Paseo del Mar is the main jump-off point to the island and its Pink Beach. Visitors can hire a tricycle from the city center to Santa Cruz Island Ferry Terminal in Paseo del Mar. The boat ride takes about 20 minutes. Because the number of visitors is strictly regulated, you need to register in advance before going. Registration and boat service start at 7:00 AM. Overnight stay is not permitted and only day tours are allowed. Location: Pink Beach, Grande Santa Cruz Island, Zamboanga CityJump-off Point: Paseo del Mar (Santa Cruz Island Ferry Terminal)Day Tour Schedule: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Tuesday-Thursday, Saturday – Sunday); CLOSED (Mondays & Fridays). Note that the schedule might change without prior notice, so check first before going.Admission Fee: P20 + P5 (Terminal Fee)Cottage Rental Fee: P100 – P500 (depending on the size) Mangroves Boat Tour (Sta. Cruz Grande Island) While Grande Santa Cruz Island allures with its pink radiance, its beauty goes beyond appearances. It also keeps a trove of natural wonders. On the other side of the island is a lagoon fully adorned with mangroves, nourishing wildlife and promoting biodiversity. The lagoon actually dominates the whole island, occupying most of the surface. The best way to explore it is to take a guided boat tour. As your boatman paddles, a guide will lead you to a number of spots to explain just how important it is to protect this site. You’ll learn about the types of mangroves and meet upside-down jellyfish. Please follow the rules and regulations when exploring. The Grande Santa Cruz Island, together with the smaller Little Santa Cruz Island, is a protected area. Location: Grande Santa Cruz Island, Zamboanga CityJump-off Point: Paseo del Mar (Santa Cruz Island Ferry Terminal)Admission Fee: P20 + P5 (Terminal Fee)Cottage Rental Fee: P100 – P500 (depending on the size) Vinta Rowing The vinta is the traditional outrigger boat that is common in Mindanao, especially in the areas of southern Mindanao, Sulu archipelago, and the Zamboanga peninsula. It is famous for its vividly colorful rhombic sail, adding a splash of color to the waters of Sulu Sea. The vinta plays an important role in the livelihood of the locals — economy, trade, and transportation. It is historically used as a fishing vessel. Today, it also serves as a mode of transportation for people, as a cargo vessel to deliver products/goods, and as a tourist attraction. If you want to experience rowing or riding a vinta, you may charter one in any of the barangays along the city’s coastlines or you can do it when you visit Grande Santa Cruz Island. Little Sta Cruz Island & Sandbar Sitting northwest of Santa Cruz Grande Island, Little Santa Cruz Island is like a quick dash of paradise off the coast of the Zamboanga peninsula. The most recognizable feature of the island is the sandbar trailing on the easternmost point. Although the island is fringed with fair sand, it is a mixture of fine and broken shells and corals. There are small lagoons, but tourists don’t usually venture far from the sandbar. The surrounding waters are mostly deep and are not recommended for leisure swimming. Visitors are only allowed to stay here for 10 minutes. Dotting the Basilan Strait, the Little Santa Cruz Island, together with the much bigger Grande Santa Cruz Island, is a protected area. Location: Little Santa Cruz Island, Zamboanga CityJump-off Point: Paseo del Mar (Santa Cruz Island Ferry Terminal) A steadily rising tourist attraction is Once Islas (11 Islands), a string of islands and islets off the eastern coast of Zamboanga City. Not all islands are open to the public, but those that are accessible are great for swimming, sunbathing, and further exploring. There are designated snorkeling spots for those who want to take a peek into the underwater scene. Buh-Buh, Bisaya-Bisaya, Baung-Baung, and Sirommon are those that are accessible to the public. The islands are only open for day trips. A limit of 200 visitors per day is implemented, so advance registration is required. You need
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