Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi have always been on my travel bucket list, and I'm thrilled that this year I've already crossed two off as finally, I got to explore Zamboanga and Basilan during a four-day trip with my friends. Sharing the top 10 things we did during our visit, all DIY. We explored the city by using public transportation and walking a lot. It's easy to get around because the city is small, so you won't get lost. Plus, the locals are friendly and always ready to help with directions. 😊
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| Bienvenidos A Zamboanga! |
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| We we're welcomed by a short dance performance at the airport. |
Situated in Barangay Talon-Talon, Zamboanga City. The vibrant and colorful architecture of the Rainbow Mosque has made it a popular destination for tourists visiting Zamboanga City. Visitors can explore the mosque without any entrance fee.
2. Experience the flavors of local pastries and sulu coffee at Dennis Coffee Garden
As foodies, trying out local delicacies is always at the top of our list. As per my research, it's a must to try some of the local pastries and Sulu coffee at Dennis Coffee Garden. Although we planned to visit the main branch, the opening hours changed due to Ramadan, so we went to the KCC Mall branch instead. Dennis Coffee Garden has been serving since 1962, starting in Jolo, Sulu, and has grown into a popular bistro in Zamboanga. We all loved the pastries, and the Sulu coffee is definitely a must-try!
3. Discover Zamboanga's rich history at The Fort Pilar National Musem
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| The Fort Pilar Shrine |
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| Open area to take photos with pigeons and/or to feed them |
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| Entrance to The Fort Pilar National Museum |
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| Some artwork at the Fort Pilar National Museum |
As you head to The Fort Pilar National Museum, you'll be greeted by pigeons you can feed. Don't miss the chance to visit the Fort Pilar Shrine, now an outdoor Roman Catholic Marian shrine. Remember, recording videos isn't allowed inside the museum but make sure to stop by to learn about early inhabitants and see antique items. You'll also find paintings, marine life displays, and cultural artifacts here.
4. Experience the renowed curacha dish at Alavar seafood restaurant
We were lucky to stay just a short walk from Alavar Seafood Restaurant. It's on the list of what to try in Zamboanga, mainly because of their specialty, curacha, a Chavacano delicacy. We decided to order the set seafood meal, expecting it to include curacha with Alavar sauce as advised, but it turned out to be just a regular crab. We also waited over an hour for our orders, the experience wasn't that great. However, I did enjoy the pancit canton and baked clams from the seafood set meal. Alavar is indeed popular; it got busy at dinner time with lots of people coming in, and the restaurant was packed.
5. Embark on a Sta. Cruz Island Tour
Going on a tour of Sta. Cruz Island promises an adventure filled with beautiful nature and cultural discoveries. The cost per person for the boat transfer, entrance fees, cottage rental, vinta ride, and tour guide services amounted to approximately Php600.
I was filled with excitement because I've always dreamed of visiting the Pink Sand Beach in Sta. Cruz, and I'm thrilled that I finally got to experience it. We also explored their mangrove forest, which had amazingly clear waters, and rented a vinta for some photo ops. It was a wonderful feeling to see a vinta up close, something I had only read about in my elementary school textbooks. They mentioned that real vintas are large boats, but for the photo ops, they offer smaller ones as part of the Sta. Cruz Island tour. We also just savored the beach view from our cottage and checked out some local souvenirs being sold on the island.
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6. Indulge in the delightful Knickebocker treat at Kape Zambo Paseo Del Mar
As mentioned earlier, we had to leave Sta. Cruz Island around 11 am because we were all hungry. Luckily, we found a small restaurant next to the port where everything we ordered tasted great. We even tried the Knickerbocker, a popular dessert in Zamboanga made with ice cream and fresh fruits. Both the main dishes and dessert were delicious - in fact, we ordered an extra rice platter because the dishes were so good.
I read that you should try the Knickerbocker at Paseo Del Mar while watching the sunset, which sounds like something I'll do on my next visit. But for now, I'm happy to be able to dine at Kape Zambo.
7. Enjoy the disctinct taste experience offered by local Tausug dishes
Our last lunch in Zamboanga before flying out! Dennis Coffee Garden serves a Tausug set meal for 5 people. It consists of Beel Kulma, Cucumber with Sambal, Kangkong in Kulma Sauce, Utak-Utak, Tuwa Itum, Chicken Pyanggang, and rice. Trying local Tausug dishes should be on your list when you visit, and I highly recommend trying this set from Dennis Coffee Garden.
We also ordered some local desserts too; Daral and Wadjit because why not?
8. Start your day with Satti for breakfast at Jimmy's Satti Haus
Satti is renowned as their breakfast specialty. It comes with sticky rice cooked in woven coconut leaves, locally known as "puso." You have the option to select between beef, liver, or chicken skewers, accompanied by a red sauce for that final touch. The sauce adds a sweet and sour flavor to the dish.
9. Prepare your pockets and explore Canelar Barter Trade Center
Our final stop before heading back to Manila was the Canelar Barter Trade Center, where we picked up souvenirs and imported goodies. Let me tell you, it's a shopper's paradise! They offer budget-friendly snacks and beverages imported from Malaysia and Indonesia. I grabbed a few items to take home, but I had to be selective since I didn't have a check-in luggage.
10. Embark on a day trip to Basilan
These are just some of the things we did during our visit, but I'm aware there's so much more to discover in Zamboanga. That's why I'm we excited to come back in the future. I hope this blog will be useful if you're planning a trip to Zamboanga. Please feel free to comment below with any suggestions on what I missed and what should be on my list to try, visit, and eat in Zamboanga. 😊
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