The bonggang-bonggang adventures you can find all over Zamboanga, all in one list.
As the home of the third-largest city in the Philippines, there is a myriad of things to do, see, eat, and experience in the vibrant Zamboanga Peninsula. Also called Region IX, it consists of three provinces—Zambonga Del Norte, Zamboanga Del Sur, and Zamboanga Sibugay—that are rich in natural wonders, tourist spots, and cultural landmarks. The commercial and industrial center of the region, Zamboanga City, is known as Asia’s Latin City, with Spanish influence deeply ingrained in its culture. One of the region’s main languages is Chavacano, a Spanish-based creole language.
Planning to travel to Zamboanga? Here are 9 things you shouldn’t miss doing to spice up your Zamboanga experience.
1. Mangrove Tour and Seaweed Harvesting
Location: Great Santa Cruz Island, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga Del Sur
During high tide, a path opens up, allowing visitors to take a boat ride to the mangrove forest. Aboard small yellow bangkas, you can enjoy a cruise along serene waters, surrounded by lush-green mangrove trees. This can be found at the Great Santa Cruz Island in Zamboanga City, also famously known as Pink Beach. Another activity you can do here is to go seaweed harvesting and enjoy it after along with a seafood feast.
2. Vinta Ride
\ 
Location: Great Santa Cruz Island, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga Del Sur
The vinta is such a big icon of Zamboanga culture, that it’s almost synonymous with the Southern region. Vintas are traditional outrigger boats, but made uniquely Zamboangueño with their colorful sails. While you could only previously catch them during the annual regatta at the Hermosa Festival celebrated in October, you can now see and ride vintas all year-round at Pink Beach.
3. Canelar Barter Trade Center
Location: Zamboanga City, Zamboanga Del Sur
We know your travel can’t be complete without a little shopping, either for yourself or for pasalubong. For the best deals and souvenirs, there’s no better place to visit than Canelar Barter Trade Center. This market is where you can find all of Zamboanga’s best—malongs, sarongs, fabrics, bags, traditional accessories, goods like chocolate, tea, noodles, souvenir items, and even imported items from nearby Malaysia and Indonesia.
4. Yakan Weaving Village
Location: Zamboanga City, Zamboanga Del Sur
In the west of Zamboanga City, you’ll find the Yakan Weaving Village where the Yakans, the indigenous people of nearby Basilan island, sell their Yakan weavings. Yakan weavings are distinguishable by their bright colors and geometric designs. You can score high-quality Yakan table runners, placemats, fabrics, and batik. You’ll find some lovely brassware, too.
5. The Rizal Shrine Park
Location: Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte
When Philippine National Hero Jose Rizal was exiled from 1892 to 1896, he spent those years in Dapitan City, which at that time was under the missionary jurisdiction of the Jesuits. At present, the farm site in barrio Talisay where Rizal resided is now a 439-hectare protected landscape and a shrine for the national hero. Inside the shrine, according to the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, are the restored bamboo and nipa houses that were said to be built by Jose Rizal himself, as well as other auxiliary structures.
6. River Cruise
Location: Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte
In Dapitan City, you can also get on board a large boat, where you can enjoy a delicious local feast while being serenaded with live local music. It’s a relaxing experience that you shouldn’t miss when in Zamboanga.
7. Scuba Diving
Location: Aliguay Island, Dapitan City, Zamboanga Del Norte
The beautiful Aliguay Island doesn’t just offer a white-sand beach that’s perfect for a relaxing day out by the sea, you can also experience thrilling activities like camping, kayaking, snorkeling, and even scuba diving. There are PADI-certified diving instructors available on the island who can teach you the basics and safety measures for scuba diving. Diving is a great way to get closer to marine life if you love the ocean.
8. Knickerbocker
Location: Zamboanga City, Zamboanga Del Sur
You can’t leave Zamboanga without trying the local delicacy knickerbocker. It’s quite similar to halo-halo, but made with various fresh fruits that could include mango, banana, apple, and watermelon, mixed with condensed milk and jellies, and then topped off with strawberry ice cream. The refreshing snack was said to be popularized by the restaurant Palmeras, but can now be found in various food stalls around Zamboanga.
Get to know more about Zamboanga with Miss Universe Philippines 2019 Gazini Ganados in AXN’s newest travel show My Hometown is G.O.A.T. every Thursday and Friday at 8:30 PM.
Full episodes 1 and 2 will be uploaded on AXN Asia’s YouTube tonight at 8:30PM.
Follow AXN Asia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.
