Zamboanga Peninsula: Fortifying diversity's charm

Details

Category: Destination

Published on Monday, 23 January 2012 10:57

Zamboanga del Norte • Zamboanga del Sur • Zamboanga Sibugay

About the region

The peninsula protruding west of mainland Mindanao is Region 9 or the Zamboanga Peninsula. The region consists of three provinces, namely Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay. With a population of over three million, the region is blessed with agricultural, fishery and mineral resources which also serve as the main industries of the region.  

How to get there and go around

By Land. Road infrastructure are in place connecting the whole region to the rest of Mindanao. Zamboanga Peninsula is accessible by bus; bus firms in the region are Rural Transit, Ceres Liner, Vallacar Transit, Super 5 Transport and Lilian Express. Vans and other large-sized vehicles also shuttle visitors to and from the region.

By Air. Zamboanga City, being the commercial center of the region, has all the three main domestic airlines (Air Philippines, Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines) catering to it from Manila twice daily, while daily flights from Cebu and Davao are also available. Pagadian and Dapitan have direct and connecting flights from Manila and Cebu.

By Sea. Dapitan, Pagadian and Zamboanga ports serve as entry points to the region for sea travelers coming from Cebu, Iloilo, Manila and Davao.

Jeepneys are still the popular mode of transportation in all the major commercial areas of the region. Tricycles can also take the traveler around town. Since the cities in the region are relatively small, a traveler would enjoy the city-view on foot.

Where to stay

Accommodations scattered all over the region serve their varying clientele’s needs.  In Dapitan, there is the Dakak Park and Beach Resort and Top Plaza Hotel. In Dipolog, Elizabeth Hotel and CL Inn can give travelers the much needed rest they need. In Pagadian, Hotel Guillermo and Pagadian Bay Plaza Hotel. Garden Orchid Hotel, Marcian Garden Hotel and Zamboanga Astoria Hotel are Zamboanga City’s popular hotels.

What to eat

Since the entire region is surrounded by water, one can be assured to taste seafood anytime of the year. A popular seafood delicacy is the Curacha, a crustacean which locals describe as a crossbreed between a crab and  a lobster. Any seafood eaten in the region is guaranteed to be fresh and palatable, even to the most discriminating of taste.

What to buy

The region offers its visitors  products mirroring the diverse cultures thriving in the region. Batik-dyed wrap-arounds (locally known as malong) is a must-have; it makes an ideal present as well. Pearl jewelry and other trinkets that demonstrate topnotch craftsmanship can also serve as keepsakes from this region.

 

What to see and do

Zamboanga Hermosa Festival
As Asia's Latin City, Zamboanga overflows in its rich history and traditions that make it a unique city in Asia. The Zamboanga Hermosa Festival, held from October 1 to 12, enthrals visitors with its colorful cultural and floral shows. The Vinta Regatta is one of the major highlights of festival in this peaceful southern Philippine city.

Dakak Park and Beach Resort
This majestic seaside property surrounded by hills and greeneries makes an ideal place for communing with nature or simply enjoying the white sand beaches of Dakak. Located in Dapitan, the resort boasts of world-class amenities to make visitors enjoy their place under the sun or under water!

Dapitan
Jose Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines, was exiled in Dapitan more than a hundred years ago, but he left a legacy to Dapitan to last for centuries to come. Travelers can enjoy the life he led and the contributions he gave by visiting the shrine dedicated to his name. The Rizal Park in Dapitan shows Hispanic houses and way of life in this picturesque part of the country.

PH Department of Tourism Region IX

Lantaka Hotel By The Sea 
Valderosa Street
Zamboanga City

Tel. No: (+6362) 992-6242
Fax No.: (+6362) 993-0030

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Website: www.visitmyphilippines.com

Dapitan Satellite Office

City Library Bldg., Dapitan City

Tel. No.: (+6365) 213 6616

Fax No.: (+6365) 213 6787

E-Mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Related links:

Bus Transports:
http://www.lakbaylente.com/2011/03/philippines-bus-terminals-destinations.html
http://vallarcartransit.net

Hotels:         
http://www.mindanao-hotels.com/

Download brochure here.

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