Besides Davao, another place in Mindanao popular with remote workers is Zamboanga City. Also known as the city of flowers, Zamboanga is a first-class and highly urbanized city in the Philippines.
In addition, it serves as the commercial and industrial center of the entire Zamboanga Peninsula. And speaking of the Zamboanga Peninsula, did you know that it’s the Philippines’ number one commercial marine fish producing region?
Aside from its economic significance, Zamboanga City also boasts many tourist spots, both historical and scenic.
Don’t know where to start? Here are some must-see tourist spots in Zamboanga that you shouldn’t miss.
Paseo del Mar.
Do you love taking scenic walks after finishing your remote job? Well, Zamboanga’s famous Paseo del Mar is perfect for you. Besides offering a beautiful view of the Basilan Strait, this recreational park also has plenty of small shops, restaurants, and food carts.
If you’re with your loved ones, there’s also a children’s playground and skate park nearby. There are also plenty of chairs and tables to sit at and enjoy your meal together.
Besides your family and friends, Paseo del Mar is also one of the best venues for a date in Zamboanga City. There are benches on the boardwalk where you two can relax and enjoy the beautiful sunset together.
Admission is free in Paseo del Mar, and the area is open from 6:30am to 12:30am. However, the park’s opening hours may change without prior notice, so check before visiting.
Merloquet Falls.
Another reason why people visit Zamboanga City is to see the majestic Merloquet falls. This two-tiered waterfall is considered one of the most beautiful falls not just in Zamboanga; but also in the entire Philippines.
The fall’s main feature is its wide terraced drop, which produces magnificent two-tiered drops instead of just one smooth drop. There are platforms beneath the waterfalls’ most prominent section, where you can get a relaxing waterfall massage.
Also, there are many swimming areas you can use. But be careful, as some parts are very slippery.
Getting to Merloquet Falls is also pretty easy. It’s only a two-hour drive from Zamboanga City to Barangay Sibulao, where the falls are located. There is a well-developed path, and there is a parking space near the falls, which costs twenty pesos.
Fort Pilar.
Dating back to the seventeenth century, Fort Pilar (or Fortaleza Del Pilar) is a prominent historical landmark in Zamboanga. Initially a Spanish fortress, it was recognized as a National Cultural Treasure in 1973 and is regularly maintained by the city.
Besides its historical significance, Fort Pilar is also home to a Marian shrine dedicated to the Our Lady of the Pillar. The shrine is said to have been where the Virgin Mary appeared years ago.
The fort also happens to be close to Paseo del Mar, so if you’re in the area, why not check this out too?
Sta. Cruz Islands.
If you’re visiting Zamboanga City, you shouldn’t miss going to Sta. Cruz Grande and Little Sta. Cruz islands. Sta. Cruz Grande’s pink beach was considered one of the twenty-one best beaches in the world in 2017 by the National Geographic. It derives its name from the billions of crushed red-organ pipe corals scattered on its beach.
Aside from its beautiful pink beach, Sta. Cruz Grande also offers a wonderful Mangrove boat tour for nature lovers. While on this tour, you can spot purple herons, egrets, jellyfish, corals, and other beautiful water vegetation.
Although it’s not as big as Sta. Cruz Grande, Little Sta. Cruz island isn’t something you should ignore during your trip. Located just northwest of Sta. Cruz Grande, it features a sandbar that trails on its easternmost point. Visitors can stay here for up to ten minutes, but if you want to stay longer, it will cost you two-hundred pesos.
To reach these islands, head to Paseo del Mar, where boats are waiting to ferry you to the islands. However, since the local government protects these islands, you should schedule your trip in advance.
Canelar Barter Trade Center.
Are you looking for a place to buy souvenirs? Then the Canelar Barter Trade Center is the perfect place for you. This place will test your ability to haggle and pick which items to buy with its assortment of stores and products.
Here you will find various Filipino handicrafts alongside imported products from neighboring Indonesia and Malaysia. These include food, clothes, and other accessories.
However, the Canelar Barter Trade Center specializes in doorknockers and manual doorbells. So if you want to take a souvenir specific to Zamboanga City, this is the product you should look out for.
Come See What the City of Flowers Has to Offer.
And there you have it. Here are five of the must-see places during your visit to Zamboanga City. Of course, there are plenty of other things you can do while visiting here. But these are the ones that you shouldn’t forget in your itinerary.
If you’re looking for remote work opportunities to fund your trip to Zamboanga City, head to Remote Staff. Our jobs list has various openings you can apply to, and it’s constantly updated with new job ones every day. Good luck!
