(Philippines) - Things to do in Zamboanga

Zamboanga offers an array of exciting activities for any adventure-seeking tourist. There are beaches to enjoy, parks and museums to explore and a dozen sights to see. To give you an idea of what Zamboanga can offer we have listed below the Top 5 Things to Do in Zamboanga-Philippines.

Things to do in Zamboanga - Philippines

Swimming and Other Water Sports

Zamboanga boasts of beautiful white sand beaches and a rare pink and white sand beach at the Greater Sta. Cruz Island. The beaches that surround the coast of Zamboanga and the adjacent islands makes water sports number in our Top 5 Things to Do in Zamboanga-Philippines. Everyone can enjoy swimming in azure blue waters or just get a tan under the sun. For the more adventurous tourist theres scuba diving and snorkeling among the beautiful coral reefs off the coast of Zamboanga. The most popular among the Zamboanga beaches are the pink and white sand beach at Greater Sta. Cruz Island, white sand beaches at Little Sta. Cruz Island or if you want a little bit of exclusivity, theres the La Vista del Mar Beach and Restaurant.

Sight Seeing

Of course, any trip is incomplete without sight seeing and Zamboanga has an array of sights to offer, which makes sight seeing top 2 in our Top 5 Things to Do in Zamboanga. For a breathtaking view of Zamboanga City, go trekking at then Abong-Abong Ecumenical Hill. From the top, one can see the sprawling city below. Pasonanca Park, on the other hand, is a paradise for nature lovers. It abounds with a hundred species of trees, flowers, ferns and shrubs. It also has a butterfly sanctuary and an aviary which houses the famous Philippine monkey-eating eagle. The Pasonanca Park is also especially visited for a beautiful tree house built atop one of the high trees in the park.

Study Cultural and Historical Heritage

Zamboanga was a home for the Spaniards for more than three centuries. Because of the Spanish influence, the regions culture is distinctively Latin. The local language is Chavacano, a mix of Spanish and native dialects, and the local architecture and culture is a unique mix of Asian and Hispanic. For a deeper study of Zamboanga, one can visit museums and cultural sights which make it in the Top 5 Things to Do in Zamboanga-Philippines. Fort Pilar, which was cited as a National Cultural Treasure, houses a museum which showcases Zamboangas unique culture and heritage. The Spanish architecture dates from 1635 when it was originally named Real Fuerza de San Jose. It was then rebuilt in 1719 and renamed as Real Fuerza de Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Zaragoza. If youre not a museum person, then take a leisurely stroll at Plaza Pershing. Back in Hispanic days, it was known as Plaza de Don Juan Salcedo. It was renamed Plaza Pershing for General John J. Blackjack Pershing.

Participate in Local Fiestas and Celebration

For a more local experience, tourists can participate in an array of festivities. The fiestas are full of color, local food and flavor, which make partying the Zamboanga way our to the Top 5 Things to Do in Zamboanga-Philippines. One of the most widely celebrated is the Hermosa Festival in October. It is held in honor of Virgin Mary as the Neustra Señora del Pilar.

Shopping for Native Crafts and Goods

After getting your fill of the Zamboanga experience, do not forget to buy souvenirs for loved ones at home. Zamboanga is rich in native products and crafts which earn shopping a spot in our Top 5 Things to Do in Zamboanga-Philippines. One can buy cultured pearls, South Sea pearls, native fabrics, hand-woven mats, dried fish, kriss (a curved sword), and other wood products.

(Philippines Board)