Zamboanga Del Sur | DIY Travel Guide

Zamboanga Del Sur is a place in Philippines that I have little knowledge about. To be honest, I do not search about it when I'm looking for places to visit here in Philippines.

But when an opportunity presented itself to visit Zamboanga Del Sur, I didn't hesitated and accepted the invitation.

My plan was to go and explore Zamboanga Del Sur during our free time. No time for travel plan because it was a short notice - less than a day. So from work, went home to pack, sleep a little and took the earliest flight the next morning.

We stayed in Pagadian City - The little Hong Kong of the South. Checked in at Mardale Hotel.

That day, I learned that there's a place in Philippines called Lakewood, Zamboanga Del Sur.

Drove for 2 hours West of Pagadian City to Lakeview Resort for lunch. Just for fun we tried their over-the-water zip line.

On our way back, we visited Ryan's house. He offered us an all-you-can-eat Lansones and showed us the Balinsasayaw's nest. I thought it was just a nest in a house. But when he opened the door, I was shocked to see a house full of birds.

Here in Philippines the population of Balinsasayaw is threatened due to over-harvesting of the bird's nest. It is the main ingredient used by Chinese in their exotic Bird's Nest soup. I'm not sure if those are the type with Edible Birds’ Nests. Best if they can coordinate with the LGU so they can protect the birds from those who would take advantage of it. I like that they made the abandoned house a haven for the birds.

After that, we visited the Rotonda Park for the view of the pier. You can try Horseback riding in the open space of the park.

Then we rushed to the Boulevard to catch the sunset. A time in the boulevard is a great activity if you want to experience how locals spend their afternoons in Pagadian City.

For day 2 - This is the main reason why we went to Zamboanga Del Sur. This was the time I've been in a place with MOST LECHON! 🐷 - 450 to be exact. In Philippines, when you say Lechon, usually it is Cebu. Majority Filipinos including me, doesn't know that in Aurora, Zamboanga Del Sur there's a yearly contest of Lechon. What made the experience even better? I was one of the Judges in this contest.

After the event, we still have a few hours to spend so we did a little off-roading just outside the city to see a waterfall. Then a short trek through a dense forest.

Manga Falls is a multi- tiered falls with a huge basin. Unfortunately, the place was not maintained. Did a little bit of cleanup around the basin of Manga Falls before heading back to our hotel.

This trip made me realized that when there's an opportunity, grab it. Because it can lead you to new places, learnings and experiences. First business class flight, a time with the City Mayor, judged a lechon contest, seeing a house full of birds and met new friends. My Zamboanga Del Sur trip - A REMARKABLE EXPERIENCE!

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR

The best time to visit Zamboanga Del Sur is on September. This is in time for the Magayon Festival. A week long celebration of the solidarity of the various cultural groups: Christians, Muslims, and Subanens.

WHAT ARE THE THINGS TO PACK TO ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR

• Casual Wear

• Swimwear

• Sneakers / Sandals / Slippers

• Protection from the sun

• Jacket

• Tumbler

• Camera / Action Cam

• Floaty/ Floating stick

• Universal Adaptor

• Charger

HOW TO GET TO PAGADIAN CITY FROM MANILA

The fastest way to Pagadian City from Manila is a direct flight via Cebu Pacific. Then from airport, take a tricycle to Pagadian’s town proper.

Our local friends strongly recommends to go via Ozamis City via Philippine Airlines. Travel time is approximately 2 hours. From airport, you can go to the terminal and take a bus or van bound to Pagadian City or hire a car. Travel time is around 2 hours.

ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR BUDGET AND ITINERARY

The estimated budget for an overnight trip to Zamboanga Del Sur is around PHP4,000.00. Plane fare not included.

•  Room Rates – Php1,500.00/night

• Food- Php200.00/meal

• Tricycle - Php20.00/pax This will vary depending on the kilometers.

  NOTE: Rates indicated above may change.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN VISITING ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR

• Transportation

  • You can hire a trike going around Pagadian City. Pagadian City’s Tricycle is unique. It is inclined 20 to 40 degrees angle. This modification is to adapt on the hilly terrain of the area.

  • Rates vary depending on distance, best to ask the driver first.

• Food

  • Look for a Lechon Puti. This is a specialty in Aurora, Zamboanga.

  • Rodolfo’s Cuisine. Best Ihaw-ihaw restaurant in the area.

• Credit Card is accepted in some establishments. Still Cash basis here.

• There are plenty of ATMs in Pagadian City and in nearby towns.

• Signal is weak in some areas.

• Respect the locals and follow their advice when exploring places in Zamboanga Del Sur.

ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR TRAVEL TIPS

• If you plan on renting a trike for a day tour, best to ask the rates from your hotel. Then use it a guide when haggling with Tricycle drivers.

• Manga Falls is hard to reach. But you can use Waze to help navigate.

• Bring mosquito repellant when going to Manga Falls.

• Bring a trash bag when you visit Manga Falls. Also, do not leave trash behind.

• Fruits in Pagadian plaza is pretty cheap.

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WHAT’S IN MY BAG?

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See you on my next adventure…. Peace!