Zamboanga, Philippines | A Detailed Guide to a Hidden Gem

| A detailed guide to a hidden gem. 🎫Visa: You can apply for a tourist visa through a travel agency. Required documents usually include your original passport, a copy of your ID card, photos, etc. The fee is about a few hundred yuan, and the processing time is about a week. You can also apply for a visa on arrival, but you need to meet certain conditions, such as entering through designated airlines. Check the official website for details in advance. ✈️Transportation: - External transportation: You can fly to Manila first, and then transfer to Zamboanga. The flight from Manila to Zamboanga takes about 1.5 hrs. You can also choose to transfer from Cebu or other cities. There are many flight options, and booking in advance is more cost-effective. - Internal transportation: Tricycles are the main means of transportation in Zamboanga City. They are relatively cheap, and you can negotiate the price with the driver. If you want to go to surrounding islands, you need to take a Banca boat from the port. The price depends on the distance, usually a few hundred pesos for a round trip. 🏨Accommodation: - City hotels: Hotels in the city center are recommended for convenient travel and access to surrounding facilities. Prices range from CNY 300 to CNY 800 per night. - Beach resorts: If you want to enjoy a leisurely vacation, you can choose a beach resort with a private beach and beautiful scenery. However, the price is relatively high, over CNY 800 per night. 🌟Attractions: 1. Zamboanga City Hall: Built during the colonial period, it is full of Spanish charm and well-preserved. Here you can experience a rich history, and it's free to visit, perfect for taking photos. 2. Fort Pilar: Built in 1635 by the Spanish priest Pilar to defend against Muslim attacks. Standing on the fort, you can overlook the sea and feel the vicissitudes of history. Admission is free, and opening hours are 9:00–17:00. 3. Pasonanca Park: About 5 km from the city center, it has an open-air swimming pool, camping area, and a unique "treetop hotel". Built on a small hill, it offers a bird's-eye view of Zamboanga City, making it a good place to relax. The entrance fee is also affordable. 4. Great Santa Cruz Island Pink Sand Beach: Listed by National Geographic as one of the 21 best beaches in the world. Although the pink sand is not as exaggerated as in online photos, it is still visibly pink to the naked eye, very romantic. Take a Banca boat from the city. Boat tickets cost PHP 300–800, and the island entry fee and wharf fee are over PHP 100 per person. 🍱Food recommendations: 1. Seafood feast: As an important fishing base, Zamboanga's seafood is not to be missed. Various shrimps, crabs, and fish are fresh and cheap. You can choose a restaurant by the sea and have them cook it to your liking. 2. Lechon: A Filipino specialty, Zamboanga's lechon has crispy skin and tender meat. Paired with a special sauce, it tastes amazing. 3. Halo-halo: A dessert made of shaved ice, fruit, jelly, condensed milk, etc. It has a rich taste and is super refreshing in the hot Zamboanga weather. 🛍️Shopping recommendations: 1. Local markets: You can buy all kinds of handicrafts, such as Moro brass and copper products, as well as shell crafts. Prices are negotiable. In addition, local dried fruits and coconut oil are also good souvenirs. 2. Shopping malls: If you want to buy international brands or daily necessities, shopping malls in the city are a good choice. They have a variety of shops and restaurants, meeting all your needs in one place. ❗Important notes: 1. Public security is relatively poor in some areas of Zamboanga. Avoid going to remote places alone, and don't stay out too late at night. 2. Respect local religious beliefs and customs. Dress appropriately when entering religious places such as churches and mosques. 3. Currency exchange can be done at the airport or exchange offices in the city. Credit cards are also accepted, but some small shops may only accept cash. 4. Check the weather forecast before traveling and take sun protection and rain gear.