The Philippines has been a highly targetted country for tourism, and Zamboanga City is included as among the interesting destinations that are worthy of checking out when you are coming to visit the country. This 1^st class highly urbanized city is the commercial and industrial centre of the Zamboanga Peninsula. Therefore it is properly developed with a rich history from the Spanish colonial era. That aside, it also has its natural charms too, just like other places in the Philippines.

Best time to fly from Tagbilaran-Bohol to Zamboanga

Zamboanga generally has wet and dry seasons in which the wet season will observe increased precipitation and the dry season will observe a sunnier day yet increased humidity. As such, the best time to visit Zamboanga would be between June, July and August. It is the time when the weather is warmer with occasional showers. Besides that, the sun is expected to shine bright in this period, causing clear skies accompanied with the gently blowing winds that are suitable for outdoor activities. The months of December to February will be the months when tourism is the slowest. Therefore one can expect cheaper ticket prices around this period.

Main airports available in Tagbilaran-Bohol and Zamboanga

Bohol–Panglao International Airport – Bohol-Panglao International Airport is no stranger to the frequent flyers here, as the airport is the major airport that serves the province in general as well as the surrounding areas. This airport of Bohol is situated in Tawala, Panglao Island which is about 20 kilometres away from the Tagbilaran city centre. It is a public airport jointly funded by the government and Japanese International Cooperation Agency as well as being operated by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, opening to the public since 2018 to take over the damaged Tagbilaran Airport with an expanded capacity. This boosted capacity can cater to the increasing passenger traffic to fulfil the tourism demands around the area. A longer 2,500 meters long asphalt runway allows accommodation of larger aircrafts such as Airbus A330. Among the airlines served here include Air Juan, AirSWIFT, Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, Philippines AirAsia and Royal Air Way Charter for flights heading to and from destinations such as Caticlan, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Clark, Davao, Dumaguete and Manila.

Zamboanga International Airport – The Zamboanga International Airport is the main international airport that connects the city of Zamboanga with other places in the Philippines. The airport can be found at Moret Field, Barangay Canelar which is about 2 kilometres away from the city centre of Zamboanga. Operated by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, the Zamboangan International Airport is the third busiest airport in Mindanao after Francisco Bangoy International Airport and Laguindingan Airport. Covering a total land area of 270 hectares, it has an asphalt runway that is 2,609 meters long. Airlines that are served in this airport include Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines and Platinum Skies with destinations heading to and from Cebu, Cotabato, Davao, Jolo, Manila and Tawi-Tawi among others. Given that it is also the entry point to the city for tourism, there is various transportation that can be accessed from the airport.

Climate pattern in Tagbilaran-Bohol and Zamboanga

Throughout the year, the climate in Zamboanga is tropical wet and dry with an average temperature of 28 degrees Celsius which is said to be in a similar fashion to nearby regions around the region. This climate is known for having a rainfall that is normally heavy throughout the year with this region having at least 60 millimetres of rainfall every month of the year. The average maximum temperature in Zamboanga around 32 and 34 degree Celsius while the average minimum is around 23 and 25 degree Celsius, which can be said that the gap is not too far. The hottest months are usually around April, May and June. Zamboanga too has a high humidity of 81% annually, with some months being more humid than others. As such, you can make plans accordingly by taking account of the climate factor so that you will be able to explore Zamboanga when the weather is good.

Highlights in Zamboanga

• Great Santa Cruz Island – Great Santa Cruz Island is a small island found nearby Zamboangan City that is recognized for its pink coralline sand. It is, in fact, the only island in the Philippines where you can find a pink sand beach. The colour of the sand here is originated from the pulverized red organ pipe coral. The popularity of the island began to go on a rise since the 1970s and has continued so till present due to tourism, given the fact that it is also the only pink sand beach site in Asia. It is unsurprising that it is listed as among the 21 Best Beaches in the World by National Geographic.
• Fort Pilar – Also known as Real Fuerza de Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Zaragoza or Royal Fort of Our Lady of the Pillar of Saragossa, Fort Pilar can be included in the must-visit list when you are in the town of Zamboanga. This is a 17^th-century military defence fort that was built by the Spanish colonial government in 1635 for protection against pirates and raiders, with the design done by Father Melchor de Vera. It served its purpose until the end of World War II when it is recognized as a National Cultural Treasure and restored later as a regional museum.