Tangub City Hotels

Other than its fantastic Christmas display every December, the city also has a number of attractions and festivities you should join. The city’s festive vibe and rich culture showcases another side of Mindanao that you should definitely try to see.

At A Glance

Formerly known as Regidor, Tangub City gets its name from the tangkub, a traditional rice basket. This basket made from bark and rattan strips is used by the Subanen, an indigenous group who were the first settlers of the area. The city is bordered by Mount Malindang in the north, Paguil Bay in the south, Ozamiz City in the east, and the Municipality of Bonifacio in the west.

Previously a municipality of Ozamiz City, it became the 50th city of the Philippines in 1967. However, the primary industries in the area are still agriculture and fishing, with over 60% of Tangub’s land area dedicated to farming. That said, there are now initiatives to transform the city into the future eco-tourism destination of Mindanao. These include the construction of an esplanade along the Migcanaway River, plus the development of additional parks and gardens.

How to Go

By land transportation

The fastest way to reach Tangub City is by bus from Ozamiz City. The trip to Tangub from Ozamiz via Lilian Express bus only takes 20 minutes. Trips from Pagadian City are also available. Buses operated by Lilian Express, Rural Transit, and Super 5 Transit ply this route. The trip will take around 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Getting Around

Like most Philippine cities, one of the main modes of transportation in Tangub City is by tricycle. Pedicabs are also available in other parts of the city.

Tourist Attractions

While many of the city’s tourist destinations are still under development, travelers can already visit the Sinanduloy Cultural Center. This building is not only an event hall, as it’s the home studio of the award-winning Sinanduloy Cultural Troupe. The troupe is composed of two bands, a singing group, and a dance group.

The Sinanduloy Cultural Center also houses the Museo Handurawan on its second floor. This quaint museum narrates the history of the city, through the traditional implements and artifacts on display.

That said, the biggest tourist draws of Tangub City are its festivals. First is the Dalit Festival, which is held every September 29, during the feast of St. Michael the Archangel. Dalit, which means “blessing,” is a way for the locals to give thanks for the blessings received during the past year.

The other more popular celebration is the Christmas Symbols Festival, held in December. Here, various communities in Tangub City create elaborate displays from indigenous and affordable materials. These displays, which all lit up every night, showcase the creativity of the city’s residents.

All these festivities are held at the sprawling City Plaza, near the Sinanduloy Cultural Center.

Top Things to Do

Those who want to reconnect with nature can start at the Hoyohoy Adventure Park. Located at the foot of Mount Malindang, this area is sometimes dubbed as the area’s Little Baguio for its pine trees, cooler weather, and the quaint stone chapel in its premises. Travelers can also try out the park’s zipline, one of the longest and highest in Asia; or simply chill at its many picnic areas while enjoying the view.

If that’s not enough, mountaineers can trek up Mount Malindang itself. Recognized as an ASEAN Heritage Park and on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, this mountain range is home to many of the Philippines’ endemic or endangered species. These include the tarsier, the Asian palm civet, the Philippine woodpecker, and the Philippine eagle. Just make sure to secure a climbing permit and a guide from neighboring Orquieta City before climbing.

Where to Eat

To get a taste of local cuisine, head over to the Centennial Rest Area grounds where sisi or salted mussels are sold by various vendors. Meanwhile, other local produce—mangoes, mudcrabs, prawns, and other seafood—are available at Agora Public Market. For baked goods, head to Obut Bakery in Barangay Sta. Maria; make sure to try their galletas.

Where to Stay

Most accommodation in Tangub City come in the form of pension houses and dormitory-style lodging. Travelers can stay at Warren Pension House in Migcanaway, located 500 meters from the City Hall. Another option is the guest rooms at the Technology and Livelihood Development Center, located in Maloro. The City Tourism Office also runs a hostel that can accommodate 60 guests.

Travel Tips

• Seek assistance from the City Tourism Office. Some attractions, such as the Museo Handurawan, may be closed on certain dates due to some events. Make sure to call the City Tourism Office at (088) 354-1591 before you visit.

• Visit the neighborhood stores for your essentials. Since there are no large supermarkets in Tangub yet, your best source for toiletries and other essentials are the neighborhood sari-sari stores.

• Remember that the city is still in a period of rapid development. While there are no hotels in Tangub City so far, a good number of infrastructure works are in the pipeline. So if there are some kinks during your stay at its hostels and pension houses, exercise a fair bit of patience.