Zamboanga City is a city in Mindanao that boasts of stunning natural scenery, vibrant culture, preserved history and amazing cuisines. It is also known as “Asia’s Latin City” due to its strong Hispanic and Latin influence. Located in the centre of economic activities in Mindanao and equipped with modern international seaport and airport, it serves as an entry point in the Philippines to many destinations in Southeast Asia.

Airports in Zamboanga

Zamboanga International Airport (ZAM)

Zamboanga International Airport is located in Zamboanga City. It is the main airport serving the region. The airport was initially used to service nearby international destinations. The airport is now served by domestic and cargo airlines such as Airphil Express, Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines and Pacific East Asia Cargo Airlines. Travellers from Singapore can travel to Zamboanga using Philippines Airlines. Travellers taking a flight from Singapore must be prepared for a long journey which can include up to two transits in Manila and Davao. Ticket prices can range from SGD 397 to SGD 582.

How to Get Cheap Flights to Zamboanga?

Traveloka is a travel search engine that makes it easy for travellers to find the cheapest flights to Zamboanga.All you need to do is key in the information in the search box, and the application will recommend the best trip according to your budget. It compares flight prices across some trusted airlines to help you to get the best possible deal. Use Traveloka’s price alert feature to be notified of flights in your desired price range to get the best flight price to Zamboanga.

When is the Best Time to Fly to Zamboanga?

Due to its tropical climate, travellers can visit Zamboanga all year round. Beachgoers can also visit the beach at any time of the year but is advised to avoid the rainy months in May, June, July, August, September and October. Travellers should also consider visiting Zamboanga during the Hermosa Festival which is usually held in early October. This is the time of year when Zamboanga city is very vibrant and colourful. Travelers will find many interesting activities happening during the festival such as pageants, parades, street dances, concerts, a boodle fight (highlighting the city’s brand as the sardines capital of the Philippines), a Chabacano song festival, a regatta (locals racing Zamboanga’s traditional outrigger called the Vinta), and trade fairs (featuring traveling merchants from different cities in the country) among others. However, this is also the time of year when the city will be extremely crowded as the locals will use this time to reunite with their relatives during this time.

What are the Top 3 Things to Do in Zamboanga?

Santa Cruz Island (the Pink Sand Beach) – One of the city's top attraction is Santa Cruz Island which is famous for its pinkish sand. The island's coast gets its unique rosy colouring from the red organ-pipe coral (tubipora musica) which were dissolved by the waves and washed ashore. National Geographic also lists the island as one of the best beaches in the world. This small island is easily reached by travellers and takes just a 20-minute boat ride from the city port in Paseo del Mar. Apart from enjoying the beach, travellers can also take a boat tour and navigate through the dense mangroves. Bird watchers will enjoy spotting the various species that can be found here such as Purple Herons, egrets, and many others.

Yakan Weaving Village – The weaving village houses a group of indigenous Muslim tribe called the Yakan who hails from Basilian located in the Sulu Archipelago in the most southern region of the Philippines. Those who have settled here have brought with them the traditional craft of weaving and thus established the Yakan Weaving Village in Barangay Upper Calarian, about seven kilometres away from the city centre. The villagers make a living selling their traditional Yakan woven products for tourists while at the same time keeping the traditional craft alive. They are considered to be among the finest weavers in the Philippines and a trip to the village will allow you to observe the colourful textiles being made on the spot. Travellers are encouraged to haggle to get the price that they want.

Merloquet Falls – This waterfall is arguably one of the most majestic falls in Zamboanga city. The waterfall’s natural beauty looks resemble an ancient ruin which was built in the middle of a waterfall. The scene, surrounded by lush green jungle, is truly magical. There are a couple of platforms under the biggest section of the waterfall where you can give yourself a waterfall massage or hang out and listen to the soothing sounds of the water.