Area code: (62)
Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)
TRIVIA The word Zamboanga comes from the Malay word Jambangan, meaning “place of flowers”. The name was difficult for the Spanish to pronounce, so they called it Zamboanga. It’s still known as “The City of Flowers”
TOUCHDOWN From the airport, take a jeepney (PHP7) or tricycle (PHP20–25) to the pueblo (city) as there are only a few taxis. Plissap Rent-A-Car charges a minimum of PHP150
BY DAY Visit Pasonanca Park, one of Zamboanga’s main tourist attractions. Enjoy the trees, flowers and vegetation and shoot pics of the estimated 600 species of orchids!
BY NIGHT Make your way to Cawa-Cawa Boulevard to see the sunset. Then head to the Canelar area, which has the best clubs, restaurants and karaoke bars
SLEEP Find comfortable accomodations in the Grand Astoria Hotel, which has fully air-conditioned rooms, telephone, mini-bar, and cable TV. Mayor Jaldon St, (62) 991 2510
LOCAL LIFE
Cindy Tan Almazan
junior business development officer
Best breakfast
Buffet breakfast at Garden Orchid Hotel will surely energize you throughout the day
Best night out
Party people jam-pack Catribo Complex for its all-in-one party till dawn fever
Best dinner
Hai-San Restaurant will please with fresh seafood like squid, locon, and curacha
Best buys
Haggle when buying items like malongs and sarongs from Canelar Barter Trade
Best souvenirs
Apollo wafer sticks, Malaysian malongs and woven shawls from Barter
Must-do experience
Eat Zamboanga’s best! Jimmy’s hot satti, Ali’s pastil and pianggang Must learn… “Buenas dias” (Good day) and “Quanto este?” (How much?)
Insider’s tip
Visit from April to October to enjoy durian, mangosteen and marang in season
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