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AREA CODE
(62)
CURRENCY
Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)
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, and may be the
best way to go.
BYDAY
Take a dip at Vista del Mar beach resort,
and feast on fresh seafood cooked with the
delicious vista sauce for lunch. Check out the Yakan
Village for native woven goods, then head over to
Pasonanca Park and the Jardin Maria Clara Park.
BYNIGHT
On the way to Plaza Pilar — where
you can shop for barter goods and other great
finds — stop by Plaza Pershing and the City Hall
for photos. Say a prayer and light a candle at the
Nuestra Señora dela Virgen del Pilar shrine.
SLEEP
Consider La Vista del Mar Resort in Upper
Calarian if you like waking by the beach. The
resort is just 20 minutes away from the airport.
Tel:+63 (62) 991 3038
PHILIPPINES
ZAMBOANGA
PHILIPPINES
TAGBILARAN
AREA CODE
(38)
CURRENCY
Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.20)
TOUCHDOWN
The airport is within the city, and
there are plenty of tricycles at PHP6 a ride. For
trips to nearby towns, there are vans and taxis
for hire. It only takes about 20 minutes to get to
Panglao Island as traffic jams are rare.
BYDAY
The best thing to do on this island is to
scuba dive. Balicasag is like a theme park with so
many different kinds of fish and turtles; and with
luck, an occasional whale shark sighting! You can
explore the different waterfalls as well.
BYNIGHT
Try the Loboc River Cruise at night
and see the glowing fireflies. For something
more relaxed, go to Pinarella Bay and listen to
some lounge music. Check out Cocovida for the
energetic bar scene along the beach.
SLEEP
Just 20 minutes away from Tagbilaran
City is Dive Thru Resort, a nice place to get a quiet
and peaceful stay along the coast. It’s a bit pricey
but worth it.
www.divethruresorts.com
BEST DINNER
Ging-Ging’s
Barbecue always has the best value
for dinner.
MUST-TRY
Scuba dive with the
Philippine Fun Divers for a very
professional and friendly service.
INSIDER TIP
The taxi ride from the
airport/pier to Alona Beach should not
be more than PHP500, and the tricycle
at PHP250.
MUST-TRY
Take a 20-minute boat
ride to Sta. Cruz Island, where the sand
is pinkish due to the corals.
BEST FESTIVAL
The Zamboanga
Hermosa Festival in October, where they
also have the vinta regatta.
INSIDERTIP
Coordinate with the
Zamboanga City Tourism Office for advice
and a more memorable visit to Asia’s
Latin City.
Michelle
Tinsay
scuba dive
instructor
Looie
Lobregat-
Ocampo
banker turned
homemaker
SAMUEL DE LEON