Zamboanguita Travel Guide

Get all the essential information on Zamboanguita, including top places to visit, outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, food, and more.


Introduction to Zamboanguita

Located in Negros Oriental in the Visayas region of the Philippines, Zamboanguita is a place that emphasizes the importance of preserving nature, adventure, and culture. The town is surrounded by picturesque landscapes of misty forests, towering waterfalls, and coral reefs. The warm, welcome smiles from the locals you’ll encounter in Zamboanguita will add to its charm and make you feel right at home.

List of Places to Visit in Zamboanguita

Zamboanguita offers all sorts of activities to get the most out of your stay. Here are some of the top destinations to visit while in Zamboanguita:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Remains of WWII Japanese Fortresses in Calango (WWII Historic Site).
  • Zamboanguita Church is a historical landmark and one of the oldest churches in the town, built in 1829.

Natural Attractions of Zamboanguita: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Malatapay Market – This is a must-visit place, held every Wednesday selling fresh produce, local crafts, and livestock.

  • Twin Lakes - A peaceful and scenic location, you’ll have the opportunity to hike and see the untouched natural beauty of the area.

  • Baslay Hot Springs – A hidden gem located in the lush forest of Negros Oriental. You will appreciate the beauty of the nature that surrounds you while bathing in the natural hot spring pools.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Zamboanguita

  • Mount Talinis- Apolong Trail – Take a hike to the summit of Mount Talinis, a strenuous trek but definitely worth the effort.

Best Things to Do in Zamboanguita: Activities and Tours

  • Dolphin and Whale Watching – This is a popular activity in the waters surrounding Zamboanguita, where you can see dozens of dolphins and whales swimming alongside your boat.

  • Island Hopping – You’ll have a chance to discover the surrounding islets like Apo Island and Siquijor Island, great places to relax, take a swim, and have a picnic.

Week-Long Itinerary for Zamboanguita

Day Itinerary
Day 1 Visit the Malatapay Market, Apo Island hopping tour
Day 2 Explore Twin Lakes
Day 3 Head to the Baslay Hot Springs
Day 4 Visit WWII Calango (WWII Historic Site)
Day 5 Take a walk in the town and visit the Zamboanguita Church
Day 6 Hike to the summit of Mount Talinis
Day 7 Dolphin and whale watching or island hopping

Food and Drink Scene of Zamboanguita

Must-Try Dishes

While in Zamboanguita, don’t forget to indulge in some of their local cuisine:

  • Kinilaw – made with fresh fish or squid marinated in vinegar and calamansi (Philippine lime), with cucumbers, onions, and chili peppers on top.

  • Lechon Kawali – crispy deep-fried pork belly served with soy vinegar dipping sauce.

Local Beverages

  • Buko Juice – A refreshing drink made from young coconut.

  • Barako Coffee – A famous brewed coffee in the Philippines that is strong, smooth, and flavorful.

Where to Stay in Zamboanguita: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Some of the best places to stay in Zamboanguita include:

  • Ocean View Inn – A budget-friendly guest house located on the beachfront.

  • Acqua Dive – A high-end resort that offers dive gear rentals and has a private beach.

What to Buy in Zamboanguita: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Local Craft and products such as native handwoven cloth or table centerpieces made from native materials

Local Culture and Customs of Zamboanguita

Filipinos are known for being hospitable, and the same goes for the locals in Zamboanguita. They love to welcome tourists and make them feel at home. As a cultural practice, they also take pride in their natural heritage, such as the Malatapay Market and Baslay Hot Springs they continue to preserve. They come together to appreciate and celebrate their local festivals, such as the Buglasan Festival and Sinulog Festival, where they showcase their talents and customs.

Best Time to Visit Zamboanguita

The dry season is the perfect time to visit Zamboanguita, which starts from December to May. You can also drop by during the Buglasan Festival held annually every third week of October.

Do’s and Don’ts of Zamboanguita

Do:

  • Wear comfortable clothing such as shorts, shirts and lightweight dresses

  • Bring sunblock, hats, and insect repellent if you plan to tour outside

  • Take home some souvenirs from the local market

Don’t:

  • Don’t facilitate animal cruelty during your visit (i.e., avoiding taking pictures with or riding mistreated animals – including horses, carabaos, and the like).

  • Don’t litter.

  • Don’t indulge in substances that can put yourself in danger or the people around you.

Safety and Health

Safety in Zamboanguita

Zamboanguita is considered a relatively safe location for tourists. It is always best to be mindful of your surroundings and to take standard safety precautions in public areas.

Health in Zamboanguita

It is in your best interest to have insurance before arriving in Zamboanguita. Hospitals and medical centers are limited, but you can still find medical care units in the main cities or business centers.

Getting to Zamboanguita: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Zamboanguita

The closest airports to Zamboanguita are Dumaguete Airport, which is only a thirty-minute drive away, and Tagbilaran Airport, which is 66 km away.

Bus Stations Near Zamboanguita

From Cebu, take a bus at the Cebu City South Terminal. From here, take a fast craft at the Liloan Port, which connects to the Sibulan Port in Negros.

Other Options

When in the Visayas region, Ferries are a popular way to transport between islands.

How to Get Around in Zamboanguita

To get around Zamboanguita, the most popular choices are tricycles (a form of motorcycle taxis), Habal-habal (motorcycle taxis that can bring you up to mountainous areas if you are adventurous enough), and Ceres buses.

Where to Go Next from Zamboanguita: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Other idyllic locations that make for excellent excursions from Zamboanguita are Dumaguete, Siquijor Island, and Moalboal.

Conclusion

From adventure to relaxation activities, nature to culture, food to drink, and a welcoming community, Zamboanguita offers an unforgettable escape to any tourist who is looking to experience the best that the Philippines has to offer. Book your trip to Zamboanguita today and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!

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