I was in Zamboanga for a short time and I was only able to visit for a few places, but I enjoyed it and I am looking forward to visiting Zamboanga again soon.

Here are the top five things I suggest you do in Zamboanga:

Eat Curacha with Alavar Sauce

First off, I apologize that I don’t have a photo of this delicious sinfully great dish but me and my friends were excited to eat when it was served. So eat we did. Curacha is a crab species common in Zamboanga. It has more meat in the body than most other crab species.

What makes the Curacha in Alavar Sauce even better than other curacha dishes is the Alavar Sauce. Alavar sauce is a combination of crab fat and coconut milk. It’s a rich rich rich sauce that devilishly good. It complements the curacha well, and it’s even great enough to be eaten with just about any meat… even with just rice. Mmm…

Visit Fort Pilar

Fort Pilar is a remnant from Zamboanga’s colonial past. It is now a Catholic Marian shrine and a branch of the National Museum. A visit to Fort Pilar is a great way to know experience the rich culture and heritage of Zamboanga, Asia’s Latin City.

Take a Food Trip at Paseo del Mar

Paseo del Mar is similar what the Roxas Baywalk used to be. It sits in the reclaimed Zamboanga esplanade, with a beautiful view of the sea. Enjoy some seafood, grilled dishes, and bottles of alcohol while enjoying the sea breeze, bright lights, a the music of live bands. If you want to taste something different, order yourself a glass of the famed Knickerbocker, a dessert composed of jelly, fresh fruits, shaved ice, and ice cream. It’s a version of the Filipino halo-halo. It’s certainly a yummy delight.

Enjoy the Night at CaTribo

If you’re from Davao or you’ve been to Davao, you will find CaTribo to be a bit familiar. It will remind you of D’ Venue Compound and the Wheels n More Compound. With a row of bars, restaurants, a coffee shop, and a videoke place all surrounding an open air live band area, it is the place to see and be seen on any given night in Zamboanga City.

Buy Pasalubong at Barter Trade

Anybody must absolutely drop by barter trade to buy pasalubong for their loved ones. And for themselves. I was able to buy a very nice Pashmina shawl for only P100. Amazing bargain. They also sell various tie dye shirts, floral summer dresses, and other souvenir items.

I was also able to buy packs of Maggi Kari, spicy curry-flavored Maggi instant noodles. It’s a delicious treat for your relatives and friends who love spicy food. There were also boxes, canisters, and packs of biscuits, chocolates, and other sweet snack items at low prices. Buy these as pasalubong and your sweet-toothed friends will love you even more.

I stayed at the Garden Orchid Hotel, the best hotel in Zamboanga. It just opened a new wing with spacious and beautiful rooms and a fully-functional convention center. Definitely enjoyed spending my rest time in my room and the work-related events in the convention center.

There are more things to do, more place to visit, and tons of food to eat in Zamboanga so I am definitely looking forward to visiting it again. And I heard there are gorgeous beaches for beach lovers.

Open your mind to a world of wonder by visiting Zamboanga, Asia’s Latin City! 😉

AirPhil Express flies to Zamboanga City from Davao City and back every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. AirPhil Express also has flights to Zamboanga from Manila, Cebu, Jolo, and Tawi-Tawi.