Zamboanga

Zamboanga is a reasonably large city and lies in southern west corner in Mindanao. It is the main sea gateway to the Sulu Archipelago, the rest of the southern Philippines and Malaysia.

Zamboanga is certainly different. It's a place of contrast: vivid colored traditional sailing boats and beautiful shells color the boulevard, whilst a large amount of marines & police with machineguns remind you every minute of the unrest in the nearby areas. I've met some truly friendly people here, although there are some small groups on the streets who'll make you believe the opposite. Women traveling alone could be intimidated here, especially when not properly covered up. Mosques as well as churches dominate the city, but there seems to be a harmony between the locals. Nevertheless it is an interesting and colorful place to visit.

Links:
Cebu: from Cebu you can take an overnight ferry to Zamboanga (every other day/12 hours/900PHP/Cabin). There are also flights available, but am not sure about the details.
Malaysia: from Sandakan you can take a boat to Zamboanga with Aleson Shipping (every Monday & Thursday from Zamboanga and every Tuesday & Friday from Sandakan, 17 hours, approx. 50US/OW/AC shared). It's better to take the Monday/Tuesday ferry; it's bigger, more comfortable and has cabins. Be sure to have your passport 'chopped' in Zamboanga (exit stamp). The rumors are that starting 2005 there will also be a flight connection available for around 100US/OW.

Warning:
Somewhere in the Sulu Islands and in the jungles of Mindanao there's still a stronghold of the Abu Sayaf and the MNLF (Moro National Liberation Front). Every market is guarded and bomb warning signs are widely put on the walls and not for no reason. In the recent past things have been blown up regularly and there's still fighting going on between the Philippine Army and these rebels. In the city you'll be fine and safe (end 2004), though leaving the city by land would be very stupid as far as my opinion goes.



Zamboanga Zamboanga is a reasonably large city and lies in southern west corner in Mindanao. It is the main sea gateway to the Sulu Archipelago, the rest of the southern Philippines and Malaysia. Zamboanga is certainly different. It's a place of contrast: vivid colored traditional sailing boats and beautiful shells color the boulevard, whilst a large amount of marines & police with machineguns remind you every minute of the unrest in the nearby areas. I've met some truly friendly people here, although there are some small groups on the streets who'll make you believe the opposite. Women traveling alone could be intimidated here, especially when not properly covered up. Mosques as well as churches dominate the city, but there seems to be a harmony between the locals. Nevertheless it is an interesting and colorful place to visit. Links: Cebu: from Cebu you can take an overnight ferry to Zamboanga (every other day/12 hours/900PHP/Cabin). There are also flights available, but am not sure about the details. Malaysia: from Sandakan you can take a boat to Zamboanga with Aleson Shipping (every Monday & Thursday from Zamboanga and every Tuesday & Friday from Sandakan, 17 hours, approx. 50US/OW/AC shared). It's better to take the Monday/Tuesday ferry; it's bigger, more comfortable and has cabins. Be sure to have your passport 'chopped' in Zamboanga (exit stamp). The rumors are that starting 2005 there will also be a flight connection available for around 100US/OW. Warning: Somewhere in the Sulu Islands and in the jungles of Mindanao there's still a stronghold of the Abu Sayaf and the MNLF (Moro National Liberation Front). Every market is guarded and bomb warning signs are widely put on the walls and not for no reason. In the recent past things have been blown up regularly and there's still fighting going on between the Philippine Army and these rebels. In the city you'll be fine and safe (end 2004), though leaving the city by land would be very stupid as far as my opinion goes.

Beautiful tradional 'vintas' on the waterfront of the boulevard.

Beautiful shells being displayed on the waterfront. You can find these behind the tourism office and Hotel Lantaka.

The entrance to the busy markets and Fort Pilar.

The markets are guarded by police and military.

A cool jeep..


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