Things to see and do Zamboanga

Located in one of the wings of Fort Pilar, the National Museum of Western and Southern Mindanao is a regional branch of the National Museum of the Philippines, whose main collections are of course in Manila. It's a must for those curious about local history, lifestyles, indigenous tribes and, of course, art on the Zamboanga Peninsula. An interesting cultural visit.

Zamboanga City, located in the Department of Tourism region, is an attractive tourist destination in the Philippines. The city's Tourism Office is a point of reference for travelers seeking information on local attractions, activities and events.

It is located just past the town hall. It was the center of Spanish investigations when the town was colonized, and later served as protection for the inhabitants of the town and surrounding islands against pirate invasion and Moro attacks. Built in 1635 by the Spanish authorities, with the help of engineer and Jesuit priest Melchor de Vera, it was abandoned thirty years later before being rebuilt in 1718. Today, Fort Pilar has been declared a national monument and houses a regional branch of the National Museum of the Philippines.

Less than three kilometers from the town center, the village of Rio Hondo can be spotted by its gate and the silver dome of the local mosque. Rio Hondo means "deep river", so keep moving until you reach the village, built entirely on stilts above 23 hectares of mangrove swamp. At high tide, the houses are linked by wooden walkways. The entrance is via the wooden bridge over the Río Hondo, which bounds the village.

The Yakans, originally from the island of Basilan, are considered the finest weavers in the country. A week is the average time it takes to weave a square meter of fabric by hand. Here, you can meet them, learn more about their techniques and judge their ease at the task. This type of handicraft is very expensive in the rest of the country, so it's a good opportunity to shop around. Other traditional items for sale include bronze gongs and woven gadgets.

Located twenty kilometers from Zamboanga, Taluksangay is a Sama village, partly built on stilts, which is best known for its mosque and its majestic, picturesque red-colored minarets overlooking a lagoon. It was built in 1885, making it one of the oldest mosques in Mindanao. The island's inhabitants make their living from fishing and seaweed farming. A pearl farm is located not far from the stilt village. Historically, Taluksangay was the first place where Islam spread to the peninsula.

Located close to Fort Pilar, the Paseo del Mar is a bit like the promenade along Manila Bay. People come here for a relaxing stroll, to breathe in the sea air and, in the evening, to watch the superb sunsets. Popular with locals and visiting travellers alike, the park is a veritable oasis in the hustle and bustle of the city. Restaurants, bars and other leisure facilities have sprung up all along the way. And throughout the year, numerous events (parties, festivals...) take place here.