People say the Zamboanga Peninsula is a place you’ll keep coming back to, and they’re right. Even with a busy schedule, I just can’t resist a trip to Zamboanga City and Isabela City.

This time, I spent four days on a tour curated by CTPH Tour, and it reminded me why I love this region: incredible food, beautiful beaches, and vibrant culture.

Cuisine to Crave

Zamboanga City is a melting pot of cultures, and its food beautifully reflects this diversity. It’s an underrated food destination that’s always at the top of my list.

We kicked off with chicken satti at Iya Coffee, a breakfast staple of grilled meat skewers in a sweet and spicy sauce. I’m a big fan of satti, and for me, a trip to Zamboanga City isn’t complete without it. Iya’s satti was spot-on and hit the spot perfectly.

At Anti Ens, we enjoyed family recipes passed down through generations. We were welcomed with bangbang sug, a delightful mix of sweets like baolu, kuih kachang, batang buruk, and jintan, all rooted in Tausug and Malaysian flavors. Lunch was served on a traditional latal, an elegant spread usually reserved for celebrations.

And, of course, no visit is complete without a knickerbocker, a refreshing dessert of mixed fruits and ice cream. We had ours at Hacienda de Palmeras, where it was invented. 

I capped this trip with tiyula itum, a comforting Tausug specialty, at Dennis Coffee Garden. Tiyula ituma blackened soup rich with roasted coconut and spices.

Coastlines to Explore

On this trip, we visited two popular gems in the Sulu Sea: Great Sta. Cruz Island and Malamawi Island. I’ve been lucky to visit both three times now!

Both islands have beaches with soft, fine sand and crystal-clear blue water. They’re quiet and uncrowded, staying beautifully preserved thanks to the government’s dedicated conservation efforts.

Great Sta. Cruz Island is known for its unique pink sand, a soft blush shade that shifts with the light, created by crushed red corals. 

A major highlight of this trip was the mangrove tour, my second time experiencing it, and it was just as amazing as I remembered. We cruised on bright yellow boats, explored the mangroves, sampled sea grapes, and even spotted stingless jellyfish. 

What makes this experience special is its focus on community tourism. The Sama Bangingi community in the island runs the tour, which directly supports their way of life. Even our beachside lunch was prepared by the community, allowing them to benefit directly from tourism.

Malamawi Island, with its long white-sand beaches, was also a highlight. Even with other groups around, the long stretch of beach meant it was easy to find a spot where it felt like we had it all to ourselves.

The trip to Malamawi Beach is an adventure in itself. You can take a fastcraft or RORO ferry from Zamboanga City, and the sight of houses on stilts adds a unique cultural touch.

A Tapestry of Culture

Beyond the beaches and food, Zamboanga’s rich culture is woven through every part of the region.

At the heart of this culture is Our Lady of Pilar, a figure deeply significant to both Christians and many Muslims. Local legend says the Virgin Mary has protected Zamboanga since the 1700s. During the Feast of Pilar on October 12, Muslims often join in, lighting candles at the shrine. 

Stories tell of Mary appearing to protect the city, including an 1897 earthquake when she supposedly halted a tsunami.

In Yakan Village, I watched artisans weaving their vibrant textiles by hand, a craft passed down through generations. I’ve become friends with some of the weavers here, and my collection includes their beautiful creations.

We also visited The Rainbow Mosque. Although I’d passed by it before, this was my first time inside. Once a simple green and white building, it was transformed with vibrant hues to honor those who fought during the Marawi Siege. Its seven-colored dome reflects Zamboanga’s diversity, with each color symbolizing the city’s blend of traditions and beliefs.

We also saw the Sadik Grand Mosque, still under construction, which is set to become the largest mosque in Southeast Asia.

As a farewell, I had the chance to dress in traditional Muslim attire for dinner, a gesture that deepened my appreciation for Zamboanga’s rich culture. The evening was filled with delicious dishes served by Anti Ens and entertainment that included traditional dances, making it a memorable cultural experience.

#OnceAgainZampen

Every visit to Zamboanga Peninsula feels as fresh and exciting as the first, and I know I’ll keep coming back. There are still so many places waiting for me to explore.

Ready to explore Zampen? Reach out to CTPH Tour at info@ctphtour.com, check out their site at www.ctphtour.com, or call 0955 683 7462.