Zamboanga City | In & Out Of Asia’s Latin City

During my recent trip to Sulu archipelago I’ve been in and out of Zamboanga City. From manila it took less than two hours by air to reach Zamboanga, the main entry point if you're heading to the provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-tawi.

The design of Zamboanga airport terminal building is inspired by an iconic vinta. Straight from the airport I took a tricycle to the sea port to catch a ferry bound to Basilan.

I'm too early for the ferry schedule bound to Basilan so I roamed around the vicinity of Zamboanga City Hall and the Plaza Pershing. I tried the special batchoy of a local eatery nearby.

Right after my trip from Tawi-tawi, straight from the Zamboanga airport i headed to the ferry terminal to purchase a ticket bound to Jolo Sulu. The ferry is schedule to depart at 8 in the evening. I attempted to visit the Rio Hondo village but the military men didn’t allow me to enter. So i just go back to Fort Pilar and Paseo Del Mar and spend some time there. I’m looking for a vinta but i can’t find one.

I headed to Yakan weaving village in Brgy. Calarian to buy some malong as pasalubong for my officemates and friends. After that I go back to the ferry terminal and boarded the ship bound to Jolo.

After my Sulu trip straight from Zamboaga seaport i headed to Guiwan terminal and boarded a bus bound to Pagadian. I get off the bus in Brgy Vitali. From there I took habal-habal to visit the Merloquet Falls. Manong driver also serve as my guide. The construction of cemented pathways down to the falls is ongoing. It’s refreshing to dip in the cold waters flowing from the cascading Merloquet Falls.  Then I head back to Zamboanga City.

Zamboanga City dubbed as Asia’s atin city exudes ethnic diversity.

This is part of the 1st leg of my solo backpacking in Mindanao.

Zamboanga City | Basilan | Tawi-Tawi | Sulu

Misamis Oriental | The Malasag Eco-Tourism Village

Upon browsing the net I discovered the travel blog of James Betia  of journeyingjames.com. Almost everyday I keep on reading his blog and was amazed with his shoestring travels.  I told my self that maybe I can also do what James did.

I booked a roundtrip flight to Cagayan de Oro with Airphil Express (now rebranded as PAL Express) for 700 pesos. It took me three months to prepare for my trip. I get info on how to get there from James blog. EZ map is also a helpful tool in my diy trip to Northern Mindanao.

For my accommodation cdoguide.com had a detailed list of hostels and guest houses. I stayed at YMCA hostel along J. Pacana street. I paid P1000 for 2 nights for an air-conditioned room.

Upon landing at the old Lumbia airport I boarded a jeepney outside the terminal to Carmen market then hop a motorella to the hostel. Currently flights to/from CDO operates at the new Languindingan airport.

After lunch I headed to the garden of Malasag Eco-Tourism Village. It is a cultural village in a botanical garden setting situated in hills of sitio Malasag in Cugman. It showcases the tribal practices & crafts of Mindanao tribes. The village also serves as the learning center for ecotourism, ethnic arts, flora and fauna endemic to Northern Mindanao while at the same time generate revenues and livelihood for the tribal groups. The village has a souvenir shop of ethnic products; ethnic museum; tribal houses of the Talaandigs, Higao-non, Subanon, Maranaos and Ifugaos. It features rows of cozy guest cottages; camp ground , swimming pool , picnic shed, orchidarium, mini garden, native restaurant, butterfly garden, multi purpose hall. It offers the view of Macajalar bay.

This is part of my explore Northern Mindanao DIY trip.

Misamis Oriental | Lanao Del Norte

Lanao Del Norte | Majestic Waterfalls Of Iligan

On my second day i explore the waterfalls of Iligan City in Lanao del Norte. An hour of bus ride from CDO. Iligan City is dubbed as “the city of majestic waterfalls” because of the presence of more than 20 waterfalls.

Maria Cristina falls is called the "twin falls".  It is located 9.3 kilometers away southwest of the city proper at the boundaries of barangays Maria Cristina, Ditucalan, and Buru-un. Well known for its natural beauty and grandeur, the 320 - feet (98 meters) high waterfall is also the primary source of electric power for the city's industries, being harnessed by the Agus VI hydroelectric plant.

Just outside the gate of Maria Cristina falls habal-habals are available for Tinago falls.

Tinago is a  Filipino term meaning "hidden", the falls being hidden in a deep ravine. Trekking to the falls requires approximately 500 descending steps called the winding staircase. The falls is high, its very cold waters cascading beautifully into a deep and calm basin-like pool which appears like a blue-colored lagoon. Under the falls is a small cave where people can enter and listen to the rumbling waters.

On my last day I wandered around CDO. I strolled at the Limketkai center, Misamis Oriental capitol, CDO city hall, and Divisoria park. I spend almost P3000 for the entire trip excluding the airfare.

This is part of my explore Northern Mindanao DIY trip.
Misamis Oriental | Lanao Del Norte