1 / 1
Looking for your next travel destination? Zamboanga's "Pink Beach" will surely amaze you!
The Philippines takes centrestage once again as the National Geographic released its list of 21 best beaches in the world, which includes Zamboanga’s stunning Great Sta. Ctuz Island and a roster of other beautiful shores from around the world including Mexico, Spain, Seychelles, Cook Islands, North Carolina, Cambodia, Florida, Australia, England, Oregon, California, The Netherlands, Hawaii, Iceland, Belize, Mauritius, Curacao, Michigan, Sardinia, and France.
The Great Sta. Cruz Island is a 3,425-hectare marine reserve that features powdery blushing pink sands and crystal clear waters. In an official statement released by the Zamboanga City Mayor’s Office, it was explained that “when red organ-pipe coral dies, its light-to-almost buoyant shell is washed ashore. With the continuous wave action, the naturally brittle shell is slowly pulverized overtime. These will then mix with the “white corals” and result in a gentle shade of pink from a well-distanced ocular view.”
Besides the Great Sta. Cruz Island, Zamboanga hosts numerous spots that are worth checking out. We list here five more things to do in what has been deemed as the Asia’s Latin City:
Visit the Yakan Village
Head off to Brgy. Calarian and visit the Yakan community, which houses several Yakan families who create exquisite woven fabrics that can be turned into charming table runners, bed sheets, bags, purses, and a lot more.
Traditionally, the Yakans use plants like pineapple and abaca fibres as basic material for weaving. These are then infused with natural dyes using extracts from leaves, roots, and bark. Intricate designs and world-class craftsmanship radiate in every piece the Yakans create.
Explore Merloquet Falls
About two hours away from the city proper, in the town of Vitali, is the cascading Merloquet Falls. While one would have to endure the 373 steps going down (and back) to the postcard-perfect falls, the sound of the flowing water is sure to win your heart over.
Ride a vinta
Zamboanga’s iconic boat features a sail with assorted vivid colours and geometric patterns that embody the rich culture and history of the tribes in Mindanao. These boats are traditionally used for inter-island transport of people and goods. One may arrange a vinta ride at the Great Sta. Cruz Island Lagoon through the local government unit.
Have fun with the jellies
Still at the Great Sta. Cruz Island, hop on a jongkong or a yellow paddle boat and explore the vast lagoon, which hosts thousands of upside down stingless jellyfish, agar-agar, crabs, and a mangrove forest to boot. Make sure you don’t wear sunscreen as it may harm the little friendly jellies.
Indulge in curacha and knickerbocker
Curacha
Zamboanga, being a melting pot of cultures, has also become a popular foodie destination. Do not leave the city without trying the famous curacha (spanner crab or red frog crab) in Alavar’s, a homegrown restaurant that offers this kind of crustacean dish in a delectable special signature sauce.
Also, at sunset, check out the bustling Paseo del Mar and try the luscious knickerbocker, a refreshing cooler made of fresh fruit chunks drizzled with a rich cream and syrup and topped with strawberry ice crea—a perfect companion while watching the famed sunset that paints the skies tangerine and purple most of the time.
Zamboanga is home to enchanting natural wonders and amazing people. Contrary to what you might have heard, you don’t need a lot of courage to explore and enjoy this jewel in the south. Next time you visit Mindanao, you know where to go and what to do.
Whether on assignment or not, Maritess is always on the lookout for off-the-beaten-path destinations as well as the yummiest finds in the Philippines and abroad. In 2020, she plunged into the black hole of Korean la la land. Follow her escapades at @matetreyes.
