Zamboanga City Travel Answers

zamboanga is pretty metropolitan so should not be as scary as other parts of southern Phils. there are a couple of nice hotels in Zam. By the beach, go to Lantaka. airport to hotel? taxi dude, or have her meet u at the airport.

I was there last year and I saw caucasians riding in tricycles so I guess it is safe enough. I agree with the first poster Lantaka will be best bet for you. You can also take a boat from there to go to the white/pink island across for a day trip. "With all the guns you see", you mean those totted by the military and the police? That's about all the visible guns there are here. Get her to pick you up from the airport or get the hotel service to pick you up. I suggest that if you are too scared to see your friend in Zamboanga, it might affect your visit, then get her to fly to Manila. There are inexpensive fares available (Cebu Pacific, PAL, etc.)

Thanks for your thoughts...looks like I will go there. It will be a short trip unfortunately because I have some business elsewhere now in the Phils. I really aprreciate the comments..and if there are more feel free to send. Thanks Jim

If you stay within the city only it's is 90% safe as in all other cities in the world. After all, in the Philippines, we've not had an incident of a skyscraper bombed and crumbled to pieces. But we've had our share of scare and all one needs is to practice common sense to avoid being in one. Don't go to places that would make you a worm on a hook. For the most part, you'd only find guns in those areas which would have security risks and not the whole country in general.

Even locals would think twice of going to Zamboanga. I mean, if I have a choice, why that place? Being caught in a crossfire is one thing but being an American is like teasing dogs with fresh bone. Sure, take a risk. Your girl would love you for that. Maybe its safe, but Im sure you read the dailies.

Hi All I Am new Here Just Found This Site Cool..Any Ways I Was There In Jan 2009...For 3 weeks..Tumaga...Visting My Girl And Her Family...Going back This May 18.Fo About 4 Months..Or Longer..The 3 Weeks I Spent There I Had A Great Time My New Family Looked Out for Me..They Have So Much Kin Folks Every Where..All Through Tumaga..I Like The Security In the Philippines--Guards At Malls..Banks..Ect..Checking peoples ids..Keeping the Peace...The usa Needs more Like that..Steven

Good for you Sabata! All one really needs to do is exercise caution and keep within sight of the "family". I hope you enjoy your return visit!

Sabata, really good information. I am hoping to visit there soon to spend time with family. I was going to go and just stay in and around the hotel. Thinking about it now, I would probably be a larger target there. I would much rather be in the home with future wife's family members. How are the police there? Hopefully not like in Mexico where you are more afraid of them than you are the banditos. I plan to be there for at least two weeks. The bad part is no AC in the house. In July it will probably be too humid for me not to be in a hotel. I could always check into a hotel later. This is a great site by the way. Randall

Hallo Amigo ,I 'm a German I used to live in Zamboanga City ,It's the best place in the Philippines. I never had any problem ,I even traveled outside Zamboanga to Sinunuc and Labuan and Bolong Beach,I had never any problems there ,I was there last time during Christmas 2006 ,there is an American who has maybe the most beautiful house in the Philippines ,when I was there he was selling it for 60 million pesos ,with swimming pool ,also Koreans live in Zamboanga ,maybe this helps, Mtrue

Hi Jim! You were asking me about the nearest hotel near the sea? You could choose Lantaka Hotel. It is one of the best hotels we have in Zamboanga City. To be safe, always have somebody with you. It is safe in Zamboanga but don't be too lax with your things. You will not b kidnapped. There are lots of Americans in Zamboanga too but they can handle their live their however. Just always have a companion when you go out. I hope it helped. Hope you'll enjoy your stay in Zamboanga City, the city of Flowers. -JAel

hi i lived in zamboanga city for 5 yrs i love place theres some great hotels there i have guest house but not finished yet,it ll be on line after exmas as guest house for mainly western visiters we will pick up and take around western visiters by suv my guest house is a 3 bedroomed house fully furnished 1000 sqr mtr garden completly private own entrance two bikes supplied for visiters to use. we even offer a driver who has all permit to carry firearms and a new 7 seater suv,so if you fancy night out our driver keep you safe .the cost off guest house off 2000 per day which is a little bit more than a hotel,this does not include the driver and suv , but will be haveing pool built next year for ppl to use who rent house but will be after exmas im english from birmingham (uk) i married to pinoy i go shopping and beaches dont worry just use common sence any advice email me ill help you if i can all best gary