About My Journey
Backpacking across ZamBaSulTa, Region 9, and Misamis Occidental is an adventure that brings together rich culture, history, and natural wonders. From the vibrant traditions of Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi to the hidden gems of Northern Mindanao, every stop offers unique experiences—beaches, mountains, heritage sites, and warm local hospitality. It’s the perfect journey for travelers seeking both cultural immersion and off-the-beaten-path discoveries.
ZamBaSulTa
ZamBaSulta is an acronym given to Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi. That's the usual route; however, on this journey, I made a twist and created ZamTaSulBa. I even made it more extreme by including Region 9, which comprises Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, and Misamis Occidental, all part of Region 10. I've shared my actual 9-day itinerary below, covering 7 Provinces and the independent City of Zamboanga.
Day 1: Zamboanga City
About Zamboanga City
Known as the “Asia’s Latin City,” Zamboanga City is a vibrant destination in Mindanao, famed for its Spanish-influenced culture, colorful vintas, pink sand beaches, and rich Chavacano heritage.
On the highway, by the Airport's entrance, I rode a jeepney to Zamboanga City Hall for a minimum fare. Then, had breakfast at Jollibee in front of the City Hall. Then, used Google Maps to visit the top tourist destinations below.
Zamboanga City tourist spots:
- Zamboanga City Hall
- Rizal Park
- Plaza Pershing
- Paseo del Mar
- Fort Pilar (National Museum)
Then, headed to the port area and bought a ticket bound for Bongao, Tawi-Tawi for 1,100 pesos. Bought a terminal ticket for 11 pesos. Super waiting galore sa loob ng Zamboanga City port, as in. Note: Dahil fully booked, pinag-tiisan ko ang pagiging isang chance passenger, so NO BED. Kaya naghanap ako ng isang lugar na tahimik at walang masyadong dumadaan at dahil prepared ako, palagi akong may dalang isang malaking plastic at yun ang aking nilatag sa floor, para hindi madumi, tapos, pinatungan ko ng tuwalya para hindi malamig sa likod. Tapos burlog! ETD Zamboanga City: 6:48 PM, ETA Bongao: 12:20 PM (the nex day). Travel time was about 14 hours.
Day 2: Bongao, Tawi-Tawi
About Bongao
Bongao, the capital of Tawi-Tawi, is a vibrant island town known for its rich Sama-Bajau culture, scenic coastal views, and the iconic Bud Bongao, a sacred mountain and popular pilgrimage site.
At 12:20 PM, we arrived in Bongao. Then, I met Ian Miller (my tour guide) ang yaman ng pangalan no? Sinundo nya ako sa loob mismo ng barko. Using Ian's motorcycle, we proceeded to Sheila's house by the airport. She's my friendly contact at sis ni Ian Miller. Had a sumptuous lunch, yung totoong lunch talaga. Tatlong ulam at Malaysian yung rice nila. Ansarap nila mag-luto. Ibang klase. Highly Recommended si Shiela! After Lunch, using Ian's motorcycle, we started our tour in Bongao.
- Bolobok Beach
- Bolobok Cave
- Balobok Rock Shelter
- Bud Bongao
- Tawi-Tawi Capitol
- Bongao Municipal Hall
- Public Market
After visiting Bud Bongao, we returned to Sheila's house and had dinner at 6 PM. Again, there were sumptuous dishes in front. Say no to diet. Yung pinaka gusto ko ay yung sinabawang lapu-lapu (yata) tapos may mga spices. Ang sarap nung sabaw, lasang-lasa talaga yung ginger at ibang spices. At 6:30 PM, we headed to the port and rode a Ro-Ro bound for Jolo, Sulu, for 650 pesos. ETD Bongao: 7 PM and ETA Siasi: 4:40 AM. Chill Chill lang sa loob ng RoRo. Then, ETD Siasi: 12:40 PM and ETA Jolo: 5 PM. Note: There's a route from Bongao to Jolo; however, there's a stopover in Siasi Island, still part of Sulu. The travel time from Bongao to Siasi is 9-10 hours. Then, Siasi to Jolo is a 4- to 5-hour journey.
Day 3: Traveling from Bongao to Jolo, Sulu
ETA Siasi: 4:40 AM and ETA Jolo: 5 PM. Then, I met Rhu-Rhu and Sim at the port. They are both from Jolo Tourism. We walked from the port to the Jolo Municipal Hall to get registered. It was already sunset, so we proceeded to Peacekeepers Inn in Asturia. I checked in for an overnight stay. Then, had dinner at the restaurant inside Peacekeepers Inn.
Day 4: Getting Around Jolo
Abour Jolo
Jolo, the capital of Sulu, is a historic and culturally rich town renowned for its Tausug heritage, bustling markets, and landmarks such as the majestic Jolo Cathedral and traditional mosques.
At 7 AM, I met Rhu-Rhu (my tour guide) at the lobby of Peacekeepers Inn. Then, we rode a padyak to Dennis's for breakfast. Rode in a tricycle to the Jolo Municipal Hall and joined their flag-raising ceremony. Met other employees at the Municipal Hall. From the Municipal Hall, I walked to the ticketing office by the Port and bought a ticket bound for Zamboanga City. While waiting, we met Jerson and Sam, also from Jolo Tourism. We visited the top tourist spots in Jolo.
Tourist Spots in Jolo
- BangBang, a festive breakfast
- Sulu Provincial Capitol
- I Love Sulu signboard
- Sulu Museum
- Masjid Tulay
- Rizal Park
- Jolo Cathedral
- Jolo Walled City
- Mauboh Beach
- Had lunch at D' Cousins.
After lunch, we headed back to Peacekeepers Inn to check out (a rate of 950 pesos for an overnight stay). I stayed at the Jolo Tourism Office while waiting for my departure. ETD Bongao: 8 PM, ETA Zamboanga City: 5 AM. The fare was 450 pesos.
Day 5: A Day Tour in Malamawi Island, Basilan
About Basilan
Basilan, the largest island in the Zamboanga Peninsula region, is renowned for its unspoiled beaches, rich Yakan culture, and lush landscapes, making it a hidden gem in Mindanao.
We arrived in Zamboanga City at 5 AM. Then, I headed to the ticketing office and bought a Ro-Ro ticket bound for Isabela City. We departed Zamboanga City at 6:45 and arrived in Isabela City at 8:30 AM. The fare was 70 pesos. Using Google Maps, I walked on the streets to Jollibee in front of the Basilan Provincial Capitol. Breakfast, followed by a short walking tour in Isabela City.
Tourist Attractions in Basilan
- Basilan Provincial Capitol
- Isabela City Plaza
- Isabela Cathedral
- Malamawi White Beach
Walked to the port near the old post office. Rode a banca to Malamawi Island (100 pesos, chartered the entire trip). Travel Time is around 10 minutes. A motorcycle ride to the white beach. Fare: 50 pesos one-way. Arrived and explored Malamawi Beach White Beach. Motorcycle ride back to Malamawi Island port. Fare: 50 pesos. Banca ride from Malamawi to Isabela City port. FARE: 30 pesos (together with the other passenger). Bought a Seajet Fastcraft ticket bound for Zamboanga City. ETD Isabela: 10:30 AM, ETA Zamboanga City: 11:30 AM. The fare was 150 pesos.
A Short Visit to Zamboanga Sibugay
About Zamboanga Sibugay
Zamboanga Sibugay, the youngest province in the Zamboanga Peninsula, is a rising destination known for its natural attractions, diverse culture, and laid-back coastal charm.
From Zamboanga Port, I walked to the terminal beside Pershing Park, in front of Zamboanga City Hall. Rode a jeepney to IBT (Integrated Bus Terminal): FARE: 12 pesos. Travel Time: 20-30 mins. Paid 15 pesos for a terminal ticket. Rode a Rural Transit bus bound for Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay. ETD IBT: 12:23 PM, ETA Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay: 4:05 PM. Fare: 240 pesos. Alighted at Ipil Integrated Terminal. Using Google Maps, walked on the streets to the GV Hotel, near Jollibee. Checked in at GV Hotel. Overnight stay for 570 pesos. Tidied up and rested for 30 minutes. Rode a motorcycle to the Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Capitol. Fare: 25 pesos. Photo ops at the Disneyland-inspired exhibit in front of the Capitol. Rode a motorcycle from the Provincial Capitol to Jollibee. Fare: 25 pesos. Dinner and went back to the GV Hotel. Rested.
Day 6: Zamboanga del Norte
About Dapitan
Dapitan City, known as the “Shrine City of the Philippines,” is a historic destination in Zamboanga del Norte, famous for its heritage sites, scenic beaches, and its connection to Dr. José Rizal’s exile.
Woke up early. Breakfast at Jollibee. Rode in a tricycle to the terminal. Fare: 10 pesos. Rode in a Rural Transit Bus to Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte. ETD Ipil Terminal: 8:30 AM, ETA Dipolog City Terminal: 2 PM. Fare: 315 pesos. Rode a motorcycle to the GV Hotel. Fare: 20 pesos. Checked in at GV Hotel. Overnight stay for 600 pesos (aircon, single bed). Tidy up and rest for 15 minutes. Lunch at Jollibee, just across the GV Hotel. Walked to the terminal. Around 200 meters. Rode an Evergood Transit bus bound for Dapitan City. Travel Time: 30 to 40 minutes. Fare: 20 pesos. Alighted on the street beside Dapitan City Plaza. Walking tour.
Tourist Attractions in Zamboanga del Norte
- City Plaza
- Saint James Church
- Casa Real
- Old houses near the plaza
- Tourism office
- Rizal Shrine and Museum
Rode a tricycle to the Rizal Shrine. Travel Time: 15 to 20 minutes. Fare: 10 pesos. Walking tour inside the shrine and visited the Jose Rizal museum. Rode in a tricycle to the Dapitan City Terminal. Fare: 8 pesos. Rode in an Evergood Transit bus bound for Dipolog City. Walked to the GV Hotel. Dinner at Mang Inasal. Busugan ang laban!!!!!!
Day 7: Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental
About Ozamiz City
Ozamiz City in Misamis Occidental is a bustling gateway in Northern Mindanao, known for its historic Cotta Fort, scenic Panguil Bay views, and rich cultural heritage.
Early in the morning, I used Google Maps to walk the streets to the Cathedral and Plaza Magsaysay, but they were under construction. Instead, I had breakfast at a nearby Jollibee. 8 AM - checked out at GV Hotel, walked to the terminal. Rode a Rural Transit bus bound for Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental. ETD Dipolog Terminal: 8:30 AM, ETA Ozamiz City Terminal: 1 PM. Fare: 190 pesos. Then, rode a tricycle to the tourist spots below.
Tourist Destinations in Ozamiz
- Fort sa Cotta
- Ozamiz City Hall
- Ozamiz City Plaza
- Osrox Park
- Ozamis Cathedral
Lunch at Jollibee near Ozamis City Cathedral. Maraming food choices, kaso daming tao. Ayokong pumipila. Ending, fast food nalang. Then, rode a tricycle to the terminal. Rode a Rural Transit bus bound for Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur. ETD Ozamis City Terminal: 2:30 PM, ETA Pagadian City Terminal: 5:25 PM. Fare: 135 pesos. Rode a motorcycle to Hotel Guillermo. Fare: 50 pesos. Checked in at Hotel Guillermo. Overnight stay for 750 pesos (single bed). Tidied up and rested. At 6:30 PM, using Google Maps, I walked on the streets to the city hall to witness the Pasalamat Festival 2019. Then, went back to Hotel Guillermo at 10 PM. Rested.
Day 8: Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur
About Pagadian City
Pagadian City, the capital of Zamboanga del Sur, is known as the “Little Hong Kong of the South” for its hilly terrain, iconic tricycles, and stunning views of Illana Bay.
It was still early, so no carinderia was open. Breakfast at Jollibee. Had a walking tour in the city. Headed back to Hotel Guillermo. Tidied up. Packed. Rode a tricycle to the terminal. Fare: 50 pesos. Rode a Rural Transit bus bound for Zamboanga City. ETD Pagadian City Terminal: 12 NN, ETA Zamboanga City Terminal: 7 PM. Fare: 500 pesos. Dinner during stopover, syempre, carinderia na. At the Zamboanga City terminal, I rode a jeepney bound for Plaza Pershing. Using Google Maps, walked on the streets and looked for cheap hotels. Found and checked in at Hermosa Hotel. Overnight stay for 750 pesos. Tidied up and rested.
Day 9: Traveling from Zamboanga to Manila
Nothing special happened. I checked out of the Hermosa Hotel around 8 in the morning. In front of the hotel, a jeepney rode to the airport (with Canelar/Airport sign). Travel Time: around 20 minutes. Had brunch at the carinderia by the airport's entrance. Checked in, waited for the flight, and flew back to Manila.
Summary
Backpacking through ZamBaSulTa, Region 9, and Misamis Occidental is a journey that blends history, culture, and natural beauty into one unforgettable experience. From the colorful vintas of Zamboanga to the pristine islands of Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, and the heritage landmarks of Misamis Occidental, every stop showcases the diversity and richness of Mindanao. This adventure is more than travel—it’s an immersion into the heart and soul of Southern Philippines.
As someone who has visited all 82 provinces in the Philippines, I’ve created a complete guide to help you explore each one. Check out my Philippines 82 Provinces Travel Guide here.
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