About Pagadian City
Solo backpacking in Pagadian City, the bustling capital of Zamboanga del Sur, is a rewarding mix of adventure and culture. Known as the “Little Hong Kong of the South” because of its hilly terrain and sloping streets, Pagadian offers stunning views, vibrant markets, and friendly locals eager to share their city’s stories. From exploring the scenic Pagadian Bay to riding its iconic inclined tricycles, every moment in this city brings a sense of discovery and excitement — perfect for independent travelers craving both simplicity and authenticity.
How to Get to Pagadian City
By Air: Book a flight to Pagadian City Airport. Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia have regular trips to PAG.
My Actual Itinerary
This is Day 7 – 9 Days Solo-Backpacking in Mindanao: ZamBaSulTa, Zamboanga Provinces, Misamis Occidental
Traveled from Ozamiz to Pagadian
After Ozamis City and Misamis Occidental, I travelled to Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur, which is the last province on my list. It was a three-and-a-half-hour land travel with a huge picture of how the people of the Zamboanga peninsula live. At the integrated terminal, I rode a motorcycle to the center of the city, passing by the famous rotunda. I was wearing a sando, and I easily felt the fresh and cool wind while we were on a descending road with a clear view of the stunning sunset.
Checked in at Hotel Guillermo
While on the motorcycle, the driver asked me if I had already booked a hotel, and when I answered NO, he offered Napsally Pension House. Since I had already stayed at GV Hotel branches in Samar, Southern Leyte, Ipil, and Dipolog, I planned to stay at their branch here, but there was no available room upon my arrival. I walked along Rizal Avenue, where a few hotels are located, and ended up at Hotel Guillermo - a good option for an overnight stay. I paid 750 pesos for a standard room with a single bed, air conditioning, cable TV, WiFi, toilet, bath, and hot & cold shower.
It was already dark, and I hadn't eaten my dinner yet. Tidy up and rest for 20 minutes. Then, walked on the street to find a place for dinner. While walking, I noticed many people were walking on the streets towards the Pagadian City Hall and the city plaza. Without anything in mind, my feet brought me to the place where these people were heading. I was still a few meters away, and street food stalls were blocking the gate of the city plaza; I easily saw the sparkling and dancing lights on, and thought there was something special. And YES, it was the crowning night of the Pasalamat Festival Queen.
Witnessed Pasalamat Festival
The Pasalamat Festival is a huge event that is being celebrated to thank the Sto. Niño, for all the blessings. It is also Pagadian City's 50th Golden Year. In relation to Sto. Nino festivals, if Manila has the parade of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Cebu has the Sinulog Festival, Aklan has the Ati-Atihan Festival, then Pasalamat in Zamboanga del Sur is something that we also need to look into.
It was already 10 PM, the event was still ongoing, and the 5th contestant was performing when I left the city plaza. Also, standing there for three hours was tiring. Bought two steamed hot dogs at one of the food stalls and returned to Hotel Guillermo. Tidy up again and rest.
Experienced the Unique Tricycle
The next day, since no carinderias were open within the vicinity, I had my breakfast at the nearby fast-food restaurant. Then, walked on the streets where I discovered something unique. The streets in Pagadian City are uphill and downhill, so the design of their tricycle, their primary mode of transportation, is different from that of others across the country.
Pagadian Cathedral
The Sto. Niño Cathedral in Pagadian City stands as a symbol of faith and devotion in Zamboanga del Sur. Dedicated to the Child Jesus, this beautifully designed cathedral features a unique triangular structure that mirrors the city’s hilly terrain. It serves as a peaceful sanctuary for both locals and visitors — a place to reflect, give thanks, and admire the blend of modern and traditional Filipino architecture at the heart of Pagadian.
After that short, tiring walk, pataas pababa kasi mga kalsada - spagetting yern?, I headed back to the hotel, tidied up, packed my stuff, and 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.
Where to Stay in Pagadian City
Hotel Guillermo
I paid 750 pesos for a standard room with a single bed, air conditioning, cable TV, WiFi, toilet, bath, and hot & cold shower. To search or book, please visit the link in the Related Posts.
Summary
Backpacking solo in Pagadian City is more than just a trip — it’s an experience of freedom, connection, and self-discovery. The city’s unique landscape, coastal charm, and genuine hospitality create the perfect backdrop for meaningful adventures. As you leave, you’ll carry not just photos of breathtaking sunsets but also the warmth of new friendships and the satisfaction of exploring Mindanao’s underrated gem on your own. Pagadian reminds every solo traveler that sometimes, the best journeys are the ones you take by yourself.
Looking for travel ideas across the country? Read my complete guide to visiting all 82 provinces in the Philippines — based on my actual travels.
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