Zamboanga City, Port city in Zamboanga Peninsula, Philippines
Zamboanga City sits at the southwestern tip of Mindanao Island and spreads along flat coastal strips bordered by forested hills. Basilan Island lies offshore and shields the bay from the open sea, creating a protected harbor.
Spanish troops built a fortress in 1635 at an existing settlement to protect colonists from raids. Over the following century the facility was expanded and reinforced several times as the population settled around the fort.
The name comes from the Malay word Jambangan, meaning place of flowers. Local markets sell fresh seafood alongside textiles woven by indigenous groups who continue their craft through generations.
The port sits centrally and connects by ferry to surrounding islands. Most areas are walkable, while jeepneys and motorcycles are available for longer distances.
About seventy percent of Philippine sardine production is processed here. Eleven large canneries line the waterfront and fill thousands of tins daily with fish from the surrounding waters.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
