Solo Backpacking in ZamBaSulTa, Region 9, Misamis Occidental

ZamBaSulTa

What is 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: Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, and Misamis Occidental, which is part of Region 10. Details below are my actual itinerary for 9 days, covering 7 Provinces and the independent City of Zamboanga.

A tourist waiting to board at Zamboanga International Airport

Day 1 - Visited Tourist Spots in Zamboanga City:

  1. Zamboanga City Hall
  2. Rizal Park
  3. Plaza Pershing
  4. Paseo del Mar
  5. Fort Pilar (National Museum)


  • On the highway, by the Airport's entrance, I rode in a jeepney to Zamboanga City Hall for a minimum fare.
  • Then, had breakfast at Jollibee in front of the City hall.
  • Used Google Maps, walked on the streets to their tourist spots.
  • I followed Google Maps again to the port area. 
  • 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.

A stunning photo of Bud Bongao.

Day 2 - Visited Attractions in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi

  1. Bolobok Beach
  2. Bolobok Cave
  3. Balobok Rock Shelter
  4. Bud Bongao
  5. Tawi-Tawi Capitol
  6. Bongao Municipal Hall
  7. Public Market


  • 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 Shiela'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 with our tour in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi.
  • After Bud Bongao, we went back to Shiela'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 on a Ro-Ro bound for Jolo, Sulu for 650 pesos.
  • ETD Bongao: 7 PM and ETA Siasi: 4:40 AM. ETD Siasi: 12:40 PM and ETA Jolo: 5 PM.
  • Note: There's a route from Bongao to Jolo, however, there's a stop over in Siasi Island, still part of Sulu. The travel time from Bongao to Siasi is 9-10 hours. Then, Siasi to Jolo is 4 to 5 hours.

A photo of Sulu Provincial Capitol.

Day 3 - Traveling from Tawi-Tawi 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 Jolo Municipal Hall to get registered.
  • It was already sunset, we proceeded to Peacekeepers In in Asturia.
  • I checked in for an overnight stay.
  • Then, had a dinner at the restaurant inside Peacekeepers In.

Day 4 - Visited Attractions in Jolo, Sulu:

  1. BangBang, a festive breakfast
  2. Sulu Provincial Capitol
  3. I Love Sulu signboard
  4. Sulu Museum
  5. Masjid Tulay
  6. Rizal Park
  7. Jolo Cathedral
  8. Jolo Walled City
  9. Mauboh Beach
  10. Had lunch at D' Cousins.

  • 7 AM, I met Rhu-Rhu (my tour guide) at the lobby of Peacekeepers In.
  • From Peacekeepers In, rode in a padyak for breakfast at Dennis's.
  • Rode in a tricycle to Jolo Municial Hall and joined their flag raising ceremony.
  • Met other employees at the Municipal Hall.
  • From the Municipal Hall, 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. They accompanied us using their motorcycle.
  • Checked out at Peacekeepers In at 1 PM (950 pesos for an overnight stay).
  • Stayed at Jolo Tourism Office while waiting for my departure.
  • ETD Bongao: 8 PM, ETA Zamboanga City: 5 AM. The fare was 450 pesos.

A tourist enjoying the gorgeous view of Basilan Capitol.

Day 5 - A Day Tour in Malamawi Island, Basilan

  • 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 and then a short walking tour.
  • Walked to the port near the old post office.
  • Rode in a banca to Malamawi Island (100 pesos, chartered the entire trip). Travel Time is around 10 minutes.
  • Motorcycle ride to the white beach. Fare: 50 pesos one-way.
  • Arrived in Mamalawi 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.


Tourist Attractions in Basilan:

  1. Basilan Provincial Capitol
  2. Isabela City Plaza
  3. Isabela Cathedral
  4. Malamawi White Beach


  • From Zamboanga Port, walked to the terminal beside Pershing Park, in front of Zamboanga City Hall.
  • Rode in a jeepney to IBT (Integrated Bus Terminal): FARE: 12 pesos. Travel Time: 20-30 mins.
  • Paid 15 pesos for Terminal ticket.
  • Rode in 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 GV Hotel, near Jollibee.
  • Checked in at GV Hotel. Overnight stay for 570 pesos.
  • Tidied up and rested for 30 minutes.
  • Rode in a motorcycle to Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Capitol. Fare: 25 pesos.
  • Photo ops at the Disneyland inspired exhibit in front of the capitol.
  • Rode in a motorcycle from the Provincial Capitol to Jollibee. Fare: 25 pesos.
  • Dinner and went back to GV Hotel.
  • Rested.

Recommended Destinations in Zamboanga Sibugay:

  1. Rotunda Obelisk
  2. Provincial Capitol
  3. Mini Disneyland Theme Park


A tourist in front of Jose Rizal Shrine, Dapitan.

Day 6 - Getting Around Dipolog and Dapitan City

  • 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 in a motorcycle to GV Hotel. Fare: 20 pesos.
  • Checked in at GV Hotel. Overnight stay for 600 pesos (aircon, single bed).
  • Tidy up and rested for 15 minutes.
  • Lunch at Jollibee, just across GV Hotel.
  • Walked to the terminal. Around 200 meters.
  • Rode in 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.
  • Rode in a tricycle to Rizal Shrine. Travel Time: 15 to 20 minutes. Fare: 10 pesos.
  • Walking tour inside the shrine and visited 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 GV Hotel.
  • Dinner at Mang Inasal. Busugan ang laban!!!!!!

Top tourist Spots in Zamboanga del Norte:

  1. City Plaza
  2. Saint James Church
  3. Casa Real
  4. Old houses near the plaza
  5. Tourism office
  6. Rizal Shrine and Museum


A tourist having a selfie at Fort sa Cotta.

Day 7 - A Quick Visit in Ozamiz City

  • Early in the morning, walked on the streets using Google Map to the Cathedral and Plaza Magsaysay but they were under construction.
  • Breakfast at Jollibee.
  • 8 AM - checked out at GV Hotel
  • Walked to the terminal.
  • Rode in 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.
  • Note: At Ozamis Terminal, there are buses bound for CDO, Dapitan, Ipil, Pagadian City, and Zamboanga City.
  • Rode in a tricycle to Fort sa Cotta. Fare: 20 pesos.
  • Rode in a tricycle to the City hall. Fare: 20 pesos.
  • Rode in a tricycle to Osrox Park. Fare: 10 pesos.
  • Using Google Maps, I walked on the streets to Ozamis Cathedral.
  • Lunch at Jollibee near Ozamis City Cathedral.
  • Rode in 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.

Tourist Attractions in Ozamiz City:

  1. Fort sa Cotta
  2. Ozamiz City Hall
  3. Ozamiz City Plaza
  4. Osrox Park
  5. Ozamis Cathedral


  • Rode in a motorcycle to Hotel Guillermo. Fare: 50 pesos.
  • Checked in at Hotel Guillermo. Overnight stay for 750 pesos (single bed).
  • Tidy up and rested.
  • At 6:30 PM, using Google Maps, I walked on the streets to the city hall  to witness Pasalamat Festival 2019.
  • Then, went back to Hotel Guillermo at 10 PM.
  • Rested.

Recommended Destinations in Pagadian City:

  1. Tricycle with unique design
  2. The Rotunda
  3. Pagadian Cathedral
  4. City Hall
  5. The City Plaza
  6. Port area for sunset


A gorgeous view of Zamboanga International Airport.

Day 8 - Traveling from Pagadian to Zamboanga City

  • Breakfast at Jollibee.
  • Had a walking tour in the city.
  • Headed back to Hotel Guillermo.
  • Rode in a tricycle to the terminal. Fare: 50 pesos.
  • Rode in 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 stop over.
  • At Zamboanga City terminal, rode in a jeepney bound for Plaza Pershing.
  • Using Google Maps, walked on the streets and look for cheap hotels. Found and checked in at Hermosa Hotel. Overnight stay for 750 pesos.
  • Tidy up and Rested.

Day 9 - Traveling from Zamboanga to Manila

  • Nothing special happened.
  • I checked out at Hermosa Hotel around 8 in the morning.
  • In front of Hermosa, rode in a jeepney 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 flown back to Manila.

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