Visiting Zamboanga City

Are you going there to vist someone or travelling alone?
If you are going there to meet someone best ask them what the current situation is.
It should be ok if you are staying in the city and not out alone at night.

I am meeting a friend there.

He says it is perfectly fine, even if elections are next May.

But of course, other information (ok, mostly people that have never been there) say it is even riskier than a trip to IS area...

Earlier this year I did a 2 month trip all over Mindanao and I can never remember being either abducted, raped or chopped up. We visited big cities, small cities, small towns, remote mountain villages and on the whole found nothing but friendly welcoming people. Admittedly we didnt go to Zamboanga, but we did pass through areas that I would consider just as sensitive. What we did do was to carefully research online exactly what was happening locally, and did find a few shootings, bombings, kidnappings etc in some of the places we were about to visit. But we decided that would probably not affect us, and it didnt. I would firstly carefully check with local news online to see exactly what has been going on recently in Zamboanga and then make a decision. Another factor to consider, is that if your home country has a travel advisory against going there, then almost certainly you will not have valid travel insurance. We knew that but it didnt stop us going and we had an awesome time in Mindanao..

Hi,

I am not a great fan of Mindanao, but have been many times. I have to say it's safe enough in my book. In fact i wa sonly ever abducted, raped and chopped into pieces the once he he. I know people have genuine concerns and "things" have happened there. I was in Zamboanga area just over a year ago and I never felt threatened at all. If you are really that fearful then why ruin ur stay by heading there? Better to simply miss the place out. On the other hand if you are somewhat reassured by what you read here then all well and good, and ur buddy says it is ok. On balance seems a visit is in the offing. Enjoy.

Brax

Think maybe I came close to being chopped up when I bought the wrong type of Dried Fish for her indoors!
I loved Mindanao, best Waterfalls I have seen anywhere in the Country, some of the best white sand beaches, awesome mountain scenery, best big City I have been to, even spectacular Island Hopping, what more could you want from a destination..

The reports about you getting chopped up, abducted or raped are truly exaggerated. Zamboanga City is a great place to visit especially during Christmas. As you are getting there in January, you just might be able to see the lights at the city hall, including their Christmas tree. There's also a street there that exhibits lanterns and other lighted decorations (Sorry, I didn't quite get the name). But if you don't get there in time to see the tail-end of the Christmas season, spend time at Pasonanca Park, including a photo op at the tree house and Fort Pilar. You might also want to stay overnight at La Vista del Monte. Just ask your friend how you can do that because there are no public vehicles leading up to the area. Most of all, don't forget to dine in its several restaurants. I believe Zamboangueños know how to cook good Filipino food.

The advice from your local friend will be more reliable than anything you hear on this board or anywhere else.

My information (out of date) was that while the area around Zamboanga was indeed hazardous, the city itself was fine.. So arrive by direct boat or 'plane rather than taking a bus or jeep from another city.

that place has the best sand beaches and relaxing water falls.its safer to stay in the city than staying in the remote part of it.

You were raped? thats foolish on a contrally those were years back I think its safe now.