Pagadian city is situated on the western sides of the Philippines. Currently, it is the second largest city in the region of Zamboanga, with a population of close to 200,000 people. People from Pagadian are called ‘Pagadianons.’ Quite a mouthful that one, isn’t it? The city is made up of many sloping landscapes, which makes it pretty cool to see from any higher vantage point. Here, the climate does not fluctuate very dramatically. Instead of having winter, summer, fall and spring, Pagadian only experiences a sunny and a rainy season. The sunny season is from January to March, while the rainy season is from April to December. Let’s get started with the best things to do in Pagadian City!
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1. Visit Manga Falls
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Manga Falls is one of those places that will leave you in awe. It is around seven kilometers (four miles) from the city and has beautiful scenery. Around the falls are trees, butterflies, birds and even monkeys! The falls cascade into nice, blue water and just looking at them will make you want to dive in. It is actually a double-fall, (if I may call it that) because there is one fall at the top leading to another one below it. You can go for a swim or just go there to dip your feet in the water, but believe me - you will end up being tempted to go all the way in.
Manga Falls
Address: Brgy. Manga, Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur.
Price: Free
Duration: around 2 hours required.
Access: About 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) out of Pagadian City
Contact: +63 910 964 5677
Near by Food: Green House Restaurant 22, Max’s Restaurant
2. View the beautiful scenery at Rotonda
Rotonda is an elevated part of Pagadian city. When you are in Rotunda, you practically feel on top of the world - you can see the whole cityscape and take gorgeous pictures of it, too. 45 percent of Pagadian is sloped and it is quite a hilly place, surrounded by mountainous regions. Many people go to Rotunda to take pictures of the city view, and you sure don’t want to miss it. So, when you are on your day out to Rotunda, be sure to have that camera ready. From here you can pretty much point out where you have been and where you would like to go.
Rotonda
Address: Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines
Price: Free
Duration: around 1.5 hours required.
Access: The main roundabout in the middle of the city, along Pan-Philippine Highway
Contact: +63 929 126 7818
Near by Food: Hiker’s Palace
3. Visit beautiful Dao Dao Island
Dao Dao is a beautiful island, just off the coast of Pagadian city. It is a rocky island with clear blue water and a beautiful coral reef. Dao Dao is only a short boat ride away from the seaport and is easily accessible to nearly everyone. It is a nice place to walk around or go for a short swim to cool down after a long day. You can also go sailing or diving while on Dao Dao, for an experience you won’t forget.
Dao Dao Island
Address: Dao-Dao Island, Zamboanga Peninsula, Philippines
Price: from 2 USD
Duration: around 3 hours required.
Access: 10-minute boat ride off the coast of Pagadian City, going south.
4. Hike Mount Palpalan
Mount Palpalan is a great place to go hiking, biking or exercising. Only a 10-minute hike to the pinnacle, the view at the top is spectacular. At the peak, you will be met with a range of other mountains and hills. Wouldn’t you like just to take a whiff of fresh air? That is the exact experience you will get once you climb this mountain. The peak is the highest point of Pagadian city, so you can call that an achievement once you reach the top.
Mt. Palpalan
Address: Palpalan, Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines
Duration: around 3 hours required.
Access: Half an hour drive north of Pagadian City via Lanao-Pagadian-Zamboanga City Rd/Pagadian City - Zamboanga City Rd/Pan-Philippine Hwy/AH26
Near by Food: Yammy’s Seafood Grill, Max’s Restaurant
5. Ride on a tricycle
This is an experience that you can’t miss in the Philippines. In Pagadian and the Philippines in general, one of the most common means of transportation is either by tricycle or a motor taxi. By tricycle, I do not mean the ones with the training wheels that you used to learn how to ride a bike. It is like a motorcycle, but with three wheels and it is covered - sort of like being in a mini-car. In Pagadian, you will definitely want to familiarize yourself with the local transportation if you don’t have a car. Riding in a tricycle will make you feel like you are part of Pagadian.
Pagadian City Tricycles
Price: from 0.4 USD
Duration: around a half hour required.
Access: Anywhere in Pagadian City
6. Springland Resort
If you are looking for accommodation while in Pagadian, Springland Resort is where you want to go. There is a great pool and great food, both local and international. The place is fairly affordable and it’s suitable for both adults and kids. The rooms are always clean, and the staff is friendly and very welcoming. You can have breakfast delivered to your room and night swimming is also an option. The pool is a great size, and there is honestly a lot of fun you can have here. Another cool thing about this place is that the pools are sourced from the local springs, meaning they are always nice and fresh. Don’t miss out - put Springland Resort on your list!
Springland Resort
Address: Rizal Ave, Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines
Opening Hours: Always open
Duration: around 3 hours required.
Access: 8-minute drive south of Pagadian City via F. S. Fajares Avenue and Vicencio Sagun Street
Contact: +63 62 214 1881
Website: Springland Resort
7. Puting Balas Sandbar
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
If you are looking for a perfect getaway and trying to escape the waves of modernity, then visit Puting Balas. It is a stretch of white sand beach surrounded by crystal-clear waters that is definitely worth seeing. It’s like a privately owned-island as there are barely any structures and has nothing but sand on it. Make sure to come before the afternoon as there are no trees or any sources of shade here. However, this is a favorite hang-out spot of flocks of birds so you may see them here when you visit it. Plus, this sandbar offers you a perfect view of the sea. The whole island “vanishes” underwater during high tide so plan ahead and ensure to come to this place at the right time. Though, activities continue here almost the whole year-round. While on the island you may do a variety of seaside activities like swimming and diving to complete your life-on-the-sea experience.
Puting Balas Sandbar
Address: Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur
8. Pulacan Falls
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
This fascinating work of nature is just along the national highway in Labangan. Though it may not give a strong impression like other famous waterfalls, it displays a distinct character through natural artistry. Its waters beautifully and gracefully flow down through different terraces and pools. From the peak, several streams diverge which allows the water to go to different directions and cascade into different pools. The falls is indeed a sight to behold as it is surrounded by lush vegetation and unique rock formations. With the cascading white water contrasting the greenery surrounding it, makes it scenic and great to look at even from a distance. Due to its serene environment, this place has been a designated site for camps and jamborees.
Pulacan Falls
Address: Labangan, Pagadian City.
Tip from Content Creator
Just beside the main highway going to Misamis Occidental and adjacent to Camp Major Cesar Sang-an, Pulacan Falls in Labangan is unique on its own as it is ordinary yet scenic. I visited this during my Zamboanga Peninsula solo backpacking adventure since this is just a few minutes away from Pagadian City. I very much recommend a visit to anyone in the area.
Enjoy Pagadian Paraside!
Your trip to Pagadian is easy now that I have basically laid down the guidelines for you - now it’s up to you to make your decision. Whether you like being out on the water, hiking or just trying new things, they are all listed here, for you. It is always a good time when you step out of your comfort zone and try to see how other people live or how they go about their day to day activities. There is so much culture and heritage in Pagadian, so take the initiative to do one of these things. The best time to visit would be at the beginning of the year because of the climate.
History
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