Pagadian City Hall
Did you know that here in the Philippines we have a place called “Little Hong Kong of the South?” For people whose bodies and spirits have become weary and sore from the hustle and bustle of city life and work, Pagadian City, nicknamed as “Little Hong Kong of the South,” may just be the perfect getaway for you to soothe all those aches and pains while enjoying its vibrant mix of cultures.
Like the other towns in Zamboanga Del Sur, Pagadian is a slice of paradise that gives much pleasure to its visitors. To get started, here are some of the city’s proudest attractions:
Waterfalls in Pagadian City
This rich city has its share of wonderful and beautiful waterfalls that are hidden from most people.
Manga Falls
• Located some 12 kilometers from Pagadian City, Pulacan Falls is located in the town of Labangan. The falls covers an area of 400 square meters and is the source of water for the Labangan irrigation system. The scenic falls is a good haven to spend some leisure time and relax together with the family.
• The untouched beauty of Lison Valley Waterfalls is another must-see spot. The falls is about 20-25 meters cascade through a spherical basin with 20 meters in diameter. Surrounded by lush and foliage forest, the falls is the home to giant ferns and wild orchids.
• Another great waterfalls attraction is the Lourdes Waterfalls. Located some 32 kilometers away from the urban area, the falls offers a breathtakingly view that gives much pleasure to the anyone who views it.
• The two-layered Manga Falls is surrounded by huge trees that are home to white monkeys. The panoramic falls is located 7 kilometers away from Pagadian.
• Ditoray Waterfalls is located a bit further, 14 kilometers away, but is worth the trip. Large stones ring the falls, making for a grandiose spectacle.
Mountains and Terrain of Pagadian City
For those who are into mountain trekking and hiking, Pagadian has three mountains to choose from.
• Mt.Susong Dalaga which means “Maiden’s Breast” is a semi-perfect cone with lush forest cover. It is found in barangay Lourdes some 32 kilometers from the city proper.
• Mt. Pinokis is two kilometers away, also found in Lison Valley. The mountain is the sanctuary of monkeys and gorillas.
• Rising stunningly at 684 feet above sea level, Mt. Palpalan gives the visitor a sweeping vista of urban Pagadian City, as well as the neighboring municipalities and the deep sapphire waters of Pagadian Bay.
There are also hills for those who want to climb something but are not yet ready for mountains.
• Dumagoc Hill is a former military reservation.
• Bulatoc Hill provides a breathtaking view of the whole city and is currently the site of a flourishing subdivision.
• Bogo Hill is particularly good for agriculture, as well as a good area for viewing Pagadian’s beauty.
For those who are spelunking enthusiasts, Pagadian has also a treasure cove of caves to explore.
• Kendis Cave is situated 14 kilometers away from Pagadian and 5 kilometers away from Ditoray. It is an open-end cave spattered with plants and vegetation with large overhead crevices and two interior chambers.
• Manga Caves are twin caves located along the equally beautiful Manga Waterfalls.
Man-made attractions
• La Suerte Hanging Bridge is located in Barangay Lourdes. It looks just like what one would see in movies, with wooden planks suspended by cables.
• Lower Sibatang Hanging Bridge is 27 meters in length, again, with wooden planks suspended by support cables.
• Bagalupa Hanging Bridge stands as the longest at 80 meters in length.
All three bridges are safe and fully functional.
Island of Dao Dao
The big island has an area of 1.1057 hectares and is a 7-10 minute ride by motorboat from the seaport. One can see a magnificent view of a bed of coral reefs. This is ideal for swimming and boating.
Pagadian City is a perfect getaway for anyone who wants to get away from all the trappings of a bustling metropolis. Pagadian has a lot of natural resources and attractions to ease the tired minds and bodies of any visitor. For those who want to relax, embraced and cupped in Mother Nature’s bosom.
How to get there
• Plane – Pagadian City has direct flights to Manila. Every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, a BAE 146 plane of Asian Spirit Airlines offers the flights from Pagadian City to Manila City.
The best value route is to fly Cebu Pacific from Dipolog City then taking the bus route. Cagayan is a good route but requires a long taxi ride from bus terminal.
• Bus – It has direct bus trips from Pagadian City to key cities and municipalities in Mindanao like Davao, Zamboanga, Dipolog, Dapitan, Cagayan de Oro and many more.
• Ferry Boat – It offers vessel trips to Zamboanga City and Cotabato City.
The best route from Manila is Ozamiz City, then take a bus to Pagadian.
Accomodations:
There are a few hotels in Pagadian where you can stay during your visit.
• GV Hotel Pagadian City - Rizal Avenue, San Francisco District, Pagadian City, Pagadian City, Philippines
• Hotel Guillermo, Rizal Ave
• New Roxanne Hotel, Pajares Ave.
• Hotel Camila, J Ariosa St.