Zamboanga Sibugay Weddings

Zamboanga Sibugay – Sea snake Sanctuary and Oyster Haven

Due to its rich and unpolluted waters, the province of Zamboanga Sibugay has caught the attention of tourist and local media. Sea snakes, locally called walo walo swin freely on its seas and crawls on its shores. Oysters found in the province can grow as long as 12 inches in length, making them the biggest, and as some say, the juiciest in the country.

But more than snakes and oysters, Zamboanga Sibugay takes pride in its rich and unspoiled natural wonders. These include Sibuguey Bay, Tantanan Bay, and Pandilusan Island.

Demographics

1. Population – 546, 186 (as of 2007 Census)
2. Land Area –3, 608.7 sq. km
3. Capital – Ipil
4. Language/Dialect – Chavacano, Cebuano, English, and Filipino
5. Divisions

Cities (0)

Municipalities (16)

  • Alicia
  • Buug
  • Diplahan
  • Imelda
  • Ipil
  • Kabasalan
  • Mabuhay
  • Malangas
  • Naga
  • Olutanga
  • Payao
  • Roseller T. Lim
  • Siay
  • Talusan
  • Titay
  • Tungawan
Famous For ...

Walo walo (Sea snakes)
The island of Pulo Laum in Olutanga serves as sanctuary for hundreds of walo walo (Colubrine sea krait or yellow-lipped sea krait). Although one may be threatened by their number and venom stronger than the king cobra’s, they are not easily provoked by humans, unless they feel that they are in danger.

Sibuguey Bay
This underwater must-see is blessed with several coral formations that function naturally as fish sanctuaries.

Oysters and Sibug-Sibug Festival
Ttalabas (oysters) here in Zamboanga Sibugay is dubbed as the "most delicious, juiciest, meatiest and biggest oysters." In contrast to the way other communities in the country farm their oysters, the Kabasalan oysters are not grown on sticks but instead are buried in mud and left there to grow to maturity. To celebrate this oyster industry in the province, the locals hold the Sibug-Sibug Festival

Calamansi Capital of the Philippines
The town of Siay reportedly produces the "largest, most succulent calamansi in the country." Planted on a 1,500 hectare of former rice lands, the calamansi is shipped directly to Manila every week.

Places of Interest

Man-made

Philippine Rubber Project Co. Plantation
Location: Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay
It is the second oldest rubber plantation in the Philippines and the first rubber exporting company in the country. At present, there are 2,000 hectares of reforested land planted to around 34,000 rubber trees.

Noah’s Ark
Location: Roseller T. Lim, Zamboanga Sibugay
Built by retired fishing industry businessman Narciso ‘Jack’ Sardual, the boat measures at 112 and a half feet long, 18 and a half feet wide, and 18 feet high. He built the boat as a form of penitence for the sins he has made over the years.

Natural

Sibuguey Bay
Location: Naga, Zamboanga Sibugay
Bounding the province’s southern peripheries, Sibuguey Bay has sites ideal for snorkeling and diving. This underwater must-see is blessed with several coral formations that function naturally as fish sanctuaries.

Tantanan Bay
Location: Alicia, Zamboanga Sibugay
It is the largest fish sanctuary found in the province, encompassing an area of five hectares.

Takushari
Location: Talusan, Zamboanga Sibugay
It is a notable fish sanctuary in the province known for its rich marine life.

Pulo Laum
Location: Brgy. Pulo Laum, Olutanga, Zamboanga Sibugay
It is the largest sea snake sanctuary found in the province. Hundreds of walo walo (Colubrine sea krait or yellow-lipped sea krait) swim on its seas and crawls on its shores.

Pandilusan Island
Location: Payao, Zamboanga Sibugay
The water in the island is so clear and the sand is so fine that it reminds anyone of talcum powder. It is also a coral reef sanctuary.

Festivals

Sibug – Sibug Festival
Place: Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay
Date: February 15 – 26
The event is the celebration of the founding anniversary of the province. Highlighting the festival are Binibining Sibugay, Street Dancing, Trade Fair, Sports Fest and a showcase of the biggest, juiciest and meatiest talaba (oyster). The province has set the world record for the Longest Oyster Grill, measuring at 2.5km.

Pasalamat Festival
Place: Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay.
Date: January 15 – 29
It is a street dancing competition featuring the Traditional way of holding thanks giving celebration among the subanens and kalibugans in the locality.

Kasikas Festival
Place: Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay
Date: May 1
It is an annual event honoring Sr. San Jose Mamumuo, the patron of Ipil. The celebration or town fiesta is highlighted with religious processions, choral competition and others. They also have parade or street dancing competition featuring the Lechon or Roasted Pig.

Bangus Festival
Place: Bgy. Monching, Siay, Zamboanga Sibugay
Date: December
It is a thanksgiving festival celebrating the abundance of Bangus or milk fish as prime product in the locality. The festival is highlighted with an annual culinary contest.

Kasadyaan Festival
Place: Diplahan, Zamboanga Sibugay
Date: December 15 to 19
The Kasadyaan grand celebration commemorates the founding anniversary of the Municipality of Diplahan. Highlights of the festival include street dancing, parade and the Search for Miss Diplahan.

Learn More
How To Get There?

By Air:
Take a flight bound for Cagayan de Oro or Zamboanga City. From there, there are chartered flights headed to Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay

By Air-Land:
Fly from Manila to Zambaonga, Pagadian, or Dipolog City and take a bus to Ipil. There are many bus companies that ply the route. From Pagadian the bus trip takes about 6-8 hours. From Dipolog City it takes 10 to 11 hours. From Zamboanga City, it takes 6-8 hours.