Most tourists associate Zamboanga City with Sta. Cruz Island, famous for having a pink sand beach. But there’s a new eco-cultural tourism destination that you can check out in the area: Once Islas.

This cluster of eleven mostly uninhabited islands and islets belong to the remote villages of Panubigan and Dita in Zamboanga City just recently opened to the public in July 2018. These unspoiled islands are ideal for low-impact activities like swimming, kayaking and trekking.

After covering the Regatta de Zamboanga, the main kick-off event of the La Hermosa Festival 2018, we spent a relaxing day island-hopping here. The jump-off point to the islands is Panubigan Ferry Terminal located roughly 40 km northeast or an hour’s drive from the city proper. From the highway, we turned right on the Panubigan Barangay Road leading to the Barangay Hall to register.

About Once Islas

Once Islas has been making waves on social media among backpackers for a while now before it officially opened up to tourists. Local officials had to close the site for a while to put the proper guidelines in place and train the community members who serve as tour operators. A carrying capacity of 200 people is now strictly observed to ensure responsible and sustainable tourism development in the islands.

We got a brief orientation on the Do’s and Dont’s while island-hopping from a member of the Sama Banguingui community. They manage the community-based ecotourism site with support from the LGU, City Tourism Office and tourism agencies. The site aims to empower the community while respecting the indigenous peoples who live there.

According to our guide, among the eleven islands, four have been developed for tourists including Bisaya-Bisaya, Sirommon, Baung-Baung and Buh-Buh, with tourist-friendly facilities like beach cottages, trekking trails and designated kayaking and snorkeling sites. The other islands that make up the eleven include Sallangan, Simaddang, Lambang-Lambang, Baguias, Kabugan, Panganak, Lampinigan.

All boats must leave from the official jump-off point at Panubigan Ferry Terminal and follow the island cruising route. Because of the current and tides, the boats need to be back at the ferry terminal by 3:00 pm, making island-hopping trips here ideal for day tours with a lunch stop. Overnight stays and beach camping is not allowed.

Bisaya-Bisaya

The first island we stopped at was Bisaya-Bisaya, where we enjoyed a leisurely trek to the other side. This island has a very pretty beach on one side and interesting rock formations on the other side.

We crossed over to an adjoining islet where where there was a small tidal lagoon that serves as a natural dipping pool. It kind of looked like a private jacuzzi overlooking the sea.

Sirommon Island

Our second stop was Sirommon Island. I really like how all of the beachfronts of the islands are decorated with the iconic Vinta sails that Zamboanga is known for. There are no structures in most except for a few beach cottages, so everything is very low-impact. We had to hike to the other side of the island for lunch which really worked up our appetites.

Our delicious lunch was pre-arranged by tour operator ITravel Tourist Lane and prepared by the Sama Banguingi tribal community. Kamriya’s Cuisine prepared a boodle style meal of fresh seafood laid out on banana leaves. There were crabs, squid, fish, fresh seaweeds and clam soup served out of wooden bowls.

After the meal, our hands and lips were black with squid ink, but this was one of the best meals we had the whole trip. For dessert there were fruits like lanzones and bananas. Meals like this are much more satisfying and produce less waste than a packed fast-food lunch!

Sirommon Island has a fine sand beach with a sandbar littered with starfish. In the noontime sun, the shallow water near the sandbar was surprisingly hot. Not lukewarm, but warm like hot springs. But there were areas where the currents carried cooler streams. We enjoyed taking a dip here until high tide when the water started taking over the whole sandbar.

Buh-Buh Island

On the way to our last stop, we saw some of the other islands from the boat like Buh-Buh, where cultural tours are offered at its mosque and village. If you plan to visit, be aware of the local customs and practices and bring modest clothing or cover-ups to respect the community, as beachwear is inappropriate for visiting mosques.

Bauang-Bauang Island

The last island we visited was Bauang-Bauang, a lovely island with powdery soft sand. This island has a hiking trail where visitors can get a panoramic view on top of a hill. Some of us decided to just enjoy fresh buko juice and I took a quick nap on the beach while others swam and snorkeled. The rest hiked up to get a good view.

I like the fact that island guests have to observe a Garbage In, Garbage Out policy. So many islands and beaches in the country have been ruined by irresponsible tourists, who leave their plastic bottles and trash behind. I highly recommend that you bring your own reusable water bottle for drinks and metal straws (or just drink directly from coconuts) to avoid the use of plastic.

I think we all would have loved to stay and swim longer, but the boats had to back at the Ferry terminal by 3:00 pm to avoid getting caught by stronger currents. But overall, our visit to Once Islas was a very nice leisurely break in between the frenzy of all the festival coverage.

Things to do in Once Islas

• Island-hopping
• Kayaking
• Trekking
• Swimming
• Snorkeling (bring your own snorkeling gear)

Other planned activities in development include Paddle Boarding, Mooring and Scuba Diving

What to bring for island-hopping

Onse Islas does not have any commercial developments or establishments. Prepare for a day of swimming and enjoying the beach.

• Food and drinks
• Reusable water bottle
• Dry bag
• Swimwear
• Change of clothes (optional; you can shower in the community or wait until you get back to the city)
• Cover-ups (if visiting mosque)
• Hand Sanitizer
• Sunscreen
• Personal Toiletries
• Action cameras
• Powerbank
• Snorkeling gear

Location

Once Islas is located in the remote villages of Panubigan and Dita in Zamboanga City, Philippines. The Panubigan Ferry Terminal is the designated jump-off point to the islands. The site is about 40 km or an hour’s drive by private vehicle from the Zamboanga City proper.

Tour Agency: I Travel Tourist Lane

For those planning to visit, take note that all guests are required to book their tours at least a day in advance and pre-register at Zamboanga City Tourism Office. While it’s possible to visit the place DIY style, if you’re in a group, the fastest and most convenient way to visit Once Islas in Zamboanga City is to join a package tour. 

Our trip here was arranged by ITravel Tourist Lane, a tour agency that offers hassle-free tours in and around Zamboanga City. Their package includes everything from the hotel pick up and drop off, boat transfers, entrance fees, lunch and optional tours.

For Tour Booking/Reservation:
Call (062) 991-1174
Text/Call (0917) 7226410 / (0917) 3929474 / (0995) 6993274
or visit them at Mayor Jaldon St., Canelar, Z.C. (near DHL Office)
Email: info@itraveltouristlane.com
Website: www.itraveltouristlane.com

Travel tips and useful information

• Onĉe Islas can only be visited from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm from Mondays to Thursday, Saturdays, and Sundays. There shall be NO operations on Fridays.
• Before heading to the islands, visitors need to arrange their visit at least a day in advance.
• There is a carrying capacity of only 200 persons a day for island hopping here. Bookings are closed when the 200-mark is reached so be sure to reserve beforehand.
• Bookings are accepted at the City Tourism Office at Paseo del Mar. Preregister at Zamboanga City Tourism Office, Paseo del Mar, Tel: +63 62 9756341. Email: asiaslatincitytourism@yahoo.com
• Unless you’re availing of a package tour, visitors going here need to prepare their own food, water and utensils for the trip. There’s no place to buy food on the islands.
• Ready-to-eat pork dishes are allowed, but no whole lechon (roasted pig) and cooking of pork is allowed to respect the local community and residents.
• Smoking and bringing / drinking liquor and any alcoholic products is not allowed.
• No littering and vandalism of any form. Visitors are required to segregate their trash and take them all back to the mainland
• There are no accommodations on the main islands open to tourists. Staying and camping overnight is not allowed. It’s best to base in Zamboanga City and go here on a day trip.