From 1903 to 1913, Zamboanga was the capital of the Moro Province which encompassed the whole of Minanao, with districts namely: Cotabato, Davao, Sulu, Lanao and Zamboanga.
The territorial jurisdiction of the city includes the islands of and small Sta. Cruz, Tictabon, Sacol, Manalipa, Tumalutap, Vitali, as well as other numerous islands. The total land area of the city is recorded to be 142,099.99 hectares or 1,420.99 kilometers.
Visit Plaza Pershing it is a quaint remnant of a typiccal Spanish square famous in the old ayuntamiento of the 17th century in the Philippines. Originally called palza Don Juan de Salcaedo in honor of one of Spain's great conquistadores of the 16th century. It was renamed Plaza Pershing in memory of John Pershing for his work before and during his term as governor of the Moro Province.
Pettit Barracks was occupied by Us forces under Gen. C. Bates after the capture of the city on November 15,1899. It was renamed after Col. James S. Pettit, 31st Infantry, US Volunteer.
Fort Pilar was biult in 1635 by a Jesuit Priest. Originnally named Real Fueraza de Nuestra Seņora del Pilar de Zaragosa.
Great Sta. Cruz Island is known for its pinkish sand beach because of the washed coral from the bottom of the sea.
Yakan-Weaving Village. The Ykans, the original inhabitants of Basilan Province, are considered one of the finest weavers in the Philippines. The Yakan weave is so fine that it takes a week or so to finish a meter of cloth.
Public Market is situated along J.S Alonzo St. in the heart of the city. On the sea front, one can see a variety of fish and vegetables at the Fish and Dry Goods secton. Near the fish market the fish market and the wharf is the Fruit Paradise, where you can take your fill of fresh friuts like lanzones, magosteen, durian, marang, juani, mangoes, bananas, rambutan and many more.
Tawi-tawi Safari is scaling the heights of Bongao Peak , feeding simian friends specially the famed white monkeys, enjoying the spectacular visa of nearby by Malaysia and Tawi-tawi's 307 islands or going on a boar-hunting expedition.
They also celebrate special events like the Holy Week. A city procession known as the "Santo Entierro" (Hole Funeral) on Good Friday marks the highlight of the celebration of the Lent: also celebrated in Barangays Sta. Maria, Tetuan, Pasonanca, and the Immaculate Concepcion Parish.
Another is Flores de Mayo. A religious feast celebrated in all catholic churches in honor of the Blessed Mary; little children in white gala dresses walk up the altar to offer flowers to the Image of the Blessed Mother. In some parts of the city the traditional "Santacruzan" is also held. The "Santacruzan is a procession of the Reyna Elena and other local beauties with their escorts along the streets, decked in Maria Clara gowns and Barong Tagalog.