Provinces

Zamboanga del Norte Province

article-cover-photo-province-z-del-norte
Written by Patrick

ABOUT

Zamboanga del Norte is a province in the Philippines situated within the Zamboanga Peninsula Region in Mindanao. It is the largest province of the Zamboanga Peninsula in terms of land area. Its capital is Dipolog City.  Dubbed as the Twin-City Province, Zamboanga del Norte has been made famous by the beauty and charm of the Orchid City of Dipolog and the historic, rustic quaintness of the Shrine City of Dapitan.

LOCATION

Zamboanga del Norte

Coordinates: 8°08′00″N 123°00′00″E

FAST FACTS

The following are a few useful and interesting details about this province.

Province:
Zamboanga del Norte
Location:
8°08′00″N 123°00′00″E | View Map
Year Founded:
1635 and 1952
Capital:
Area:
7,301.00 km2 (2,818.93 sq mi)
Population:
1,047,500
Density:
140/km2 (360/sq mi)
Division:
Region:
Cities & Towns:
2 Component cities, 25 Towns (Municipalities)
Demonym(s):
Norte Zamboangueño/a
Elevation:
(Mount Dabiak) 2,600 m (8,500 ft)
Time Zone:
PST (UTC+8)
Zip Code:
7100–7124
Area code:
+63 -(065)-XXX-XXXX
Electricity:
Standard voltage is 220V.
Plug commonly used is Type A but Types B and C are used as well.
Bring A to B adapter(s).
Currency:
Philippine Peso (PHP)
Exchange Rate:
Approximately 1 USD = 50 PHP | click for exact exchange rate
Income Class:
First Class
Religion(s):
50% Roman Catholic
Language(s):
Cebuano, Subanon, Chavacano, English
Known For:
Dakak Beach Resort and Dapitan (Jose Rizal’s place of exile)
Major Industries:
Agriculture (corn, coconut, and rice), Fishing
Climate:
Tropical
Best Time to Visit:
October
Clothing:
Casual light clothing: shorts, t-shirt, sandals. Light jacket and pants at night, at higher elevations, and boating.
Airport(s):
Bus Terminal(s):
COMING SOON

CLIMATE

The climate in this province has a mild and moderate climate due to evenly distributed rainfall throughout the year. Its southern portion has a longer dry season.

The best time to visit Zamboanga del Norte is in the month of October.

The most appropriate clothing for this province is casual light clothing: shorts, t-shirt, sandals. Light jacket and pants at night, at higher elevations, and boating.

READ MORE: Climate & Weather in the Philippines

CITIES & TOWNS

Zamboanga del Norte Province Map

The Zamboanga del Norte provinceis divided into 25 Municipalities and 2 Component Cities:

  • Baliguian
  • Dapitan
  • Dipolog
  • Godod
  • Gutalac
  • Jose Dalman
  • Kalawit
  • Katipunan
  • La Libertad
  • Labason
  • Leon B. Postigo
  • Liloy
  • Manukan
  • Mutia
  • Piñan
  • Polanco
  • President Manuel A. Roxas
  • Rizal
  • Salug
  • Sergio Osmeña Sr.
  • Siayan
  • Sibuco
  • Sibutad
  • Sindangan
  • Siocon
  • Sirawai
  • Tampilisan
 

ISLANDS

There is 1 outlying island surrounding the mainland of Zamboanga del Norte which is under the jurisdiction of the province.

  • Sinipay Island
 

POINTS OF INTEREST

The following is a list of points of interest relating to the Zamboanga del Norte province:

  • 3003 Steps to Linabo Peak
  • Aliguay Island
  • Cathedral of Our Lady of The Most Holy Rosary
  • Charcoal Beach
  • Cogon Eco-Tourism Park
  • Dakak Park Beach Resort
  • Dapitan City Plaza
  • Dipolog Sunset Boulevard
  • Giant Chicken Statue
  • Gloria’s Fantasyland
  • Ilihan Hill
  • Libuton Cave
  • Linabo Peak
  • Lp City Central
  • Magsaysay Park
  • Oisca Park
  • Pangian Beach
  • Quipit Point
  • Rizal’s Landing Place
  • Sicayab Cliffs
  • Silinog Island Beach
  • St. James the Greater Church
  • Sungkilaw Falls
  • The Rizal Park and Shrine
  • Tulwanan Village
  • Walkway Dipolog Boulevard
  • ZN Museum
 

If you plan to visit the Province of Zamboanga del Norte, you can use the following sites to determine the best places to stay:

FESTIVALS

The following is a list of festivals celebrated in Zamboanga del Norte throughout the year:

  • City Charter Day (Dapitan City) – June 22
  • Sinulog and Kinabayo (Dapitan City) – July 24-25
  • Rizal’s Death Anniversary (Dapitan City) – December 30
  • Sinulog sa Dipolog (Dipolog) – 3rd Sunday of January
  • Buklog sa Dipolog (Dipolog) – 3rd Saturday of May
  • Araw ng Dipolog (Dipolog) – July 1

FAQs

The following are the most frequently asked questions about the Zamboanga del Norte province.

Where in the Philippines is Zamboanga del Norte located?
Zamboanga del Norte is located on the northern portion of the Zamboanga Peninsula in western Mindanao.

Is Zamboanga del Norte a city or province?
Zamboanga del Norte is a province.

What is the Capital of Zamboanga del Norte?
The capital of Zamboanga del Norte is Dipolog.

What is Zamboanga del Norte famous or known for?
Zamboanga del Norte is famous or known for Dakak Beach Resort and Dapitan (Jose Rizal’s place of exile).

How do I get to Zamboanga del Norte?
There are several ways to get to Zamboanga del Norte, the most common being from Manila:

  • Plane to Dipolog | 1.5 hours | $52-$190
  • Car ferry to Ozamiz | 33.5 hours | $36-$100 + Bus to Dapitan | 3 hours | $4

RESOURCE: Best Online Transportation Resource for the Philippines

How many islands are in Zamboanga del Norte?
There is 1 island in the Zamboanga del Norte province.

What does Zamboanga mean?
Zamboanga is a Hispanicized termof the word “samboangan”, a Sinama term for “mooring place”.

How Safe is Traveling in Zamboanga del Norte?
Zamboanga del Norte is generally safe for locals and tourists.

Is the climate in Zamboanga del Norte the same as the rest of the Philippines?
The climate in Zamboanga del Norte province is considered tropical with rainfall evenly distributed throughout the year.

To learn more about the various climate types in the Philippines, and for a Climate Map, click the link below…

READ MORE: Climate & Weather of the Philippines

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About the Author

Patrick

Patrick is an entrepreneur, digital nomad, explorer, and photographer. Patrick is always in search of fun and adventure. He is well travelled throughout the world, and although location independent, his home base is Phoenix, Arizona in the USA. Patrick loves island lifestyle which is no wonder why he is so interested in spending time in the Philippines with it’s over 7,000 islands. Patrick created this site to share his knowledge of and experiences in the Philippines with Filipinos as well as other foreigners.

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