Places of Interest
Hotel Alindahaw is the premier hotel in the city. The city is yet to have a 5-star hotel as it is essentially not a prime tourism get-away, although a recent surge in the hotel and pension-house constructions due to the current influx of visitors primarily to do business in the city is evident, such as the city's tallest structure, the Mardale Hotel and Convention Center.
Gaisano Capital Pagadian is the biggest mall in Zamboanga Peninsula in terms of land area. Another store, Best Emporium, is owned by a Chinese family from Zamboanga City. C3 Mall (City Commercial Center) is owned by the City Government of Pagadian. It is the site of the city's old historic "Shopping Center", where the nucleus of Pagadian's trading past is located. Homegrown mid-size stores such as the D'beam Hypermart are flourishing. These stores are the legacy of the local businessmen who had managed to build this city from its beginnings as a trading settlement to what it is now.
Pagadian City has a number of tourist attractions, though they are not as well-known throughout the Philippines.
Pagadian Rotonda. A circular park on top of Bulatoc hill at the apex of the F.S. Pajares Avenue and overlooks the Illana Bay. It is at the intersection of the North Diversion Road and F.S. Pajares Avenue, two of the three major road networks in the city (the third one being Rizal Avenue). The park features a viewing deck, gardens, horseback-riding, and a refreshment store.
Dao Dao Islands. The "Dao Dao" name is shared by two islands within the Illana Bay; thus the addition of Dako (big) and Gamay (small) to the names of the islands for simple distinction. "Dao Dao Dako" is the bigger island which covers 1.10 hectares and is a 7-10 minute ride by motorboat from the seaport. It has artificial coral reefs; ideal for swimming, boating and fishing. "Dao Dao Gamay" is a sandbar and is partially submerged during high tide.
Muricay Beach. It is just a little over 4 km from the city proper, swimming is allowed in some parts but is as yet largely underdeveloped. Mangrove and seaweed plantations are nearby.
Springland Resort. A natural springwater resort, it has three (3) swimming pools and a fishpond. The resort also has a multi-function hall and a restaurant designed in Native Filipino Style.
Puting Balas. Its name is the literal translation for "white sand" in the local dialect. It is classified as a white sandbar just five minutes via motorboat from northeast of the city seaport.
Lourdes Waterfalls and Hot and Cold Springs. These are natural hot springs in barangay Lourdes, about 32 km. northwest from the urban area. This is being tapped by the Pagadian City Water District as a water source for barangay Kagawasan. Lison Valley Waterfalls is located about 42 km. northwest of Pagadian proper, in sitio Santa Lucia. The falls has a height of about 20–25 meters. The spherical basin, 20 meters in diameter, is ideal for swimming. Ditoray Waterfalls is 14 km from the Pagadian poblacion and 5 km from the center of barangay Ditoray.
Manga Falls and Twin Caves. These natural attractions are located in Barangay Manga, 7 km. from the city proper. This is a two-layered cascading fall, surrounded by huge trees that are home to monkeys. The twin caves can be explored along the two-layered waterfalls. It is currently in the process of being developed as a tourist spot. Kendis Cave is about 14 km from Pagadian poblacion and 5 km from barangay Ditoray and not yet accessible to regular traffic as the only way to reach it is through horseback. The cave has large overhead crevices with two interior chambers.
Mount Palpalan. This mountain is the promontory or the highest peak within Pagadian City. Its peak is home to several satellite transmitters and signal towers of television stations and communication networks. With a height of 684 ft above sea level, it has a sweeping vista of Pagadian City and Illana Bay.
Mt. Susong Dalaga is the literal translation for "Maiden’s Breast" for it is a nearly perfect cone, resembling a maiden woman's breast. It is located in Barangay Lourdes. Mt. Pinokis is located in Barangay Lison Valley.
Agro-Tourism and Heritage Complex (AHC). This complex is located in Dao District, a mere 5 minute ride from downtown Pagadian. The AHC has a Cultural Village with every town of Zamboanga del Sur having its own show-house. It also features a Butterfly Park, a Canopy Walk, and a Zipline.
Plaza Luz. The City's primary public assembly area. Plaza Luz features a dancing fountain and the Public Library. The fountain has recently become the main attraction in the park with its lights and water formations synchronized to the beat of the music being played in its repertoire. Two (2) smaller rectangular fountains run parallel to each other, flanking the circular bigger fountain in the center.
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