Quick Guide to Onse Islas, Panubigan, Zamboanga City

A random invitation to visit Onse Islas soon gained some interest from friends and family online as I posted our photos on socmed (social media). I put together a quick guide to answer the questions you left through comments on my feed and of course, more photos of the Eleven Islands.  

In front of Panubigan Barangay Hall

How to Get There

On a Sunday morning, we went all the way to Panubigan for breakfast at our family friend's place in a shack on the hill overlooking a beautiful view. In the highway once reaching Panubigan, there’s a huge sign by the highway that says Eleven Islands, some parts of the road going in isn’t concretized yet, so be ready to encounter a dirt road still in its construction phase. Some parts are already concretized, be patient as it will be completed soon. It also pays to have a careful and good driver with your party. 

Onse Islas Activity Map 

Do's and Dont's Onse Islas Guide

Registration and Orientation

The local government monitors all tourism activities in the area, so it’s mandatory to register all visitors and attend a brief orientation of the islands (islets rather). Visit the Barangay Hall, sign up and attend a brief orientation on the Eleven Islands, Do’s and Dont’s. The barangay will assign your guide for the day and a corresponding boat for your party. Our host paid a total of Php 5,000 for our party of eleven people (coincidentally) consisting of family and friends.

Ferry Terminal, Panubigan

After the orientation, it’s a short walk to the port where all the bancas are tied to. Vehicles can be parked near the barangay hall. All visitors are required to wear life jackets during boat rides, provided by the bancas themselves. Safety first, folks!

Speaking of safety, even if there are shortcuts through other routes, let me take the opportunity to remind everyone that protocols are there for a reason. Each person has to log in and register so that the local government can monitor, regulate and manage the visitors and the sites properly in case incidences occur. 

Experience Onse Islas

Eleven Islands is a group of islands in the barangays of Panubigan and Dita, Zamboanga City. Activities allowed in the area are island cruising (with a guide), kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving, and also trekking.

Bisaya-Bisaya Island's Powder White Beach, Eleven Islands, Panubigan, Zamboanga City

In the first island called Bisaya-Bisaya, there are beautiful, weathered rock formations that one can walk to. Be careful to walk on the black rocks, I slipped and landed on my butt. Luckily I didn’t sustain any wounds. It turns out that the black surface on the rocks are caused by algae dried by the sun that turned black on the rocks.

White Rock in Bisaya-Bisaya Island, Eleven Islands, Panubigan, Zamboanga City

Natural Pool in one of the islets, Eleven Islands, Panubigan, Zamboanga City

During low-tide, it’s easy to cross to the other islet and visit the natural pool but it’s hot and we jokingly called it the solar-powered, hot spring infinity pool. There’s also the sand bar that appeared in the last island we went to, Sirommon Island where a family of starfish emerged just also enjoying the sun and sands.

Starfish Colony in Sirommon Sandbar, Eleven Islands, Panubigan, Zamboanga City

I like that the place is quiet, not crowded with too many tourists, there was only another group visiting the islands apart from us on the day. After all, Sunday is meant for relaxation.

Powder white sand beach, Eleven Islands, Panubigan, Zamboanga City

Be Responsible Visitors

It’s a good thing that the local government was able to straighten out the solid waste management program before tourists soiled the environment. There are huts to have picnics in. What lacked from the facilities was a good changing room and its corresponding amenities.

If you ask me though, I’ll have none of those souvenir stalls that are commonly seen in selling shirts, keychains or ref magnets. It just gives off a too-commercial vibe. I would rather have those on dry land and away from the islands. It’s also a good thing that no food vendors were allowed on the islands, minus the barbecue sticks and plastic that can be thrown away in the water.

Keeping the area clean is top priority and it’s emphasized in the orientation. No matter how small, it’s important to dispose of trash properly. Clean oceans is a plus, so let’s do all that we can.

Sandbar at Sirommon Island, Eleven Islands, Panubigan, Zamboanga City

At the end of the day tour, I have a collection of beautiful photos that look like I teleported to the Caribbean from Zamboanga City. I told an officemate that the only sighting missing is Captain Jack Sparrow. I went home with sunburn, but I do have stories to tell about how beautiful the place is. Looking at the islands, I’m grateful to have spent the weekend with people close to me and in such a beautiful place.

I’ve received inquiries and reactions from people in my socmed feed, so this quick guide was put together to share some information to those interested to visit Onse Islas. May you find time to experience and enjoy our beautiful sites in Zamboanga City and do be mindful of keeping them clean. 

Check out my video below. See you soon!