Zamboanga Floating Village & Sea Gypsies Tour

Discover a way of life found nowhere else in the Philippines on this cultural tour of Zamboanga City's coastal communities. The highlight is the floating village of Rio Hondo and the nearby stilt settlements, where the Sama Dilaut, widely known as the Badjao or sea gypsies, have built their wooden homes on stilts above the water. Traditionally a seafaring, boat-dwelling people, the Badjao live by fishing and weaving, and walking the wooden boardwalks that link their houses offers a rare, respectful glimpse into a centuries-old maritime culture.

Your guide shares the history and traditions of the Sama Dilaut, their deep connection to the sea, and the vibrant blend of Muslim and indigenous influences that shape life in Zamboanga, a city proudly known as Asia's Latin City for its unique Chavacano Spanish-Creole heritage. The tour also typically takes in the colourful vinta, Zamboanga's traditional sailboats with their distinctive multi-coloured striped sails, an unmistakable symbol of the region.

Half a day is enough to experience these coastal communities along with key city landmarks, offering a meaningful contrast to the beaches and reefs of the surrounding islands. It is an immersive, culturally rich outing for travellers curious about the diverse peoples and traditions of Mindanao, and a reminder of how closely human life here is bound to the sea.