Pink Beach of Zamboanga
Pink Beach of Zamboanga

Great Santa Cruz Island Pink Beach Travel Guide: Zamboanga’s Gem

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The Philippines is a host to some of the world’s gorgeous beaches. These beaches are scattered to various islands within the archipelago. Boracay, El Nido, Coron, Malapascua, Bantayan, Concepcion, and Siquijor are among the thousand others that host the Philippines priced and famed, white beach fronts.

The pink beach of the Great Santa Cruz Island, Zamboanga City
The pink strip of the Great Santa Cruz Island, Zamboanga City

The Pink Beach of the Great Santa Cruz Island

Most of the beaches that rise to popularity are white. But, one fine strip in Mindanao had able to make to National Geographics’ list of 21 Best Beaches in The World—the Pink Beach of the Great Santa Cruz Island in Zamboanga City. The recognition was partly because of the rare, pink hue of the beach sand. “The blush color comes from billions of pieces of crushed red organ-pipe coral, seen in every handful of sand”, the article read.

Pink Beach of Zamboanga
Pink Beach of Zamboanga

The serenity of the place, the gentle sun kiss, the refreshing breeze, and the beautiful foliage of greens work together to give every guest a calming feel.

If you want to experience the beach yourself, set your worries aside and book a flight to Zamboanga City. Don’t worry, Zamboanga is a safe place. The “happenings” you heard from the news are merely isolated cases.

I love Zamboanga marker at the Great Santa Cruz Island
I love Zamboanga marker

How to Get There

From Manila or Cebu City, take a flight to Zamboanga City. You can also get to Zamboanga from Dumaguete by ferry via Dapitan City port. Zamboanga City is also accessible from any point of Mindanao through the region’s extensive bus network.

From Zamboanga City, take a tricycle to Paseo Del Mar. The boat station to the Great Santa Cruz Island is located beside the Centro Latino building.

The Great Santa Cruz Island boat station in Paseo del Mar
The Great Santa Cruz Island boat station in Paseo del Mar

A boat to the pink beach costs ₱1,000 for a two-way trip, and it can carry up to 10 individuals. Travel takes only 20 minutes. The earliest boat leaves at 07AM.

If you are a solo traveler, you can join with other groups to share with the boat fare. You can use your charm here.

Upon landing, the island’s caretaker collects ₱25 per person for environmental fee.

Things to Note

  • The island is open from 07AM to 2PM only. This means that camping or overnight stays are not allowed. I got a chance to chat with the caretaker and he said that the 7-2PM window policy is only for the time being. There are plans to open the island for overnight stays. However, he did not disclose as to when would that option becomes available.
  • The island accommodates up to 400 guests a day only. So make sure you book your slot in advance or go the boat station as early as possible, especially during peak seasons. For inquiries or advance booking, you may contact the tourism office at +63 927 283 5684.
  • The island is relatively safe. Armed security personnel from the PNP and Armed Forces are deployed.
  • You cannot explore the inner part of the island. If you really want to, you need to ask for a police escort. The mangrove sanctuary and lagoon is temporarily closed for public access.
Maritime patrol boat station at the Great Santa Cruz Island in Zamboanga City
Maritime patrol boat station at the Great Santa Cruz Island
  • Mobile signal is available along the Pink Beach. You can upload Instagram stories and My Day videos without issues.
  • Cottages with grill stations are available for rent.
  • Bring enough food and drinking water for your stay.
  • Liquors and any alcoholic beverages are strictly not allowed.
  • Spear fishing is prohibited.
Police stationed at Santa Cruz Island Zamboanga
Speaking of Police visibility
  • BE A RESPONSIBLE TRAVELER OR TOURIST. Always remember to internalize and follow the “traveler’s creed”: Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but pictures, and kill nothing but time.

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