WELCOME TO THE LITTLE HONGKONG OF THE PHILIPPINES- GREATER PAGADIAN

Pagadian City is straddling the line between modernity and traditions. All the entrapments of modern technology are present for the eager tourist or local, but there is still a sense of the old, reminiscent of rural towns. Such a feeling invokes in one a sense of relaxation, perfect for anyone who wants to get away from all the trappings of a bustling metropolis. While all this is enough to warrant at least a couple days’ stay at Pagadian City, it is just icing in the cake. Pagadian is also not without its landmarks and attractions, especially the natural ones, of which the Philippines is particularly known for. And like most places that are hidden gems, searching and encountering each one is an adventure in and of itself.

Pagadian has a lot of natural resources and attractions to ease the tired minds and bodies of any visitor. For those who want to relax, embraced and cupped in Mother Nature’s bosom, there is the Lourdes Hot and Cold Springs, which is only 32 kilometers away from the city. The springs are all natural, so it is assured that they are soothing and perfectly safe. The springs are also tapped by the city’s water district as a prime source of water for the barangays, particularly Kagawasan.

Pagadian also has its share of wonderful and beautiful waterfalls that are hidden from the entrapments of modernization. Pulacan Falls is located some 12 kilometers from Pagadian City, in the town of Labangan. It covers an area of 400 square meters and is the source of water for the Labangan irrigation system. It can be easily be reached by any motorized vehicle. Since the opening of the PADAP Road, the Pulacan Falls has been getting good press, with people choosing to camp and picnic there. Lison Valley Waterfalls, on the other hand, is still relatively untouched. Located 42 kilometers northwest of Pagadian, the falls have a height of about 20-25 meters. The basin is spherical in shape and about 20 meters in diameter. The area itself is surrounded by verdant forested greens, giant ferns, and wild orchids. Lourdes Waterfalls, located in barangay Lourdes, is another great waterfalls attraction. Like the hot springs, Lourdes Waterfalls is also located some 32 kilometers away from the urban area. Manga Falls can be found 7 kilometers away from Pagadian and it is a two-layered waterfall, surrounded by huge trees that are home to white monkeys. Ditoray Waterfalls is located a bit further — 14 kilometers away — and it is worth the trip. Large stones ring the falls, making for a grandiose spectacle.

For those who are into mountain trekking and hiking, Pagadian has three mountains to choose from. The first is Mt.Susong Dalaga, which means “Maiden’s Breast”. Is has a semi-perfect cone with lush forest cover. It is found in barangay Lourdes, some 32 kilometers from the city proper. Two kilometers away is Mt. Pinokis, also found in Lison Valley. The mountain features forests inhabited by monkeys and gorillas. It is currently under consideration for development. The third is Mt. Palpalan. At 684 feet above seal level, the mountain gives the visitor a sweeping vista  of urban Pagadian City, as well as the neighboring municipalities and the deep sapphire waters of Pagadian Bay. There are also hills for those who want to climb something but are not yet ready for mountains. Dumagoc Hill is a former military reservation that, some say, follows the contours of a heart. Bulatoc Hill, on the other hand, provides a breathtaking view of the whole city and is currently the site of a flourishing subdivision. It is also very accessible from Bulatoc, as well, located just 2.6 kilometers away. There’s also Bogo Hill, at Barangay Bogo, some 4 kilometers away from the city proper. The hill is particularly good for agriculture, as well as a good area for viewing Pagadian’s beauty.

Spelunkers will also be happy to know that there are two caves in Pagadian that are considered tourist spots. The first is called Kendis Cave, and it is situated 14 kilometers away from Pagadian, and 5 kilometers away from Ditoray. It is an open-end cave spattered with plants and vegetation with large overhead crevices and two interior chambers. Manga Caves, on the other hand, are twin caves located along the equally beautiful Manga Waterfalls.

Finally, the adventurous types who fancy themselves actors in an action movie can pretend to be in one via the several hanging bridges found in Pagadian City. The La Suerte Hanging Bridge is located in barangay Lourdes. It looks just like what one would see in movies, with wooden planks suspended by cables. TheLower Sibatang Hanging Bridge is 27 meters in length, again, with wooden planks suspended by support cables. Finally, the Bagalupa Hanging Bridge stands as the longest at 80 meters in length. All three bridges are safe and fully functional.

Pagadian Rotonda – A circular park that instersects the North Diversion Road and Pajares Avenue; two of the main roads in the city. The rotonda overlooks Pagadian Bay and has a well maintained landscaped gardens. Visitors can enjoy horseback riding in the area.

Mt. Palpalan – The headland within Pagadian City, the tip of the mountain contains the transmitters of major communication systems for  a wide network coverage.  Mt. Palpalan stands 684 ft above sea level and has a panoramic view of the Pagadian City and Illana Bay.

Tawagan Sur Springs and Pool – Located in the middle of the lush fields of Tawagan Sur, Tawagan Sur Springs and Pool boasts of three different sized pools perfect for the entire family. Take a break from swimming and go fishing in their man-made fishpond. You can have your catch of the day grilled for a sumptuos meal after.

Manga Falls and Twin Caves – Home to the white monkeys, this area is a 2-layered cascading waterfalls surrounded by large trees.

Kendis Cave – The cave has  large overhead crevices and two interior chambers. Getting to the cave can only be done through horseback riding.

Bogo Hills – Offers panoramic view of the Pagadian Bay

Hanging Bridges of Bagalupa, La Suerte and Lower Sibatang – Wooden floor planks suspended on cables form the hanging bridge. Traverse the 80m long hanging bridge from Barangay Bagalupa and Barangay Lourdes or the 27m long hanging bridge from Barangay Lower Sibatang

Where to Eat in Pagadian City

Dats Diner
F.S. Pajares cor V. Sagun St., Pagadian City

Family Circle
F.S. Pajares Ave., Pagadaian City
(062) 214-1577

Pidro’s
F.S. Pajares Ave., Pagadian City

Sam’s Fastfood
Bonifacio St., Pagadaian City
(062) 215-1439

Sunburst Chicken
Bonifacio St., Pagadian City
(062) 214-1829

Avenue Foodland
Rizal Ave., Pagadian City
(062) 214-1471

Café Ilang Ilang
Aquino St., Pagadian City
(062) 214-2477

D’jango Grill and Restaurant
Lopez-Jaena St., Pagadian City
(062) 214-1709

Green House Restaurant
22 Green House Fishing Station Restaurant,Pagadian City
(062) 215-1439

10 Disco
B. Aquino St., Pagadian City

Inato Grills
F.S. Pajares Ave., Pagadian City

HOTELS and PENSION HOUSES

Hotel Alindahaw Rizal Avenue, San Francisco District, 

Pagadian City 062-215400, 062-2154001

Comment: New Hotel with Free WI-FI, Infront of GAISANO Mall

Alindahaw LakeView Resort  Biswangan LakeWood, 7014 Lakewood
                                          Phone: 09176250203

Hotel Camila J. Ariosa St. Pagadian City 214-2934

Pagadian Bay Plaza Hotel  Corner Cabrerra and Datoc Pagadian City 2154048

Comment: New Hotel with Free WI-FI 

Hotel Guillermo Rizal Avenue Pagadian City 214-1479 telefax 214-1471, 062-215400262-2154003, 62-2154003

Comment: Free WI-FI, near GAISANO Mall

New Roxan Hotel F S Pajares Pagadian City214-1683

Comment: Free WI-FI 

Princess Hotel Dablo Pagadian City 215-2242

Rainbow Hotel FS Pajares Pagadian City 214-1758

Springland Resort Hotel Tuburan Pagadian City 214-1881

Comment: With swimming pools, Tasty food, Nice Ambiance, Near the airport 

Pension de Yllana Rizal Avenue, Pagadian City

Comment: New Pension House  with Free WI-FI, Walking distance to 

              C3 Shopping Mall

RJYM Highway Inn V. Sagun St, Gatas District, Pagadian City
                            Tel: 062 215 4359 CPL 908 865 9561Comment: FREE WIFI, FREE Breakfast, P250/night

Mardale Hotel Located Cabrera Street, Pagadian City
                                 Tel: (062) 215-4366 / (062) 925 -1201

Comment: Convention and Hotel

GV Hotel Rizal Avenue, Pagadian City 7016, Philippines
                               Tel: 63 62 214 1432

4 Queens Resort National Highway, Tuburan District, Pagadian City.Philippines
                               Tel: 63 62 214 4157

Origin of the name   The city proper and surrounding areas of Muricay, Tawagan Sur and White Beach was originally named "Talpokan," an indigenous word that means "a place of numerous springs."The officially accepted origin of its name are words taken from the Iranun dialect, "pagad" (wait) and "padian" (market) which shows that Pagadian had been a trading area in the past. Other theories suggest that it was named after a bird that the native inhabitants call "Gagadian or that the city's name came from the word "Pangadyi" (Prayer), later to be known as "Pangadyian" (A place to pray or The Land of Prayers).

By Divine Providence, the Shrine of the Holy Name of Jesus in Manga becomes the landmark of Pagadian's name as LAND OF PRAYER.

COME TO THE LAND OF PRAYER, THE JERUSALEM OF THE PHILIPPINES FOR CHRISTIANS AND THE MECCA OF THE MUSLIMS.

Here united we pray to God for grace and peace.... United as one Brothers and Sisters.