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.
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.
Mt. Pinokis is two kilometers away, also found in Lison Valley. The mountain features forests inhabited by monkeys and gorillas. It is currently under consideration for development.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Lower Sibatang Hanging Bridge is 27 meters in length, again, with wooden planks suspended by support cables.
Bagalupa Hanging Bridge stands as the longest at 80 meters in length. All three bridges are safe and fully functional.
Dao Dao Island – a big island has an area of 1.1057 hectares and is a 7-10 minutes ride by motorboat from the seaport. One can see a magnificent views of a bed of Coral Reefs. This is ideal for swimming and boating.
Mabait Beach – located in Barangay Poloyagan, about 2 kilometer from Pagadian proper, available for fishing and swimming.
Puting Balas – a stretch of white sand beach just five minutes via motorboat southern of the seaport. Clear, deep, blue water (even at low tide) are ideal for swimming and diving.
Agro-Tourism and Heritage Complex (AHC) – located a mere 5 minutes away from the center of Pagadian, the AHC is an adventure lover’s delight with its variety of thrills, from the quaint charm of the Cultural village, the soothing serenity of the Butterfly Park, to the breathtaking excitement of the Canopy Walk and Zipline. It is truly a feast for the senses.
Lakewood – an adventure to Lakewood is best if one reaches the site shortly before the sun sets. When night falls, the serenity is disturbed only by the croaking of crickets. At daybreak, one can feel the cool mountain breeze and witness the fog slowly moving down the lake from the nearby mountains. Dugout boats dart in and out of the early morning mist that blanket the impeccably still waters it a perfect for lake cruising.
Dive Sites – the dive sites of ZamboSur are among the best in the country. The water quality and coral formations have been proclaimed by diver-tourist as world class.
MAHAYAG SPRING - Mahayag is located in the eastern part of the province. It is richly endowed by nature with rich tourism potentials. The Eriberta Springs and Mt. Malindang Resort will undoubtedly cool each excursionist from the tropical heat with inviting gush^of spring water cascading down the rocks.
BAYOG - Bayog is approximately 82 kilometers off Pagadian City. Among the major attractions of Bayog are the hot springs in Segacad, the Loperzan Waterfalls, Buco Waterfalls and the subterranean river in Balumbonan.
DUMINGAG - Be completely attuned with nature as Dumingag mini-forest and herons' sanctuary offer visitors with serenity that soothes jaded souls .
TUKURAN - Tukuran boasts of Fort Military and a 70-hectare marine sanctuary that is a haven of colorful and large corals as well as other forms of marine life.
PANIKIAN ISLAND
A 30-minute banca ride from Pitogo will bring you to Panikian Island where long stretches of fine white sand and clear blue waters beckon both, swimmers and scuba divers.
LAPUYAN - Lapuyan takes pride in Lapuyan Falls and its Cultural Village where the rich and unique Subanens can be revisited.
LAKEWOOD - About 49 kilometers from Pagadian City, Lakewood is totally enchanting, serene and grandiose,
SOMINOT - Sominot is an excellent example of divine engineering. In some caves, it is said that it will take an adventurer from sunrise to sunset to walk and crawl from one cave to another!