Nature’s Gift: Discovering the New Zealand of Zamboanga del Sur

Nature helps calm anxiety and stress, bringing peace through its gentle sounds, fresh air, and quiet presence, which reminds us to slow down and connect with ourselves.

Today is a legal holiday here in the Philippines. Beforehand, today was already planned to be our day for a nature trip. My partner and I agreed to visit some of the popular nature spots in our province. One of the spots that we visited today was the New Zealand of Sominot, Zamboanga del Sur.

I have heard about this place many times from Facebook posts and reels. With its plain greenery and stunning panoramic view from above, it became popular on social media.

From the heart of the municipality of Sominot, Zamboanga del Sur, we took an inner road going East for about 30 minutes. Some parts of the road were not that good, rough roads, muddy holes, and literally rocky roads, yet we pursued the journey. It was manageable with our bike, anyhow.

When we started to climb on that not-so-steep road, the scenery got even better. Plain green grasslands and stunning landscapes unfolded before our very eyes. It was so soothing to the mind and heart. Everything looks bright green with a few cows, goats, and horses clinging to the slopes while enjoying the grass.

We also saw some travellers like us on the next mountains enjoying their photoshoots. We stopped on one of the hills and saw the stunning panorama below. The Salug Valley was clearly visible from above, a patch of land filled with ricefields.

Every slope, every hill seemed to be designed to resemble New Zealand. It was then that I understood why the place is named after this beautiful country.

I felt recharged yet relaxed. I felt calm yet energetic. I felt relaxed, yet something inside me is leaping with joy. My eyes were fed, my heart was filled, and my mind felt relieved.

My partner and I enjoyed taking photos, hopping from hill to hill. That place would be perfect as a campsite, but I think the local government has not yet decided to develop the place. Anyhow, it's good. Nature's beauty must be preserved and must remain untouched as much as possible.

Our short trip to the New Zealand of Sominot reminded me that true peace and happiness can be found in nature. The green hills, fresh air, and quiet beauty gave us rest and joy that no busy city can offer. Sometimes, all we need is to step outside, breathe, and let nature heal us.