Siquijor in the Philippines is located southeast of Cebu island and southwest of Bohol. What sights attract tourists to Siquijor island?
Keep reading this post provided necessary information for first timers planning visit to Siquijor island, Philippines. You can get details on how to get there, things to do and see, best places to stay and more.
Click here if you want to join private tour to Siquijor Island.
General Information
- Island area: 343.5 square km.
- Large cities: the administrative center is Siquijor town.
- Feature: the most mystical island of the Philippines.
- On the map: link.
Siquijor Island is one of the islands in the Philippines that doesn’t have a very good reputation. Ghosts supposedly live here and voodoo is practiced, people are hypnotized, and so on.
The island is indeed inhabited by healers who use traditional methods of treatment that are not related to medicine. But it’s not so easy to find them, as most of them live near or in the municipality of San Antonio itself. You can also meet shamans at the Healing Festival, usually held on Black Saturday during Holy Week.
Things to Do in Siquijor Island
Once they discovered the island, the Spaniards called it the “Island of Fire” because of the large number of fireflies that are found here. You can also look at these insects on Palawan island. In addition to fireflies, there are many other interesting and exciting places to visit on Siquijor island. Fireflies watching tours are popular not only in Philippines, but also in Malaysia, in Kuala Selangor.
Visit Lazi Convent and Church
These buildings date back to the 1800s, there are cathedrals built from coral. The most famous and photogenic is the abandoned church of San Isidro Labrador and the monastery, which is located on the opposite side. Be respectful and make sure to dress properly, don’t forget that you cannot enter the church in shorts and sleeveless T-shirts.
As soon as the ferry arrives at the port, go to Siquijor provincial capitol. The Capitol is located three minutes walk from the pier. There you can get a free map with the main tourist attractions of Siquijor island.
Tourists visit Siquijor to take a look at the creepy and mystical sculptures. The most famous of them is the statue of the widow in Our Lady of Divine Providence church, which is located in the city of Mary.
Take a Trip to Cambugahay Falls
They are located near Lazi municipality, entrance fee 10 pesos. There is a bungee: 6 jumps – 50 pesos. The natural pool, where the water flows, is a great place for swimming. The cool azure water is very refreshing. Keep an eye on your things as in this area there are many thieves, who at any moment “make legs” to bags left unattended.
Considering that this place is also very popular among the locals, it is recommended to come here early to enjoy the beauties.
You can also visit Lugnason falls. It is located next to San Juan, it is not as impressive as Cambugahay, but no less picturesque. Another popular swimming spot on the island is Capilay Spring Park.
If you would like to visit Cambugahay Falls and Salagdoong Beach, you can join Siquijor day tour. Click here to get more info about the tour and make a reservation.
Snorkeling in Tubod Marine Sanctuary
Entry fee is 50 pesos with your equipment. If you want to rent a mask, you’ll have to pay about 80-100 pesos. Corals, hundreds of fish, sea turtles and abundance of other marine creatures await you.
Relax at One of Siquijor Beaches
Paliton is the best beach in Siquijor island with white sand, palm trees and crystal clear water. In general, the island is not rich in beaches, with several really great locations. The white sand beaches near San Juan are occupied by hotels. Salagdoong National Park is another bathing place chosen by locals.
If you want to enjoy stunning views as well, you can head to Kagusuan Beach, which is in the distance. Many beaches around Siquijor island are simply not suitable for swimming because there are many rocks, underwater urchins and corals, sand mites.
Cantabon Cave
A long and uncrowded cave with a beautiful lake inside, vegetation and refreshing coolness. You need to go there only with a guide. There are also underwater caves – they are a great place for divers. Since the trails in the caves are usually wet and slippery, make sure you have suitable shoes. The entrance to the cave is paid.
Ancient tree
This tree is already more than 400 years old, do not miss the opportunity to see it with your own eyes. Unusual, a little mysterious, it used to be a place for rituals. Today, the stream under the tree is used for fish spa treatments.
Like many other locations in the Philippines, diving is possible in Siquijor Island. The best places for diving and snorkeling in the area are the beaches in Salagoong Park and Apo Island. You can also enjoy the views while kayaking.
How to Get and Move around Siquijor
There are several ways to get to Siquijor island. If you are in Dumaguete, then you can go to the island by ferry. A ticket price is less than 200 pesos, including port fees. Travel time is about one and a half hours.
From other cities, you’ll have to fly to Dumaguete first. Cruise ships also travel from Manila to Dumaguete. A ticket price is 2500 pesos, traveling time is one day.
The second option is to rent a boat in Dumaguete and sail to the island on your own. But the rent will be more expensive than the ferry: at least 1000 pesos per day.
You can get around Siquijor island by motorcycle taxi, this is the Philippines version of the tuk-tuk. This type of transportation is the most popular. There are fixed rates for many destination points and tourist attractions from the marina port. If you come across a good driver, do not forget to write down his number so that you can call him next time, and also get small discounts on your next trips.
Another type of public transport in the Philippines are jeepneys. The journey is the cheapest, but the disadvantage is that they go very rarely.
Although the island is small, its beaches, attractions, hotels are located in such a way that it is more convenient to get to them by bike than to use public transport services.
The cost of renting a bike on the island of Siquijor is slightly higher than on other islands. The approximate price of renting a bike is around 300 pesos, if you decide to rent a bike through a hotel, you will have to pay about 500 pesos.
Since you will most likely need to rent a bike on the island of Siquijor for a few days, feel free to bargain. Another important point is the use of a helmet while riding. Although the locals will not insist or remind you of this need, remember that you can get a fine.
Where to Stay in Siquijor
There are no problems with housing in Siquijor. In every town there are mini-hotels and guest houses and other accommodation options for different budgets. For example, in San Juan, room with bathroom, but without breakfast, will cost 800 pesos per day if booked in advance, and 1000 pesos if settled on the spot.
Below we’ve mentioned the best hotels and hostels in Siquijor you can consider:
Infinity Heights Resort
Hotel with stunning ocean views, private balcony, pool and couples massage service. You can also order an airport transfer service. Free Wi-Fi and breakfast are included. Click here to get more info about this hotel.
Garden Bungalows Resort
Family-friendly hotel with pool, bar and private balconies. Hotel offers airport transfer options, bicycle rental and diving services. Free Wi-Fi is included. Click here to get more info about this hotel.
Rainbow Bay Beach & Dive Resort
This is a budget-friendly option with private pool and free parking. You can relax at wonderful garden or ejoy views from the terrace. Click here to get more info about this hotel.
