Despite the island’s small size, there are a lot of great things to do on Siquijor. Come and experience the mystique charm of paradise
How to get there?
From Dumaguete City
Dumaguete City, the capital of Negros Oriental, is accessible from Manila via Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific. From Dumaguete Airport in Sibulan, ride a multican to take you to the downtown. The Port of Dumaguete is at the northern end of the Boulevard.
At the Port of Dumaguete, there are numerous departures of fast craft and ferry to Siquijor daily starting at 5:45 AM and as late as 7PM. Fast craft rate is P160 one-way, travel time is one hour. RoRo ferry rate is P115 one-way with almost two hours of voyage.
From Cebu City, Oslob, Tagbilaran and Iligan
The ports of Cebu, Tagbilaran and Iligan have direct links to Siquijor by ferry or boat. Meanwhile, Oslob in South Cebu, has a direct link to the town of Larena, Siquijor.
Places To Visit in Siquijor
CAMBUGAHAY FALLS
Cambugahay Falls Siquijor is possibly everyone’s favorite in the island. Purely because of the size of the pools and the three different tiers! Oh, and the multiple rope swings.
Many tourists head here first on their Siquijor itinerary!
It’s an easy walk down, around 100 steps and takes just 5 mins. So pretty suitable for children and families.
CANTABON CAVE
In the centre of Siquijor island you can find Cantabon Cave which is not only famous among tourists visiting the island, but is probably one of the most beautiful and adventurous caves in the Philippines. What makes this place really special is the fact it is still not very well developed and you can feel there as part of the nature instead of part of tourist business.
Cave visit may take up to 3 hours and requires bending, crawling, flexing and being ready to get wet and dirty.
Scary? Well, it may seem to be not easy or comfy, but in fact it is easy and experience is just breathtaking, worth all the efforts. The white rocks, columns, stalactites and stalagmites, which reflect in the water, will leave you best memories from this place. Every few meters of the exploring you will get eye-catching pictures and you easily forget that you are spending lots of time with your feet in the water.
Cantabon Cave may get more wet during rainy season, as the level of water increases significantly reaching mid-chest level in some places. Some days it may not be possible to enter the cave unless you do not care and do not afraid of water. Just find a local guide who will take you there and that’s all.
PALITON BEACH
Paliton Beach is known for its pristine waters, white fine sand beach, and tall coconut trees – which all contribute to complete summer feels. People often call this beach as the “Mini Boracay of Siquijor”. Locals even sometimes make a sand castle for tourists’ photo ops. Also, you can take a picture while being on the Amazing Coconut Tree.
Sunset in this beach gives serenity and melancholic ambiance. You can witness the changing of the sky from bright orange to burning red until it comes to complete darkness.
Due to shallow waters, this beach is also good for snorkeling. Entrance fee is free.
Best to swim and snorkel is during high tides and North East monsoon.
SALAGDOONGBEACHRESORT
At Salagdoong Beach you can experience one of the most exciting and thrilling attractions on the island – a cliff jumping to the crystal water.
Beach itself is not sandy, it is rather like most of the beaches on this side of the island – a little bit rocky and made up of small white dead corals and shells. That is nothing bad of course especially the water here is crystal blue and most of the time very calm. Perfect spot to swim and relax. It is possible to rent a kayak, too.
Salagdoong Beach is famous for its real attraction, which brings lots of people here. All of those, who love jumping to the water, as well as those who wants to break own barriers. There are two concrete platforms, one about 7 meters, second one about 10 meters high. Not so high you may say. Well, try to place yourself at the edge of one of these platforms and jump down to the water. The water in Salagdoong is very inviting but many people just go up, look around and down, take picture and escape J However those who are brave enough speak with one voice: this is extraordinary experience!
OLD ENCHANTED BALETE TREE
A 400+ year old Balete Tree in Campalanas including a fish spa at the bottom of the tree.
It is a bit of a weird combination: the ancient old tree looks like it rises from a foot – fish spa.
To know that Balete Trees in the Philippines are seen as sacred, mystical trees, some say they even house evil spirits and to see Filipino people and foreigners sitting relaxed side by side with their feet dangling in the water while little fish nibble their toes, gives a strong contrast between superstition and relax lifestyle.
The care-taker where you pay your entrance fee of 5 pesos is a nice talkative man. He tells a little about the tree.
The tree is majestic, gigantic, you have to take it in. Once you focus and get to the bottom of it to have your picture taken you realize how small you are in comparison. It towers over you with lush green, filtering the sunlight.
LUGNASON FALLS
Apart from the famous Cambugahay falls of Siquijor, you can also choose Lugnason Falls as a side-trip. Even though it is smaller than Cambugahay, it is still a delightful place to drop-by especially because it’s free to visit.
Swim, swing or climb at the waterfall, before you know it you’ve spent a couple of hours relaxing and playing around. There is no entrance fee and the locals hanging around are there to have a good time with you.
LAZICHURCHANDCONVENT
The San Isidro Labrador Parish and Convent in Lazi, Siquijor are reminiscent of the old Spanish settlement in the province. Constructed by Augustinian Recollects, the Baroque church was established in 1857. The convent, one of the oldest and biggest in the country was erected in 1887.
BUTTERFLYSANCTUARY
Observe and inspect a variety of colorful butterflies and dragonflies at Siquijor Butterfly Sanctuary. The ecologically minded facility raises species collected from the immediate area, Asia, and the rest of the world, with a view to release them into the wild. Here you can see each stage of this creature’s fascinating life cycle, from vibrant and alien looking caterpillars, through a range of pupae, to the final majestic finished product (including the huge Attacus Atlas moth). You can buy moderately priced snacks and refreshments on site, with a small donation required for entry.
GUIWAHONSPRINGPARK
This is unique sanctuary of huge and old mangrove trees one can admire walking along man-made wooden bridges. There are few bamboo huts and platforms where you can sit and enjoy marvelous environment and views on the sea and neighboring island. 10 pesos admission fee is fair enough for a short break in the nature on the road between Siquijor and Larena.
BANDILAANMOUNTAINANDFOREST
Good to know: During rainy season, power cuts occur more than usual.
WiFi
Staying connected via WiFi on Siquijor is challenging. Most larger restaurants offer a slow connection, just enough to email or Whatsapp. It’s best to buy a sim card in advance which seems to work through the entire island.
Motorbike rental
Different from other islands in the Philippines, Siquijor’s main transport is a motorbike. While arriving at the harbor, you can directly rent a motorbike. This should cost 350 – 500 PHP per day depending on the season.
Driving around by motorbike is one of the best things to do on Siquijor.
