I visited this Island way back February 2015 when I went back home to Dumaguete. I was raised in Negros and was born in Zamboanga. I never get the chance to visit this place since it was believed for most Filipinos mysterious other-world of witchcraft and the unknown. True, this tiny island province is famous for its mountain-dwelling mangkukulam (healers) who brew traditional ointments for modern ailments. But these days Siquijor's most popular healing practice involves a cocktail and a deckchair at any number of its laid-back and wonderfully affordable beach resorts. Attractions include great diving, waterfalls, caves and forest walks in the hilly interior. Just about everywhere on Siquijor is great for snorkeling. Since I started travelling in some beautifully places in the Philippines I’ve seen a lot of good reviews about this Island that made me fall in love to try and experience how to be in Siquijor.
Credit to the owner of the photo.
Credit to the owner of the photo.
A little background about SIQUIJOR;
Siquijor is an island province in Central Visayas also known as Isla del Fuego as the Spanish named it. It lies southeast from Cebu and Negros across Cebu Strait (also called Bohol Strait) and southwest from Bohol. Siquijor is the third smallest province of the Philippines.
The island is predominantly hilly and in many places the hills reach the sea, producing precipitous cliffs. At the center, Mount Malabahoc (locally known as Mount Bandila‑an, the highest point on the island. Three marine terraces can be roughly traced especially in the vicinity of Tag‑ibo on the southwestern part of the island, a barrio of San Juan municipality from the seacoast up into the central part.
Siquijor is a coralline island, and fossils of the giant clam tridacna are often encountered in the plowed inland fields. On the hilltops there are numerous shells of the molluscan species presently living in the seas around the island. Siquijor was probably formed quite recently, geologically speaking.
How to get there;
There are several passenger boats daily from Dumaguete pier in downtown to Siquijor town (120PHP GL Lines, 200PHP OceanJet) and some larger Roro boats (100PHP, slower). Most of the boats leave before 2pm. GL lines may tell you to turn up at 5.15am for their earliest trip, only for the boat not to arrive until 7am. There are also several boats a week between Tagbilaran on Bohol and Larena.
From Siquijor port tricycles have "fixed" prices for tourists. For example, Siquijor port to San Juan town should be 250 pesos per trip (13km). They have printed price lists in the tricycle as these are officially approved prices, but if you ask for the price, most drivers will start at 500 or more. Remember to confirm whether the agreed rate is per person or total.
Even though it is not generally known there is an airport in Siquijor town. There is no scheduled traffic but if time is important and money unlimited, ask about possibility of renting a private aircraft to fly you there - it is possible.
How to get around;
Hire a motorbike for around 280-350 pesos per day (cheaper for long term). Available from Siquijor & Larena towns and many resorts, you may also be offered motorbike rental from a tricycle driver. Before renting, check if helmets are included (they should be!) and if price per day means 24 hours or i.e. 8AM to 6PM (some resorts require you to return motorbike before sunset). You won't have to leave your passport with the renter, any form of ID should do the trick, even a photocopy.
Credit to the owner of the photo.
Hire a tricycle. Tricycles are now using a tariff system with fixed prices for tourists. They are much more expensive than on other islands. For example, Siquijor town to Larena (10km) costs P250 regular fare. Opposite the waiting line for the tricycles you will find a price board with government approved prices - look here first before approaching a driver! When ordering a Tricycle from your hotel, haggle hard (on other islands it only costs a tourist about 10PHP per km...) work out distances before you start!
Credit to the owner of the photo.
Jump on a Jeepney. Jeepneys run between the main towns on the island, although somewhat infrequently. Ask your accommodation for up to date information.
Credit to the owner of the photo.
What we did was we rent a tricycle amounting php.1000 pesos for 4 person that covers a trip to Capilay’s Spring, old Balete Tree, Cabugahay Falls and Salagdoong Beach Resort.
What to Expect about Siquijor;
Capilay Spring Park
There’s a lot of beautiful places to enjoy in Siquijor. Here are some of the places I visited in Siquijor. Capilay Spring Park in the town of San Juan nestled on the southwest coast of the island-province. Located in San Juan. Capilay It is well-known natural spring parks in Siquijor. This natural, open-to-the-public swimming pool is right in the middle of the town plaza where everyone is free to take a plunge into its refreshing spring waters.
It has 3 three main areas, such as the upper pool, the swimming pool and the laundry pool, all flowing into the nearby ocean. The park has a grotto of our lady of Lourdes and to have better view of the entire park, you can even do a little hiking and climb the hill that leads you to the town’s church.
During weekends it is the place for some locals to enjoy and a bonding place together with their families. The cold and crystal like water that made fall in love with Capilays Spring Park.
The old Enchanted Balete Tree
After enjoying Capilay’s Spring Park our driver took us where this Enchanted Balete Tree located. It was just ordinary hearing a huge balete tree and think that it’s just a normal tree. I was mesmerized upon seeing this huge tree. What the local’s did since it is producing a fresh water from the roots they made a swimming pool under the tree. It was believed that the 400 years old Balete tree is enchanted due to the fresh water flowing and the fishes living. They provided fish spa service for a minimum cost of Php 5.00 or you can donate any amount you want. The water coming out of the tree made the pool for the fishes so they created the fish spa. We stayed here for an hour. Our five pesos was totally worth it because its fish-spa-all-you-want. I was just so afraid of the big fishes that they might sucked my whole feet.
The place is clean and well-maintained. They even placed tiles on the edges so people can sit down without getting dirty. There are also stores near the tree selling souvenirs like the voodoo dolls and love potions. What made me sad was seeing the caged monkey. This old enchanted tree is one of the main reasons why Siquijor is becoming popular nowadays. People should visit this place and abandon the idea that this place is scary and mysterious. Siquijor alone is beautiful in all areas. People are friendly and nice, too.
Cabugahay Falls
Waterfalls? I have this feeling that is hard to explain seeing waterfalls. It seems magical, imagining myself in fairy tales. Haha! This beautiful water falls is located in Lazi, Siquijor. It is famous for its three-tiered falls, two of which are smaller and shallower, perfect if you’re bringing some kids along.
It was a challenged going down in the stone stairs but it was all worth it. The water is very clear and blue. At the lowest tier, there’s an improvised swing you can use for free and experienced how to swing like Tarzan. You can also jump but make sure to asked guidance from the people there where the safest part is. The lowest tier is where most tourists swim. It’s the biggest and probably the deepest as well. There are available makeshift tables and chairs free of use. Make sure you have packed food for you to eat since there’s no available restaurant around the place. (Hello! Bundok po yun! Lol) But at the parking area there are some vendors selling snacks but it’s always better to have packed food with you.
San Isidro Labrador Parish
San Isidro Labrador Parish is one of the oldest churches in the island of Siquijor and right beside it is an equally old and silent convent. It still holds mass and sometimes the priest takes you at the convent for a tour. Inside the convent, there’s a museum where you only have to pay for a minimal fee of about Php20 each. The museum contains very old religious artifacts and antiques like an old friar’s diary, wood-carved saints and other 19th century items. It is STRICTLY prohibited taking pictures inside the museum. The first level of the convent was made of stone walls with a u-shape structure while the second level was made of panels and wood studs. According to the priest Lazi Convent is said to be the largest and oldest convent in Asia. It was amazing seeing places like this.
Salagdoong Beach Resort
Beach? Who wouldn’t love it? The sound of the waves make me feel really relaxed. When I felt the sand it’s a feeling that is hard to explain. Sometimes I felt like I belong to the water because of these weird feelings seeing beaches. Haha! (Baka isa akong Bangus. Lol!)
Credit to the owner of the photo.
Credit to the owner of the photo.
Salagdoong was our last stop before going back to Dumaguete. We spent much hours here comparing from other Siquijor sites. We also had our lunch here since there’s no Jollibee, Mcdo and KFC on the Island. The food experience was surreal. (Mahal nga lang ng Konti! #KuripotHere lol!) The place was perfect. I would love to visit here again. I can't imagine my one day experience here in the Majestic Island of Siquijor was really a good story to tell.
Hanggang sa susunod na Biyahe!
Please watch Joey Granath Video Blog about Siquijor!
