SIQUIJOR

The Island of Siquijor is often referred to as a mystical land, known for its association with witches, sorcerers, and folk healers. Despite its negative reputation, Siquijor is gradually gaining recognition from foreign and local tourists and travelers. Hidden in this small island are pristine beaches, incredible waterfalls, enchanting underground caves, lush greenery, and beautiful coral reefs.

Table of Contents

• Things To Know Before Visiting Siquijor

• 40-foot Pitogo

• Paliton Beach

• Old Balete Tree

• Cambugahay Falls

• Mount Bandilan National Park

• Salagdoong Beach

• How to get to Siquijor

• Getting Around Siquijor

• Accommodations

• Estimated Budget

• Sample Itinerary

• Essentials

• Quick Tips

Things To Know Before Visiting Siquijor

ATM AVAILABILITY

San Juan’s main town has only a few ATM machines. Most establishments, including restaurants, prefer cash. Only a few places accept credit cards, and Gcash is also an option in some places.

BEST MONTHS TO TRAVEL

The best month to travel is from February to May which is the driest. Don’t forget, it’s also the peak season, especially with the Folk Healing Festival happening during the Lenten season.

Best area To Stay

The best area to stay on the Island of Siquijor is San Juan, where most restaurants and hotels are located. The main tourist attractions are just a short drive away.

Here are the MOST VISITED Tourists Spots in Siquijor

• Pitogo Cliff

This is a thrilling 40-foot cliff in the heart of San Juan, Siquijor. Its name originated from Pitogo trees that grow in the area. Pitogo Cliff offers a stunning backdrop for travel enthusiasts. For a 30-peso entrance fee, you can enjoy the breathtaking view and walk down the stairs for a better angle just above sea level. During our visit, we were looking forward to enjoying swimming and cliff diving, but unfortunately, there was a ban in place at that time. Regardless, we still love its deep blue-green ocean that reflects the clear blue sky. Beware, as the rocks in this place are sharps. The place is not recommended for kids.

You can also explore the area on the left side, which offers a picturesque shoreline, or wander under the pitogo trees for a jungle-like effect. In a narrow area at the top of the cliff, you can pay 50 pesos for amazing photos and videos taken by daredevil locals.

                                          Photo courtesy of Wenz

• Paliton Beach

It is famous for its enchanting sunsets, pristine white beaches, and coastline dotted with coconut trees. This is one of Siquijor’s most visited tourist spots. With only a 20 peso entrance fee you can enjoy its fine white sand and vitamin sea. There are mini-stores where you can buy food whenever you feel hungry. Pay 50 pesos to have your photo taken with the giant swing against the backdrop of the sunset. The image above does not fully capture the beautiful sunset due to the cloudy weather that day.

     Photo courtesy of Wenz

Take note that Paliton Beach is divided into two sections. The first section offers a longer shoreline and where the swing was located. The other beach, known as Pontod Beach, has a shorter shoreline and its mini-stores. Don’t worry, you only need to pay the entrance fee once for the whole day, and it’s valid for both beaches. You can enjoy watching the sunsets on both beaches. During our trip, we also came across quite a bit of sargassum scattered around and noticed a few pieces of plastic trash here and there. I hope the local community can preserve the beauty of this place and inspire everyone who visits to cherish and protect it.

• Old Balete Tree

A four-hundred-year-old Balate tree located in Lazi, Siquijor. According to our guide, the natural spring flows right beneath the Balete tree, making it even more mystical and enchanting. Though the source remains unknown to locals, its water is considered clean and safe.

The fish spa experience was so much fun. We were expecting smaller nibble fish, but it turns out there were plenty of bigger ones. You may experience more tingling sensations, especially with the larger ones. Nonetheless, it’s quite an experience. Don’t forget to strike a pose under the old Balete tree. Rising tall and majestic this centenarian spectacle is a must-stop on the Island of Siquijor. The entrance fee is 10 pesos, and you can buy souvenirs at their mini-stores or dine at their restaurant.

• Cambugahay Falls

Located in Lazi Siquijor, this is the most visited waterfall on the Island of Siquijor. A guide will accompany you to the waterfall, note the guide fee is a donation only. To get there, you have to walk down the 135-step stairs. Cambugahay Falls is a beautiful three-tier waterfall tucked away in the jungle to the north of the town of Lazi.

                                           Photo courtesy of Wenz

The main waterfall is about 24-25 meters wide. All tiers are between 2 and 4 meters in height. Cambugahay Falls is famous for its cold, turquoise-blue water that flows down from the mountain tops, making it a hit with tourists and locals alike. I suggest visiting in the early morning to avoid the crowds. Feel free to try out their unlimited swing for just 50 pesos! Just keep in mind that there might be a bit of a wait for each jump due to the forming queues. Don’t forget to check out the upper area of the waterfall! It’s usually less crowded up there, and a bit further away from the entrance. You can leave your belongings on a nearby table by the waterfall, and a lady will watch them for just 50 pesos.

• Mount Bandilaan National Park

Mount Bandilan is the highest peak of the Malabog Mountain range, located on the Island of Siquijor, with an elevation of 557 feet above sea level. It offers a panoramic 360-degree view of the entire Siquijor.

An almost 30-minute travel time is required to reach Mount Bandilaan from the main highway in San Juan via a Habal-habal. We encountered a few bumpy roads on our journey, but overall, it was a smooth ride. You’ll know you’re getting close when the wind shifts to a cooler breeze and the sunlight slowly disappears, as the lush trees envelop your way. When you arrive, start walking the short pathway to the viewing tower. After that, you can climb the steps of the 15-meter viewing tower and be awed by the fantastic view of the whole of Siquijor Island.

Additionally, on your way to Mount Bandilaan, you can have a stopover in Cantabon Cave and walk under some stalagmites and stalactites, sad to say it was close during our visit.

• Salagdoong Beach

Located in Maria Siquijor, this was the farthest of all the places that we’ve visited. A 50-minute drive from the main tourist area in San Juan. Salagdoong Beach is known for its fine white sands epic cliff diving, and relaxing secluded beach.

Salagdoong Beach has two beautiful cove lines. The northern part is a longer stretch of fine white sand beach where accommodations are located. While the southern part offers a beautiful secluded cove with a white sand beach and rocks. The majority of the swimmers spend most of their time here. Cliff jumping is one of the main attractions here in Salagdoong and one for thrill seekers. They have two diving areas a 5-meter and a 10-meter dive. I tried the 5-meter dive, and jumping into the turquoise ocean was amazing. The crystal clear water allowed me to see some corals and small fishes.

The tour in Siquijor is divided into two parts. The Mountain Tour covers the trip to Mount Bandilaan and Cantabon Cave, but you can add to visit the Butterfly Sanctuary as this is just around the area. In contrast, the Coastal Tour covers all the Land tours, including churches. We have chosen not to include certain places on our Coastal tour. For Mount Bandilaan we chose to make it DIY since Cantabon Cave was closed at that time. However, you can choose to do all these tours yourself, especially when you rent a motorbike. We missed out on visiting some amazing tourist spots in Siquijor because some of them were closed, and there was an ongoing swimming ban at the time, including the other waterfalls in Lazi, the Broomstick Challenge, the Marine Sanctuary in Tubod, Maite, and Tulapos, and the Cantabon and Sambulawan Caves. Hopefully, we’ll get to check them out on our next visit!

How to get to Siquijor

Note that the Island of Siquijor does not have its own airport; however, it is easily accessible from Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental. Access from the ferry is also possible, but it takes hours.

Manila to Siquijor

1. Fly to Dumaguete City. Manila to Dumaguete is about 1.5 hours.
2. Hop on a tricycle to Dumaguete Sea Port. It’s just a 15-20 minute ride and the fare is around Php 150.00.
3. Purchase a ticket, the fare is Php 340.00, pay the terminal fee of Php 25.00, and board a ferry to Siquijor. The travel time is approximately 1 hour.

Cebu to Siquijor (Bus and Ferry via Dumaguete)

1. Purchase a ticket at Cebu South Bus Terminal to Dumaguete City. Travel time, including the ferry ride, typically ranges from 5 to 6 hours.
2. At Liloan, you will transfer to a ferry that will take you to Santander in Negros Oriental.
3. Upon arrival in Negros, you will continue your journey on land to Dumaguete.
4. Then hop on a ferry to Siquijor. The total fare is around Php 550-650.00.

Getting Around Siquijor

Motorbike

The easiest and cheapest way to get around Siquijor is via motorbikes. Just outside Siquijor Port, you can rent a motorbike ranging from Php350.00 – Php 500.00 helmet included per day. Note that a Driver’s License is a must.

Tricycle and Tuktuk

The second most affordable transportation option is to rent a tricycle. During our trip, we hired a tuk-tuk for our coastal tour at a price of Php 1,500.00.

Multicab

If you’re traveling in a group, a multi-cab is suitable at Php 1,800.00 per vehicle and can accommodate up to 15 passengers.

Van Tour

This tour starts at Php 2,500.00-3,000.00, depending on the hours and places you visit. It is most often offered in hotels.

Accommodations

These are places that we stayed during our Siquijor trip.

Aventura Bed and Breakfast

This pet-friendly hostel is just 500 meters from Maite Marine Sanctuary Nature Preserve in San Juan. It features the traditional Filipino bahay kubo, complete with a private bathroom with a bidet and warm water. Wifi is available. There is no air conditioning, but a fan is provided, and it works just fine. They also offer breakfast at Php 180.00 at a small lounge just a few steps from the cottages, which were prepared perfectly.

The Bruce

Situated on the white beach of Solangon in San Juan, this family-run resort offers a variety of accommodations, from bamboo tree houses, beachfront cottages, and air-conditioned studio deluxe rooms to spacious economy rooms. Room Rate Starts at Php 1,200.00 up to Php 6,000.00. Facilities offered are a swimming pool, kayaks, billiards, Haroohay Bar and Restaurant right on the beach, which hosts a band on Saturday nights. Free Wi-Fi can also be enjoyed. Other services include Laundry, Motorbike Rental, Coastal Tour, and Full Body Massage. For more details, you may check their website at https://www.thebruceresort.com/

Here are the expenses for this trip (airfare and food excluded)

Fast craft (back and forth) – Php 650.00 / person (Montenegro Fastcraft) and Php 35.00 terminal fee

Adventura – Php 988.03 /  night

The Bruce – Php 2,497.00 /  night

Coastal tour  – Php 1,500.00

Mount Bandilaan National Park – Php 600.00 / person (Habal2)

Entrance fee and Parking

Pitogo Cliff – Php 30.00 / person  and  Php 50.00 (picture and photo)

Old Balate Tree – Php 20.00 / person and Php 10.00 parking

Cambugahay Falls – Php 50.00 / person, Php 50.00 unlimited swing, Php 50.00 keeper, and Php 5.00 parking, tour guide Php 200.00 (optional)

Paliton Beach – Php 20.00 / person and Php 50.00 swing

Salagdoong Beach – Php 50.00 / person and Php 20.00 parking

Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival + Coastal tour

7:00AM – ETD Dumaguete Port

8:10AM – ETA Siquijor

8:30AM – Start Coastal Tour

12:15PM –  Lunch

1:30PM – Continue Coastal Tour

5:30PM – Back at the Resort

7:00PM – Dinner

Day 2  Mountain tour

7:30AM – Begin Mountain Tour

8:00AM – Cantabon Cave Spelunking

11:00AM – Mount Bandilaan National Park

12:30PM –  Lunch

2:00PM – Butterfly Sanctuary

4:30PM – ETD Siquijor Port

5:20PM – ETA Dumaguete Port

Essentials:

• Sun Protection
• Mosquito repellent
• Bottled Water
• Extra clothes
• Extra pocket money
• Camera
• Power bank 

Quick Tips

• Certain roads may not be accurately mapped on Google Maps. If you find yourself uncertain of your location, local people are friendly and willing to help you find your way.

• Please ensure that you have ample cash with you or utilize the ATM in San Juan or near the port, as there are presently few locations on the island with ATMs.

• The signal strength on the island is inconsistent, and the Wi-Fi frequently disconnects. If you need a reliable internet connection to get work done, this may not be your ideal location.

• Always follow the Leave No Trace principle: Pack out all trash and dispose of it properly.

Take away

“To fully appreciate something, one must witness it; to truly feel, one must experience it.” Let’s continue to dream, wander, and explore. So many unique places are waiting for us to discover, countless adventures to embark on, and incredible people to meet.  So LIVE! Until next time. #Amping