Despite its reputation as a place of magic and enchantment, Siquijor is also a paradise for travelers seeking natural beauty and adventure.
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| Siquijor Welcome Sign |
This is the story of how I experienced Siquijor in the most spontaneous way possible—without fixed plans, just the thrill of exploration and the excitement of discovering the unknown.
Before Going to Siquijor
Here are some of the important things you need to know when you are traveling to Siquijor:
- Language: Cebuano (Bisaya) is the primary language spoken. Some locals understand Tagalog and English.
- Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP). Cash is the preferred mode of payment as ATMs are limited.
- Best Time to Visit: Dry season (November to May) is the best time to enjoy Siquijor’s beaches and waterfalls.
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| Political map of Siquijor Province |
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Getting to Siquijor
It was back in 2014 when I planned a DIY trip to Siquijor with my girlfriend. We booked a flight with Cebu Pacific from Manila (NAIA) to Dumaguete–Sibulan Airport in Negros Oriental. From there, our journey to Siquijor was just a ferry ride away.
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| Dumaguete Airport |
The moment we stepped out of the airport, we were met with a familiar sight—people waiting for passengers, some were family members, others were drivers offering transport at what I call “airport rates” (you know what I mean).
Tricycle and taxi drivers swarmed us with offers, but a man on a motorbike approached and offered a ride for 80 pesos. That’s when we had our first experience with the habal-habal, a popular mode of transportation in the Visayas. It was a no-brainer—why pay double when we could ride in true backpacker style?
Our driver, Jing Jing, wasted no time and took us straight to Dumaguete Seaport. We were a little anxious about whether we could still catch a trip to Siquijor that afternoon, but luck was on our side.
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| Getting off the ferry upon our arrival at Larena Port |
We managed to secure tickets for a 6 PM ferry ride to Larena via Montenegro Shipping Lines, which cost 170 pesos per head, plus a 15-peso terminal fee. With some time to spare before departure, we asked Jing Jing for a good place to eat nearby. He brought us to Atong Kamalig, a small eatery near the pier, where we had a satisfying meal before setting off to Siquijor.
Find the Best Deals in Siquijor!
Arrival and First Night in Siquijor
By the time we arrived in Larena, it was already late. We hadn’t booked any accommodations in advance, so we asked around for recommendations. The locals, ever friendly and helpful, pointed us to North Haven Lodge, which was conveniently just a short walk from the port. It was nothing fancy—just a simple room with a bed and a TV—but at 500 pesos per night for two, it was perfect for our budget travel style.
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| Jo's Chicken Inato |
After settling in, we strolled around looking for a place to have dinner. That’s when we stumbled upon Jo’s Chicken Inato near Larena Church. Their signature grilled chicken was a must-try, and their Buko Halo-halo was a sweet treat we couldn’t resist. After a satisfying meal, we headed back to our lodging to rest for the adventures ahead.
Waking Up in Siquijor
We were awakened before sunrise by the sound of an organ playing from the nearby Larena Church. As the melody filled the morning air, we stepped outside and wandered around the quiet streets.
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| North Haven Lodge in Larena |
We met a kind old lady sweeping in front of her house and asked where we could grab breakfast. She pointed us to a small eatery that served silog meals and Siquijor’s version of puto and tsokolate—sticky rice drizzled with thick, rich hot chocolate. It was a humble yet delicious breakfast, setting the perfect mood for the day’s adventure.
Exploring Siquijor
Since we didn’t pre-book any tours, we decided to do everything on the fly. The best way to explore the island? Hiring a tricycle for the entire day.
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| Touring Siquijor with this trike |
After a bit of bargaining, we agreed to pay our driver 1,500 pesos for a full-day tour. Some travel blogs mentioned that you could get it for 1,000 pesos, but we didn’t mind the extra since it was a long ride covering multiple stops.
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| Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Enrique Villanueva |
Our first destination was Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in the town of Enrique Villanueva. The church was open but empty, a peaceful place to take in the quiet beauty of Siquijor’s religious heritage.
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| Salagdoong Beach in Maria |
From there, we continued our journey to the charming town of Maria, where we found our favorite spot on the island—Salagdoong Beach. The crystal-clear turquoise waters were irresistible.
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| Salagdoong Beach in the morning |
The resort, managed by the local government, had a minimal entrance fee of 20 pesos. Besides swimming and lounging by the shore, visitors could try cliff diving, snorkeling, or kayaking. We opted to simply enjoy the view and take a few snapshots before moving on.
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| Santa Maria Church |
Next, we visited Santa Maria Church, home to eerie stories and mystical legends. This wasn’t the last of Siquijor’s famous churches—our next stop was San Isidro de Labrador Church and Convent in Lazi, a stunning structure built with coral stones.
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| San Isidro de Labrador Church |
The convent, located just across the street, is one of the oldest in the Philippines and a nominee for UNESCO World Heritage status.
From historical sites, we shifted to nature’s wonders as we made our way to Cambugahay Falls. This three-tiered waterfall is a favorite among tourists for its inviting waters and iconic rope swing.
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| One of the cascades of Cambugahay Falls |
Although we weren’t adventurous enough to try it ourselves, watching other travelers swing and dive into the blue waters was entertaining enough. For those who want a closer experience, bamboo rafts are available for rent.
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| Campalanas Balete Tree |
One of the most intriguing stops was the 400-year-old Balete Tree in Campalanas, believed to be enchanted. Underneath it was a natural spring where you could dip your feet for a relaxing fish spa.
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| Fish spa |
This was one of our favorite experiences on the island—it was free, though a small donation was appreciated for maintenance.
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| Capilay Spring Park |
Our tour ended in San Juan, known for its long coastline of beautiful beaches. While we didn’t have enough time to stay at any, our driver took us to Capilay Spring Park, a public spring where locals gathered to relax and cool off.
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| St. Francis of Assisi Church |
Finally, we reached our last stop, St. Francis of Assisi Church in Siquijor town, right near the port. We grabbed lunch and collected our tickets for the 2 PM OceanJet ferry back to Dumaguete.
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| Oceanjet Ferry |
The ride was smoother and shorter—just 40 minutes compared to the hour-long Montenegro ferry we took on arrival.
Other Must-Visit Spots in Siquijor
Paliton Beach – Known for its stunning sunsets.
Tubod Marine Sanctuary – A great spot for snorkeling.
Kagusuan Beach – A secluded white sand beach in Maria.
Lagaan Falls – A less crowded but equally beautiful waterfall.
Cantabon Cave – An underground adventure with stalactites and stalagmites.
ATTRACTIONS TO SEE IN MANILA
Klook.comWhere to Stay in Siquijor
Here are some recommended accommodations:
- Coco Grove Beach Resort – A luxurious beachfront resort in San Juan.
- White Villas Resort – A mid-range resort with excellent amenities.
- U Story Guesthouse – A charming, budget-friendly option with a relaxing vibe.
- Infinity Heights Resort – Offers stunning hilltop views.
- North Haven Lodge – Affordable lodging near Larena Port.
See more Hotels and Resorts in Siquijor!
Compare Prices on Other Travel Apps
To make sure you are getting the best deals, always compare prices with other booking apps. Here are some of the top travel apps that I use frequently:
Transportation Around the Island
Tricycle Rental: PHP 1,000-1,500 for a whole-day tour (ideal for groups).
Motorbike Rental: PHP 300-500 per day (best for solo travelers).
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| Tricycle in Siquijor |
Sample Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Beach Exploration
- Arrive at Siquijor Pier
- Check in at accommodation
- Visit Paliton Beach for sunset
- Dinner at local restaurants
Day 2: Siquijor Tour
- Morning: Visit San Isidro Labrador Church and Convent
- Midday: Explore Cambugahay Falls
- Afternoon: Visit the Enchanted Balete Tree
- Evening: Dinner and nightlife in San Juan
Day 3: Adventure & Departure
- Morning: Visit Salagdoong Beach for cliff diving
- Midday: Explore Tubod Marine Sanctuary
- Afternoon: Return to Dumaguete via ferry
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| Convent in Lazi |
Estimated Budget (Per Person in PHP)
- Dumaguete to Siquijor ferry fare: 170
- Accommodation (2 nights, budget-friendly option): 1,000
- Island Tour (shared tricycle): 500
- Entrance fees: 150
- Food & drinks: 1,500
- Souvenirs & miscellaneous: 500
- Total: ~ PHP 3,820 (excluding flights)
FAQs
Q: Is Siquijor safe for tourists?
A: Yes! Despite its mystical reputation, Siquijor is one of the safest islands in the Philippines.
Q: Can I book accommodations in advance?
A: Yes, but walk-ins are also common for budget travelers.
Q: What’s the best mode of transportation around the island?
A: Renting a motorbike is the most convenient, but hiring a tricycle is best for groups.
Q: Are there ATMs on the island?
A: Yes, but they are limited. It’s best to bring enough cash.
Q: Do locals speak English?
A: Most locals understand basic English, but Cebuano is their main language.
Siquijor is a hidden paradise waiting to be explored. Whether you're into beach hopping, chasing waterfalls, or immersing yourself in local culture, this island offers an unforgettable experience. Plan your trip today and discover the magic of Siquijor!
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