This tiny island province, just off the shore of Negros Oriental, is famous amongst most Filipinos as a mysterious place of witchcraft.
Known for its mangkukulam, healers who live in the mountains and brew traditional ointments for modern ailments.
However, more recently this island has turned into a laid-back beach hang out, with its most popular healing practice now involving mojitos and sunsets.
There are a number of affordable resorts and beach-facing villas. Attractions on the island include waterfalls, caves, archaic churches and a jungle interior. As well as a great selection of fresh & organic food including vegan options. Snorkelling and diving is popular here, however like most places in the Visayas, swimming is only possible at high tide.
How to get there?
There is no commercial airport on the island.
From Dumaguete: Take a ferry from the main marina in Dumaguete, located just north of Rizal Boulevard.
The FastCraft boat runs approximately 4 trips per day, takes 45mins, costs 250 Pesos/single fare.
There is a timetable, but the schedule is unreliable so it’s better to research or ask someone on the day you want to travel. There will be locals hanging around the terminal entrance to help you get a ticket, that’s the easiest way. There is a 15P terminal fee and if you have a big bag they will charge you to take it on the boat, around 80-100 Pesos. The boat is air conditioned and perfectly fine.
Good to know
Siquijor is a safe, clean and unspoilt island, which is only recently becoming recognised as a worthwhile destination. There is very much a local feel on the island.
I love that it is devoid of fast food and not yet teeming with tourists or local kids trying to sell you trinkets on the beach. There are some rare reported cases of dengue on the island during rainy season but no malaria.
"The Christian island boasts the lowest crime rate in the Philippines. Although you should always be careful, it is considered safe to walk around the island after sunset."
How to get around?
When you arrive at the port in Siquijor, there is a 12km journey to San Juan, assuming you’re staying there, or around. You can rent a scooter on the island for 300 Pesos/day. If you prefer you can take a tricycle from the jetty for a set price of 250P. The island is spread out and almost nothing is in walking distance so budget in a bike or Tricycle rides. It’s also possible to rent a car or van, which is a great idea if you are travelling with a group. Prices starting from 2,000 Pesos. Island tour
Everything can easily be found on google maps or simple sign posts if you want the freedom of renting your own scooter. If you prefer you can ask any tricycle driver for an island tour which will cost you 1000 Pesos for the day, you can tell him where you want to go or let him take you around.
What to get up to on Siquijor Island?
In 1978 the whole island of Siquijor was declared a marine reserve so no wonder there is plenty for nature lovers to explore. Here’s my recommendations for what to get up to:
Paliton Beach.
Nice white sand beach with very few people. I would walk east of the rocks to discover more secret beaches, there are vendors around selling cold water. High tide swimming only and watch for sea urchins. Take a snorkel and mask to see more of the reef.
Cambugahay Falls
Cambugahay Falls is possibly my favourite waterfall in the Philippines, it has four massive pools on three different tiers, each with big tarzan rope swings. This is a tourist hot spot and is usually the first place people head to on their day out, so prepare for it to be a busy, having said that, we arrived at midday and it wasn't as packed as we were expecting.
It's easy to get to and entrance is FREE.
This place is awesome and I highly recommend it.
Salagdoong Beach
A popular destination but not something I would highly recommend.
It was once a paradise and has recently been damaged by concrete, in my opinion. Even so, the drive to this beach is worth the adventure and there is a water slide and cliff jumping spot to cool down & take some cool photos. A popular hang out for instagrammers. Entrance fee is 30P/person.
Mount Bandilaan & Mountain biking
The highest peak on the island with a viewing tower to get a cool look. There is also an epic mountain bike trail:
Baha Ba’r runs ‘Red, Blue and Green’ level, like skiing, mountain bike tours with first class Enduro bikes from the top of Mt Bandilaan (621m) to Maite village (sea level).There are a few different routes, depending on your experience level, to get from almost the highest point on the island to sea level (23km / 2. 5 hours).
Visit Baha Ba'r and ask to speak to Rafal, Gen or Steve about the options. They will drive you and your bike up to Bandilaan mountain and you make your way down with a guide (Polish, English, Tagalog, Visaya speaking). Cost 750Pesos/person or 500Pesos/ person for 2 or more.
There is another route lower down and gives you an hour ‘taster’ of enduro biking, this costs 400 pesos / 1 hour. They are also in the process of building a downhill course which was designed by ex Canadian mountain bike Champ Dave Watson.
Lugnason Falls
Much smaller then Cambugahay Falls, you’re most likely to catch this small basin all to yourself. Beautiful.
Sanctuary massage.
Small, very popular and affordable massage spot. Treat yourself to a full body, 1 hour massage for between 400-450Pesos. I recommend the Shiatsu and also booking in advance, just drop in during the day.
Diving
Paliton Wall
Paliton Wall is a vertical wall area which falls off from a spectacular reef at a depth of 8m, making it great open water divers and the reef on top is spectacular for snorkelers. For advanced/ deep divers, the wall descends downward to 35m with a small recessed cave at 32m. This area is well protected and is the home for many many different species of fish, eels, nudibranchs and much more. Turtles are often spotted here at high tide.
The Maite Sanctuary
The Maite Sanctuary has been described as the ultimate in Muck Diving. Starting at 16m depth it is a gentle white sand slope that hosts a huge variety of macro-creatures. This dive is suited to divers who enjoy the smaller wonders of tropical sealife.
Let me know which adventures you get up to in Siquijor,
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