DIY Siquijor

August 5, 2015

Siquijor is well-known for being the place for aswangs and all those supernatural creatures. Amidst this common notion, this is one of the places I have visited where I really enjoyed myself. Aside from the reasonable prices of accommodation, it is a really quaint town but full of beautiful, white sand beaches everywhere. And I mean really beautiful, white powdery beach EVERYWHERE!

Taken from Siquijor Port

 

 Sample Siquijor itinerary

 

Brief History

Back during the Spanish times, the island looked like it was on fire during the night due to the fireflies swarming on the mangroves which are abundant in this island. Due to this phenomenon, Siquijor became known as "Isla de Fuego" to the Spaniards and it carried on until modern times as  "The Island of Fire".

How to get to Siquijor

Source:  Ferry Schedules

Contact numbers of Siquijor Ferries:
1. Oceanjet Fast Ferry: 09237253732/09237253734
2. Motorized Boat (Jaylann 1,2 and Jaziel): 09158911426
3. Ship (Aleson) : 09272067008/09056355252
4. GL Express Fast Ferry: 035-480-5534/09158911426
5. Ship (Montenegro): 032-238-5820

Note that when the waves are huge, only ships specifically Montenegro Lines are the only ones allowed to go in the sea.

Going around Siquijor 

 

Things to do in Siquijor 

To go around the town, familiarize yourself first with the tourist spots in this place.  Here is a tourist map of the island from a site.

 Alternatively here is another detailed tourist map of Siquijor.

Siquijor is comprised of 6 towns namely:
1. San Juan - place for most accommodations, Capilay Spring Park, Lugnason Falls, Old Balete Tree
2. Lazi - pass by Lazi Convent, San Isidro Labrador Church along the way to Cambugahay Falls
3. Maria - cliff jump at Salagdoong beach
4. Enrique Villanueva - try the Pan De Bisaya
5. Larena - where another port and some accommodations are located
6. Siquijor - where the Port and Welcome To Siquijor Sign is located
At the center of the island is the Bandilaan National Park and various caves where you can go spelunking.

Since it is a small town and has a circumferential national highway, you can visit the tourist spots all in one day. However, you can allot another day if you want to go caving at Cantabon Cave.

1. Welcome To Siquijor

You will surely pass by this iconic site if you're coming from Siquijor Port. Take a picture of it or just savor the fact that you are now in this Mystic Island.

2. Siquijor, Siquijor Beaches

Stop by one of the beaches in Siquijor, Siquijor and enjoy the powdery white sand.

3. Swing at Casa Miranda

Rekindle that kid in you and take a swing using an old tire.

4. Capilay Spring Park

Take a dip in this inviting spring park or just chill out at this serene place.

5. Experience Fish Spa at The Enchanted Balete Tree

You may let the fishes tickle your feet as they eat the dead skin off from your feet,
There is an entrance fee of PHP10/head

6.  Buy Some Love Potions or Voodoo Doll Keychains at the Enchanted Balete Tree

Do you believe in good luck charms? Then try their "love potion" and other healing potions. Souvenir voodoo doll keychains are also available there.

But if you really want to see how it is prepared, come to Siquijor during the Holy Week. The healing festival starts on Holy Wednesday and the potions are brewed on Black Saturday.

7. Visit Lazi Church

Stop by the church and offer some prayers.

8. Swing at Cambugahay Falls

Try the swing and jump to the basin of the falls. If you are not feeling so adventurous just enjoy the beauty of the three drops of this falls.

There is a parking fee of:
PHP30 for PUJ, Truck, Multicab
PHP20 for Tricycle
PHP10 for Motorcycle

9. Sta. Rita De Cascia

Take a look at this saint who holds a skull on its right hand.

10.  Chill out at Salagdoong Beach Resort

This is one of the best places in Siquijor but you have to pay the following first:
10-environmental fee (for you and your vehicle so its PHP20)
10-parking fee
15-entrance fee

11. Cliff Jump at the platform of Salagdoong Beach Resort

Choose between a 25-meter or 30-meter jump and enjoy the fall.

12. Try out the Pan de Bisaya

Never miss this chance to taste the Pan Bisaya in E. Villanueva town. It tastes heavenly.

13. Enjoy some more of the coastal beaches in Enrique Villanueva Town

 As I have mentioned earlier, this island is FULL OF BEAUTIFUL BEACHES everywhere. Enjoy each part of it while it lasts.

14. Play by the Siquijor Port while waiting for your next trip

 

There is no doubt that Siquijor Port is the most beautiful port I have been to. I am amazed how clean the seaside in their port was and not to mention that it still has that white, powdery sand. I really liked it there.

Infographic for Things To Do In Siquijor

Clickon the picture for a fuller view

Where to stay in Siquijor

For lodging in Siquijor, I suggest Casa Miranda in San Juan or Sea Breeze Lodge which is right in front of Larena Wharf. You may also get the full list of accommodations from this site.

Casa Miranda - 09179106995 or 09057722175
Sea Breeze Lodge - 09981824304

Tips:

1. There are readily available sellers of gas along the road so no need to worry for running out of gas. The gas are commonly in a 1L glass bottle of softdrinks.
2. According to the person we hired the motorbike from, you can cover the whole circumference of the island in just 3 hours and the average liters of gas that you will use is 3L.
3. You can eat your breakfast at Casa Miranda and then lunch at Salagdoong Beach.
4. Hire a vehicle ahead of time.